Let's talk about women and cigars, ah yes of course we live in the 21st century and for the most part people have the right to do what the please within the confines of the law. So why aren't there more women enjoying the cigar lifestyle? Well one of my takes on it, is that for so long the only images you saw were those of men smoking cigars, and the women who we did see smoking were either the old western movie women, or the not so wholesome women in movies and print ads (who for the most part only had a cigar as a prop). Also, most cigar stores and lounges were dominated by men, and the women that were there were usually "eye candy" or "trophies" for the big spender guy, yapping about how much he spent for his cigars.
Well those days are long gone and more women are enjoying cigars, as well as more women are actually leading the manufacturing of cigars. Companies like Fuente, E.P. Carillo and Fonseca just to name a few have women who not only run major portions of the company, but are also integral in the creation of new blends. Do a quick Google search on "women in the cigar industry" and you just might be surprised. You'll also find that a lot of women are opening cigar stores and lounges, just for the fact of making the lifestyle more inclusive. No that doesn't mean, the stores and lounges are all "foo foo" for the lack of a better term, it means women do enjoy cigars and are attempting to invite more women to do as well. I know of a few lounges throughout the country who have either women only nights, or events geared to introducing women to cigars. After all, money is money and the last time I checked money had no gender.
Now there are still some shops filled with "Neanderthals" who think the world is theirs and not only do that show their very low IQ's by making stupid comments, sexist statements and many times are just down right assholes, but that shouldn't stop women from visiting these places and learning more about this lifestyle, and like anywhere else women should demand they be treated equally, fairly and respectfully. As a black man, I've been in shops where those same idiots spew their racist and social hate and I make it known I don't appreciate it and won't tolerate. Most owners (with the exception of those who don't normally show their ignorance, but don't stop others from showing theirs), don't tolerate those behaviors in their businesses, because eventually it will not only cost them money, but they typically get a bad rap and I've seen a shop or two close, because nobody wanted to be in those places and the few idiots that are showing their ignorance normally don't spend enough to keep those places open.
By the same token , one must be aware of their surroundings, meaning if you're in a lounge and the conversation is geared around lets say, politics, that wouldn't be a good time to start talking about the shoes you just bought or your floozy girlfriend. Be a part of the conversation and don't try to be THE conversation. I personally don't care if you're a woman enjoying cigars, I only care about what value you bring to the cigar lifestyle. I say that because I know of a woman, who has some cigar knowledge, but inevitably, she shows up to the shop and wants the whole conversation to be about her. The last thing I'm looking for when I'm enjoying a cigar is some one who thinks because she's scantly dressed and speaks like a little kid, she'll be the center of attention. I've had this discussion with fellow cigar friends (men and women) who agree with me 100%. I've even had a woman friend politely take this woman to the side and tell her how silly she's making herself look. Long story short, that woman (Miss attention getter) doesn't come around much anymore.
So, all my sisters of the leaf (SOTL) or aspiring SOTL, don't be afraid, and don't be judgmental. Dive into the cigar lifestyle, and you may just be surprised. Don't be afraid to ask questions and it really is okay to talk with others about what cigars they like, how they started enjoying cigars and how you might get the optimum enjoyment from a cigar. Besides I love it when a knowledgeable SOTL puts one of those Neanderthals in their place. I'd love to hear some feedback, either post responses here or email me. You can also follow me on Facebook at my "What 'cha smoking" page. So until next time, CLP (clip, light and puff)
Long ashes!!! (___G_________]]]]~~~
Discussions about the world of premium cigars, accessories, libations and everything cigars.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
"Cut It Out!"
Today, let's talk about cutting your cigar. One of the questions I'm asked frequently is "does the cut make a difference?" Well, in my humble opinion, yes the cut makes a difference. They're several different cuts if you're not familiar. In general you have the guillotine cut, the V-Cut, the punch and the piercing. Let's take a brief look at each cut and talk about 'em a bit.
First, the guillotine or straight cut. That can be done with either a single or double blade cutter (the double blade is the better of the two) or if you're real "old school" with a very sharp pocket knife or razor blade. With this cut, you're cutting of the cap of the cigar just above the shoulder (didn't know I was a surgeon, did you). The cap of course in the head of the cigar and what holds the wrapper together. So you need to be very careful when cutting your cigar so you don't cut it past the shoulder, as if you do, it'll typically cause your cigar to unravel. Back to the actual guillotine cut, which allows more smoke to flow through your cigar, causing a faster burning cigar, with less of a possibility of tars building up as you smoke it. If you're not careful, it will also cause your cigar to burn hot and we all know a hot burning cigar is not a good cigar. I personally mainly use the guillotine cut on very small ring gauge cigars, Petite Corona's, Lancero's, and the occasional Toro. Because they're smaller rings, and you'll want to get the full flavor that's why I recommend using a guillotine on those cigars.
Next let's look at the V-cut. This is the cut I use most. A V-cut or "Cat eye" cut, literally cuts a , or what looks like a cat's pupil, in the cap of the cigar and not as much smoke comes from the cigar as with a straight cut. Larger ring gauge cigars Corona Gorda's, Churchill's, Sixties etc., are cigars that work well with this type of cut. This type of cut also, for the most part helps maintain the structure of the head of the cigar as you smoke it, because you're only cutting a small V from the cap. The drawback (no pun intended) to this cut is that, if you smoke the stogie to fast, the possibility of tars building up and giving you that bitter taste, is more likely. And because it's not cutting off the whole cap, it tends to make your smoke last longer.
The Punch, is my second most used cut. The Punch is a hollow cut about the circumference of a No. 2 pencil. Again, on the cap of the cigar you take the Punch and gently twist it, so it puts a hole in the top of it. This is also good for larger ring cigars I mentioned in the paragraph above. Like the V-cut, it regulates the amount of smoke that comes from the cigar, burning slower, and really mixing the tobaccos give you the ultimate taste profile. As with the V-cut, the Punch will also build up that nasty tar if you smoke the cigar to fast. Another drawback is that if the cigar has a double or triple cap, you may have to take some of the tobacco out of the hole (because the punch will only make a hole and not remove tobacco from the head of the cigar) and if you don't, it will make the draw somewhat harder.
The Piercer is like the Punch, but it's very, very small. If you've seen some of the older machine made sticks like White Owls, Dutch Masters etc., they have the piercing. A small hole the size of a small galvanized "finishing" nail, which by the way is what some use to pierce their cigars. Piercing a cigar is a really old fashioned way of enjoying your cigar. The biggest drawback is that if the cigar is rolled to tight, you won't get a good draw and if you keep trying it will build up a massive amount of tar, although if you do get a nicely rolled cigar, plus you end up using the piercer to keep opening up a passage in the cigar. Piercing produces just a small amount of smoke and it truly makes the smoke last a lot longer.
A lot of folks still bite or pinch the end of the cigars off and I truly don't recommend that method, but if that's all you have, go for it. Biting or pinching tends to destroy the cap and the unraveling things happens. I always keep a cutter or punch on my person. You can get cutters or punches that fit on your key chain, I have a "credit card" cutter that's great (unless you forget it in your wallet and trying going through the machines at the airport). It's a metal cutter that's the same size as a credit card and its good to have as a back up. Several companies also make ink pens with punches built in, and a lot of lighters have cutters and punches built in as well.
