Market Trends Archives - Page 5 of 8

Quality Cigars Take Time: The Cigar Supply Chain

Posted on June 5, 2022 by Staff

COVID-19 slammed the supply chain, and the cigar industry was no exception. Life is getting back to normal. Cigar Life Guy and most of you are back at cigar events, but the supply chain continues to lag. Many cigar smokers are still wondering where their favorite cigars are. The delay is all for good reasons and much of it is the growing and manufacturing processes. Getting quality cigars from the factories, onto the shelves, and into your hand is careful and complex.

Handcrafted Quality Cigars

Quality cigars are made the same way they were over 100 years ago. Tobacco is handpicked, then cigars are hand-rolled. The process requires skilled laborers and the careful cultivation of tobacco leaves.

Tobacco plants need time to grow, and after harvesting, time to cure and ferment. Understanding this process goes a long way toward understanding how the supply chain can slow. It also goes a long way to appreciate the premium quality of the next cigar you light.

The growing season typically begins in September. By January, plants mature and it’s time to “prime” them. Priming removes the leaves needed for curing and for transforming into cigars later.

The Construction of a Quality Cigar

There are three parts to every cigar: filler, binder, and an exterior wrapper. These are often different tobaccos from different sections of the tobacco plant. Cigar manufacturers use volado, or leaves from the lower section of the plant for filler. Since they receive less sun, they are smaller and produce a subtler milder flavor.

The seco leaves are from the midsection of the plant. They are slightly larger than the volado and with less flavor. Seco leaves also serve as fill and sometimes also as the binder.

The ligero or upper part of a tobacco plant receives the most amount of sunlight. These larger leaves provide the strongest flavors, so growers use them for a cigar’s exterior wrapper. Torn or imperfect ligeros often serve as binders.

When you hear aficionados discuss a cigar’s “balance,” they are referring to how these components create a cigar’s distinct taste. Even though most flavor derives from the exterior wrapper, the binder and fill are vital to a cigar’s character. Master blenders develop unique combinations after the tobacco cures, ferments, and they remove leaves from stalks.

The Waiting Game

Once harvested, growers hang the leaves in barns to dry and cure. The curing process removes chlorophyll and the leaves take on the familiar brown and yellow hues seen in your favorite cigars.

The fermenting process takes even longer. Sometimes the process can take years. Once fermented, growers divide the leaves into fillers, binders, and wrappers and tie them into bundles. Then, the cigars are left to ferment. Fermentation and aging allow the tobacco’s flavor and aroma to mature. The longer tobacco ferments the higher the quality results. This happens before a single cigar is rolled.

Careful Craftsmanship: Stripping, Rolling, and Wrapping

After curing and fermenting, skilled workers must carefully remove the middle vein of the leaf. Next, the rolling process begins. The filler and binder come first, followed by the exterior wrapper. Manufacturers inspect cigars for uniformity of size and imperfections, then box them according to shade differences. Despite the sophisticated process, true cigar lovers should expect nothing less.

In the early days of the pandemic, government shutdowns and factory shutdowns slowed production in countries like Honduras and Nicaragua. Many workers were laid off and have yet to return. Combined with the shipping and logistics problems that are facing all industries, the return to normal continues to be slow.

Quality Cigars are Worth the Wait

Quality cigar making is an art, and like any art it takes time. The recent spike in cigar demand, bolstered by internet sales and new smokers, put a strain on supply in the past couple of years. Yet, cigar makers have not rushed production or sacrificed quality. Aficionados and purists know that there are plenty of brands to choose from. Like enjoying a top-shelf cigar, there’s no sense rushing it.

Photo Credit: Cigar Life Guy

Sun Grown Cigars: Here’s What You Need to Know

Posted on May 31, 2022 by Staff

Even those new to cigar life immediately recognize the difference between Maduro and naturals. Maduros are dark, and naturals are light. Simple enough. But looks can deceive. There is an even wider variety of exterior wrappers that give premium cigars their distinct taste and body, including Sun Grown.

The Components of a Premium Cigar

The make-up of a cigar is simple. Unlike cigarettes, which use paper and cotton filters, a cigar is constructed entirely of tobacco. Fillers and binders are the guts. These tobaccos come from a variety of regions and define a cigar’s taste and body. But many aren’t aware that nearly 80% of a cigar’s flavor comes from the exterior wrapper. And not all wrappers are alike.

The Difference Between Shade and Sun Grown

There are a few distinct differences between shade and Sun Grown cigars, namely humidity, sun exposure, cigar wrappers, and even cigar texture. To fully appreciate a Sun Grown cigar, know the differences between them and shade cigars.

Humidity and Sun Exposure

All plants need sun to grow, including tobacco plants. To produce different tastes and strengths, tobacco grows in many ways and from a variety of seeds. Most tobacco leaves are grown using a canopy that provides shade. This filters the amount of direct sunlight a plant receives. This process began in Connecticut (hence the name) in 1900 and continues to this day. In the early days, growers used cheesecloth to raise humidity and reduce sun exposure, but now nylon is the material of choice. The result is a smoother, thinner veined leaf you’ll find in your typical “natural” cigar.

Sun Grown tobacco is exactly as its name sounds. Leaves receive direct sunlight during the growing process. The result is a slightly darker and thicker veined leaf.

Cigar Wrapper

The next time you’re browsing in your local cigar shop, look close. Many cigar lines offer the same style of cigar in a natural or a maduro. It isn’t just the color that makes a difference. The exterior wrapper of Connecticut shade grown cigars has a thin and delicate appearance. The exterior wrappers are lighter, but they are also smoother. That’s because leaves do not absorb as much sun intensity as their darker counterparts do.

