Relaxation Archives - Page 2 of 6

How to Select Your Cigar Humidors

Posted on June 6, 2021 by Staff

If you’ve been living the cigar lifestyle for any length of time then you already know how important cigar humidors are for your smokes. You’ll also know all about how to keep it clean and well taken care of. That’s kind of the Cigars 101 type of thing you usually get told by whoever brings you into the cigar world.

Unfortunately, you usually get told “get a humidor” and that’s about it. The rest you have to learn along the way. We all already know a bit about seasoning your humidor. You also know to keep the moisture and humidity right to prevent mold. However, what they don’t always tell you, is how to graduate from a tiny box of smokes to a full cigar humidor that holds all your smokes.

One Cigar Humidor is Never Enough

We’re gonna say this plain: Get a travel humidor. Sure, it’s possible to store a stick or two in the pocket of your jacket for a celebratory smoke after a round of golf. Yet, when you want to smoke while you’re away, not having a travel humidor means relying on whatever you can carry. You’ll hear many tips for traveling with cigars. While many will work in a pinch, the real solution is getting a travel humidor.

Travel cigar humidors aren’t novelty items anymore. You can get quality travel humidors now that will serve you when you’re away from your personal setup. Even if you’re not a jet-setting celebrity like Tom Cruise or Demi Moore, a travel humidor saves you a headache when visiting in-laws or going on vacation.

We’re not suggesting you keep your most prized possessions in a travel humidor. Yet, keeping a few of your regulars around for smoking while you’re away is enough. A cigar lover knows to take care of his smokes even when he’s not on his home field.

Keep Cigar Humidors Separated

We’re not talking about separating your cigars in your humidor. You already know how to do that. We’re talking about taking advice from NBA legend Michael Jordan. It’s rumored that Jordan said, “You should always have two cigar humidors, one with your good smokes for people who enjoy them, and another with some regular smokes for people who don’t know what they’re doing.” Ok, we may be paraphrasing a bit, but the idea is simple.

Keep your good stash in one humidor and have a second for your everyday smokes or the smokes you give to those whom you don’t want to waste your premiums on. There’s nothing worse than handing over one of your best cigars, and then watching the guy or gal choke and put it out less than halfway through.

We honestly suggest you keep a box of lower-quality smokes to pass out to anyone looking to test the waters. It’s fine to give them a good cigar, just not your prized possessions. Keep the really great stuff for your brothers and sisters of the leaf in a separate humidor.

Invest in Quality Cigar Humidors

Everyone living the cigar lifestyle knows that Spanish cedar is the way to go for your cigar humidor. It’s just a fact that the best wood for humidors is Spanish cedar because it resists moisture and mold buildup. It’s also great for letting things age.

However, we all know that one guy who just buys whatever box someone throws at him do he can “have a humidor.” He doesn’t take the time to inspect it for quality. Don’t get us wrong, there are some good products out there that are made from composite materials and most of them will serve you well. Yet, we can’t stress this enough, it’s best to go with an all Spanish cedar humidor if you can. The build quality and the potential of the humidor differ with composite boxes that only have a cedar veneer.

A Spanish cedar box will let you age your smokes for years without worrying about them breaking down in storage.

For those not up on their woods, Spanish cedar, or Cuban cedar as it’s commonly called, is not actually cedar at all. It’s also not from Spain. Instead, Spanish cedar is closer to Mahogany than anything else. Due to its scarcity, it’s often sourced from plantations in Africa that grow it specifically for this purpose.

Here’s another tip we feel we should stress, just in case. Check your seal. Even in a high-quality box, the joints and pivots can wear out and compromise your seal which will ruin the whole humidor. At that point, you’d have as much luck storing them in your pocket.

It’s easy to forget once you’ve had your cigar humidor for a while that regular maintenance and checking is key, but if you really care about your smokes, take the time to check on your box. If need be, replace it.

Go With More Than You Need

This should be a given, but we’ll go over it anyway just for clarity. Don’t cram your cigar humidor as full as possible. How many smokes it will hold likely depends on what you’re storing. Lanceros for example, take up less space than a bunch of beefy Gordos, so you can fit more in your humidor.

The problem is, we see all these ads with humidors filled to walls with cigars and not a space unused. This is terrible for your smoke. Humidity and air circulation are key to keeping your smokes in good shape.

A good rule of thumb is to leave 20% of the space in your humidor open to allow for circulation. Sure, this takes some of your storage space away, but if you value your cigars, then get another humidor.

Like Goes With Like

This last bit of information is something that should probably seem obvious but may not be as easy in practice.

If you’re a fan of several varieties of cigars, like movie heavyweights Arnold Schwarzenegger and Matthew McConaughey, you may want to store different varieties in separate cigar humidors. It’s a matter of personal preference, but it should be noted that cigars stored together in the same humidor with flavored cigars will alter their flavor profile.

If you’ve got some primo cigars that you love the taste of, you’ll want to place them in their own humidor to keep the flavor profile pure. Yes, aging does affect the flavor profile, but not in the same way that storing flavored and non-flavored cigars together will. It’s also useful to keep them in the cellophane to help protect the flavor a bit more, though it’s not mandatory.

Some enthusiasts will go the extra mile and store the same brand together in their own cigar humidor, but storing unflavored cigars together is perfectly fine.

How Much You Care Matters

What you spend on your cigar humidor and how you store your smokes are relative to how you like to enjoy your smokes. We won’t go as far as to say that you must have a solid cedar humidor. We also won’t tell you that storing all your smokes separately is the way to go. These are just suggestions for getting the most out of your passion.

In the end, invest in what you care about most. If you prefer to always have a good smoke with you, then get a quality travel humidor so you never need to go without. If keeping the flavor profile pure is important, buy separate humidors for your favorite smokes.

Finally, we will say this: Quality matters, no matter what you’re going for.

