Posts Tagged ‘cigar’

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The Three B’s of Cigars

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

800px-cigar_tube_and_cutter

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.

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Cigars - A Brief History

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

booksThe first of the cigars which bore resemblance to the current breed of cigars were made from the fine tobacco of Cuba in the Eighteenth century in Spain. Those cigars looked more or less like today’s cigars. Then, the export of cigars from Cuba had not yet started. By the end of 18th century, many small Cigar factories were already being set up in Germany and France. Dutch too joined them bringing tobacco from their far eastern colonies.
After the peninsular war was over cigars were turned into a sort of a custom and the war veterans returning home had made cigars a fashionable habit. By twentieth century, smoking cigars had become so much popular in Europe that smoking cars were introduced in the trains and hotels brought special smoking rooms which also served wines or brandy with cigar as after-dinner custom. A cheap alternative of cigar made of paper was also introduced this time aptly called cigarette. It was due to the industrialization of cigarette making that also initiated an introduction of machines in the manufacturing of cigars. But, it also led to a slow decline in the demand of handmade cigars as the factory made cigars were a lot cheaper.

Cigars carry a very long and rich history that is filled with celebration, recognition and resting. Every time someone picks up a cigar a great tradition is carried on. Whether you’re smoking a cigar at the celebration of a new baby boy or smoking one to rest at the end of the day, you’re participating in the beautiful history of past generations.

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Pairing Wine With a Cigar Part 2

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

wine2You be thinking that just anyone can choose a random cigar and any old wine, pair them up and have a perfect match. That is so not true. It takes some incredible expertise to match these sets. Of course, there is the point that it is not an exact science. We do have different likes and dislikes, but most people will agree on the best pairings of wine and a cigar.
Globally, vineyards that are known for only the best wines are engaging experts in this matchmaking. They then can create amazing marketing campaigns around the matches suggested.
There is already a brilliantly run vineyard in South Africa that is ahead of the pack. It has come up with the plan and skills to create a cigar that is in perfect balance with the red wine they already make.
If you have never heard of matching cigars and wine, you are missing out. A quick search online will give you a comprehensive list of most of the best pairings in the world. You will not be disappointed.

Every drink has a different type of cigar to go with it. As you experiment you will discover the various combinations that are paired with the different wines. Fine cigars are the best with dry red wines and smooth white wines. Be sure to use a humidor to store your cigars so that are fresh and at their prime.

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Smoking Cigars in Cold Weather

Monday, August 24th, 2009

winter2Smoking a cigar in a chilly winter day is one hell of a task and can actually be a true bummer. In an ice cold day when you are out somewhere and are desperate to light your favorite cigar for few drags, you find that you cannot even light it in such low temperature, leave apart enjoying it; how would you feel?
It is really frustrating but this is how cigars are. These are made of tobacco leaves which are accustomed of working fine in 60-70 degrees. The shivery weather dries the cigars and makes it brittle and subjected to damage and as a result, it simply would not light up. And if you are able to light it, it would not stay lit for long. Apart from that, the usual flavor of your cigar would be lost in a chilly weather. It would not really taste the same and one could surely feel the difference. These are the times when one sincerely needs a puff or two to get rid of the coldness of a usual icy weather while the merciless weather would ensure you would not get to do that.
Frankly speaking, it is not the right place or time to smoke a cigar in a weather condition where the temperature is below zero degree and wind is blowing as if it will blow the roof off your house. The other factor is you’ll never really get the actual aroma of a fine cigar nor you will be able to enjoy it in such surroundings.

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Why Cigar Lovers Should Visit Las Vegas

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

1107967_vegas_machine

Las Vegas has long been considered the top cigar-smoking city in the US. A place where everything goes, including smoking inside casinos and bars, cigar aficionados will find themselves at ease in Sin City. Many casinos even give out free cigars to players on high-bet tables, and hotels often include them as part of the welcome package for those staying in suites or attending special events.

The Big Smoke Weekend is also held in Las Vegas every November. An event attracting hundreds of fans from around the country, it features seminars, free smoking and drinking opportunities for patrons (included with the entrance fee to the event) and a series of discounts or coupons to take away or shop online.

Visitors to Las Vegas also have a chance to stop by Casa Fuente, a smoking bar located within Caesar’s Hotel and Casino. It features a counter where visitors can enjoy a drink and sample cigars, as well as shop for accessories and unique presents.

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Cigar History in Brief

Thursday, June 4th, 2009

The Early Years
Nobody knows for sure the first time a cigar was lit. Available sources suggest that the habit of smoking first caught fire in Latin America about 2000 years ago. It was then transported to North America and Europe via the European travelers and colonists in the fifteenth century, such as Christopher Columbus. Some scholars believe that the word cigar was originated from the Mayan word sikkar, which means smoking. However, this theory regarding the etymology of cigars is not universally accepted.

The Trend Becomes Popular
At first, the habit of smoking was not very well accepted. In the higher echelons of the society, this habit was frowned upon. In the early stages, it was something reserved for the members of the lowly working class. However, many high society members including royal family members secretly indulged in the pleasures of smoking cigars.

Cuban Cigar Smoker

Cuban Cigar Smoker

By the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the cultivation of tobacco had become popular in some states of the USA. Till then, tobacco had been cultivated mainly in Cuba, Jamaica, and Dominican Republic.

