Archive for September, 2009

Collecting Cigars

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

cigar1Cigar aficionados go in great lengths just to be able to satisfy their caprice. There are some who are ready to pay even the steepest price in order for them to have a box of genuine havanas or the aromatic cohibas. These people also tend to collect anything that has to do with the same, from boxes to rare and expensive cigars and lighters. One needs not be an expert to start collecting them. Any ordinary folk can collect them as keepsakes from loved ones who gifted them this puffing wonder.

Putting up a personal cigar collection can be very expensive. Rare ones from first class brands do not come cheap and most of the time they have to be directly imported from their makers. Havanas are the most sought after cigars in the world. They are popular because of their unique flavor and most are hand rolled which is another quality of first class ones. They have definite aromatic smell that can never be found in their kind. Havanas, therefore, are worthy including in the list of one’s own collection.

Also good for a collection is the Montecristo brand. This is also called a Cuban cigar and was very famous throughout the 50’s. The name was taken from Dumas’ novel The Count of Montecristo and was the favorite novel by the products’ makers during 1935. When this was introduced in the market, it was popularly celebrated because it came in different sizes, styles and flavors. Its rarity came from its exclusivity and the distinctiveness of how it was made.

HandMade Cigars in New York City

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

nycSmoking has been around for a centuries and it has become a popular past time for most cigar – loving aficionados around the world. Depending on what you want from it, cigars come in different flavors, aroma, sizes and shapes which suit any particular whims of enthusiasts. But if you are in New York, you find yourself in a tight spot if you want to puff some smoke due to the recently passed anti - smoking bill by the New York city council. On March 26, 2003, New York State lawmakers approved the bill that bans smoking state - wide. The state injunction took effect on the 24th of July of the same year. Many opposed that this did not pass any discussion with the general public but what can ordinary citizens do when the bill is already signed?

If you find yourself in New York and you cannot be deterred by such laws in order for you to have a taste of that precious cigar flavor you most loved, and you just simply want to follow your desire to smoke here are some tips to avoid getting fined or worst thrown into jail.

It is safe that you visit several clubs and lounges that are allowed and are not restricted for public smoking. But bear in mind that most of them are located in downtown Manhattan. Some bars offer a certain fee if you do not buy one from them and some requires a dress code too. This comes with an extra cost when you only want to smoke cigars and you happen to be outside the confines of your home. But visiting these places can prove to be rewarding too. While enjoying every puff of your cigar, you also get to enjoy the luxury of the place. From classic cocktails, light fare, low light and suits to leather couches and superb cuisines, you get to enjoy all of these in one setting. Most of these bars have great ventilation system that takes out the smoke and direct them out of the area.

You can also visit known retailer of high quality, first class handmade cigars in New York. You can find a lot of them in paper directories and online ads. Some stores in New York hold the finest cigars you can find and it will only depend on what particular flavor or brand you really want.

Cigars & Sugar Part 2

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

sugar2Although sugar may not be as addicting as cigars can be but this also poses great health risks when taken excessively. Diabetes is the main issue for sugars and lung cancer for smoking. A lot of healthy foods contain different kinds of natural sugar from fructose found in fruits and lactose found in milk. But, what you have to reduce from intake are the refined sugars or manufactured sugars. Corn syrup has high refined sugar content since it is a refined sugar in liquid form. You can find this in sodas and other processed food. These sugars can result to high sugar blood levels to rise quickly, that could turn to a condition called sugar addiction which leaves you feeling lethargic and wanting to have more sugar wherever it may come from.

Anything excessive can be very dangerous to one’s health. If you love smoking cigars and you just can’t live without puffing a smoke or two of your precious Cohibas or Havanas, then have it but try to control your smoking habit to a minimum. Healthy lungs are much better than having to smoke your cigars with cancer to worry about. And as for those who love nothing in the world but for the sweet and addicting taste of sugar, try using natural alternatives for refined sugar. There are several choices available in the market which you can opt to use in place of refined sugars.

Cigars & Sugar

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

sugar1Cigars and sugars are two very different things but are most enjoyable and pleasurable habits to acquire. The popularity of cigars and sugars dates back a thousand times ago but in the early times, this stuff didn’t pose any health hazards because of the way they were manufactured. Preservatives are still very new in the olden days so cigars are free from foreign chemicals which you can inhale when you smoke a cigar. Sugar production also was not mass produced before so they were free from any artificial sweeteners that can expose your health to hazards.

If you look into this in a very different manner, you will discover that these two have one thing in common and that is addiction. Cigar smoking has become very rampant pushing some government health organization to create bills that will regulate smoking. They are both known to pose great health risk when left unchecked. A lot of people are interested to know whether there is a grain of truth about the veracity that smoking handmade cigars is as addictive as smoking regular cigarettes. Some who smoke cigars claim that cigarettes are more addicting than cigars maybe because you tend to smoke a lot more cigarettes than cigars because cigars are bigger than cigarettes. No matter what you smoke but as long as it contains tobacco, you will likely get addicted to it, for every tobacco products contain nicotine which experts say, is the most important element to stimulate addiction.

After Dinner Handmade Cigars

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

dinnerAs a sophisticated substitute for cigarette smoking, cigars once again gained popularity as they return to the mainstream market. Many believe that smoking handmade cigars is much healthier than smoking cigarettes because in part, they are claimed to be more dangerous being machine-made and with lots of possible harmful ingredients in their mostly preservative types of chemicals and high content of nicotine.