Photo credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Humidor.jpg

Basketball Great Julius Erving Enjoys Cigars

Posted on May 31, 2021 by Staff

Few can claim not to know the name Julius Erving, who also goes by “Dr. J.” He is one of the greatest ever to hit the hardwood on the basketball court. However, you may not know that Erving is a big fan of cigars and smoking around good company.

Erving loves a good conversation with friends while enjoying a smoke, especially if he’s talking about the NBA today. So, you’ll often find him around one of Atlanta’s many cigar lounges.

He’s in good company with NBA stars like Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and LeBron James. All of these guys seem to know a thing or two about cigars and winning.

Julius Erving’s Early Days

Erving received his nickname from a high school friend. He grew up in Roosevelt, New York, where he attended Roosevelt High School. He would get his start playing on the high school basketball team here.

Erving went on to play college basketball at the University of Massachusetts, where he quickly became a standout athlete. He enrolled in 1968 and played two seasons with the school. Yet, during those two seasons, he averaged 26.3 points per game and 20.2 rebounds per game. It was a record that only five other players in NCAA basketball history have managed.

In 1971, Erving left college early to play for the former American Basketball Association. At the time, teams weren’t allowed to draft athletes until they were four years removed from college basketball. Thanks to a hardship rule, Erving gained eligibility.

Erving first played for the Virginia Squires team. During that time, he gained a reputation as a ferocious player for his dunking and rebounding skills. Yet, Erving led the league in offensive rebounds. He also made the All-Star team during his rookie year and placed second for rookie of the year. He later led his team to the Eastern Division Finals before losing seven games.

Erving later played one more season for the Squires. Then, thanks to a contract dispute that kept him from being drafted, he scored a career-high 31.9 points per game.

The ABA/NBA Merger

Erving later played for one more team in the ABA – the New York Nets. His performance was impressive. He ranked in the top ten of the ABA in multiple categories and led the team to the final ABA championship.

Erving’s performance was legendary. It painted the Nets as one of the standout teams in the ABA. It also was one of the reasons the Nets came in during the ABA/NBA merger in 1976.

Julius Erving 76ers Trade

Julius Erving is widely known for his career with the Philadelphia 76ers. Yet, one of the reasons for his popularity isn’t because of his phenomenal skills. After the merger, the Nets were set to dominate the new NBA with Erving as their star player. Unfortunately, a pay dispute, followed by legal disputes with the New York Knicks and several lousy trade deals, landed Erving on the 76ers; these resulted in the Nets ranking last in the entire NBA.

Erving quickly grew as an integral part of his new team. While playing alongside current and future basketball greats, he gained star status. He later played for the 76ers, where he accomplished many feats. That included his famous Baseline Move. It was a behind-the-backboard, finger-roll layup. His impressive moves, combined with leading the league with game points, two ABA championships, and an NBA championship, are why many consider him one of the best.

Julius Erving Post-Career Cigar Lifestyle

After retiring in 1986, Erving became something of a businessman. He held many interests, including joining the board of directors of Converse Shoes. He also sponsored a NASCAR team and joined a golf club, among other ventures.

When he’s not busy with business or analyzing sports, Julius Erving enjoys smoking cigars with other cigar enthusiasts. His preferences vary, but he is known to smoke some of the finest cigars. Erving is a fan of a particular shop near his home in suburban Atlanta. Rumor holds that he even has a cigar locker at a high-end shop.

Erving’s business ventures keep him traveling all over the place. Yet, he still finds time to relax and smoke cigars wherever he’s at. When smoking, he prefers to pair a good stick with a nice drink while talking with fellow smokers. Conversations usually revolve around basketball’s current state and its key players.

Erving exemplifies the cigar lifestyle, good smokes, and company in a relaxing atmosphere. Not one to smoke for the sake of it, Erving also likes to take things slow and enjoy the flavor. We can’t say the right way to enjoy a cigar, but we recommend this prescription from Dr. J.

Photo credit: “Julius Erving in 1981 performing a slam dunk against the Atlanta Hawks at en: Omni Coliseum.,” by Jim Accordino, Wikimedia Commons license CC BY 2.0.

Build Your Own Cigar Smoking Room at Home

Posted on May 17, 2021 by Staff

Let’s face it, the best place to kick back and relax with a nice smoke and maybe a glass of scotch is in the comfort of our homes. So what better way to enjoy a great stick and perhaps some fellowship than in your smoking room? We’ve all heard about celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger throwing cigar parties with his movie stars pals like Tom Cruise and Demi Moore.

Hosting a cigar party at home is a great idea, but if you don’t have your own space, it can ruin the enjoyment. After all, we must consider that not everyone in the house is a cigar smoker.

The only affordable option is a cigar lounge. Who wants to pay extra to enjoy cigars in an environment that isn’t to their taste? But, of course, that is if you have a cigar lounge near you in the first place.

Building a smoking room in your home is only for the rich and famous. In truth, there are many affordable ways to do it without having Schwarzenegger’s bank account.

Choose Your Smoking Room Location

The first step is figuring out where you want your smoke room to be. There are benefits and drawbacks to where you place your smoke room. A room on an exterior wall is easier to ventilate. The basement is a good choice if you need the space to be isolated. Keep in mind that the basement will be more expensive to circulate.

Some other options include a converted office or bedroom, an attic if you have one that is big enough, or a garage. The attic or garage may cost more to renovate. Still, it offers easier ventilation and isolation from the rest of the house. If you’ve already got a man cave, you may choose to retrofit that space and save time and money.

Choose Your Ventilation Method

Ventilation is going to be the most crucial part of the process. You have a few options in terms of what to do. First, you could open a window and let fresh air circulate throughout the room.