So the next time you enjoy a stick, experiment with the different style cuts and you just may be surprised by what you discover. Excuse me, while I V-cut my CAO Gold Maduro and enjoy my Friday evening. Until next time, CLP!!! (clip or cut, light and puff) Long ashes (___G__________}}}}~~~
First, the guillotine or straight cut. That can be done with either a single or double blade cutter (the double blade is the better of the two) or if you're real "old school" with a very sharp pocket knife or razor blade. With this cut, you're cutting of the cap of the cigar just above the shoulder (didn't know I was a surgeon, did you). The cap of course in the head of the cigar and what holds the wrapper together. So you need to be very careful when cutting your cigar so you don't cut it past the shoulder, as if you do, it'll typically cause your cigar to unravel. Back to the actual guillotine cut, which allows more smoke to flow through your cigar, causing a faster burning cigar, with less of a possibility of tars building up as you smoke it. If you're not careful, it will also cause your cigar to burn hot and we all know a hot burning cigar is not a good cigar. I personally mainly use the guillotine cut on very small ring gauge cigars, Petite Corona's, Lancero's, and the occasional Toro. Because they're smaller rings, and you'll want to get the full flavor that's why I recommend using a guillotine on those cigars.
Next let's look at the V-cut. This is the cut I use most. A V-cut or "Cat eye" cut, literally cuts a , or what looks like a cat's pupil, in the cap of the cigar and not as much smoke comes from the cigar as with a straight cut. Larger ring gauge cigars Corona Gorda's, Churchill's, Sixties etc., are cigars that work well with this type of cut. This type of cut also, for the most part helps maintain the structure of the head of the cigar as you smoke it, because you're only cutting a small V from the cap. The drawback (no pun intended) to this cut is that, if you smoke the stogie to fast, the possibility of tars building up and giving you that bitter taste, is more likely. And because it's not cutting off the whole cap, it tends to make your smoke last longer.
The Punch, is my second most used cut. The Punch is a hollow cut about the circumference of a No. 2 pencil. Again, on the cap of the cigar you take the Punch and gently twist it, so it puts a hole in the top of it. This is also good for larger ring cigars I mentioned in the paragraph above. Like the V-cut, it regulates the amount of smoke that comes from the cigar, burning slower, and really mixing the tobaccos give you the ultimate taste profile. As with the V-cut, the Punch will also build up that nasty tar if you smoke the cigar to fast. Another drawback is that if the cigar has a double or triple cap, you may have to take some of the tobacco out of the hole (because the punch will only make a hole and not remove tobacco from the head of the cigar) and if you don't, it will make the draw somewhat harder.
The Piercer is like the Punch, but it's very, very small. If you've seen some of the older machine made sticks like White Owls, Dutch Masters etc., they have the piercing. A small hole the size of a small galvanized "finishing" nail, which by the way is what some use to pierce their cigars. Piercing a cigar is a really old fashioned way of enjoying your cigar. The biggest drawback is that if the cigar is rolled to tight, you won't get a good draw and if you keep trying it will build up a massive amount of tar, although if you do get a nicely rolled cigar, plus you end up using the piercer to keep opening up a passage in the cigar. Piercing produces just a small amount of smoke and it truly makes the smoke last a lot longer.
A lot of folks still bite or pinch the end of the cigars off and I truly don't recommend that method, but if that's all you have, go for it. Biting or pinching tends to destroy the cap and the unraveling things happens. I always keep a cutter or punch on my person. You can get cutters or punches that fit on your key chain, I have a "credit card" cutter that's great (unless you forget it in your wallet and trying going through the machines at the airport). It's a metal cutter that's the same size as a credit card and its good to have as a back up. Several companies also make ink pens with punches built in, and a lot of lighters have cutters and punches built in as well.
So the next time you enjoy a stick, experiment with the different style cuts and you just may be surprised by what you discover. Excuse me, while I V-cut my CAO Gold Maduro and enjoy my Friday evening. Until next time, CLP!!! (clip or cut, light and puff) Long ashes (___G__________}}}}~~~
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Kristoff Maduro Review
In this week's Blog I decided on one of my favorites, Exclusive Cigars, Kristoff Maduro - The Matador. If you haven't heard about Kristoff, you must obviously live under two rocks. A relative "newcomer" to the boutique cigar world, Kristoff http://kristoff.com/ has been around since 2005, and has made a definite mark on the cigar world. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down and talking with Glen Case, owner and founder of Exclusive Cigars, and I now know what makes this company special. Glen is truly a pleasure to be around and a very attentive man, Glen knows his cigar stuff, but held an unyielding ear to what those of us who were enjoying his cigars had to say. So with that being said, you may find my review just a bit biased, but for good reasons.
As mentioned above I'll review the Matador today. It's a 6.25 x 60, beauty of a stick with the old-fashioned "twisted pig tail" finish on the cap, and the shaggy finish on the foot. Quite a hefty stick that's filled with tobacco and has one of the most pleasant pre-light aromas you'll find in a Maduro cigar. Well constructed with a very chocolate Maduro wrapper, that had absolutely no flaws. This cigar has Dominican Olor and Cuban Seed Nicaraguan fillers, a Dominican Republic binder and is cloaked with a Brazilian Maduro wrapper. The pre-light draw is easy with floral hints, that are very satisfying, after-light, from the first puff, you know you're about to enjoy a hell of a stogie. Mounds of smoke pours from this cigar and the aroma is really nice, again especially for a Maduro cigar. You'll find some spice and sweetness in this cigar, with hints of toasted nuts as well as the robust taste of that Brazilian wrapper. There is little to no aftertaste and for a medium to full bodied cigar, it's actually very light on the palate. You can tell this is a very well constructed cigar.
The Matador burned evenly, and held a nice medium gray ash, that was firm and not flaky. This stick is a doosey and took me two hours to finish with a glass of Crown Royal Cask 16 that complimented it well, such a great paring. Absolutely no soft or rough spots throughout the cigar and about two-thirds in, I used my Cigar Stub www.cigarstub.com to really get into this thing. Man, what flavor this thing builds to, still not overpowering, harsh or hot. I know why I like these so much, you truly get a bang for your buck, and this is a very reasonably priced cigar (especially here in the People's Republic Of California).
So, what 'cha waiting for, get off your tush and grab a few or a box or two and join the Kristoff party. I'm sure you won't be disappointed, as a matter-of-fact, I'm sure you'll be inviting others. I've also enjoyed this stick with a Goose and Bull (Grey Goose and Red Bull), and it gives it a whole different finishing profile. Still medium to full bodied, but the finishing sweetness is intensified just a little more. I like these cigars and I like 'em a lot. Until next time, CLP (clip, light and puff) Long ashes! (___G________]]]]~~~
As mentioned above I'll review the Matador today. It's a 6.25 x 60, beauty of a stick with the old-fashioned "twisted pig tail" finish on the cap, and the shaggy finish on the foot. Quite a hefty stick that's filled with tobacco and has one of the most pleasant pre-light aromas you'll find in a Maduro cigar. Well constructed with a very chocolate Maduro wrapper, that had absolutely no flaws. This cigar has Dominican Olor and Cuban Seed Nicaraguan fillers, a Dominican Republic binder and is cloaked with a Brazilian Maduro wrapper. The pre-light draw is easy with floral hints, that are very satisfying, after-light, from the first puff, you know you're about to enjoy a hell of a stogie. Mounds of smoke pours from this cigar and the aroma is really nice, again especially for a Maduro cigar. You'll find some spice and sweetness in this cigar, with hints of toasted nuts as well as the robust taste of that Brazilian wrapper. There is little to no aftertaste and for a medium to full bodied cigar, it's actually very light on the palate. You can tell this is a very well constructed cigar.