Cigar Texture

Your typical maduro cigar has more texture, and the thicker veins are obvious even at a glance since a maduro is essentially sun grown. They undergo a longer and more complex fermentation process.

A traditional Sun Grown cigar, such as an Ashton VSG or Davidoff Millenium Blend, has a similar texture, the thicker veins, and the darker color, common to a maduro. Additionally, you might also notice a slightly oily texture and appearance with maduros and true Sun Grown. Appearance aside, though, what truly distinguishes traditional Sun Grown from a maduro or a natural is the flavor and body.

Sun Grown Taste

Even the least sensitive palates will immediately recognize the boldness of a Sun Grown cigar. You won’t find the creamy sweetness that you find in Connecticuts or the pepper and chocolate notes you find in many maduros.

Tastes and strengths vary among Sun Grown. Most are robust compared to other alternatives. Some smokers have even described the initial draw as having a pleasant bite. Despite the full-bodied flavors, these cigars are balanced, smooth, and often top-shelf. How you describe the unique flavors of a Sun Grown depends. However, “earthy, leathery, and spicy” comes to mind, but they are pretty hard to pin down. But the best way to find out is to try one for yourself. Better yet, complement it with a blanco tequila. Its spice won’t overpower the richness of a Sun Grown.

Photo credit: Alec & Bradley Cigar Distributors Inc.

Infused Cigars: A Do It Yourself Guide

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Staff

Drew Estate introduced the Acid line 25 years ago. Since then, spirit-infused cigars like the Maker’s Mark Bourbon have become a staple in most cigar establishments. The debate over infused cigars persists. Are they “real” cigars? Whether you think so, infused cigars have carved their niche in the industry.

Infused cigars are not for everyone. Yet, if you’re considering dabbling, there is no need to shell out a ton of cash. Infusing cigars at home is easy.

It’s difficult to replicate the exotic blends created by Drew Estate. An easier alternative is to infuse your cigars with a classic spirit like bourbon or whiskey. Creating the best-infused sticks begins by choosing the right cigars for the process.

Choosing a Cigar

First, we don’t recommend using top-shelf cigars to create your own flavor infusions. Inexpensive house blends from your local cigar shop or classic lines will work fine. A Connecticut shade wrapper is best for absorbing flavor and aroma from spirits. Yet, any wrapper will work. You might also want to use a cigar with a familiar flavor profile. That way, you’ll be able to determine the difference in taste and strength after your infusion.

Choosing Flavor Profiles for Infused Cigars

Cigar purists consider the sweet flavors associated with many infused cigars a turnoff. Using your favorite bourbon, cognac or rum is as far as you need to go. If done right and given enough time, your cigar will absorb the essence of anything aromatic and flavorful. You can even experiment with coffee beans or pipe tobacco.

What You Need to Infuse Your Cigar

Infusing your cigars at home is simple. All you need are your favorite spirits, a shot glass, and an airtight container. Any food-grade container with a good seal works fine. If you want to experiment with using fewer cigars, you can use a resealable plastic bag.

Infused Cigars: The Process

Start by filling a two-ounce glass with a spirit of your choice. You only need to fill the glass about halfway. Place the glass inside your container. Then add your cigars to the container and seal the lid.

Store the container like you would store any cigars. Keep them away from direct sunlight in a room with a temperature of roughly 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Depending on the number of cigars, the process could take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. Remember, the process takes longer for more cigars. A standard, medium-sized container with an ounce of liquid could infuse 4 to 8 cigars. Always double-check to ensure a tight seal.

Monitor them throughout the process. Try smoking one after a month to measure the taste. Remember, any extensive time may need some humidification, like Boveda pouches. Check that shot glass, too. It may need some topping off to achieve a richer infused flavor.

Do you want to streamline the process while minimizing the time investment? Try soaking part of a paper towel with the spirit of your choice. Wring out the excess and place it in a Ziploc bag with a cigar. However, be sure to keep the cigar separate from the towel. The goal is to infuse, not saturate. You’ll have an infused cigar in a couple of weeks.

Of course, you can use your humidor instead of a kitchen container to infuse your cigars, but we don’t recommend it. The aromas and essence will seep into the cedar of your humidor and any cigar you store. Cigar stores quarantine Kuba Kuba cigars in separate cases for good reason. Unless you want all your sticks to taste like spiced rum, use a container or a plastic bag to infuse them.

The Final Word

Cigar life is about finding what you like. Experiment. The infused cigar has earned its place in the industry, and they are worth a try.

Photo credit: Pixabay

How Cheap Cigars Helped Paul Volcker Beat Inflation

Posted on April 23, 2022 by Staff

With a swirl of smoke floating around him, Paul Volcker was no stranger to the cigar lifestyle. Although he limited his smoking in public, he didn’t shy away from lighting up during congressional meetings. He tucked his long brown stick into his pocket, between his fingers, or in the corner of his mouth. You’d be hard-pressed to separate Volcker from his cheap cigars. Why cheap cigars? Volcker was as economical with his sticks as he was with the country’s finances.

Paul Volcker and Money

Paul Volcker Jr. was born in Cape May, New Jersey in 1927. He was an American economist who served as chairperson of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System during the Carter and Reagan administrations. The Obama Administration later consulted with him as well when it sought to overhaul the nation’s financial regulatory system.