A more practical solution is to install an exhaust fan in the room. The exhaust fan will connect to your existing ventilation. Like in the kitchen or bathroom, the fan pulls the smoke out of the room and pushes it outside through an exit vent. At the same time, this is fine for small spaces with only a couple of smokers.

The more smokers you have in a room, the better ventilation you’ll need. Exhaust fans are measured according to the number of cubic feet of air they move per minute (CFM). So, a 10 x 10 x 8 room needs a fan with a CFM rating of around 200 for a single smoker and about 1000 for four or five smokers. Be sure that the fan vents outside.

Another option that you can use instead of, or in addition to, an exhaust fan is an air purifier. Most models of air purifiers are free-standing, allowing you to move them from room to room.

A high-quality air purifier only costs a few hundred dollars and keeps a smoke room clean of smoke and odors. More expensive options may run more but still under $1000. Air purifiers use carbon filters like charcoal to absorb the smoke and clean the air. Even high-end cigar lounges will use air purifiers in addition to their traditional HVAC system.

One final option, and the most expensive, is to install a separate HVAC unit with ventilation in the smoke room. This separate unit requires a new HVAC unit, ductwork, and an exit vent, but this is the surefire way to keep your home smoke-free.

Smoking Room Furniture and Accessories

Choosing the right furniture and accessories is where things can get dicey. Everything you place in your smoke room can affect how well the setup functions. Your goal should be to keep the room as smoke-free as possible so that you don’t have to worry about the rest of the house.

Start with the floor. Carpet and softer materials will hold onto the smoke for ages and be challenging to get out. Stone or wood flooring is a better choice, plus they make for a better smoke room feel if that’s what you’re going for.

Wood paneling, mainly Spanish cedar, is a good choice for the walls, but any hard or non-porous material will work. The critical thing you’re looking to avoid is any of the surfaces holding on to the cigar smoke. Wood, metal, or glass is also a good choice for any shelving in the room.

When choosing furniture, the same rules apply. Soft fabrics are not suitable for your cigar room. Leather is best if you place couches and chairs in your smoking room. Leather doesn’t hold the cigar smoke nearly as long and is much easier to clean. We’re talking about a space you want to get a lot of use out of, so getting the furniture right is a big deal.

Dark colors are generally the way to go and help prevent stains from showing while giving more of a cigar lounge feel. You’ll often see similar choices in the best cigar lounges.

The last touch is to accessorize the room as you see fit. If you want to host a poker and cigars night in your smoke room, go for it. Other than fine-tuning it for your cigars, your smoking space is your own. If you’ve got the space and budget, you could add humidors as built-ins for the room or a bar for drinks. But your taste will determine your smoke room’s final touches.

Final Thoughts

A smoke room is a great way to enhance how you enjoy your smokes. The good news is, with ingenuity, you don’t have to take out a second mortgage to get a private place to smoke. You might also create a brag-worthy space that you and your pals will enjoy for decades.

Photo credit: Pixabay | Tama66

Yes, Good Tequila Pairs Well With Cigars!

Posted on May 4, 2021 by Staff

Every cigar smoker knows that cigars go well when paired with certain types of alcohol. There are many winning combinations, and good tequila pairs well with some of them. However, some folks may need to learn that tequila has some interesting similarities to cigars, making it perfect for pairing. Before we dive into which pairings go best with which cigars, let’s talk about why good tequila works so well.

Always Start With Good Tequila

First, when we say “pair your cigars with tequila,” we’re not talking about just any tequila. Two things define the quality of tequila – the percentage of agave in it and the aging process. Even by most casual standards, anything less than 100% agave renders the tequila sub-par. Some argue over the type of agave in the tequila. Most say blue agave is the best. In truth, 100% agave is the gold standard, period.

Besides the agave rule, premium tequilas work better with different smokes, like mixing barbecue and cigars or making cocktails to go with your smoke; flavor profiles matter.

There’s one other important factor before you go mixing and matching tequila with your favorite smokes, and that’s the aging process.

Let Your Tequila Sit

There are many tequilas if you consider all the mixed varieties and those that aren’t 100% agave, and plenty of them are fine. For this list, we’re focusing on the four main types of 100% agave tequila and how the aging process affects the flavor.

Blanco

Blanco tequila gets its name from its light, almost translucent color. It’s usually bottled immediately after distillation. If it is aged, it is for a brief time. You’d be forgiven for thinking this is similar to vodka or gin. As a general rule, lighter spirits don’t mix well with cigars.

In the case of Blanco tequila, however, there is an exception. Because it barely aged, if at all, this tequila features a stout flavor profile that requires an equally full-bodied cigar. We’ll get into specific pairings in a bit, though.

Reposado

Reposado tequila takes a step up in the aging process. It rests for a minimum of two months. Some varieties of it take upwards of a year. In most cases, the oak barrels where tequila ages give tequila its distinct flavor. Some types will even age it in old whiskey barrels to add to the taste.

Aged reposado tequila is what we typically think of as “yellow tequila.” It is much smoother than Blanco yet still retains a solid flavor profile. You would most often pair this with a medium-bodied smoke.

Anejo

Anejo, or “aged’ tequila, is the name reserved for any tequila that ages between one and three years; this is where premium tequila starts to come into its own. You’ve likely heard stories about tequila that has aged for years and refined its taste. Much like cigars, tequila only grows better with age.

The gold hue of an Anejo tequila signifies just how great it is. The light and smooth flavor should pair equally well with a light and smooth cigar.

Extra Anejo

Extra Anejo tequila is just like it sounds, aged even longer than Anejo. Extra Anejo tequila rests for over three years, often in multiple types of barrels, to give it a unique flavor.

Because of the length of aging, it develops a dark amber or brown color similar to bourbon. Likely the smoothest tequila you’ll find, this variety pairs well with a rich flavored cigar that tastes smooth and has different notes that complement the aging of the tequila.