The Matador burned evenly, and held a nice medium gray ash, that was firm and not flaky. This stick is a doosey and took me two hours to finish with a glass of Crown Royal Cask 16 that complimented it well, such a great paring. Absolutely no soft or rough spots throughout the cigar and about two-thirds in, I used my Cigar Stub www.cigarstub.com to really get into this thing. Man, what flavor this thing builds to, still not overpowering, harsh or hot. I know why I like these so much, you truly get a bang for your buck, and this is a very reasonably priced cigar (especially here in the People's Republic Of California).
So, what 'cha waiting for, get off your tush and grab a few or a box or two and join the Kristoff party. I'm sure you won't be disappointed, as a matter-of-fact, I'm sure you'll be inviting others. I've also enjoyed this stick with a Goose and Bull (Grey Goose and Red Bull), and it gives it a whole different finishing profile. Still medium to full bodied, but the finishing sweetness is intensified just a little more. I like these cigars and I like 'em a lot. Until next time, CLP (clip, light and puff) Long ashes! (___G________]]]]~~~
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Why Brick and Mortars Matter
Like most of you, I find a lot of great deals from the online cigar retailers, but I also spend lot at my local tobacconist, "brick and mortar" as they are affectionately called in the industry. You'll even find a lot of B&M's will allow you to bring your own cigars into their place of business to enjoy. Most allow you to, because it's impossible to carry every brand that's available and they want you in their stores. Although you should still purchase from them, because they do matter.
First with all of the anti-smoking idiots trying to abolish where we smoke, these shops allow us a place to not only enjoy our stogies, but serve as a meeting place for us to sit and have conversations about everything under the sun. I frequent a small Cuban family owned shop that has their own brand, and as I complete this blog, they're expanding the store and will soon offer other brands. The owner simply says "we have to stick together". These shops, normally have televisions, sponsor events and again just provide a place to hang out. I spend countless hours in these places because I enjoy them.
You'll find the most eclectic group of folks there with one thing in common, we all love cigars. You'll also find in most cases a group of like thinking individuals, who, no matter what their religious, political, or social backgrounds etc., can talk and agree to disagree, without being violent or disagreeable. I have often found myself in the middle of a heated political discussion and discovered the Tea Partier has a lot of the same ideas as the Independent, and some Republicans are really not that much different than Democrats and there's no media outlet present to twist the truth. You'll also find a lot of good humored ribbing going on between the folks in these shops, which is hilarious in itself. Where else will you find a Fortune 500 CEO, the Governator (yeah, he'd hang out here occasionally) and a sanitation worker sitting around shooting the bull and discussing ways to make our world a little better, and nobody was touting their status or position. You won't find that dynamic in many places, after all ever hear of a cigarette lounge?
Recently as I enjoyed a fine cigar, I just looked around the room and it was a welcomed sight to see the cross sections of humanity enjoying themselves while watching the U.S. Women's Soccer Team play a match. Some had no clue what they were watching, and others were die hard soccer fans. It was cool to see the soccer fanatic explain to the soccer illiterate what was going on. While some others were playing dominoes, and others just enjoying their time with friends. One of the guys there says whenever he heads to the shop his wife remarks "I guess you're going to hang out with your cigar cult friends", and that brought a hearty laugh amongst the group. So we're a cult now, huh?
There's also the young lobbyist who said "I'm going to have to rethink some of the things I've been told, because I'm finding out, not everything I've been told is true or makes sense for everybody". How cool is that? In most shops you'll find just about every race, ethnic background and every gender represented. It especially warms my heart when a younger person (20ish) is in one of these shops, soaking up life lessons and learning the cigar game. These young people are the future and we need as many free thinkers taking care of our world as possible. One young man, who has been following my blog had so many questions for me, I was taken aback and flattered. Somebody asking my opinion and gaining cigar knowledge from me.
Another reason B & M's matter is they are an economic source for the community. As most of you know cigars aren't cheap, and that money is recycled in the community. The owners normally provide soda, coffee, and sometimes libations, which are all purchased locally, meaning keeping another store open and people employed. The stores also serve as a tremendous place to network for many different reasons. One guy is an attorney, another a sales person, another a banker and many other occupations. They all offer their assistance when they can and in some cases provide leads and opportunities for employment, access to education etc.
I'm not saying don't support the online retailers, just don't forget about the B&M's. They need us as much as we need them. I've met some of my best friends in these shops, and with over 27 years of cigar enjoyment and living and traveling all over the world its nice to have another friend somewhere in this world. One of my cigar friends in Virginia, emails, texts or calls quite frequently to talk about life and the latest thing we've smoked, and I met this gentleman while sitting in a brick and mortar (you can't get that from a online store).
There are other reasons why these shops matter and I won't bore you with those reasons, I'm sure you get the point. The next time, you're in a B&M, make sure you thank the owner and staff for the fine service they provide. Pretty soon, it could possibly be the only place we'll be allowed to enjoy a totally legal product. It sounds crazy, but it could happen and in some places already has happened. Also make sure to join groups like Cigar Rights of America (CRA), or start your own group of cigar lobbyist in the shop. We need every voice to be heard to protect this freedom we love. Until next time, CLP (clip, light and puff) (___@_________]]]]]~~~
First with all of the anti-smoking idiots trying to abolish where we smoke, these shops allow us a place to not only enjoy our stogies, but serve as a meeting place for us to sit and have conversations about everything under the sun. I frequent a small Cuban family owned shop that has their own brand, and as I complete this blog, they're expanding the store and will soon offer other brands. The owner simply says "we have to stick together". These shops, normally have televisions, sponsor events and again just provide a place to hang out. I spend countless hours in these places because I enjoy them.
You'll find the most eclectic group of folks there with one thing in common, we all love cigars. You'll also find in most cases a group of like thinking individuals, who, no matter what their religious, political, or social backgrounds etc., can talk and agree to disagree, without being violent or disagreeable. I have often found myself in the middle of a heated political discussion and discovered the Tea Partier has a lot of the same ideas as the Independent, and some Republicans are really not that much different than Democrats and there's no media outlet present to twist the truth. You'll also find a lot of good humored ribbing going on between the folks in these shops, which is hilarious in itself. Where else will you find a Fortune 500 CEO, the Governator (yeah, he'd hang out here occasionally) and a sanitation worker sitting around shooting the bull and discussing ways to make our world a little better, and nobody was touting their status or position. You won't find that dynamic in many places, after all ever hear of a cigarette lounge?
Recently as I enjoyed a fine cigar, I just looked around the room and it was a welcomed sight to see the cross sections of humanity enjoying themselves while watching the U.S. Women's Soccer Team play a match. Some had no clue what they were watching, and others were die hard soccer fans. It was cool to see the soccer fanatic explain to the soccer illiterate what was going on. While some others were playing dominoes, and others just enjoying their time with friends. One of the guys there says whenever he heads to the shop his wife remarks "I guess you're going to hang out with your cigar cult friends", and that brought a hearty laugh amongst the group. So we're a cult now, huh?
There's also the young lobbyist who said "I'm going to have to rethink some of the things I've been told, because I'm finding out, not everything I've been told is true or makes sense for everybody". How cool is that? In most shops you'll find just about every race, ethnic background and every gender represented. It especially warms my heart when a younger person (20ish) is in one of these shops, soaking up life lessons and learning the cigar game. These young people are the future and we need as many free thinkers taking care of our world as possible. One young man, who has been following my blog had so many questions for me, I was taken aback and flattered. Somebody asking my opinion and gaining cigar knowledge from me.