Volcker was the guy who received credit for wrangling inflation back under control. Inflation was at 14% in 1980 and fell to 3% by 1983, thanks to Volcker’s tactics.

Politics aside, though, there’s one thing that always stood out about Volcker and that was his love of cheap cigars and cigar lifestyle. Volcker was a man of six-foot-seven-inch stature and while he limited smoking in public, he often smoked his sticks in Congress during committee meetings, and no one stopped him. This was significant considering congress held several smoking bans since 1871, yet Volcker could continue enjoying his stick despite this.

Paul Volcker’s Love for Cheap Cigars

Unlike many cigar aficionados who love a good premium stick, Volcker preferred more affordable cigars. In fact, his personal favorites were AC Grenadiers, known today as Antonio y Cleopatra Grenadiers. During Volcker’s time, these sticks cost him a mere 25 cents per cigar. Volcker liked them because they were economical. They also helped him through a time of inflation, and he trained himself to smoke only what he could afford.

That might sound odd, considering the guy spent many years in prominent financial roles and on Wall Street. The discipline of smoking cheap cigars continued throughout Volcker’s life well after he was earning $1 million a year on Wall Street. Yet, he was a firm believer and practitioner in frugality and discipline, even with his choice of cigars.

Inflation’s Impact on the Cigar Industry

Volcker was as passionate about smoking affordable cigars as he was about fighting inflation. In fact, he once was quoted in a book written about the Insider Trading Sanctions Act of 1983 hearing as saying, “I am going to stop smoking cigars when the deficit goes away.” Volcker opted for more economical cigars to maintain his cigar lifestyle while fighting his battle against inflationary prices and sticking to a budget. That’s besides his staunch discipline for frugality.

Considering Volcker’s rule on smoking affordable cigars remains relevant even today considering the rising cost of cigars and other markets we’re facing.

Inflation is here once again, but that doesn’t mean you must go searching for something comparable today to Volcker’s 25-cent cigar of yesteryear. A better idea is to focus on finding good sticks you can afford and savoring them.

Should You Choose Cheap Cigars?

Like Paul Volcker, you can stick to your budget and beat inflation with more affordable cigar choices. That doesn’t mean you need to, or should, buy cheap cigars, though. Rather, focus on getting the best quality cigar that fits your budget. Reserve your premium sticks for those special occasions.

What’s the point of cigar lifestyle if you can’t enjoy the flavor and experience of your cigar? Familiarize yourself with how your cigars brand reputation, quality and the flavor profile.

If you’re new to cigar lifestyle or looking for a way to enjoy an affordable cigar without spending a small fortune, the prices on some of the premium cigars might seem daunting. Remember, there are ways to enjoy a good stick without kicking in $20 or more for each premium cigar.

The Final Word on Volcker and Cheap Cigars

Although Volcker often chose cheap cigars as his go-to, they weren’t the only cigars he smoked. He knew when to reach for a premium Havana as well. The key lies in knowing when to choose an affordable cigar and when the moment calls for something special.

When selecting affordable cigars, be selective, but also don’t be afraid to try new cigars. There are plenty of affordable sticks to choose from that won’t break your budget.

As with any cigar, to maximize flavor and your overall cigar experience, cleanse your palate before you smoke. Finally, a big part of cigar lifestyle is also about the fellowship afforded by a community of cigar aficionados. So, kick back, light up and enjoy the experience.

Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/cigar-tobacco-havana-to-smoke-case-1293684/

Smoking and Reading: Two Long-Time Companions

Posted on April 1, 2022 by Staff

Blending smoking and reading began in Cuba during the early days before iPhones and the internet. Hell, it was even before the radio, but entertainment still had to come in some form. In the 1840s, your average cigar roller couldn’t pop in earbuds and listen to a podcast or their favorite playlist. To combat the monotony of long hours of repetitive work, cigar rollers often employed a reader (El Lector) to stimulate their minds while their hands toiled away, making premium cigars. Lectors, perched on platforms so the entire factory could hear, read aloud from novels and newspapers and are as much a part of cigar history as expert craftsmanship, ornate box designs, and distinctive bands.

Perhaps smoking and reading date back to the tradition of El Lector reading aloud from Les Miserables and The Count of Montecristo. Or perhaps it is the cerebral nature of sitting down with a good stick, but some of the most iconic cigar lines owe their name to some of literature’s best.

What’s in a Cigar Name?

Everybody knows Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, but legend has it, when Jose ‘Pepin’ Rodriguez Fernandez acquired the Romeo y Julieta line in the 1870s, he was more than a little obsessed with Shakespeare’s tragedy. On one of his many visits to Europe, Rodriguez attempted to purchase the Palazzo Capuleti in Verona. However, Italian authorities unceremoniously refused his idea of turning Juliet’s famed palazzo into a cigar lounge. Yet, the name and line have long endured.

Shakespeare’s lovers are perhaps the best known literary cigar pairing, but sharing a premium cigar is more often about friendship and enjoying cigar lifestyle than romance. And it was probably the social nature of smoking and the loyalty of Don Quixote’s squire that inspired Don Emilio Ohmsted when he established the Sancho Panza line in 1848. Cervantes Don Quixote is not only the greatest Spanish language novel of all time, it is a testament to friendship. Honest and true.

The Tradition of Smoking and Reading

Montecristo, established in the 1930s, owes its name to Alexander Dumas’ classic novel and famous count. This distinguished Cuban line dates to the days when rollers held boredom at bay by listening to Dumas’ powerful story of revenge.