Flavors for Good Tequila Pairs

Now that we’ve discussed the vast varieties of tequila in the aging process, we’ll go over some superb pairings that complement each other to complement the flavors.

Blanco

Blanco tequila is spicy, so a stick with a lot of punch is a perfect match so that neither overpowers the other.

In this case, Blanco tequilas pair well with Nicaraguan smokes. A good example is to pair a shot of Alquimia Tequila Uno with a Joya De Nicaragua Cabinetta #2. The Nicaraguan smoke is spicy yet smooth and blends well with many Blancos, and leaves a creamy citrus aftertaste that is refreshing

You might also try a shot of Siete Leguas with a Casa Torano for an earthy flavor combination.

Reposado

Reposado tequilas have a bit lighter flavor profile than a Blanco, so you’ll want a medium-bodied cigar.

Pairing an excellent Ocho Tequila with a Ghurka Marquesa is a good choice, as the earthy and herbaceous flavors pair well with each other for a smooth taste. If you’re looking for more flavor, try a glass of Casamigos Resposado paired with an Ashton Aged Maduro. The whiskey barrel-aged tequila has hints of vanilla and caramel that pair nicely with the cigar.

Anejo

When we start talking about aged tequila, we’re talking about pairing it with lighter-bodied cigars. That doesn’t mean the flavor profile isn’t there, though. These golden-colored tequilas have plenty of flavor notes.

A pairing of Cazadores Tequila Anejo goes well with an Anejo cigar such as an Arturo Fuente Anejo. The rich flavors will complement the complex yet smooth profile of tequila. A glass of Roca Patron paired with an H Upmann Anejo offers another option.

Extra Anejo

Many consider Extra Anejo Tequila as a “sipping” tequila. However, its rarity and length of distillation make it a great pairing option for an equally fine cigar.

Extra Anejo tequila has a lot in common with whiskey, so you’ll find that any Maduro-wrapped cigar will pair well, such as an Ashton Aged Maduro paired with a bottle of Cascahuin works well. The bourbon-aged tequila perfectly compliments the cigar’s sweetness for an evenly blended taste.

Another option is to pair Patron Extra Anejo with a Sin Compromiso. Again, you’ll get bits of fruit while the wrapper pushes a caramel sweetness to finish the taste.

Good Tequila Pairs Don’t End Here

There are plenty more pairings; these are just a few examples. Tequila is almost the ideal companion to a good cigar. They both age well and have a refined flavor profile; you can enjoy both at your leisure. Try it for yourself and see.

Photo credit: Pixabay

Football Legend Michael Strahan is a Cigar Lover

Posted on April 23, 2021 by Staff

You probably know this record-holding New York Giant for being one of the best defensive ends in the game. Yet, it might surprise you that football legend Michael Strahan is a big cigar fan. When he’s not on TV, one of Strahan’s notable quotes is saying that a good cigar is something he can’t live without.

Strahan has gone so far as to build himself a luxurious, cigar-friendly “man cave.” Here, he relaxes and gets away from his busy schedule. It even includes a custom, refrigerator-sized humidor. According to Strahan, his favorite way to decompress is to sit in his man cave and “do nothing” for a while; this generally translates to smoking a great cigar and watching television to unwind.

From Young Upstart to Football Legend

Before the football legend lived the cigar lifestyle alongside up-and-coming NFL greats like Cam Newton, he was a typical college athlete. He played defensive end at Texas Southern University while following in the footsteps of his Uncle Art.

During his time at Texas Southern, Strahan began turning heads. He had an imposing frame and was deceptively quick. By his Junior year, he became the frequent target of double-team coverage. It was a term dubbed by his coaches as “Strahan rules.”

Strahan was named player of the year twice as part of the South Western Athletic Conference. During his Junior year, he led the conference in sacks. His career record of 41 sacks still stands as a Texas Southern University Record.

Going Pro and Rough Starts

In 1993 Strahan was drafted to the New York Giants. His first year was unremarkable. He played only six games due to injuries. Although he continued playing, his first few seasons with the Giants proved less than stellar.

It wasn’t until his 1997 season that Strahan broke away from this reputation. He showed the NFL and fans why he was one of the best in the business and a true football legend in the making. He ended the season with 14 sacks and made his first Pro Bowl that year.

His 98′ season was even more impressive. Strahan recorded 15 sacks and another Pro Bowl nomination. From here, he continued his success. In 2001, he set the NFL record for most sacks in a single season.

On February 3, 2008, Strahan took his team through the win Super Bowl XLII. They beat the New England Patriots in what was widely considered one of their biggest upsets. Following the Super Bowl win, Strahan retired from playing professional football. Instead, the football legend moved on to other endeavors.

Post-NFL Career Change and Cigar Lifestyle

Post-NFL life did not leave Strahan out of the spotlight. It’s hard not to find him appearing on television somewhere. Between becoming a morning talk show host, a game show host, and a sports analyst, he stays busy. But that’s why Strahan says he loves the time he sits back and enjoys a cigar.

Strahan says the first cigar that captured his tastebuds was a Cohiba. From then on, he felt at home smoking cigars. Nowadays, he has his favorites. You’ll find him smoking sticks like Gurkhas, Padrons, and Olivas. Yet, he’s also open to experimenting with whatever his friends in the cigar business send him.

Never one to shy away from work, Strahan admits that he likes to get away to his secret hideout at least once or twice a week. It’s a way for him to muffle the noise of the city. It also gives him the perfect reason to enjoy a cigar in private since he spends so much time on air.

What’s Next For the Football Legend?

Today, the football legend stays busy with all his television appearances. Yet, he still has time for other activities. In addition to smoking great sticks, Strahan also collects cigars. He’s also into cars and a handful of different hobbies.

When he’s not in the news, Strahan stays busy with philanthropic work. He supports organizations like St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and serves as an ad campaign spokesperson.