Another reason B & M's matter is they are an economic source for the community. As most of you know cigars aren't cheap, and that money is recycled in the community. The owners normally provide soda, coffee, and sometimes libations, which are all purchased locally, meaning keeping another store open and people employed. The stores also serve as a tremendous place to network for many different reasons. One guy is an attorney, another a sales person, another a banker and many other occupations. They all offer their assistance when they can and in some cases provide leads and opportunities for employment, access to education etc.
I'm not saying don't support the online retailers, just don't forget about the B&M's. They need us as much as we need them. I've met some of my best friends in these shops, and with over 27 years of cigar enjoyment and living and traveling all over the world its nice to have another friend somewhere in this world. One of my cigar friends in Virginia, emails, texts or calls quite frequently to talk about life and the latest thing we've smoked, and I met this gentleman while sitting in a brick and mortar (you can't get that from a online store).
There are other reasons why these shops matter and I won't bore you with those reasons, I'm sure you get the point. The next time, you're in a B&M, make sure you thank the owner and staff for the fine service they provide. Pretty soon, it could possibly be the only place we'll be allowed to enjoy a totally legal product. It sounds crazy, but it could happen and in some places already has happened. Also make sure to join groups like Cigar Rights of America (CRA), or start your own group of cigar lobbyist in the shop. We need every voice to be heard to protect this freedom we love. Until next time, CLP (clip, light and puff) (___@_________]]]]]~~~
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Est. 1844 Anejado No. 54 Review
Today, we'll talk about the new Est. 1844 Anejado No. 54 Cigar, which in my humble opinion is a fantastic stick. It's a 5.7" x 54 stick with a San Andres Maduro wrapper, that covers robust Nicaraguan fillers and binder. A nice dark chocolate stick, well constructed with that old-fashioned "torpedo" look, you know the cigar the fat cat boss smoked in the cartoons. They are produced in just about every perfecto size you can imagine, and I decided on the No. 54. The pre-light aroma is a bit musty, but not pungent. Its chocked with flavor and complexity, a true "real man" cigar, but it's not overpowering. I don't know about you, but I'm a huge fan of the San Andres wrappers and this Maduro wrapper is the business!
After light, the taste immediately comes rolling through, and this thing is just damn tasty. I enjoyed it with a shot of Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 Year Old rum, and it seems these two have been made for each other. The sweetness of the rum is a perfect balance for the full flavors of the the Nicaraguan tobacco. Lot's of smoke billows from the foot of the Est. 1844, and its aroma is pleasantly surprising for the combination of filler and binder and the San Andres wrapper. The cigar leaves little to no aftertaste and burns with a nice firm medium gray ash. The cigar burned evenly all the way through, and I found no rough or hot spots. Half way through, the flavor of this cigar was so much better, I thought I had maybe lit another cigar, even to the point where I used my Cigar Stub http://www.cigarstub.com/ to enjoy as much of it I possibly could.
In summary, this is a "can't go wrong" stick and could be a everyday stick, or it could be a special occasion stick. I have some resting in a humidor and I'll give 'em about 6 months to see how much better this thing can get. Right now only three places that I know of that are carrying this cigar, http://www.cigar.com/, http://www.cigarbid.com/ and http://www.cigarsinternational.com/ and they all have very, I mean very reasonable prices. (I hope they don't find out what a great cigar this is and raise the pricing point on them). I've tried to find out more info on these cigars like who makes them, what factory and region in Nicaragua with no luck, although I'm willing to bet Nestor Plasencia or A.J. Fernandez may have had a part in these cigars. So there you have it, go out and give 'em a shot (BTW you can find them in 5 packs or singles at http://www.cigarbid.com/). CLP (clip, light and puff) (___@_________]]]]]~~~
After light, the taste immediately comes rolling through, and this thing is just damn tasty. I enjoyed it with a shot of Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 Year Old rum, and it seems these two have been made for each other. The sweetness of the rum is a perfect balance for the full flavors of the the Nicaraguan tobacco. Lot's of smoke billows from the foot of the Est. 1844, and its aroma is pleasantly surprising for the combination of filler and binder and the San Andres wrapper. The cigar leaves little to no aftertaste and burns with a nice firm medium gray ash. The cigar burned evenly all the way through, and I found no rough or hot spots. Half way through, the flavor of this cigar was so much better, I thought I had maybe lit another cigar, even to the point where I used my Cigar Stub http://www.cigarstub.com/ to enjoy as much of it I possibly could.
In summary, this is a "can't go wrong" stick and could be a everyday stick, or it could be a special occasion stick. I have some resting in a humidor and I'll give 'em about 6 months to see how much better this thing can get. Right now only three places that I know of that are carrying this cigar, http://www.cigar.com/, http://www.cigarbid.com/ and http://www.cigarsinternational.com/ and they all have very, I mean very reasonable prices. (I hope they don't find out what a great cigar this is and raise the pricing point on them). I've tried to find out more info on these cigars like who makes them, what factory and region in Nicaragua with no luck, although I'm willing to bet Nestor Plasencia or A.J. Fernandez may have had a part in these cigars. So there you have it, go out and give 'em a shot (BTW you can find them in 5 packs or singles at http://www.cigarbid.com/). CLP (clip, light and puff) (___@_________]]]]]~~~
Thursday, June 23, 2011
"I don't smoke the flavored crap, it ain't real cigars"
Ever hear that? I have far too many times. For those of you that are new to the cigar lifestyle, flavored cigars are cigars that have been infused with something. That something can be liquor, vanilla, chocolate, etc. I'm not talking about those drug store or corner store "Black N Mild" flavored cigars, I'm talking about premium handmade flavored cigars. It's a labor of love and truly an art for those manufacturers who produce them. It's a time consuming process, that has to be done just right or the finished product won't be something you'd want to enjoy.
Like unflavored cigars, the process of cultivating the tobacco, rolling and finishing the cigars are just about the same with flavored cigars, with the exception of the flavoring being added during the process. Some producers flavor the leafs during the aging process, and others add the flavoring as the actual cigar is being rolled. You may have heard of the ACID line by Drew Estate http://www.drewestate.com/. No, if you smoke one of those sticks you won't have a 70's style trip, there is NO acid in the cigars. ACID is actually a acronym, and it comes from one of the founders of the line. Jonathan Drew (part-owner and creator of Drew Estate) has a friend Scott Chester that's an industrial designer (he's the guy on the ACID box standing by the motorcycle with the dreadlocks), when they were talking about creating something different to "shake" the cigar world they came up with an infused blend and needed a name that would also grab the attention of the cigar world. Scott's daughter's name is Arielle, so the cigar line was named after his daughter and his company, Arielle Chester Industrial Design, ACID.
These cigars are infused with a highly secret infusion of several things. I've done some research and what I have come up with is that over one hundred aromatic oils, herbal essences and spices are used in Acid cigar production, with many tobaccos from all over the world. At some point in the making, the leaves are also aged a few months in red wine. The entire process is the secret part. These cigars are very aromatic and produce all kinds of wonderful aromas, almost incense like. But don't be fooled. They are still cigars, and the strength ranges from mild to very full bodied. Drew Estate also produces other lines of "traditional" cigars to include one of my favorites, the Liga Privada and a really popular infused blend called Java, which of course is coffee infused.
Now as I've said before, your taste is your taste and you like what you like, but don't just "throw the baby out with the bath water" (what the hell does that mean), give these cigars a try. In the ACID line I particularly like the Kuba Kuba, especially after a good meal. It's a medium to full bodied cigar, but its also a great dessert cigar with the infusion and sweetness of the cigar. I have a feeling a lot of the traditionalists enjoy an infused cigar every now and then, but they do it in hiding then say how they don't like infused cigars, and that's fine, but you be the judge, don't let somebody else tell you what not to try.