Hoya de Monterrey established its Honduran classic, Excalibur, during the 1970s. The Excalibur honors the Arthurian legends and the famed sword in the stone.

Of course, we can’t mention smoking and reading in the same breath without mentioning Ernest “Papa” Hemingway. Since the 1980s, Arturo Fuente has been producing the Hemingway line in honor of the Nobel Prize-winning novelist. His reputation has seen its ups and downs in the hundred years since he began writing. Yet, he remains one of the most influential and mythic figures of the 20th century.

Ken Burns’ recent PBS documentary paints a more nuanced portrait of Hemingway. It shows that like the Cameroon-wrapped line that bears his name, Hemingway; the man was more complex than the myth. His mornings may have been spent writing, but his afternoons and evenings were for living. Whether aboard his beloved fishing boat “Pilar” or sidled up on a stool at Sloppy Joe’s in Key West, Hemingway embodied what it once meant to be a man and the meditative pace of cigar life. It’s no wonder his image is inseparable from cigars. Additionally, the 22 years Hemingway lived in Cuba were the longest he ever lived anywhere.

Fuente’s early 2000s limited edition cigar, The God of Fire, is an ode to boldness. It honored the Greek Titan, Prometheus. Had Prometheus not stolen fire from the gods and gifted it, we mortals and cigar lovers would be in trouble.

The Final Word on Smoking and Reading

Don’t think too hard about the name of your next premium cigar. Taste around and find what you like, but a good name goes a long way. A good cigar brand’s age-old connection with smoking and reading. Remember, the next best thing to a great scotch is pairing a premium cigar with a good friend and a story.

Photo credit: Arturo Fuente Cigar Co.

The Dominican Republic Cigars

Posted on March 3, 2022 by Staff

The Dominican Republic is one of the largest producers of high-quality cigars in the world, and has been for a while. Through time and a tremendous effort, the growers and blenders created some of the best products in the industry. According to industry experts, the Dominican Republic produces around 44% of the world’s cigars.

The core to cigar culture in the Dominican Republic is quality. In fact, it takes a mind-bending level of effort, attention and quality control when creating each cigar. This same attention to quality also is sewn into the wider Dominican Republic lifestyle and perspective. It represents their award-winning and world-renown tobacco.

Dominican Republic Cigars and Tobacco

Growing conditions vary from one part of the Dominican Republic to another. Thus, a variety of tobacco grows here. Perfect conditions and generational expertise enable the Dominican Republic to cultivate many of today’s top cigar companies and brands.

Piloto Cubano, Olor and San Vicente are the main tobacco types grown. Some Dominican Republic cigars also use other types of tobacco from other regions throughout the world. Yet, some brands are only rolled in the Dominican Republic and still considered Dominican Republic cigars.

Piloto Cubano is bold and rich in flavor and aroma. It contains hints of cinnamon. Olor can be dry and salty with a neutral flavor. Finally, San Vicente grows widely, and it’s used for binder and filler. It’s lighter than Piloto Cubano and slightly more acidic.

Quality control and effort don’t vary depending on which tobacco forms the filler. Company owners, tobacco blenders, cigar rollers, farmers and processors all place excruciating emphasis on quality daily. It’s part of what makes Dominican Republic cigars so special.

The Dominican Republic Makes a Name for Itself

The roots to Dominican Republic tobacco growing and cigar culture trace back to the early 1900s. Several generations of farms and brands existed throughout that era. Exporting the country’s cigars to the rest of the world came later.

Fuente Fuente Opus X was the first fully Dominican ultra-premium cigar. Before the Fuente release in ’95, the cigar’s ability to produce quality mainly went unnoticed. Since the Opus X breakthrough, it’s been an upward trajectory for cigar making in the country.

The Dominican Republic also is home to Arturo Fuente, Cohiba, Macanudo, Partagas, and Montecristo — all high-quality cigar brands known for their excellence. The high scrutiny and quality control embedded in the industry never fails to astound.

Quality of Dominican Republic tobacco easily matches and exceeds its Cuban rival. It’s hard to ignore that nearly half of the world’s cigars are from the Dominican Republic, but it’s easy to understand why.

A large part of the country’s cigar history is linked to the Cuban situation with the US and the ensuing embargo. Tobacconists and farmers migrated to the supple regions of the Dominican Republic that were comparable to those in Cuba. Santiago is one of the largest tobacco growing regions in the world.

The magnitude of the tobacco farming and processing efforts in the country supplies a percentage of its economy. It’s easy to understand why cigars became part of the overall lifestyle and culture of the country. The extreme detail in every facet of cigar making is magical and inspiring.

Cigar Culture and Commitment to Quality

One Dominican Republic cigar goes through about 170 individual steps in its creation. This takes place over a five-year period. Meticulous and painstaking attention to detail exists at every step and turn of the process.

Within this world of incredible passion and quality, there’s also the connection between an aficionado and their cigar. Dominican Republic cigar makers successfully capture the quality of relaxation and gratitude in each premium smoke they create. It might be the rich history or maybe it’s part of ancient tobacco history that expert tobacconists tap into. Either way, it makes for one of the best cigars any cigar enthusiast can appreciate.

Modern farming and production techniques have changed little over the last hundred years. Cigar rollers sometimes favor traditional cutters and equipment even if it slows production. Many consider the rollers, like the blenders as the best, so no one argues with them.

It takes about ten years to become a cigar roller for premium quality cigars in the Dominican Republic. This dedication and loyalty to the craft is present across the country’s entire cigar industry. In fact, loyalty plays a large role in the mentality of the larger cigar industry and community here.