Strahan is busy building his branded clothing and accessories line. That includes men’s apparel, suits, and shoes. So chances are, even if you aren’t seeing or hearing him, you might find yourself wearing clothing by Strahan.

Truthfully, it looks like Strahan is going nowhere soon. As a mainstay on the morning talk show Good Morning America, he is in many people’s living rooms five days a week. Add to that his roles as a sports analyst for Fox Sports and host of the game show $100,000 Pyramid, and it’s easy to see the many places you’ll find Strahan in the spotlight each week.

Strahan continues making cameos in movies and television as well. In addition, he’s had his share of more minor roles in the acting world. Whether you’re a fan of this Giant football legend or not, one thing is sure. You’ll continue seeing more of him.

Photo credit: “Fox Pregame for Super Bowl LIV,” by Elisfkc2, Wikimedia Commons license CC BY-SA 2.0.

WWE Champ John Cena Enjoys Cigars

Posted on April 16, 2021 by Staff

It’s hard to imagine a thirteen-time WWE Champion has time for leisure activities. Yet, when he’s home in his custom-designed gentleman’s room, John Cena loves hanging with his guys and smoking cigars. Of course, he’s not the only athlete or movie star to enjoy the cigar life. The WWE champ has plenty of peers, such as big-screen heavyweights like Kevin Hart and rapper and movie star Ludacris, to name a few.

Part of Cena’s enjoyment of cigars stems from his strong family bond. Cena has four brothers. Together, they spend time talking shop, relaxing, and smoking in his gentleman’s room. He believes in keeping the space purely for his enjoyment and entertaining friends. The word is, it’s even password-protected to protect his and his guest’s privacy.

From Football to Wrestling

Cena was born and raised in West Newbury, Massachusetts. He’s the man whom others would later refer to as “one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.” Yet, Cena led a rather unassuming life up through his teenage years.

He eventually attended Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts. There, Cena played Division III football and became an All-American at the center position. He later moved on to bodybuilding in 1998. He may have even found inspiration from legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger. Regardless, he moved to California and worked out regularly.

After a year of bodybuilding, Cena tried his hand at professional wrestling and found success. He quickly moved through the development program of the former WWF before getting his first shot at the big time.

The Doctor of Thuganomics

Cena debuted in 2004 as a trash-talking, sarcastic, and sometimes foul-mouthed rapper nicknamed “The Doctor of Thuganomics.” His brash persona, in-ring theatrics, and impressive physical ability saw him quickly rise through the ranks. He attained his first title shot for the “United States Championship” within a year of his debut.

He also developed his signature catchphrase: “You can’t see me.” He also produced a platinum-selling rap album with the same title. The audience praised Cena’s debut persona for its no-nonsense gimmick, slightly edgy moves, and off-the-cuff remarks and insults.

Cena’s popularity grew over the next year, and he went on to win his first World Championship. It was then that the modern interpretation of John Cena began.

Franchise Player and Star Status

By late 2005, Cena’s character transitioned to what it is today. He is the upstanding “Superman” figure that everyone loves. Although some fans didn’t appreciate the abrupt transition, many tout his work ethic. In 2006, before he returned to the WWE, Cena landed his first movie role in The Marine.

It was then that he became the face of the WWE. In fact, Cena went on to win the “World Championship” several times. During that time, he had many feuds with some of the biggest names in the business. During this time, his philanthropy work also took off.

One of Cena’s admirable distinctions is that he granted the most wishes ever – over 650 – for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. In addition, he collaborates with various charities like the USO and many others local to Massachusetts and across the globe while working with the WWE.

The WWE Champ Values His Privacy

John Cena prefers to keep his private life just that, private. So, despite his admirable but busy schedule, Cena still likes to unwind at home with a good cigar and company.

The cigar lounge nicknamed the “Gentleman’s Room“ in Cena’s multimillion-dollar mansion was reportedly custom-built to house his smokes and other favorite pastimes. In particular, he likes watching football, drinking scotch, and smoking cigars. Yet, there is a wrong and a right way to drink and smoke. After all, what’s a good cigar without the right pairing of alcohol?

So, what lavishness awaits guests inside the “Gentleman’s Room”? The room’s walls are lined with cedar, complementing the leather chairs and sofa. He has two custom walk-in humidors and air filtration systems installed to prevent cigar smoke from entering the house’s main living spaces. If that weren’t enough, the smoking room would be locked, with access gained only by permission or invitation.

WWE champ John Cena is clear that he prefers fine cigars. So, it’s no surprise that he is rumored to keep some of the most expensive ones on the market. Though, exactly which ones those are, he won’t say. His preference for finer things doesn’t stop here, though, and extends to his other primary hobby: muscle cars. It is reported that Cena owns more than 20 muscle cars – some are rumored as exceedingly rare and expensive.

What’s Next for the WWE Champ?

You’ll probably continue seeing more of WWE champ John Cena. Although he’s not entering the wrestling ring as often, he continues to busy himself with movie-making. Add to that his multiple commercials, all running simultaneously, his TV hosting gigs, and charity work; the result? John Cena is visible somewhere every day.

Cena will continue in the spotlight for a long time to come. Even if he’s not adjusting the attitude of WWE’s finest, you’ll still find him on screens large and small. You might even say the champ is here to stay.

Photo credit: “John Cena at a WWE house show in January 2015,” by Anton Jackson, Wikimedia Commns license CC BY-SA 2.0.

Ludacris is Killing the Cigar Game

Posted on April 1, 2021 by Staff

If you’re unfamiliar with the music of Chris Bridges, better known as Ludacris, then you should definitely be paying attention to him for his cigar-loving lifestyle. He has been an avid cigar fan for years. In fact, as a celebrity smoker, he’s killing the cigar game. He often shows off with a stick in his mouth alongside fellow rappers, celebrities, and other friends.

