Archive for January, 2010

Care for Flavored Cigars

Friday, January 29th, 2010

1006185_cigarStoring flavored cigars for a long time can cause them to lose their flavor. Remember that properly storing flavored cigars is not to make them age, but rather to conserve the flavor till the time you use them.

The best way to use flavored handmade cigars is to not buy in bulk. Buying in bulk will create problems in regards to storage and whether you will be able to use them all up before the flavor is lost. On the other hand, if you buy just the right amount that you will smoke in the next couple of days, then you can even forego the need for a humidor to store them. But if you are planning to buy in bulk, then it is absolutely necessary that you buy a separate humidor to store your flavored hand made cigars and not keep them along with your regular cigars.

Flavored cigars take sometime getting used to, and are better used as an occasional indulgence by regular cigar smokers. Having said that, and if you have tried the normal cigars and haven’t liked the experience, then you can try a flavored cigar before writing of smoking cigars once and forever.

The choice of flavor is strictly personal and essentially if you like the flavor in other contexts such as perfumes or tea, then you can safely try them. If you are trying a new flavor for the first time, smoke one or two cigars to see if you enjoy the flavor before deciding to buy in bulk.

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The Flavored Cigars

Friday, January 29th, 2010

1231685_pomegranate_5Flavored handmade cigars are becoming more and more popular in the recent years. The demand for flavored cigars has been growing especially for the high-end, handmade ones. Flavored cigars come in several different flavors and some of the more popular flavors include peach, rum, sweeteners and cream. Infusion of flavors into cigars helps the smoker to enjoy a unique smoking experience.

In order to retain the quality of the hand made cigars, you need to take extra care while storing them. Handmade flavored cigars need special care as they do not contain any preservatives unlike their machine made counterparts.

Handmade flavored cigars will become dry if they are not stored in a humid environment. Also, if you are using a humidor, then take care to keep your flavored cigars in a different humidor from your other high end cigars. Do not ever mix flavors while storing the cigars as that can cause the flavors of one cigar to get absorbed by other cigar of a different flavor. It is advisable to leave the packaging on a flavored cigar as it is, while storing it – keep those cellophane and tubes in place till you actually take them out to smoke. You can also store your flavored cigars in an air tight container with a damp cloth inside it, provided you don’t let the water come into contact with the cigars.

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How to Start a Cigar Label Collection

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

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If you are a frequent cigar smoker, chances are you have noted the many types of labels the handmade cigars come with. Collecting cigar labels is actually a popular pastime and can be done easily and by everybody. Some people collect labels as a reminder of the cigars they have tried, while others like the labels themselves and collect them for fun. No matter the reason, here are three things to keep in mind when starting a cigar label collection.

1. Choose a theme or era to collect. While this is not obligatory, having something in mind will help you narrow your search and give you a better understanding of the collection itself. Popular collection areas are pre-1920s labels, Cuban cigar labels and themed collections, such as historical figures, animals or specific images such as pirates or soldiers.

2. Look for labels everywhere. You can find them in eBay and other auction venues, as well as in antique shops and cigar shops. Labels can also be exchanged through groups of collectors online or off. If labels alone seem too expensive, consider shopping for cigars at garage sales, factory outlets and even discount stores. That way you get both the cigar (which you can smoke if still in good condition) and the label itself.

3. Have a place designated to store the labels. Photo albums, similar to the ones used for stamp collections, can be a good option. Or you can wait until you have a few and then frame them for display.

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Starting a Cigar Lounge

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

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A cigar lounge is a private space in where cigar lovers congregate to smoke, have a drink, and share their love of smoking. Lounges can be private (requiring a membership) or can be open to the public, just like a store would. In fact, some cigar stores have their own lounge, open to customers. While opening a public lounge requires permits, just as any other business would, you can start a private lounge in just a few easy steps.

If you are starting a private “club” for cigar lovers, your first step is locating a space for the meetings. This can be done in somebody’s basement or you can rotate and meet in different homes each time (a condition of the membership can be that you’re willing to host in a rotating basis). If no space is available in the members’ homes, you can all pitch in and rent a space. Many clubs, bars or even shops will rent you a room or a section of their place for a one-time fee.

Decide on the rules and goals of the lounge. Will the meetings be an informal gathering to talk about anything or would you work on trying new handmade cigars or cigar-related products? Will there be drinks? If so, is there a specific menu (for example, brandy and whiskey) or will the members bring their own alcohol?

Finally, you need to start looking for members. You can advertise locally, in newspapers and websites such as Craigslist. If there is a cigar shop in town, ask if you can post a flyer advertising the lounge. Talk to friends and associates that may be interested as well. Even if they decide not to attend, they may know somebody who will.

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How to Buy Cigars that Fit You

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

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With all the options out there, it can get overwhelming to choose cigars to try. Even if you have never smoked one before, though, there are some simple rules that can help you choose the best one (for you).

- Choose mild handmade cigars if you smoke early in the day and a stronger one for the evening. If you’ve never smoked before, milder cigars are better no matter the time, as it can take some time to get used to the taste and strength of a cigar.

- Ask for a recommendation. A cigar shop assistant can help you decide what to try based on your likes and dislikes and whether you’re a beginner or have smoked before.

- The biggest cigars are not necessarily the best ones. In fact, it’s best to try several cigars to see which size (both length and width) feel better in your hand. Since handmade cigars are all about luxury, it makes no sense to smoke something that doesn’t “feel right.”

- Keep your budget in mind. It makes little sense to blow all your money in a single cigar unless you’re sure you’re going to like its flavor and texture. Instead, spread the money out and try a few, including a mild and a strong one, as well as several brands or from areas such as cuba or dominican cigars.

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The Figurado: Imperfection Makes them Better

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

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The Figurado is a cigar that is irregularly shaped. They were the most popular type of cigar until the 1930s, when they fell out of fashion. They are being produced again by several companies, including Cuba’s Cuaba company. There are six types of Figurado cigars: torpedo, pyramid, perfecto, president, culebras and tuscanian. These are all unique handmade cigars with characteristics that can’t be found in any other types of hand made cigars. For example, the culebras (“snake” in Spanish) is actually three cigars braided together. The perfecto cigar is thicker in the middle and narrower in both ends, giving it a unique shape.

Figurados are sometimes shaped as different figures and sold as collectibles. For example, the company Arturo Fuente (from the Dominican Republic) sells figurados shaped as everything from chili peppers to guitars. They are often sold through exclusive catalog and retail for hundreds of dollars for a single dominican cigars.

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