The Handmade Test

January 5th, 2012

505065_imported_cigarsIf you’ve always wondered what the difference between a handmade cigar and a regular, store-bought cigar is, you should take the handmade test. The handmade cigar test will help you decide if you prefer a handmade or machine cigar as your smoke. Not everyone likes one or the other and each of various benefits and down-sides. Take the test and decide for yourself.

Go to your local cigar store and inform the employee of your experiment. Let them know you need two cigars in the same style and type, but one needs to be handmade and the other needs to be machine made. Take your cigars home and take the test.

Using a single piece of paper, draw a line down the center to separate the two type of cigars. Light up both types of cigars and take a smoke from each. Write down the characteristics, the likes and dislikes of both. Take note of how long each cigar burns for and how consistent each one is in flavor.

In the end take a look back over the lists to see which type of cigar you like better; the handmade cigar or the machine made cigar. http://www.donconti.com #mce_temp_url#typically win the test because of their unique flavor and undertones.

The Hand Made Difference

January 5th, 2012

cigar13Millions of people like to enjoy a cigar, but very few realize the major difference between hand made cigars and machine made cigars. While with certain things, consistency is important, some things, like wine, cigars and fine chocolates, are better in a world of diversity.

One of the main differences you’ll find when you smoke a hand made cigar is that each cigar is unique in flavor. Although the overall flavor should remain consistent, little undertones and nuances should change from each cigar. You’ll find the satisfaction of the cigar’s main flavor and boldness but each time you smoke a new one, it will have tiny differences that make the smoke an adventure.

Choosing hand made cigars also helps to sustain the economy. You’ll know that your purchase is going to help pay the person’s salary who hand rolled the cigar. Instead of machine pumping out cigars, a real human has rolled your smoke. You’ll rest well knowing that your money is going to support a fellow human.

Hand made cigars will is have more flavor and a better burn because they are uniquely made each time. You’ll never have to wonder if the cigar machine was off that day or if it needed to be tweaked.

Buy a hand made cigar today to discover the difference you’ve been missing. You can try to light two of the same type of cigars, one from a machine and the other a hand rolled cigar. Smoke them at the same time, alternated between the two to see the differences you notice.

The Best Cigars

November 11th, 2011

776126_heber_encigarradoA hand wrapped cigar usually will also burn slower, which is also because of the specific way each hand wrapped cigar is made.  This means that although a hand wrapped cigar may cost a small amount more than a machine made cigar would cost, a person actually gets more for their money.  Sometimes people are tempted to smoke machine made cigars, simply because they are slightly lower priced than hand wrapped cigars.  However, once a person has experienced the difference between the two types of cigars, they aren’t likely to go back to machine made cigars.  The pure, steady burn of a hand wrapped cigar most certainly satisfies.

Handmade Cigars

November 11th, 2011

521565_untitledAcquainting oneself with handmade cigars is one of the first steps to being a true connoisseur of cigars.

The first thing you need to know about handmade cigars, as opposed to their machine made counter parts, is that handmade cigars are much more pure.  Because they are hand wrapped, they do not need to have any additives to strengthen the cigar.  They will not be processed through machinery, and therefore do not need to have an unnatural amount of strength to withstand tearing or breaking under the machine’s pressure. This means that they can be made of the purist ingredients possible. This is good news on many levels.  The first reason a pure tobacco cigar is desirable is because it gives the buyer a better smoke experience.  Pure tobacco will taste and smell better.  Especially to a cigar connoisseur who has refined their taste, as well as to someone who eats little or no refined foods, there will be an large, noticeable difference between a hand wrapped cigar, and a machine made one.  The second reason that a pure, hand wrapped cigar is more desirable is that it limits chemical exposure to the smoker.

Occasionally, a cigar will be marked as hand wrapped because the wrapping part of the process was done by hand, while the rest of the process was done by machine.  Buy cigars from a reputable cigar seller online, or from a cigar shop in which one can ask questions and find out about any cigar that is going to be purchased. This can save a person from buying a “hand wrapped” cigar that is neither 100% tobacco, nor fully hand made.

Taking Care of Your Handmade Cigars

August 5th, 2011

505074_hand_made_cigarsAfter a longer period of storage time, cigars may show signs of distress, mold, or other ailments. These issues, however, do not necessarily tell of the demise of a cigar; when properly addressed, cigars may survive most setbacks. If a tear occurs in the wrapping, use a vegetable-based adhesive to repair it. Wiping mold from a cigar, then leaving at room temperature/humidity for 36 hours before placing back into a freshly cleaned humidor (clean with rubbing alcohol) will restore the handmade cigar. Note that mold has an appearance of gray-blue fuzz. Tobacco beetles are controlled by freezing all cigars– that were in proximity to the affected cigars–in an airtight container for 48 hours. Wipe down the humidor with rubbing alcohol, bring cigars back to room temperature, and return them to their proper place.

White spots or a “dusty” appearance is called bloom, or plume, and is a sign of proper aging. Many cigar aficionados prefer cigars with bloom. Always seek to store cigars in the best way possible–use a humidor with a digital hygrometer–and they will deliver the best performance.

Cigar Storage

August 5th, 2011

582152_caixa_de_cigarrosStoring cigars may be a subject that can cause one’s anxiety level to skyrocket, and might actually prevent a novice from beginning his own collection of fine cigars at all. The truth is, proper cigar care and storage does not require a masters degree or even a weekend class certification. When stored in proper conditions, cigars can last a long time. The truth is, like a fine wine, a good cigar gets better with age. Experts say that anywhere between five and ten years is a good timeline for aging a cigar. After the ten year mark, no notable improvements can be detected, and after fifteen years, cigars begin to deteriorate.