Another plus with most infused cigars is the aroma. Of course with botanical flavors and the like inside of the cigar, that's typically the aroma you get, and those who typically would frown at the smell of a cigar have a different attitude. I've enjoyed ACID cigars out and about and it never fails somebody always ask "what kind of cigar is that" especially women. They love the pleasant and different aroma from infused cigars. That in itself, is a reason to give infused cigars a try. Now if you decide to try this type of cigar while enjoying a drink, I would recommend you have something straight. For instance don't try a Java with a cup of coffee as you won't get the full enjoyment of the cigar, because once again, it's infused with coffee. Or if you try an ACID, and have a sweet type drink you'll truly miss all of those botanical flavors the cigar has.
As mentioned earlier in this blog a lot of infused cigars contain alcohol. No they won't make you tipsy or drunk, but it's enough infusion for you to taste the liquor. You'll find bourbon, rum, cognac and even tequila. Maker's Mark has a infused cigar that;s wonderful as well as Gurkha http://www.gurkhacigars.com/ who infuses one of their cigars with Louis XIII Cognac which is a very fine and expensive cognac. It's a pricey cigar, with prices as low at $20 a stick to as much as $50 a stick (depending on size and where you purchase them). And unless you're a billionaire, it's not a everyday cigar. The Louis XIII is a special occasion cigar. I've had a few in my day and for me, they're okay, but not something I would just buy all the time. On the other hand, the Maker's Mark http://www.tedscigars.com/makers-mark-cigars/ bourbon infused cigar is a definite winner. The same Maker's Mark bourbon you drink is used to infuse this cigar. There's the regular version and the 10th anniversary version. You can tell the difference by the color of the wax on the glass tube the cigar comes in. The regular version has the red wax and the anniversary has silver wax. Reasonably priced, well blended and constructed, these cigars compliment a steak dinner extremely well. I would classify them as medium bodied sticks, that are now overpowering, has little aftertaste and are quite aromatic.
So, the next time you visit your tobacconist or order from your favorite online store, try a infused cigar or two, you really might just be surprised. By the way, at one time the Drew Estate ACID line was the number one selling cigar in the world, so somebody has to be smoking them, even my friends the "traditionalist" (code word for snobs). Once you try one or two, come back and let me know what you think. It might not be for you, but then again.... Until next time, sCLP (clip, light and puff). (___@______]]]]~~~
Like unflavored cigars, the process of cultivating the tobacco, rolling and finishing the cigars are just about the same with flavored cigars, with the exception of the flavoring being added during the process. Some producers flavor the leafs during the aging process, and others add the flavoring as the actual cigar is being rolled. You may have heard of the ACID line by Drew Estate http://www.drewestate.com/. No, if you smoke one of those sticks you won't have a 70's style trip, there is NO acid in the cigars. ACID is actually a acronym, and it comes from one of the founders of the line. Jonathan Drew (part-owner and creator of Drew Estate) has a friend Scott Chester that's an industrial designer (he's the guy on the ACID box standing by the motorcycle with the dreadlocks), when they were talking about creating something different to "shake" the cigar world they came up with an infused blend and needed a name that would also grab the attention of the cigar world. Scott's daughter's name is Arielle, so the cigar line was named after his daughter and his company, Arielle Chester Industrial Design, ACID.
These cigars are infused with a highly secret infusion of several things. I've done some research and what I have come up with is that over one hundred aromatic oils, herbal essences and spices are used in Acid cigar production, with many tobaccos from all over the world. At some point in the making, the leaves are also aged a few months in red wine. The entire process is the secret part. These cigars are very aromatic and produce all kinds of wonderful aromas, almost incense like. But don't be fooled. They are still cigars, and the strength ranges from mild to very full bodied. Drew Estate also produces other lines of "traditional" cigars to include one of my favorites, the Liga Privada and a really popular infused blend called Java, which of course is coffee infused.
Now as I've said before, your taste is your taste and you like what you like, but don't just "throw the baby out with the bath water" (what the hell does that mean), give these cigars a try. In the ACID line I particularly like the Kuba Kuba, especially after a good meal. It's a medium to full bodied cigar, but its also a great dessert cigar with the infusion and sweetness of the cigar. I have a feeling a lot of the traditionalists enjoy an infused cigar every now and then, but they do it in hiding then say how they don't like infused cigars, and that's fine, but you be the judge, don't let somebody else tell you what not to try.
Another plus with most infused cigars is the aroma. Of course with botanical flavors and the like inside of the cigar, that's typically the aroma you get, and those who typically would frown at the smell of a cigar have a different attitude. I've enjoyed ACID cigars out and about and it never fails somebody always ask "what kind of cigar is that" especially women. They love the pleasant and different aroma from infused cigars. That in itself, is a reason to give infused cigars a try. Now if you decide to try this type of cigar while enjoying a drink, I would recommend you have something straight. For instance don't try a Java with a cup of coffee as you won't get the full enjoyment of the cigar, because once again, it's infused with coffee. Or if you try an ACID, and have a sweet type drink you'll truly miss all of those botanical flavors the cigar has.
As mentioned earlier in this blog a lot of infused cigars contain alcohol. No they won't make you tipsy or drunk, but it's enough infusion for you to taste the liquor. You'll find bourbon, rum, cognac and even tequila. Maker's Mark has a infused cigar that;s wonderful as well as Gurkha http://www.gurkhacigars.com/ who infuses one of their cigars with Louis XIII Cognac which is a very fine and expensive cognac. It's a pricey cigar, with prices as low at $20 a stick to as much as $50 a stick (depending on size and where you purchase them). And unless you're a billionaire, it's not a everyday cigar. The Louis XIII is a special occasion cigar. I've had a few in my day and for me, they're okay, but not something I would just buy all the time. On the other hand, the Maker's Mark http://www.tedscigars.com/makers-mark-cigars/ bourbon infused cigar is a definite winner. The same Maker's Mark bourbon you drink is used to infuse this cigar. There's the regular version and the 10th anniversary version. You can tell the difference by the color of the wax on the glass tube the cigar comes in. The regular version has the red wax and the anniversary has silver wax. Reasonably priced, well blended and constructed, these cigars compliment a steak dinner extremely well. I would classify them as medium bodied sticks, that are now overpowering, has little aftertaste and are quite aromatic.
So, the next time you visit your tobacconist or order from your favorite online store, try a infused cigar or two, you really might just be surprised. By the way, at one time the Drew Estate ACID line was the number one selling cigar in the world, so somebody has to be smoking them, even my friends the "traditionalist" (code word for snobs). Once you try one or two, come back and let me know what you think. It might not be for you, but then again.... Until next time, sCLP (clip, light and puff). (___@______]]]]~~~
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Happy Father's Day!
As we approach Father's Day 2011, let's talk about dads, grandfathers, uncles etc., those men most of us watched enjoying cigars when we were younger. One of my grandfathers really enjoyed cigars, and as a kid I enjoyed watching him smoke them. To me the smell was always great although I always heard others complaining about those "stinky" cigars. Maybe because he was my hero, maybe because he just looked so cool, or maybe because typically whenever his friends came around they always wanted a cigar and to me that meant they were following his lead. As a 60's child, there was still a huge allotment of Cubans floating around and my grandfather worked at the shipyards and somehow always had some. I remember him always talking about how great they were. I also grew up in New Orleans and for those of you that don't know, New Orleans was a leading producer of cigars in the 30's through the 60's, with at least 100 factories and shops throughout the city. The main reason was because New Orleans is home to one of the largest ports in the world. So it made sense, to just drop off tobacco in the city and let the magic happen.
