Posts Tagged ‘handmade cigars’
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
It is well said that the specialty of handmade cigars is incomparable with the machine made items. The same applies to the handmade cigars which are prepared with high precision to deliver attractive appearance, exquisite flavor and rich aroma to offer an exclusive and superior smoking experience for true aficionados. Handmade cigars always hit the top line among the best cigars.
Preparation of the handmade cigars goes through hundreds of steps, starting from plantation of tobacco to harvest and cure it so as to further send it for fermentation and then finally it undergoes rolling and packaging.
First, the tobacco seedlings are planted and tendered throughout to harvest it. Going further, it undergoes a process called curing for 5-6 weeks during which variations of heat and shade are applied to remove sugar and water from tobacco to prevent rotting. This particular process varies from region to region depending upon its climate and the type of tobacco. After this, the tobacco leaves are fermented under distinct conditions so as to prevent them from decaying. This is the most crucial step as the process of fermentation defines aroma, flavor and color of cigar.
Handmade cigars are some of the best cigars you can buy. Unlike machine made cigars, handmade cigars are unique in appearance and flavor. No two cigars will be identical. Handmade cigars embrace the art form of cigar culture. If you’ve never had a handmade cigar, buy a few today and discover the difference they provide.
Tags: cigar culture, Cigars, handmade cigars
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Thursday, July 16th, 2009
Most people assume that cigars come in two types: handmade and factory made. The truth is that there is a third type of cigar available for sale: hand rolled. Handmade and hand-rolled cigars are not the same. Here are some differences to keep in mind when choosing what to buy:
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Handmade cigars are made with 100 percent tobacco and built completely by hand. A hand-rolled cigar, on the other hand, is actually filled by a machine and then handed over to a roller, who will finish the process by closing and sealing the cigar by hand.
- Hand-rolled cigars sometimes contain fillers (as do factory-made cigars), which can vary from preservatives to small pieces of paper or a number of chemicals.
- Handmade cigars are the most expensive kind you can find.
- Handmade cigars burn more uniformly and much slower. They also may need to be relit if you leave it on the ashtray for some time.
- Both machine made and hand-rolled cigars may have flavors added, while handmade cigars contain no additives.
- Top-of-the-line cigars are always handmade. They will be a more appropriate gift for true aficionados and are more likely to be sold as units (since they’re expensive). If you’re trying to build a box mixing a variety of different flavors and textures, handmade cigars are your best bet for variety and quality.
- Handmade cigars look more “rustic.” Their construction is more uneven than those made with machines.
Tags: cigar types, hand rolled cigars, handmade cigars
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
Handmade cigars are the cream of the crop. They have a longer filler which means the entire length of the cigar is one leaf. The leaf is cut in half down the center of the vein to provide two separate sheets to roll with. This provides incredible consistency, superb quality and unprecedented taste.
The binder of a handmade cigar is flexible and smooth with just enough durability to hold the filler. Because these are handmade each cigar will have a slightly different variation based on who rolled it.
The wrapper is typically very high quality with just the right elements ensuring a consistent and quality burn with a smooth and satisfying texture. The wrapper should posses a slightly oily body when touched.
Many people confuse handmade cigars with hand rolled. They are very different and the wording is used to deceive consumers. Hand rolled cigars are part rolled by hand and parted machine rolled. There are plenty of counterfeit cigar makers out there who want ignorant people to buy hand rolled cigars for the same price as handmade ones.
Hand made cigars are the finest quality you can buy. They are made the way cigars were produced over a hundred years ago. They will provide you with the highest quality, best taste and overall satisfaction.
Before you go shopping for a handmade cigar do a little homework and educate yourself on exactly what you’re looking for so you can overcome any marketing techniques. Being an aggressive learner will save you a lot of time, money and frustration.
Tags: Cigars, fine cigars, handmade cigars, quality cigars
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Monday, April 20th, 2009
Choosing the right cigar for you is based on preference. Some people prefer a short smoke while others want a long lasting handmade cigar. There are those that like a dark and full flavor and others who would rather have a light and timid taste. The best way to get to know the myriad of cigar possibilities and which ones suite you the best is to experiment. You’ll want to try variations, sizes, brands, origins and so to get a good handle of what’s available on the market and which you prefer.
The first step in choosing the best cigar for you is talk to the workers at the tobacco shop or cigar parlor you frequent. Most cigar aficionados are over joyed to share their wealth of knowledge and experience. They take great pride in their product and will be able to answer any questions and assist you in discovering the best fit for you. Who knows maybe the shop owner will give you few to try!
Next purchase a few cigars that are different diameters to see which size suites you. The larger the diameter of the cigar, the more complex and full bodied the taste will be. Also, the larger the cigar the more smoke it will produce. For those who prefer a light and simple cigar a small to medium diameter will work best.