There’s No Secret to Dominican Republic Cigars

Enthusiasts and experts already know about the rich flavor profile and depth that comes with a fine Dominican Republic cigar. Many claim that the tobacco is smooth and mild compared to that of other global tobacco producers. Yet, some Dominican Republican cigar companies compete with their own Cuban brands.

Davidoff has cigar farms and other facilities in the Dominican Republic and offers tours of them. There is a really great YouTube video that shows the cigar production process. Check it out.

If you take a tour, you’ll notice that most of the employees are women. This is because of the extreme attention to detail and gentle pressure and touch required for processing the leaves. Cigar factories employ thousands of women to handle multiple stages of the cigar creation process.

The shade-grown, hand-wrapped 100% Dominican Republic stick released by the A. Fuente Company in the ’90s grew in popularity. In fact, it helped spread commitment and loyalty to quality that’s core to the country’s way of life today.

A Final Word

The Dominican Republic tobacco rose from its humble beginnings as filler tobacco. From there, it has taken the entire world and cigar industry by storm. It’s takes the perfect combination of heritage, climate, experience, passion, dedication, loyalty and knowledge to produce some of the finest cigars in the world.

Tobacconists have perfected their farming and processing techniques over the past 100 years. In fact, entire generations of families have engaged in perfecting the cigar making process. Dedication to the process has paved a path to one of the best smokes available today.

The city of Santiago is the second largest city in the Dominican Republic and the cigar capital of the world. Subsidiary businesses flourish in Santiago to support the tobacco industry. Here, cigars are bigger than the moments taken to share and enjoy. They carry cultural significance and they represent pride.

Here are a few brands to look for:

Avo and La Gloria Cubana
Partagas
Romeo y Julieta
Montecristo

You may have already had a Dominican Republican cigar, but if not, they’re easy to come by. Next time you’re at the cigar shop talk to the owner. Ask them to recommend some Dominican Republican cigars to try. When you sit down to light up and enjoy, remember all the time, work and effort that went into creating such magical quality.

If we’ve learned anything, it’s that taking a minute to enjoy life is part of the cigar experience. The Dominican Republic cigars reflect this within the lifecycle of their creation. Don’t rush the slow, pleasant ride of enjoying a premium cigar. It’s also stopping to enjoy moments as they pass.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Cigar Life Guy 2022 Cigar Events

Posted on January 16, 2022 by Staff

Each year, large cigar events are an integral part of the cigar culture. They give aficionados the opportunity to gather with hundreds and sometimes thousands of fellow cigar lovers for a day or a week to socialize over a few smokes. Additionally, they also combine cigars, food, drink, music, great scenery, and fellowship, creating “must do” events for many cigar enthusiasts across the country. For the third straight year, Cigar Life Guy™ plans on having a strong event presence with a table or booth and plenty of swag giveaways at many top events. It’s time to get your calendar out and plan which of these top 2022 cigar events you will attend.

Cigar Life Guy: 2022 Cigar Events Schedule

The last few years have brought a proliferation of large cigar events varying in size, scope, and theme. It is not practical to attend them all, so have a look at the carefully curated few events Cigar Life Guy will be a big part of:

January 26-28

Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE)

Las Vegas, NV*

February 16-20

Black Smoke Miami

Miami, FL

May 12-15

Charleston Smoke Out

Charleston, SC

May 24-29

Houston Cigar Week

Houston, TX

June 25

Cigar Life Guy 3^rd Anniversary Party

Atlanta, GA – Life N Times Cigar Lounge

July 8-12

Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show

Las Vegas, NV*

August 12-13

Boutique Cigar Festival – Smoke at the Creek

Martinsville, IN (near Indianapolis)

Labor Day Weekend (TBD) (CANCELLED)

C.A.T.S. Festival

Outside Dallas, TX

September 19-25

Atlanta Cigar Experience

Atlanta, GA

November (TBD)

Cigar Mike Las Vegas Takeover

Las Vegas, NV

December 4

Cigar Heritage Festival

Tampa, FL

*Business-to-business events are not open to the general public. Cigar Life Guy will participate as a media member.

This schedule is subject to change. Questions can be directed to dave@cigarlifeguy.com.

What You Can Expect at Events

Check out the event website or social media listings for additional information and any changes in schedule. Some events are open to free public admission with no ticket or RSVP required. Others are ticketed – some with free tickets and others with a ticket charge. If you’re interested in a ticketed event, act soon. Many events sell out in advance with no onsite sales available.

Legendary cigar personality Cigar Mike has dubbed Cigar Life Guy as “The Swag King” for the quality and creativity of the free branded items Cigar Life Guy gives out to event participants. So, expect plenty of energy and great swag from Cigar Life Guy.

Seating availability varies by event. If you’re concerned about getting a good seat, arrive early.

Do not confuse a VIP ticket with having a reserved seat or section unless your ticket is specifically sold as reserved seating. Many frustrated event attendees have made that mistake and ended up standing.

Cash is still king, so bring some. While most vendors accept credit cards, others might not. Also, cash may be the only form of payment accepted for your valet or parking lot.

Bring some cigars with you. You never know when you might need them. Depending on the event (particularly if at a lounge), good cigar etiquette may dictate that you patronize the house humidor. It is always good to support on-site cigar vendors.

You’ll often find more relaxed restrictions on outside cigars, particularly if it is a paid event, so plan on bringing a few extra cigars with you for these, too.