I vividly remember going to certain parts of the city with my grandfather on Saturdays mostly, and he would buy a box or two of cigars. I don't recall him ever using a cutter. He would either pinch the cap off, bite it off, or take out his trusty pocket knife and slice it off. He also, as far back as I can remember, never used a lighter to ignite his stogies. He kept wooden matches with him all the time. He looked real cool to me when he would strike a match and then cup his hand over the foot of the cigar as he lit it. He would also always, I mean always tell me, "cigars are for grown ups, one day when you have a family and can afford to, if you choose to, then you can smoke a cigar, understand?" Some days, we'd stay in whatever shop/factory we were in while he talked to the people there and in those days it was always a bunch of men just standing around talking about the same thing every time we were in one of those places, cigars. I just couldn't understand it, "didn't you guys just talk about that last weekend?" Sheesh, you got your sticks grandpa, let's go. In the 70's as a teenager, I really enjoyed those trips because those men were so used to me being with my grandfather who they called "Chappie", would now give me money, woo hoo!!! At the same time, that's when I first started to get an understanding of that whole cigar shop/factory dynamic. It was a time for men to be men. Remember that was the 70's so there was never a lot of women in those places other than those that came in to buy cigars for their husbands, dads etc and I would imagine some even purchased them for themselves but they never stayed around. Not only were they talking about cigars, they were talking about politics, their jobs, strangers in their neighborhoods and things that brought these gentleman together.
The 70's in New Orleans was still a time of difficult racial relations, but inside these shops there were men of all races, backgrounds, ethnicity's etc. Actually it was the first time I had ever saw a person in real life of Asian-Indian decent, as he always wore a turban when he came in, and when he walked in like most of the other gentleman, he was always greeted by each with a handshake, a smile and kind words by all as was my grandfather. The only time I saw those gentlemen get upset with someone was when a guy who you could tell was strung out on drugs came in and starting begging for money. Man, these men just lit into this guy, "you dope fiend, get a job", "you damn hippie", "frigging pot smoker". I was blown away, I couldn't believe how they all felt the same way about this dude. Once he left the shop the conversation switched to how drugs were starting to destroy the community and how they all needed to take more of a stand in the community to eradicate that environment. The usually jovial guys were now all dead serious and discussed ways of making the community better, as they smoked away on their cigars. How great was that!
In 1979 I left New Orleans after enlisting in the Air Force and never made one of those trips again with my grandfather. When we would talk he would always tell me how the men at the shops were asking about me and saying how proud they were that I was serving the country. When he shared those sentiments with me, I always had a warm feeling as I really respected all of those gentlemen. Even though, most of those places had since been closed or relocated to other places, those that were there became more of a gathering place from what he would tell me. Occasionally, he would say you remember Mr. So and So, that worked at the bank, well he died and honestly those times made me sad, because I knew it made him sad. Losing a cigar friend, and maybe just realizing his own mortality, then almost always he would ask if I had started enjoying cigars yet. Well, I was an athlete and just didn't want to start smoking cigars, so I would tell him I hadn't and he would tell me, if it's for you, you'll decide. What I later figured out was that he was passing on a valuable piece of life to me. He was attempting to get me to a place where people with all kinds of differences met and came to conclusions that would solve some of the world's ills. And a place to get together with friends and talk about the leaf.
In 1984, my son was born and I purchased a box of King Edward "It's a boy" cigars at the base Exchange to hand out to the guys I was stationed with in Germany. I had no intention of smoking one, just wanted to hand them out to announce the birth of Gregory II. That's when I was first introduced to smoking a cigar the right way. I'll save that story for another time on my blog. But after that lesson and my first cigar, I called my grandfather and told him and you could hear it in his voice. His first born grandchild was truly becoming a man and maybe, just maybe was becoming a cigar fan. I returned to the states in 1986 and when I visited home, I was only there for a few days and didn't have a chance to enjoy a stick with my grandfather as it was my first time home in about 5 years, although I promised him the next time I came home it would be for a longer period of time and we'd enjoy a cigar or two and maybe even visit one of the cigar shops he was now frequenting.
In March of 1988 I received a call from my family saying my grandfather had fallen ill and things weren't looking good, subsequently within a week he had passed on. I was devastated needless to say and made the trip home for his services. During the time I was there, my grandmother was going through his things, getting rid of some of stuff and keeping others for her memories of him. He had many fine suits and although I'm much taller than he was, I asked if I could have a few of them. As we went through some of them, checking the pockets for money (he was notorious for leaving money in his suits), we came across some cigars in one of the suit jacket pockets and my grandmother figured they had to have been there for quite a few years. It was amazing that they were still in tact. I thought because the suits had been packed away for years and with the humidity in New Orleans they kept them all in one piece although they were dry as the Nevada desert. As I looked at the cigars and thought of him, I could only think about promising him that I would smoke a cigar with him one day, and I didn't live up to my part. I got caught up in my military life and other things and just didn't do it. I took those cigars and put them in a plastic bag and kept them. I also went to a local cigar store and that night after the burial I sat outside at his house where family and friends had gathered and enjoyed a cigar in his honor.
Every year for Father's day since, that's my ritual, I fire up a fine premium cigar in honor of Walter "Chappie" Ceaser. My son Gregory II is 27 now and he smokes cigarettes and I'm working on converting him hoping to have a cigar "moment" or two with him soon, so I can tell him more stories about his Great-Grandfather. So this Father's Day, if your dad, granddad, uncle brother, whoever is around fire one up and honor those folks, and if that person is not around fire one up in their honor. Also, the next time you're in your favorite smoke shop, remember it's not just about the cigars, it's about us and what can each of us do to better ourselves, our community and our world.
Happy Father's Day! CLP (clip, light and puff) (___@_______]]]]]~~~~
I vividly remember going to certain parts of the city with my grandfather on Saturdays mostly, and he would buy a box or two of cigars. I don't recall him ever using a cutter. He would either pinch the cap off, bite it off, or take out his trusty pocket knife and slice it off. He also, as far back as I can remember, never used a lighter to ignite his stogies. He kept wooden matches with him all the time. He looked real cool to me when he would strike a match and then cup his hand over the foot of the cigar as he lit it. He would also always, I mean always tell me, "cigars are for grown ups, one day when you have a family and can afford to, if you choose to, then you can smoke a cigar, understand?" Some days, we'd stay in whatever shop/factory we were in while he talked to the people there and in those days it was always a bunch of men just standing around talking about the same thing every time we were in one of those places, cigars. I just couldn't understand it, "didn't you guys just talk about that last weekend?" Sheesh, you got your sticks grandpa, let's go. In the 70's as a teenager, I really enjoyed those trips because those men were so used to me being with my grandfather who they called "Chappie", would now give me money, woo hoo!!! At the same time, that's when I first started to get an understanding of that whole cigar shop/factory dynamic. It was a time for men to be men. Remember that was the 70's so there was never a lot of women in those places other than those that came in to buy cigars for their husbands, dads etc and I would imagine some even purchased them for themselves but they never stayed around. Not only were they talking about cigars, they were talking about politics, their jobs, strangers in their neighborhoods and things that brought these gentleman together.