Most cigars are best stored around 70˚ F, with a 70% relative humidity. There are a few exceptions to this rule, and it is always best to research particular brands if they are considered rare. Relative humidity is measured with a hygrometer, which can be either analog or digital. It is always best to use digital whenever possible, as an analog hygrometer can have a 10% margin of error.

When contemplating cigars, humidors must be considered as well. The truth is, while a humidor is the absolute best way to store these prized possessions, they are not completely necessary for a budding enthusiast. Zip-top style bags or air-tight plastic storage containers will also work to keep cigars for a short time. If cigars begin to dry out in this alternative storage method, adding a slightly dampened, tiny piece of paper will typically work to restore moisture.

When handmade or dominican cigars come wrapped in cellophane, it is best to leave them that way until they are ready to be smoked. The air will still flow to the cigar, and when left in their wrapping, there is no chance of bleeding their flavor into a different type of cigar that shares the same storage space.

Celebrating the Dominican Cigars

May 19th, 2011

111885_cuban_cigarsTalk to your local Cigar shop and ask them if them will make up a few small gift certificates as party favors for your guests. They may give you a great deal, since you will be quiet possibly be increasing their sales. Also find out if the owner, or one of the staff would be available for coming to your cigar party. They may be willing to come give some demonstrations of how to properly cut handmade cigars. It would also be great to have them present to talk about the difference between types of cigars.

If your crowd it the type that would be pleased by games, have a few cigar trivia questions. This will bring up interesting conversations. People will benefit from hearing random cigars knowledge that the trivia draws out of the more seasoned cigar smokers. A cigar trivia game will also serve as a good “ice breaker” helping people who haven’t met by giving them something easy to talk and laugh about. At the end, the winner or winners can win a cigar gift certificate or a cigar to take home.

If its done well, a cigar party can be a fantastic way to start the summer. Hopefully it will be a big enough hit that all the guests will ask about it next year. If it becomes a yearly tradition it will become easier to host, because people who are asking about repeat cigar parties can be enlisted for help. Now you have your own signature summer kick-off, with people to help you pull it off.

Throwing a Cigar Party

May 19th, 2011

1337577_wine_swirlFor the true cigar lover, the perfect entry to summer is a Dominican cigars party. Warm weather brings lovely evenings perfect for smoking outside. It is the ideal time to learn more about cigars.

First off, read up on great summer choices of cigars. A local cigar shop may also have some suggestions for summer cigars. Choose what type cigar you will have available for your guests. It’s a good idea for this to be a cigar that you are fairly familiar with, so get a type of cigar you are already acquainted with. Alternately, introduce your crowd to a new favorite, but ask plenty of questions so that you know enough about the cigar to present it to your cigar friends in a knowledgable way.

Next, choose who you will invite. This could be a great opportunity to have colleagues over. Or it could be a great way to reconnect with the in-laws. Guests can be people who are already cigar smokers, but they don’t have to be. They can also be people who may not want to smoke much, but will still enjoy trying a few different types of cigars. People who would like talking about the differences in taste and scent between various cigars. Seasoned cigar smokers should bring a few of their favorite dominican cigars variety to pass. Guests who are less knowledgeable about cigars might be encouraged to bring a snack or drinks.

The Gift of Dominican Cigars

April 12th, 2011

1279051_giftThere is finally something to show for all the student loans, sleepless nights and hard classes. But the entrance to the real world isn’t always an easy transition. Some Dominican Cigars are a great way to help make a college graduate feel welcomed into the world of grownups. Having a cigar with a new co-worker could be a great way to easy into the social side of a new job. And having one alone after a long day is a great way to wind down and reassess how everything is going as they pursue their new career.

Take a box of Dominican Cigars to a retirement party in honor of someone who has been influential in your life. Give it to them with a card telling them what they have taught you about life, and asking them to have you over for a cigar one of these days. It is a great way to honor them in their joy, while also asking them to continue involving you in their life.

A great excuse to buy yourself a nice box of Dominican cigars is when your children are being born. It may seem a bit old fashioned, but passing around a cigar to each of your friends to celebrate the birth and gender of your child is a great idea. The nostalgic feeling of having real cigars to commemorate that important day is priceless. It’s very nice upgrade from the bubble gum cigars that you may have seen in the gift shop. Take a few minutes and reflect on the birth of your child, and on your Dominican, of course. And if someone important in your life is having a baby, don’t leave it up to them to choose the bubble gum version. Show up at the hospital with some flowers for the new mom, and a box of Dominican Cigars for the new dad.

Father’s Day Cigar

April 12th, 2011

1111660_dad_and_newborn_baby_boy_2A box of Dominican Cigars is a great gift for a variety of reasons. Anyone who enjoys cigars will be thankful for something other than the more traditional gifts, such as another tie. If you think that the people you love have enough ties laying around in their closets, then maybe its time to start thinking inside the box. The Dominican Cigar box, that is.

Dominican Cigars are a great Father’s Day present. They encourage dad to take some time for himself, and relax. It’s a day that is meant to recognize and celebrate all the hard work that Dad’s do through out the year. A box of cigars is a great way to remind dad that he needs to take some time for himself. Every time that he sits down to have a cigar, he will be reminded that he is loved and appreciated. It’s a gift he will be able to enjoy for weeks to come. A gift that shows appreciation for all the things that he does as a father.