When he’s not making music or starring in movies like the Fast and Furious franchise, Ludacris touts his love of cigars. He’s very outspoken and advertises his love of Cubans all over his Twitter page. You’ll see him posing in photos with a smoke alongside other fellow rappers. Some include Usher and Ne-Yo and comedic actor Kevin Hart, to name a few.

A Southern Transplant and Self-Published Success

Christopher Brian Bridges didn’t start out as a multi-platinum selling icon known for his less than serious lyrical content. Born in Illinois, Bridges moved to Atlanta at age nine where he began to rap shortly thereafter.

By the time he was a teenager, Bridges would be working as a DJ until self-publishing his debut album Incognegro, which he published under the pseudonym, Ludacris. This led gained him a moderate amount of success despite not having an actual label and it solidified his new name.

Ludacris’ music positioned him to sign with the label Def Jam South. From here, he made his first major-label record debut with the album Back, For the Very First Time. Then, he experimented with wordplay and less serious rap content. The album became a major success and catapulted him into stardom.

Word of Mouf and Movie Stardom

Not one who slacks, Ludacris later released three albums over three years. Two of these albums made multi-platinum status. When his third album Word of Mouf went multi-platinum, Ludacris Hollywood noticed him and he received offers for movie roles.

During his Hollywood career, Ludacris has played many large and small parts. This included a recurring role in the blockbuster series Fast and Furious which he began in 2002. His roles led him to greater success – he had already won a grammy. Since then, he has won many other awards for acting.

His film roles have not let him shy away from his music, however. He still actively records music between filming movies. Despite his schedule not leaving him much free time, he still plays the cigar game well. Yet, you can catch him enjoying a cigar during red carpet events and after-parties for premieres. Unlike many celebrities who smoke cigars during their leisure time, Ludacris is a proud cigar smoker. In fact, he’ll often pose for a photo while smoking one, even if others in that same photo don’t smoke.

Entrepreneur and Cigar Game Lover

Since attaining success in music and film, Ludacris has also branched out into the business and cigar worlds. In fact, he’ll promote any favorite smokes he finds. Among his favorites, he loves collecting and aging any premium Cubans he can find. Some of these include Monte Cristo #2.

Ludacris isn’t like some smokers who light up whatever they’ve got. He prefers storing his cigars awhile and letting them age. Then, he’ll bring them out when he feels it’s time to party or enjoy a good smoke.

It’s rumored, that he has a personalized humidor custom-built for his favorites. It’s also sized to hold the number of smokes he likes to keep on hand. His custom-built humidor is actually more well-known than what he prefers to keep inside it. That speaks volumes about the value Ludacris places on his cigars.

Ludacris’ love of the cigar game doesn’t stop with Cubans and a custom humidor though. He also co-owns Conjure Cognac, a drink he is fond of pairing with a cigar. Whether this venture came to light because of his love for cigars or he happened upon a combination that works isn’t known. One thing is certain, though. The right pairing of a cigar and a drink is a great thing indeed.

Ludacris’ Future and Smokin’ Cigar Game

Ludacris is likely more known today for his movie roles than for his nonsensical rapper role. That doesn’t mean he’s stepped away from the studio yet, though. If you’ve learned anything about him so far, then you’ve discovered he likes to stay busy.

When he’s not rapping, making blockbuster films, or closing business deals, Ludacris does charity work. He did a charity drive in 2011 that helped restock the libraries in New Orleans. This was after Hurricane Katrina devastated their book supplies. He also founded The Ludacris Foundation to help promote healthy living, leadership, and mentorship for young people.

Even that isn’t enough. He also promotes a line of headphones. He has a chicken restaurant in Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. He manages his own record label. He endorses a line of shoes, and he has various real estate holdings throughout the country.

Whether it’s his music, movies, business deals, or other media, the idea that you won’t be seeing more of Chris Bridges is simply, ludicrous. Considering his love of a good stick, it’s also safe to assume he’ll continue killing the cigar game as well.

Photo credit: Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Matthew McConaughey Thinks Cigars Are Alright

Posted on March 20, 2021 by Staff

Everyone’s favorite gentleman from Texas, Matthew McConaughey, is no stranger to the big screen. Regardless of what type of roles he’s playing, McConaughey continues to be one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Yet, there is something about McConaughey that you may not know. When he isn’t starring in films or endorsing luxury cars, McConaughey likes chewing on a cigar while chewing the fat with friends after a hard day’s work.

McConaughey likes mild-flavored cigars because he feels he can enjoy more of them. He collects cigars that he lets age in his humidor before touching them. Why? According to McConaughey, this was how he learned to “respect the lineage of the cigar.”

McConaughey’s not alone in the cigar-smoking club of high-caliber celebrities. He ranks alongside the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Samuel L. Jackson. However, he is unique in his tastes.

McConaughey started smoking cigars as a teenager. He often bought whatever he could afford. That generally included Swishers — those machine-pressed cigars you can find at almost any gas station, convenience store, or truck stop. Although he graduated to better cigars today, McConaughey still prefers a sweetness to his cigars. It reminds him of his youth.

McConaughey has also gone on record with his opinion about Cohibas. While they are good, they are too strong for him unless he pairs them with a nice glass of port.

Early Days and Law Inspirations

Perhaps it would end up being blind luck or fate, but Matthew McConaughey grew up relatively poor in Uvalde, Texas. So, he was unknown throughout his early life. Nevertheless, McConaughey attended the University of Texas in Austin and earned a degree in radio, television, and film. That degree served him more than he imagined after his plans to attend Southern Methodist University changed.

Ironically enough, when McConaughey graduated college, he initially aspired to become a lawyer. Yet, he ultimately decided a law degree wasn’t right for him. Changing course worked out for the better, though. His most iconic role and perhaps his reason for attaining star status came playing a lawyer in the 1996 film A Time to Kill.