The best way to enjoy a cigar is after dinner. After a heavy meal, you crave for something to lighten up your tummy and the most pleasurable way is enjoying several puffs of quality tobacco while digesting your dinner. Smoking this brand is very alluring and it can relieve you of stress and other anxieties you might experience during the day. Smoking relieves tension and it relaxes your nerves, hence, it is now a common practice to enjoy a smoke or two immediately after dinner and it is more fun to do it with a friend as you exchange stories and experiences you encountered during the day. Some would prefer to have their handmade cigars go with their favorite whisky or scotch. It is a very pleasurable experience to have while smoking your particular favorite brand. You can just sit back and relax as you relish every puff you make and savor the aroma of well blended cigars right between your fingers.

But even with their reputation among the elite society, the improved price range and convenience of quality cigars also played a major part in the increase of cigar – smoking population. You can easily find first class ones today rather during the past years when only the upper class get to enjoy this practice. If your local retailer does not have what you are looking for, you can always try ordering from online sites. They can offer a wide range of quality cigars with different flavors, brands, sizes, and shapes which you can choose from and you do not have to pay steep prices in order for you to enjoy a puff of wonderful brands after a heavy dinner.

Celebrity Cigar Smokers

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

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There are a number of celebrities and well-known names who are cigar smokers and proud of it. Both on screen and off, here are some of the names who have been seen smoking a high-quality, handmade cigars:

Tom Selleck, Bill Cosby, Dave Letterman

Groucho Marx, Chuck Norris, Denzel Washington

Bill Clinton, Alfred Hitchcock, Mel Gibson

Jack Nicholson, Arnold Swarzernegger, Sigmund Freud, Clint Eastwood

Michael Douglas, Virginia Madson, Madonna

The Three B’s of Cigars

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

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When it comes to understanding tobacco, cigars and its many forms and variations, there are five words that should become part of your active vocabulary. Known as the three B’s, these common terms will help you better manage your way through the world of handmade cigars.

Bundle. Bundled cigars are those that are packed in large quantities (up to 50 in a pack). They are manufactured without bands and are usually sold wrapped in plastic, rather than boxes. While they’re considered of lower quality than individually-packed cigars, they are often brand name cigars that didn’t pass quality control and could not be sold as premium handmade cigars.

Bloom. White powder that forms on the cigars as part of their natural process of aging and storing. Bloom is harmless and can simply be brushed off before you smoke the cigar.

Band. Are everybody is familiar with cigar bands, many don’t realize how useful the bands are to give information about that particular cigar. Bands include not only the brand name of the cigar, but also its classification, strength, country of origin and quality (handmade cigars will clearly be marked as such on the band). Bands do not need to be removed before you smoke the cigar.

Identifying Mold on Handmade Cigars

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

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Mold is more common than you think. If you don’t store your cigars in a humidor or even if you do (but you live in a high-humidity) region, the excess of water can cause condensation, which in turn can cause mold to form. Once mold has appeared on the cigar, you will need to discard it.

Mold can be easily identified, as it looks as a bluish powder forming on the surface of the cigars. While you may be able to dust off some of the powder, there’s usually a stain under it. Don’t confuse this with a white powder that forms on the top of the cigar as a natural occurrence. A whitish powder that can be easily brush off completely is simply caused by the cigar sweating. Simply brush it off and smoke your homemade cigar without fear.

While you can’t “cure” mold, you can prevent it by keeping your cigars always inside the humidor in a cool room. If your humidor allows you to adjust the humidity and temperature, set both to 70.

How to Fix an Overhumidified Cigars

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

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Overhumidification is common in tropical climates, where heat can cause condensation to form and humidity is so high that it can ruin even the well-stored cigar. The best thing you can do is prevent this by placing cedar strips or chips inside the humidifier. They will absorb any excess water and prevent the cigar from getting too wet in the first place. You may need to add or remove the amount of cedar chips until you see the cigars reach a good consistency and humidity level.

Resist the temptation of opening the lid of the humidor and expose the cigars to the air. This will either dry them out too quickly or cause the wood to absorb even more humidity, ruining the cigars once you finally close the lid. If the humidor itself seems to be too wet, add more cigars to the box. This will help distribute the moisture among all the cigars, rather than making just a few absorb all of it. Finally, move the humidor to a different room if necessary, so the box can go back to its normal condition.

Cigars FAQ’s

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

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When it comes to cigars, there are certain questions that come up over and over for those who are beginning to try out different brands and flavors. While there is much to understand and it may take a while to get to know the basics, some questions are worth exploring.

One of the most commonly asked questions is about cigar storage. Cigars that are sold as single pieces are sometimes wrapped in cellophane. Beginners often want to know whether the wrap should be removed before putting the cigar away in the humidor. The simpler answer to this is “remove it.” Wraps do serve a purpose and should be left on if you’re traveling or shipping the cigars, as the plastic will protect them from humidity. More expensive cigars sometimes come inside an aluminum or plastic tube, which basically serves the same purpose. Keep the cigar inside the tube when you’re on the go, but take it out when it’s time to store it.

The second most-commonly asked question about cigars has to do with whether you should smoke the whole thing or stop mid-way. There’s truly no rule to this, and the reason most smokers stop about halfway trough is because cigars change flavor as they get hotter, usually tasting stronger and smokier as you go along. Tartar also accumulates on the cigar, so it gives out more toxins as you get closer to the end.