You never know when the check-out line from the humidor is prohibitively long, or you want to gift something specific to a friend. Also, you might simply like to save a little money and smoke something you already paid for.

The Final Word

Finally, don’t worry about rolling solo! One of the great things about the cigar culture is it is very friendly. It’s also typically easy to strike up conversation with other aficionados, even if you aren’t the outgoing type. You won’t be the only one who didn’t bring a crew with you, so come on out and make some new friends!

Make your plans now to hit some great 2022 cigar events! If you see Cigar Life Guy, stop by and say hi!

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Nicaraguan Cigars Pack a Punch

Posted on December 7, 2021 by Staff

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America and has the most cigars imported into the United States, beating out the Dominican Republic and Honduras. According to Cigar Aficionado, during the first two months of 2021, Nicaragua shipped 16.4 million cigars, compared to 7.3 million from Honduras and 10.9 million from the Dominican Republic. Most cigar makers offer some blends of Nicaraguan cigars in their portfolio, and for a good reason. Nicaragua has some of the most fertile soil and ideal climate conditions for growing tobacco that produce smooth, full-bodied tobacco for premium cigars. Initially, Nicaragua grew tobacco primarily for cigarettes. The great exodus of tobacco farmers from Cuba then prompted the development of tobacco leaves for cigars.

History of Nicaraguan Cigars

Cuba lost many of its tobacco growers after the Cuban Revolution. During the late ‘60s, Simon Camacho (who started Camacho Cigars) and Juan Francisco Bermejo fled Cuba and sought other countries to grow tobacco. In Nicaragua, they discovered that the dark volcanic soil was rich in nutrients and yielded tobacco leaves that were sweet and earthy. They were the first to establish the first Nicaraguan cigar manufacturer in 1968, The Nicaragua Cigar Company. They planted Cuban-seed tobacco in the regions of Esteli, Condega, and Jalapa and built cigar factories in central Esteli.

After the Embargo

After the Cuban embargo by the United States, President Richard Nixon needed a new official cigar for the White House (is that still a thing?). When he invited Nicaraguan president Anastasio Somoza to the White House, Nixon offered a box of cigars from the Nicaraguan Cigar Company, his pick for the official White House cigar. Somoza would later take control of the Nicaraguan Cigar Company from Camacho and Bermejo.

Nicaraguan Cigars During the ’70s and ’80s

During the ‘70s and ‘80s, Nicaragua had its own revolution, and the cigar industry suffered because of the fighting. In 1978, unrest came to a head, and the Sandinista National Liberation Front fought for control of Nicaragua. During riots, protestors torched Somoza-owned businesses, including the Nicaraguan Cigar Company facilities. When the Sandinistas gained control of Esteli, Somoza feared losing control and bombed the city, resulting in more damage. Somoza fled Nicaragua and was assassinated in Paraguay. The Sandinistas formed their own government, nationalized the Nicaraguan Cigar Company, and rebuilt its factories. However, in 1985, the US imposed another embargo, this time banning all Nicaraguan imports, including cigars. During this time, the Dominican Republic and Honduras became the predominant shippers of premium cigars to America.

Nicaraguan Cigars During the ’90s Elections

In 1990, Nicaragua held elections, and Violetta Barrios de Chamorro won and formed a non-Sandinista government. Later that year, President George H. W. Bush lifted the embargo, allowing Nicaragua to sell their cigars in America, and kicked off the cigar boom of the ‘90s. Unfortunately, as business was picking up, Hurricane Mitch devastated many tobacco farms in Nicaragua. The country rebuilt and recovered. Now, decades later, Nicaragua has some of the best cigars on the market.

Tobacco Growing Regions for Nicaraguan Cigars

There are four primary regions in Nicaragua where tobacco is cultivated: Esteli, Jalapa, Condega, and Ometepe. Each area has its own soil and climate, giving tobacco distinctive flavors and aromas.

Esteli Region

Near the Honduran border, Esteli is the second-largest city in Nicaragua but is the heart of the country’s cigar industry. Esteli is to Nicaragua like Havana is to Cuba, or Danli is to Honduras. Most of the factories are located here, and it is the business hub of many cigar makers, including Joya de Nicaragua, Padron, Perdomo, and many more. Farmers grow tobacco in the hard, black soil that produces rich, dark tobaccos. Combining this with plenty of sunlight during the growing season results in tobacco that is rich in flavor, full-bodied, and strong.

Jalapa Valley

To the northeast of Esteli lies the Jalapa Valley. It is a remote area that also borders Honduras. Farmers grow smooth, sweet, and creamy leaves in the region’s red clay soil. The tobacco is more mellow than the darker leaves grown in Esteli. Jalapa Valley also produces beautifully elegant and highly prized cigar wrappers.

Condega Valley

Also north of Esteli is another valley. The Condega valley’s soil is rocky and most of the tobacco cultivated there is sun-grown. The thinner tobacco leaves grown here are mainly used for filler and binder tobacco that is earthy, sweet, and spicy.

Ometepe Region

The final region where tobacco grows in Nicaragua is a volcanic island in Lake Nicaragua, called Ometepe, near the city of Granada. Twin volcanoes form it with a thin isthmus connecting them. The volcanic soil is rich and highly fertile. The tobacco grown here is like Jalapa, but more earthy with hints of sweetness and spice.

The Wrap-up

As a whole, Nicaraguan cigars range anywhere from medium to full-bodied. The flavors are bold but smooth with little to no bite. Some tasting notes include earthy notes that are salty or metallic. Tasting notes also include baking spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon, strong espresso notes with dark cocoa, or spicy white and red peppers; and sweet cream and toasted nuts.