Matthew McConaughey: Becoming a Brother-of-the-Leaf

Matthew McConaughey didn’t always appreciate finer cigars as he does today. It didn’t happen until the producer of one of his many films brought him a premium cigar and told him “not to smoke it for ten years”. Although this might have seemed strange advice, it transformed McConaughey’s perspective. That’s when he began to appreciate the fineness of cigars and what it meant to own a premium smoke.

He now collects cigars — many of them he receives from others. However, McConaughey doesn’t smoke them until they’ve adequately aged or it’s the right time.

McConaughey didn’t start smoking genuine cigars until well after he became an established actor. He began acting in 1993 in the film Dazed and Confused. Yet, it took a few years before he landed his breakout role as a defense attorney in the movie, A Time to Kill.

Unlike his cigars, which he prefers light and sweet, McConaughey likes his roles more hard-edged. He gained widespread fame in light-hearted romantic comedies. However, Matthew McConaughey prefers grittier roles with a bit of a tooth, like his role in The Lincoln Lawyer.

A Challenging Quarry

One of McConaughey’s favorite pastimes is conversing while enjoying a good cigar. Nights drinking beer and smoking also rank high on his list; This extends to interviews and discussing complex subjects. McConaughey enjoys challenging people’s ideas and opinions.

Much like the lawyer characters he’s fond of playing, Matthew McConaughey often finds himself debating things with people. He even debates with those asking him the questions. As a result, his interviewers report him as a difficult nut to crack. Yet, he always remains a gentleman throughout the debates.

Debates aren’t the only things Matthew McConaughey likes. He also loves a good joke. As a result, McConaughey often stars in films with a comedic twist to them. However, he wants to keep things balanced. Although romantic comedies aren’t his favorites, he understands their part in making him the star he is. So, he does his best to make each one meaningful.

When he’s not busy starring in movies, you’ll find Matthew McConaughey supporting some of the finer things in life, including cigars, luxury cars, fine spirits, and great suits.

What’s Next For Matthew McConaughey?

Today, Matthew McConaughey often chooses what he does. That includes doing endorsements, starring in Emmy-nominated television shows, filming the latest blockbuster, or just getting in a good smoke. However, McConaughey has earned his place regardless of what he’s doing.

Outside of filming, McConaughey does his share of philanthropic work in and around Texas. A rumor spread suggesting he might seek the governorship of Texas. However, that rumor has since been proven false.

Regardless of where we see him next, one thing is sure, McConaughey’s fans will be “Alright, alright, alright” with it.

Photo credit: “Matthew McConaughey 2019,” by All-Pro Reels from District of Columbia, USA, Wikimedia Commons license CC BY-SA 2.0.

Smoking Double: Barbeque and Cigars Go Together

Posted on February 27, 2021 by Staff

For centuries man has smoked cigars and for centuries he has also smoked meat. When did the two activities first get paired together? No one knows. One thing is certain, though: barbeque and cigars pair well. Many cigar smokers enjoy a good barbeque and many backyard barbeque fans enjoy a good cigar, even if they only smoke cigars occasionally.

Meet Barbeque & Smoke

Cigar Life Guy had a chance to meet up with a D.C. area Brother of the Leaf, Mac Bostic. Bostic and his partner Donnis Roberts are the founders of Barbeque & Smoke, a venture that combines barbeque-related items and cigars in a curated box that delivers to your home on a regular basis. Here is a bit of the conversation:

CLG: What is Barbeque & Smoke?

B&S: Barbeque & Smoke is a monthly subscription business developed for lovers of the leaf, barbeque specialists, and people who are always looking for a change or something different for their palate and senses.

CLG: How did you decide to turn this into a business?

B&S: We have had two distinct interests. Donnis is a wizard with sauces and rubs. I enjoy a variety of cigars. We both enjoy the fact that when people grill, they seem to find time to have a good smoke. Over time, after trying D’s sauce and rubs, I asked if he thought about putting the items together. We talked about it and researched it. No other retailers provided this combination even though the items are consumed together frequently.

We tested our concept of cigars paired with barbeque-related treats with our friends and family and they received it well. Yvonne and Yvette Rodriguez, owners of Tres Lindas Cubanas were extremely helpful with us being able to launch our brand Barbeque & Smoke and release our initial box. Since then, we haven’t looked back! We’re blessed to continue moving forward under the mentorship of Yvonne and Yvette Rodriguez as well as Mike “Cigar Mike” Bennett.

Barbeque and Cigars in One Package

CLG: What does the box of Barbeque and Smoke include?

B&S: The box has premium cigars, barbeque sauce, rub, chocolates, vegan cookies, scented candles, and a cigar poker. As a cigar guy, I knew cigars paired well with chocolates, so I found a chocolate maker who used 100% chocolate. The vegan cookies were just plain good so they went well, too.

CLG: A big part of any subscription service is the curation. What’s your approach to curation for the boxes in general and in particular the cigars you include?

B&S: The subscription contents change monthly so our family of customers gets to vary their senses of taste, touch, and smell every month. We made connections with many cigar companies from boutique brands to some of the larger companies. We also attempt to place five cigars of varying flavors and strength in each box. Finally, we include fantastic chocolate, different vegan cookies, and wonderful aromatic candles. Our master sauce maker custom designs the sauce and rub for each month. You will not receive anything like it anywhere on the market.

CLG: What surprised you the most as you’ve launched Barbeque and Smoke?

B&S: We’re thrilled with the way the cigar community came together. It has supported our product and provided information and products to enhance our subscription box. The cigar community is truly amazing. The relationships we have made thus far are also amazing. Yvonne Rodriguez and Cigar Mike mentored us, which was an honor. They kept us on the correct path during this journey.

