Telling Fish Tales and Smoking Cigars: Lou Cross of Lure Cigars

Lou Cross, founder and owner of Lure Cigars, has been living the cigar life for over thirty years, but it took him some time to make the leap into the industry and start his line. Cross built a career in mapmaking, graphic design, and senior housing development before landing in cigars. Along the way, he […]

Oscar Rodriguez: Beyond Smoke Towards Consciousness

Oscar Rodriguez with Cigar Life Guy

For Dr. Oscar Rodriguez of GTO Cigars, smoking is the cure. As someone from a long tradition of tobacco growers and cigar blenders, you should take his word for it. But don’t just offer him an infused cigar! Rodiguez talked to Cigar Life Guy about respecting the art of cigar blending, planning quality cigar events, […]

Ernest Hemingway and Cigars

Ernest Hemingway

Before there was Instagram and Twitter, hell, before Hollywood created celebrities, there was Ernest Hemingway. It’s been nearly a hundred years since Hemingway published his first collection of short stories, In Our Time, but his legacy lives on. Although many consider him one of America’s finest writers, Hemingway’s 22 years in Cuba were the longest […]

Smoke on the Water: Cigars, Beaches and Campfires

A cigar aficionado enjoying a smoke on the water

There is something primal about being in nature and relaxing with a nice cigar, much like the scenes of many James Bond movies. There is also nothing like a good smoke on the water whether you are on the water and enjoying a nice yacht show, are powering through a rough afternoon of fishing, hanging […]

4 Reasons Your Next Cigar Encounter Won’t Be Your Best

A man enjoying a cigar encounter

If you’ve been smoking cigars for a while, you’ve probably noticed that you can smoke identical cigars from the same box and have incredibly different experiences. Sometimes you hit that magical sweet spot of an incredible smoke — the tobacco equivalent of an orgasm. Other times the same stick might be less than extraordinary or […]

Yahya McClain: Boxing World Champion to Cigar Buff

Boxing world champion, Yahya McClain in a hat and suit while holding a cigar

Yahya McClain (born John McClain in 1967) has crammed a whole lot of living into his slightly more than half a century walk on this earth. Yahya is a two-time boxing world champion – once as a light heavyweight and once as a cruiserweight.  Following his boxing career as a fighter, McClain trained and then […]

Five Things You Should Know Before Beginning Cigar Lifestyle

A man enjoying cigar lifestyle and a good book

Beginning a cigar lifestyle is not for everyone. In fact, if the thought of drawing in the rich flavor and aroma of a fine cigar doesn’t appeal to you, click away. However, if you ever thought about smoking cigars or you currently enjoy an occasional stick, then this is the article for you. Cigar lifestyle […]

The After-Dinner Cigar: A Great Cigar Lifestyle Ritual

After-dinner cigars at The Great Smoke Pre-Event Dinner

One of the best ways to enjoy a cigar is after dinner. Smoking a cigar after a good, hearty meal is a must. With a full stomach, you’ll better enjoy strong, bold Partagas and not worry about getting sick. It’s a great and relaxing way to end your day, especially if you do it with friends or […]

Four Things That Ruin Your Cigar Experience

A man preparing to enjoy the cigar experience

No one ever talks about what can ruin a cigar experience. The last thing you want to do is spend over ten dollars on a high-quality cigar and not enjoy it. Perhaps you’re new to the cigar lifestyle? Maybe you make rookie mistakes such as smoking on an empty stomach or getting drunk? Heck, even […]

The Meditative Effect of a Good Cigar

A man enjoying a good cigar

When you finish smoking a cigar, you feel calm afterward. It’s the same feeling you get after meditating for 20 minutes. When your entire focus and attention is on your cigar, you get in a meditative state. Smoking a good cigar distracts your busy mind and lets you make simple mental connections. You become present […]