Nicaraguan cigars have become very popular over the recent decade. The United States imports many Nicaraguan cigars thanks to the full-bodied flavor the cigars offer. The country’s tumultuous history has resulted in some of the best cigars today.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Honduran Cigars: 5 Reasons Why You Should Try Them

Posted on November 23, 2021 by Staff

Honduras is one of the leading tobacco-growing countries globally. Cigar enthusiasts often claim Honduran cigars rival Cuban cigars in taste and strength. Since they’ve been cultivating and growing tobacco for centuries, it’s no wonder. It’s also known for its coffee and beef exports. There are a lot of well-known cigar brands that have been around since tobacco growers fled to Honduras during the Cuban Revolution. Honduras is the home of many of the busiest cigar factories in the industry today. If you have smoked none yet, here are five reasons to try Honduran cigars.

Honduran Cigars Rich Tobacco History

A wild tobacco variety called copaneco grows in Honduras. Rumor holds that the native Mayan people once smoked the copaneco. When the Spanish conquistadors colonized Honduras, they established the Royal Tobacco Factory and a tobacco trading post near Santa Rosa de Copán in 1765 to promote more colonization in the region. Since then, tobacco farmers in Honduras have switched to primarily Cuban seed tobacco strains.

After the American trade embargo began with Cuba in the ’60s, many smokers looking for a strong cigar turned towards Honduras for full-body smokes. The Honduran tobacco industry benefited from another revolution in Nicaragua, where many tobacco farmers and cigar rollers fled to Honduras and other neighboring countries after the Sandinistas took over in 1979. In the ‘90s, Honduran tobacco thrived. Yet, when Hurricane Mitch hit the country, it devastated tobacco farms and the country’s infrastructure. Honduras has recovered, however, and is now one of the most prominent cigar manufacturing regions in the world.

Fertile Tobacco Growing Regions

Honduras has three central tobacco growing regions: Copán, the Jamastrán Valley, and the Talanga Valley. Copán, one of the most productive tobacco-growing areas in the country because of its tropical climate, lies in western Honduras. It is also home to ancient Mayan ruins. The Jamastrán valley is in the south and holds the cigar-producing capital of Honduras, the town of Danli. This is where most tobacco is grown and rolled. It’s also where you’ll find most cigar factories located. It neighbors Nicaragua and has a similar soil that is fertile. Then, in the central region of Honduras lies the mountainous Talanga Valley. Here, the climate is very windy and tobacco growers use the encallado method, where they pitch large tents over the crops and grow wind-breaking king grass to protect the growing tobacco plants. Many high-quality shade-grown wrappers grow in this region.

Variety of Tobacco Types

There are three major tobacco wrappers grown in Honduras: Cuban-seed Criollo and Corojo, and the non-Cuban seed Connecticut-shade (AKA Honduran-shade). Honduran cigars are strong with medium to full-bodied smokes, with earthy, leathery notes and spicy pepper.

Top Honduran Cigars Brand Names

Honduras is the home of many famous classic cigar brands like Camacho, Hoyo de Monterey, and Punch. Many Cuban tobacco growers fled the political turmoil of the Cuban Revolution. Others exiled to surrounding countries.

You might know the Camacho Corojo by Camacho Cigars as the Original Bold Smoke. It is a Honduran Puro with a Honduran Cuban-seed Corojo wrapper and Corojo Ligero binder. It is a spicy blend with earthy cedar notes and black pepper. There is also a smooth and slightly sweeter Maduro version.

Punch, owned by General Cigar, has the Punch Gran Puro, the only Honduran Puro in the brand’s lineup. It features a sun-grown Honduran wrapper and binder from the highest primings of the tobacco plant. You’ll enjoy its hints of cream that blend well together with the earthy spiciness that’s characteristic of Honduran cigars.

Hoyo de Monterey has the Excalibur. It’s wrapped with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper grown in Honduras. The Connecticut Broadleaf binds the filler to complete the cigars. The fillers are Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Honduran. It offers a mellower smoke than other Honduran cigars. It also has a creamy flavor that goes along with the cedar and spice.

Emerging Honduran Cigar Companies

Besides the old classics, some Honduran cigar manufacturers have established within the last two decades. You’ll find brands like Rocky Patel, Alec and Bradley, CLE, and Plasencia on the shelves of most cigar stores.

Rocky Patel has many Honduran offerings like The Decade, Twentieth Anniversary, and The Edge. Alec and Bradley have the recently released Kintsugi and Prensado. CLE Cigar Company, which features brands like Eirora and Asylum, features a Honduran box-pressed Puro with Corojo wrappers and binders. Plasencia released a Honduran Puro during the 2021 Premium Cigar Association Convention and Trade Show. They called it the Plasencia 1865, featuring tobaccos from the Talanga and Jamastrán valleys.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Six Things a New Cigar Shop Owner Should Do

Posted on October 11, 2021 by Staff

Cigar shipments are up and some in the industry are hinting at a second Cigar Boom following the original boom in the 1990s. The U.S. economy, despite a global pandemic, has been in a decades-long bull market creating unprecedented wealth for many. Borrowed money is cheap and easy relative to historical norms. More Americans are working remotely, giving them greater schedule flexibility. Together, you have the perfect recipe for a lot of very green, wannabe new cigar shop owners to enter the market. If this sounds like you, then there are a few things you must know to reap rewards and create your own cigar shop success story. Here are six basic business fundamentals you need to know to stay smokin’ happy and in business.