The 70's in New Orleans was still a time of difficult racial relations, but inside these shops there were men of all races, backgrounds, ethnicity's etc. Actually it was the first time I had ever saw a person in real life of Asian-Indian decent, as he always wore a turban when he came in, and when he walked in like most of the other gentleman, he was always greeted by each with a handshake, a smile and kind words by all as was my grandfather. The only time I saw those gentlemen get upset with someone was when a guy who you could tell was strung out on drugs came in and starting begging for money. Man, these men just lit into this guy, "you dope fiend, get a job", "you damn hippie", "frigging pot smoker". I was blown away, I couldn't believe how they all felt the same way about this dude. Once he left the shop the conversation switched to how drugs were starting to destroy the community and how they all needed to take more of a stand in the community to eradicate that environment. The usually jovial guys were now all dead serious and discussed ways of making the community better, as they smoked away on their cigars. How great was that!
In 1979 I left New Orleans after enlisting in the Air Force and never made one of those trips again with my grandfather. When we would talk he would always tell me how the men at the shops were asking about me and saying how proud they were that I was serving the country. When he shared those sentiments with me, I always had a warm feeling as I really respected all of those gentlemen. Even though, most of those places had since been closed or relocated to other places, those that were there became more of a gathering place from what he would tell me. Occasionally, he would say you remember Mr. So and So, that worked at the bank, well he died and honestly those times made me sad, because I knew it made him sad. Losing a cigar friend, and maybe just realizing his own mortality, then almost always he would ask if I had started enjoying cigars yet. Well, I was an athlete and just didn't want to start smoking cigars, so I would tell him I hadn't and he would tell me, if it's for you, you'll decide. What I later figured out was that he was passing on a valuable piece of life to me. He was attempting to get me to a place where people with all kinds of differences met and came to conclusions that would solve some of the world's ills. And a place to get together with friends and talk about the leaf.
In 1984, my son was born and I purchased a box of King Edward "It's a boy" cigars at the base Exchange to hand out to the guys I was stationed with in Germany. I had no intention of smoking one, just wanted to hand them out to announce the birth of Gregory II. That's when I was first introduced to smoking a cigar the right way. I'll save that story for another time on my blog. But after that lesson and my first cigar, I called my grandfather and told him and you could hear it in his voice. His first born grandchild was truly becoming a man and maybe, just maybe was becoming a cigar fan. I returned to the states in 1986 and when I visited home, I was only there for a few days and didn't have a chance to enjoy a stick with my grandfather as it was my first time home in about 5 years, although I promised him the next time I came home it would be for a longer period of time and we'd enjoy a cigar or two and maybe even visit one of the cigar shops he was now frequenting.
In March of 1988 I received a call from my family saying my grandfather had fallen ill and things weren't looking good, subsequently within a week he had passed on. I was devastated needless to say and made the trip home for his services. During the time I was there, my grandmother was going through his things, getting rid of some of stuff and keeping others for her memories of him. He had many fine suits and although I'm much taller than he was, I asked if I could have a few of them. As we went through some of them, checking the pockets for money (he was notorious for leaving money in his suits), we came across some cigars in one of the suit jacket pockets and my grandmother figured they had to have been there for quite a few years. It was amazing that they were still in tact. I thought because the suits had been packed away for years and with the humidity in New Orleans they kept them all in one piece although they were dry as the Nevada desert. As I looked at the cigars and thought of him, I could only think about promising him that I would smoke a cigar with him one day, and I didn't live up to my part. I got caught up in my military life and other things and just didn't do it. I took those cigars and put them in a plastic bag and kept them. I also went to a local cigar store and that night after the burial I sat outside at his house where family and friends had gathered and enjoyed a cigar in his honor.
Every year for Father's day since, that's my ritual, I fire up a fine premium cigar in honor of Walter "Chappie" Ceaser. My son Gregory II is 27 now and he smokes cigarettes and I'm working on converting him hoping to have a cigar "moment" or two with him soon, so I can tell him more stories about his Great-Grandfather. So this Father's Day, if your dad, granddad, uncle brother, whoever is around fire one up and honor those folks, and if that person is not around fire one up in their honor. Also, the next time you're in your favorite smoke shop, remember it's not just about the cigars, it's about us and what can each of us do to better ourselves, our community and our world.
Happy Father's Day! CLP (clip, light and puff) (___@_______]]]]]~~~~
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Cigar Etiquette (Get your stuff right!)
I was just in one of my favorite cigar spots and as this guy (who has been there a time or two), was asking to borrow cutters and lighters. I was waiting for him to ask to borrow a cigar, and as I sat there I realized that some folks just don't know that there is "cigar etiquette" like everything else in life. So I figured I'd take a few moments to address this issue.
First, you should always carry your "tools" with you. Meaning a cutter or punch and a lighter. After all if you were a carpenter, would you show up to a construction site with no hammers, nails, saws etc.? You can find great cutters and lighters at really affordable prices that you can carry in your pocket at all times. I even own a credit card cutter (the size of a credit card that fits in my wallet) and a slim line lighter that easily fits in my pocket. Most of the time I carry my Max Benjamin Mini Cigar Bar bag which has ample room to store everything you need for a cigar outing, including room for a bottle of your favorite libation, a traveldor, glasses and even a small cooler for a few cubes of ice. But when I leave the house in the morning I always, repeat always make sure I have the first two items I mentioned in this paragraph as well as a couple of sticks.
It's not my responsibility to provide you tools for your enjoyment. If you've been enjoying cigars for more than a month there's absolutely no reason not to have your own tools. You asked to borrow my cutter after you've licked your cigar all over. I have no idea where your mouth has been and I don't want your germs. And believe it or not I actually have to pay for the butane in my lighter or I need to save my matches for when I want to enjoy another stick. Now I'm not above helping out in extreme situations, but every time I look up you're saying not even asking "let me use your lighter or cutter".
Then I don't want to be reaching every 5 minutes for you to use my tools. When I light up my stogie and sit back, that means I'm enjoyment mode, not cater to your needs mode. The next thing I want to talk about is asking for a cigar. HELL TO THE NO!!! If one wants you to enjoy a stick, typically they'll GIVE YOU ONE, but it's totally rude to ask for a cigar. I work extremely hard for my money and I buy cigars for me, and if I'm so inclined to share with you, I will. Do you go to the gas station and ask people to give you gas, or hang around the lobby in the Directv building asking for free service? No, so don't beg for a stick. It's just common sense. The cigar circle is filled with a lot of kind, giving and great folks, don't ruin it by asking for cigars. Sometimes maybe it's just not for you to have a certain cigar at that time, but here's a novel idea, especially if you're in a cigar store... BUY ONE OR SOME. I'm sure the store owners will appreciate it.
Clean up your damn mess. For the most part, we all know cigars can be messy (meaning the ash), but if it falls, clean it up or at least make the effort to. When you're cutting your stick, cut it over an ashtray or garbage can. Don't just cut it and let if fall on the floor. You're mom doesn't work at the cigar store so she won't clean up after you. Same with the cellophane, it's cool to just sit it on the table, but eventually throw it away. As a good practice, don't put the cellophane in the ashtray, as it doesn't make a good smell if it's burning in the ashtray or if somebody were to put there cigar there not paying attention, of course now you have a cello flavored cigar. This also goes for soda bottles/cans, Starbucks cups etc. The folks at the cigar stores are not janitors so don't leave your crap all over.