Relaxation is Central to Barbeque and Cigars

CLG: Why do barbequing and smoking cigars go so well together?

B&S: There is a relaxation that you find when you are barbequing and the soft scent of smoke wafts across your nose. Most barbeque chefs work hard over the smoker or grill and take in the aroma and flavors of the meat. Once they finish their labor, they want to relax from their hard work, not just sit down and eat. The best thing to do is have a good smoke. Some even add a favorite adult beverage. Cigar smoking is a relaxing event that you can share. While the grills and smokers are cooling off, the cook can cool down as well.

CLG: I know this a loaded, final question but what’s your favorite type of barbeque?

B&S: I’m a beef guy! Give me beef ribs, brisket, and steaks. My partner Donnis is more of a chicken and beef ribs guy.

There you have it. Barbeque and cigars do make a great pair and provide for a good, relaxing time. It’s one more reason to fire up the grill and grab your favorite stick.

If you’re interested in learning more about Barbeque & Smoke, you can check them out here:

Email: info@barbeque-and-smoke.com

Website: Barbeque-and-Smoke.com

Facebook: Barbeque & Smoke

Instagram: BarbequeandSmoke

Disclaimer: From time-to-time Cigar Life Guy will highlight innovative businesses in the cigar community because they may be of interest to the CLG reader. This is not an advertisement. Cigar Life Guy receives no compensation from the sale of any B&S products. Cigar Life Guy is not responsible for any items ordered from B&S.

Photo credit: Barbeque & Smoke

Bourbon and Cigars: The Perfect Combination

Posted on February 14, 2021 by Staff

A good pairing of bourbon and cigars pairing is the right way to end a long and stressful day. That much, we all know. Whether you’re relaxing on the deck or watching a game, a good smoke paired with a nice, single malt or rum cocktail is always a winner. Although scotch and rum are great choices, don’t overlook a good American bourbon.

Scotch and bourbon are both excellent forms of whiskey. The former is Scottish and the latter is American. Yet, there are distinct differences in the distillation process, materials used, and the overall flavor. That makes choosing one over the other important choice for any cigar aficionado. Pair an Ashton ESG with a swig of Gentleman Jack for a full-bodied flavor with a hint of warmth and spice, for example.

Much like with the rise of infused cigars, the right flavor combination is essential when pairing a drink with a smoke. The reason certain drinks and cigars work well is that the flavors complement each other. Understanding which drinks and cigars pair best is key to a rich, cigar-smoking session you’ll never forget.

Why Bourbon Works

There’s a distinct reason why certain spirits work with cigars and why others don’t. Generally, the rule is, the more full-bodied the cigar flavor, the more full-bodied the drink you should pair with it. This is precisely why spirits like vodka and gin are poor pairings for cigars. The taste of even a medium cigar completely overpowers the taste of most clear spirits like vodka.

Even flavored varieties of some alcohol don’t pair well with most cigars because the alcohol lacks smoothness or leaves an undesirable burn or aftertaste. This is why rum often pairs well with true Cuban cigars. The flavors match each other.

Similar to the variety and age of tobacco in finer cigars, the aging process and ingredients of bourbon produce unique flavors that complement cigar smoking. For instance, pairing a Padron 1964 with a swig of Knob Creek goes down smoothly. Yet, the subtle sweetness and earthy spices of the Padron 1964 also perfectly complement the woody flavors in Knob Creek bourbon. Vanilla vodka and peach schnapps just can’t provide the same combination.

Finding the Right Bourbon and Cigars Pairing

Pairing your favorite cigar with the right bourbon is as much about your own personal taste as it is the experience. To know what goes well together you need to fully understand the flavors in the bourbon and the cigar.

To think of it as food, you wouldn’t put fish sauce on a T-bone. In the same way, you wouldn’t mix a smooth and easy-burning Cohiba with a shot of Jim Beam. For cigars, it’s mostly about the flavors the tobacco and wrapper bring into the mix. For bourbon, there’s the entire distillation process.

Bourbon is made from many more ingredients than a cigar, namely corn, barley, rye, and for milder varieties, wheat. This gives every bourbon coming off the line a distinct flavor profile with different hints of this or that to consider.

It’s much the same as Cuban tobacco differs from Nicaraguan or Dominican tobacco. Each brand of bourbon changes the ratio of ingredients, additives, distillation time, and other factors. The final result produces a unique blend and taste for you to enjoy.

Ideas for Pairing Bourbon and Cigars

You’ll find that the most exquisite cigars have an equally complex flavor profile. One example is a medium-bodied Nicaraguan San Cristobal Revelation, which has a woody flavor like cedar or oak. In this case, the ideal pairing will have complimentary notes of sweetness. The slight hints of vanilla and caramel found in a bottle of Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon are a great accompaniment to a San Cristobal. For a slightly different taste, Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon with its hints of toffee and honey balances earthy or woody flavors.

Full-bodied cigars that offer a blend of spice, leather, and wood, and a hint of sweetness from the wrapper, are more at home with a sweeter finishing bourbon. A full-bodied Honduran specialty like a Rocky Patel compares well with a glass of Wild Turkey or Jim Beam. The flavors of vanilla, toffee, and caramel complement the cayenne kick and mahogany finish of a Rocky Patel.

Conclusion

Sometimes finding the right pairing takes a bit of trial and error. It’s much like learning to savor a good cigar. Finding the right bourbon and cigars pairing is a process. It’s similar to swirling the smoke from a cigar around in your mouth to really taste the distinct flavor of the tobacco. The same is true for bourbon.

The best way to find the right pairing of bourbon and cigars is to slowly taste the drink. Take note of the different flavors that comprise the bourbon. When you savor and enjoy every sip, you’ll find the right pairing and gain a broader appreciation for the right combination.

Image Credit: Unsplash