Who Opens New Independent Cigar Shop?

The owner of a typical new, independent cigar store* is someone with a mid-to-high income full-time job that loves cigars and thinks it would be fun to own a place. Obviously, these operators want the store to be financially viable and don’t overtly go into it thinking about it as a hobby, but the reason they’re in the cigar business is because they want to be in the cigar business. Income from the cigar store is not typically what pays the family’s monthly expenses. Variants on this include several individuals, typically friends, partnering on a store or a recently retired mid-to-high income individual that opens a store as a retirement business. A commonality here is that while they love cigars, have spent a lot of time in humidors, and (may) have some business experience outside of cigars; most of them have never really been in the cigar business before.

Find a Cigar Shop Mentor

“Mentor” has become a buzzword or cliché over the last decade or so but find someone or a small group of individuals that have successfully run retail cigar stores/bars/lounges and will share with you some of the marketing and operational keys to success. This person may or may not be in your market and may or may not be in a competitive situation with you. Focus on individuals that have a track record of success, have run similar scale operations (e.g., transferrable lessons), and similar backgrounds (e.g., outside work demands, family demands, shared values).

This isn’t a formal “mentoring relationship” like you read about in big corporate America. Your mentors may not even know you view them as mentors, per se. You don’t run an ad or post on LinkedIn that you’re looking for a cigar mentor. Good mentoring relationships develop organically because the parties genuinely like each other. Mutual cigar friends might be very helpful in making introductions. Spending some time at national or regional events is a great way to identify potential mentors.

Keep Regular Shop Hours

Some of you will think this is obvious, and it doesn’t need mentioned. Yet, for too many cigar shop operators, not opening the doors happens too often. Anyone who has regularly visited different cigar shops will tell you they are no longer shocked when they arrive at a locked door. You can’t sell anything if your doors are closed. Nothing frustrates regulars and potential new customers alike more than arriving to find a closed store. The potential new customers won’t give you a second chance.

Despite our social media- and Yelp-driven world of round-the-clock feedback, most potential customers won’t admit you’ve lost out. You never hear about the sales you missed; you can only guess. Not only do you lose the direct sales you could have made that day, but the value of a long-term customer. Obviously, genuine emergencies rarely occur, but it shouldn’t be the norm that the store doesn’t open on time. The most likely reason for the store not opening is a staff call out or no show.

As a side note on your hours of operation, while you don’t technically own the posted hours for your store on Google, Facebook, and other online websites, your customers rely on them. You can always blame Zuckerberg, but listing the wrong hours costs you money. Task someone with checking listed hours on Facebook and Google at least weekly and correcting any mistakes.

Hire Cigar Shop Staff

As the new owner of a shiny new cigar store, you may think there’s nothing you’ll love more than spending much of the week in the store. Even if you’re used to spending over 20 hours per week in the lounge as a patron, everything changes once you step behind the counter. As a patron, you can get up and leave any minute. If you’re working, you’re there. Unless you decide you’d rather be somewhere else and you to close the doors, which isn’t a good idea either (see “Keep Regular Hours” above).

You’re a high-income earner in your day job. That’s how you got the money to buy the cigar shop! Your time is more valuable than what the prevailing wage is for most of the cigar shop jobs. So, hire staff where it makes economic sense, which is most of the time. You should know how to perform all the roles and be a substitute, but for your quality of life, don’t make yourself live behind the counter. If the only way your budget works continuously is with very low labor costs because your staff primarily includes you, your partners, or family members working unpaid, then you don’t have a business. Instead, you have a hobby. Hope you’re enjoying yourself!

Keep Cigar Shop Humidors Stocked

You’ll hear all kinds of excuses for a light humidor, most notably “It’s not our fault! Manufacturer is out of stock!” In reality, that’s often a partial truth. It’s not unusual for a couple of items on back-order. However, if most are out of stock in the store, it’s because they weren’t reordered. Out of stocks directly cause lost sales in humidor. They also send a bad vibe to your customer base. It’s a message suggesting you don’t care or that you won’t be here long. A light humidor is often a precursor to a store closing. According to A.T. Kearney, out of stock levels are a critical item for nearly all retailers.

Focus on Cigar Shop Location

You’ve heard the mantra, “location, location, location” all your life. So, there’s no need to beat it to death. You get the importance of location on the success of any brick and mortar retail establishment. Yet, there are a couple of things to consider. Be cognizant of any current or potential future legislation risk affecting tobacco or alcohol sales. Second, be wary of a location that’s too good to be true. These are often home to multiple successively failed businesses. Don’t let your ego get in the way. Remember, many other operators that came before you failed in that space. Some locations just are not good for retail.

Know Your Numbers – Invest in a Point-of-Sale System

Many small retailers will think they can initially get away without a point-of-sale system and they probably can on the productivity side. They think if sales volume is slow enough, then they don’t need the operational efficiencies generated by a POS system. Unfortunately, this initial thinking drags on. The loss you experience in going without a POS system is not knowing what’s going on in your business. Your inventory management and profitability at the unit level reflect that loss. The data is the difference between guessing and knowing.

*Author’s note: This description of a “typical” store and owner is an archetype. It represents insight from interviews with countless cigar shop owners. Obviously, all owners will not fit this description in background or mindset. It also assumes a small cigar shop composed of usually 1-5 employees. That includes the store owner and employees.

Photo credit: Unsplash