One of the prominent figures in the history of the relationship between handmade cigars and culture is King Edward VII. He was a chronic smoker and was prepared to invite the wrath of his mother, Queen Victoria. He did not come openly against his mother, but he was unapologetic about his smoking habit. After his mother’s death, in one of the first meetings, he declared to the members of the royal assembly: “Gentlemen, you may smoke.” This royal patronage helped smoking a great deal in getting an acceptable place in the culture of our society.

Present Era
During the early stages of the twentieth century, smoking became a representative habit of the quintessential male. If you are a rebel, activist, women charmer, or an action man, you must smoke. Even the advertisements of cigarette brands reflected this attitude. Gun wielding, horse-riding macho men became the advertisement symbol of many cigarette-manufacturing companies.

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Tips for the Beginner Cigar Smoker

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
Cigar Chart

Cigar Chart

You may just be getting into the cigar scene and you’re wondering how to choose your very first cigar. Walking in to a cigar store for the first time can be pretty intimidating, especially because everyone working there is a pseudo-expert. Here are a few tips to choosing the right handmade cigar.

First, you want to prepare yourself to buy at least a half dozen cigars. When you begin, you’ll have an idea of what you’re looking for but you won’t really be able to assess the various cigar styles, lengths and color until after you smoke a few.

For starters, it’s always good to start in the middle. Choose a cigar that is medium in color, middle of the road in size and diameter. Once you smoke a few different cigars in this category, talk with friends who smoke cigars regularly and let them what aspects you want more or less of. They can advise you on a better choice the next time.

If you were looking for more intense flavor and more smoke you would want to try a darker and thicker cigar. If you wanted less flavor and not as much smoke you may want to try a cigar that is lighter in color and has less in diameter.

Getting started with cigars is completely trial and error. You will learn the best by trying the different styles, brands, origins, colors, length and thickness. Find a local cigar bar where you can learn from other people and have company when you choose to smoke.

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Essential Cigar Accessories

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

Cigar Humidor

Cigar Humidor

If you’re just getting started in the world of cigars you may be wondering exactly what you need to begin building a successful collection. There are some basic accessories that are essential to enjoying and building your cigar collection. There are some items that are more essential than others but accumulating as many as possible is the way to go.

The first accessories you should invest in go together; a lighter and cigar cutter. Both of these items will be the first step in making sure that you have the best smoking experience possible. When shopping for a cigar lighter stay away from paper matches or liquid lighters. You want to buy either wood match sticks or a butane filled lighter. As far as a cigar cutter, there are many options available but start with one that is priced somewhere in the middle. Once you see how well it works for you, you can adjust your preference.

Next, you will want to buy a cigar tube and holder. These two items will help ensure the best quality and preservation for your basic cigar needs. After these you will want to buy a cigar ash tray that is suitable for your needs. You can find a lot of variations, but make sure you buy one that looks nice and can hold a minimum of four cigars.

Another item you may consider buying is a travel case. If you become a regular cigar smoker and you travel often, a travel case would be one essential you would want to have with you. Travel cases come with a built in humidor to keep your cigars fresh and preserved.

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Cigar Etiquette

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
Cigar Ashtray

Cigar Ashtray

There are many unwritten rules when it comes to smoking a cigar. Some you may know and others may be a surprise to you. Let’s take a quick look at some of the basics:

First, always observe your surroundings. Take note of the people and the atmosphere. The last thing you want to do is light up in front of someone who would be offended. Typically people with children would prefer if you didn’t smoke around them, so be courteous and look for a designated smoking area.

Secondly, only use a cigar cutter to make incisions into your cigar. Don’t ever use a knife, your teeth, scissors or any other sharp device. You can greatly decrease the full potential of the handmade cigar by doing so.

Always use wooden matches or a butane lighter. Do not use a liquid lighter or other matches when lighting up. If you’re going to be an aficionado you should only use a cedar match.

When you light the cigar, you want to hold the cigar at a ninety degree angle above the flame. Gently rotate the cigar until it is evenly lit. As it burns, place the cigar in your mouth and take a few puffs to ensure the heat makes its way up the cigar. Then blow it out.

As you smoke, take time to enjoy. A cigar is not intended to be smoked quickly. Its intention is to promote a relaxing experience. Also if the wrapper begins to come unwrapped, do not remove it as it will cheapen the look of it and its taste.

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Selecting a Humidor for your Cigars

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
Cigar Humidor

Cigar Humidor

With so many humidors available on the market it is important to choose the right one for your needs. A humidor is vital to your cigar collection as it can either preserve or ruin your prized possessions. Purchasing a humidor that is both efficient and in your price range is essential to building your cigar collection.

If you smoke a few cigars once in a while the best investment for you should be a basic cigar box humidor. These can typically hold up to 20 cigars and will preserve them for a good period of time. They are fairly inexpensive but a priceless investment.

If you’re planning on traveling in the near future you may want to consider purchasing a travel humidor. Travel humidors are similar to a box humidor except they are more compact and durable for travel.

If you’re a cigar collector you may want to consider buying a cigar cabinet humidor which can range in size and price. You can browse online for a wide selection that will fit in your interests and price range.

After you purchase your humidor be sure to understand the maintenance requirements and how to maintain the hygrometer calibration. If you fail to do so, your humidor may not last as long as it was intended.

No matter what type of humidor you’re purchasing always be sure that it is made from 100% Spanish cedar to ensure the best preserved and best tasting handmade cigars. Don’t settle for cheap imitations because they can’t compare. Always ask questions to the person selling you the humidor so that you are properly educated and informed.

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