One last factor you should notice is the shape and color of the cigar. It’s difficult to know exactly how different shapes affect the taste so you may need to try a few to get a good handle on them. The color is obvious. If you like to drink your coffee dark and strong then give a fairly dark colored cigar a try. The lighter the cigar, the less intense the taste will be.
The bottom line is to experiment and have fun learning the incredible world of cigars.
Tags: best cigars, don conti, fine cigars, hand made cigars, hand rolled cigars, handmade cigars
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Monday, April 20th, 2009
Handmade Cigars
The manufacturing of cigars is centuries old and has bee perfected tremendously in the last fifty years. It is a simple process but requires perfect precision to manufacture a quality cigar.
First the tobacco leaves are grown and harvested. Once harvested, they then undergo a process called curing for about a month. During curing the leaves are aged with a combination of shade and heat to rid the tobacco of water and sugar. Without this first step in the process, the leaves would simply rot. Based on the climate, temperature and type of tobacco this process can greatly differ in varies places around the world.
After the curing stage the leaves are then fermented under very specific conditions. The purpose of this process is to aid the leaves in dying slowing so they don’t decay or rot. It is this part of the process that produces the aroma, color and flavor of the cigar. The fermentation process is very sensitive and crucial to producing a rich and flavorful cigar.
Once the leaves are properly fermented the manufacturer will inspect the tobacco until it is matured to the proper requirements. Once it is approved to be made into a cigar, it is still inspected to decide whether it should be the filler or wrapper of the cigar. Leaves rich in color and texture are reserved for the wrapper and those not as aesthetically pleasing will be used as the filler.
The tobacco is then hand rolled, if it is a quality cigar, shipped to the retailer and stored in a humidor at 70 degrees with a relative humidity of 70%. The cigars are then laid on display and wait for a buyer to enjoy!
Tags: cigar manufacturer, Cigars, fine cigars, hand made cigars, hand rolled, handmade cigars
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Monday, April 20th, 2009
Ybor City in Tampa, FL
Ybor city is located in the heart of Tampa, FL and is regarded as one of the earliest cigar producing cities in the United States. In the early 1880’s Tampa was nothing more than a small village of around a thousand people. Due to the creation of a good port and a new railroad line directly to Tampa, a well known Spaniard, Vicente Martinez Ybor, decided to make this his new home.
Ybor was a very well to do cigar manufacturer who was looking for a new place to establish his cigar operation. The humid weather and the newly established railroad made the small village the perfect location for both production and distribution. As Ybor established his operation in 1885, people began to flock to his 40 acres of purchased land for jobs. The success of the cigar industry in the newly developing Tampa helped establish Tampa as a growing city.
During the 20th Century Ybor City grew by leaps and bounds. People from Spain, Cuba, Italy and Isreal all immigrated to this growing city. In 1929 Ybor city hit its peak of cigar manufacturing. It rolled a total of over a half trillion cigars. This was the same year that the Great Depression hit the US and sent the cigar industry into a huge decline.
After World War 2 the cigar industry had a rebirth but Ybor was still a distant thought of the past. In the late 1980’s local artists and urban individuals were in search for a place of expression. They found one another in Ybor City where today the streets are lined with cigar bars and high fashion and the local arts.
Tags: cigar, Cigars, fine cigars, handmade cigars, history, tampa, ybor
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Monday, April 20th, 2009
Everyone knows that smoking tobacco in any form on a regular basis can lead to various types of cancer. Although many argue that there is no health benefit to smoking cigars, research has shown that smoking a cigar less than five times a week may have both physical and psychological benefits.
Tobacco traditionally has been used for medicinal purposes since the 10th Century and is still used today in some ancient Chinese medicine. Tobacco is essentially an herb and can provide some benefit if used moderately.
Smoking an occasional cigar has been shown to reduce blood pressure by relaxing the body. The blood cells open and allow more oxygen to flow in and out allowing the physical body to relax. This also provides great relief for those suffering from mental stress, depression and anxiety. Smoking a cigar can aid the mind in mental relaxation and peace of mind.
Some use smoking cigars to help aid weight gain. Tobacco is able to curve the appetite making it popular among men and women attempting to diet. For people who struggle with eating too much, replacing those high calorie snacks with a few puffs on a cigar may do just the trick.
The health effects of smoking cigars remain a huge debate that will continue on for years to come. Research continues to unveil the benefits both physically and mentally. The bottom line – enjoy your fine cigars. Use them to relax, unwind and to find peace of mind. Whatever you do, do it in moderation.
Tags: hand made, hand made cigars, handmade, handmade cigars, health, health effects, smoking, smoking cigars, smoking health
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Monday, April 6th, 2009
In this new section of our site you will find reviews of fine cigar products and handmade cigars. Send us some information about your fine cigar products or cigar bars so we can write about them.
Tags: Cigars, don conti, fine cigars, hand made, hand made cigars, handmade, handmade cigars
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