You should never, I repeat never "smash" a cigar out. Just sit it down and it will go out all by itself. When you smash it out, it leaves a very pungent, nasty aroma that now interferes with my pleasant aroma and my "cigar mood". It's not a cigarette, it's a CIGAR and should be treated as such. By rule you should also never cut the lit end of a stogie, as when you re-light it, it won't taste good and the part you just cut off again will smell like crap. If you find you don't have time to finish what you've started, either wait just 5 more minutes without puffing and it will be safe enough to sit in your car or buy a Cigar Saver. They're great devices that you can actually put a lit stick in, put the cap back on it and it will go out all by its lonesome. And you won't get such a foul taste when you relight it.
One of the biggest etiquette rules I'd like to talk about is respecting others. The shop is a place where we all like to solve the world's problems, but you don't have to be a complete idiot to do that. I spent 20 plus years in the military and I didn't hear no where near the amount of cussing I do in some shops. You all know they're all types of folks in the shop and all should be respected. It's one thing to say "mofo" to your buddy sitting right next to you, but yelling it out is just plain rude and unbecoming. What you may find if you respect yourself, you'll gain a lot of respect in return. Most shops I frequent have a lot of women who enjoy cigars and regardless of what you think, they are WOMEN and should be respected, as well as people of the clergy, and people who just don't cuss. Because you're cussing, doesn't make you a "macho man or woman", it just makes you an even bigger idiot.
Politics is a huge topic of discussion in most shops and no matter what your party affiliation is, it don't make it right or wrong and if you don't like a certain politician that's fine, but others may like a certain person and don't want to hear you talking a bunch of crap trying to push your agenda. Have a discussion not a lecture. I know some people are just plain idiots and will try to make themselves worldly, but in the long run it makes them more an idiot and less welcome amongst the group. As goes for your personal problems, those are YOUR personal problems so handle 'em. I really could care less if your wife is sleeping with the pool boy, unless she's buying us all a cigar every week. Don't make the conversation a downer with that kinda crap, just sayin.
Finally, this you think would be common sense but I guess not. As much as I'm sure cigar store owners want you to be comfortable, they don't mean take your shoes off, or lay on the couch etc. It's not your living room, and others don't want to smell your stinky ass feet. "Come on man" have some decency about yourself. Cigars and cigar folks are for enjoyment, not for conflicts and having to show grown ass folks how to act.
So now go to your local cigar joint with this wisdom, buy some sticks and enjoy. If you give any of this thought at all, you'll see you will not only enjoy your cigar much better, but the whole cigar mood will improve, and you might be invited to participate in a few more conversations. Until next time, CLP (clip, light and puff). "Smoke 'em, if you got 'em"
First, you should always carry your "tools" with you. Meaning a cutter or punch and a lighter. After all if you were a carpenter, would you show up to a construction site with no hammers, nails, saws etc.? You can find great cutters and lighters at really affordable prices that you can carry in your pocket at all times. I even own a credit card cutter (the size of a credit card that fits in my wallet) and a slim line lighter that easily fits in my pocket. Most of the time I carry my Max Benjamin Mini Cigar Bar bag which has ample room to store everything you need for a cigar outing, including room for a bottle of your favorite libation, a traveldor, glasses and even a small cooler for a few cubes of ice. But when I leave the house in the morning I always, repeat always make sure I have the first two items I mentioned in this paragraph as well as a couple of sticks.
It's not my responsibility to provide you tools for your enjoyment. If you've been enjoying cigars for more than a month there's absolutely no reason not to have your own tools. You asked to borrow my cutter after you've licked your cigar all over. I have no idea where your mouth has been and I don't want your germs. And believe it or not I actually have to pay for the butane in my lighter or I need to save my matches for when I want to enjoy another stick. Now I'm not above helping out in extreme situations, but every time I look up you're saying not even asking "let me use your lighter or cutter".
Then I don't want to be reaching every 5 minutes for you to use my tools. When I light up my stogie and sit back, that means I'm enjoyment mode, not cater to your needs mode. The next thing I want to talk about is asking for a cigar. HELL TO THE NO!!! If one wants you to enjoy a stick, typically they'll GIVE YOU ONE, but it's totally rude to ask for a cigar. I work extremely hard for my money and I buy cigars for me, and if I'm so inclined to share with you, I will. Do you go to the gas station and ask people to give you gas, or hang around the lobby in the Directv building asking for free service? No, so don't beg for a stick. It's just common sense. The cigar circle is filled with a lot of kind, giving and great folks, don't ruin it by asking for cigars. Sometimes maybe it's just not for you to have a certain cigar at that time, but here's a novel idea, especially if you're in a cigar store... BUY ONE OR SOME. I'm sure the store owners will appreciate it.
Clean up your damn mess. For the most part, we all know cigars can be messy (meaning the ash), but if it falls, clean it up or at least make the effort to. When you're cutting your stick, cut it over an ashtray or garbage can. Don't just cut it and let if fall on the floor. You're mom doesn't work at the cigar store so she won't clean up after you. Same with the cellophane, it's cool to just sit it on the table, but eventually throw it away. As a good practice, don't put the cellophane in the ashtray, as it doesn't make a good smell if it's burning in the ashtray or if somebody were to put there cigar there not paying attention, of course now you have a cello flavored cigar. This also goes for soda bottles/cans, Starbucks cups etc. The folks at the cigar stores are not janitors so don't leave your crap all over.
You should never, I repeat never "smash" a cigar out. Just sit it down and it will go out all by itself. When you smash it out, it leaves a very pungent, nasty aroma that now interferes with my pleasant aroma and my "cigar mood". It's not a cigarette, it's a CIGAR and should be treated as such. By rule you should also never cut the lit end of a stogie, as when you re-light it, it won't taste good and the part you just cut off again will smell like crap. If you find you don't have time to finish what you've started, either wait just 5 more minutes without puffing and it will be safe enough to sit in your car or buy a Cigar Saver. They're great devices that you can actually put a lit stick in, put the cap back on it and it will go out all by its lonesome. And you won't get such a foul taste when you relight it.
One of the biggest etiquette rules I'd like to talk about is respecting others. The shop is a place where we all like to solve the world's problems, but you don't have to be a complete idiot to do that. I spent 20 plus years in the military and I didn't hear no where near the amount of cussing I do in some shops. You all know they're all types of folks in the shop and all should be respected. It's one thing to say "mofo" to your buddy sitting right next to you, but yelling it out is just plain rude and unbecoming. What you may find if you respect yourself, you'll gain a lot of respect in return. Most shops I frequent have a lot of women who enjoy cigars and regardless of what you think, they are WOMEN and should be respected, as well as people of the clergy, and people who just don't cuss. Because you're cussing, doesn't make you a "macho man or woman", it just makes you an even bigger idiot.
Politics is a huge topic of discussion in most shops and no matter what your party affiliation is, it don't make it right or wrong and if you don't like a certain politician that's fine, but others may like a certain person and don't want to hear you talking a bunch of crap trying to push your agenda. Have a discussion not a lecture. I know some people are just plain idiots and will try to make themselves worldly, but in the long run it makes them more an idiot and less welcome amongst the group. As goes for your personal problems, those are YOUR personal problems so handle 'em. I really could care less if your wife is sleeping with the pool boy, unless she's buying us all a cigar every week. Don't make the conversation a downer with that kinda crap, just sayin.
Finally, this you think would be common sense but I guess not. As much as I'm sure cigar store owners want you to be comfortable, they don't mean take your shoes off, or lay on the couch etc. It's not your living room, and others don't want to smell your stinky ass feet. "Come on man" have some decency about yourself. Cigars and cigar folks are for enjoyment, not for conflicts and having to show grown ass folks how to act.
So now go to your local cigar joint with this wisdom, buy some sticks and enjoy. If you give any of this thought at all, you'll see you will not only enjoy your cigar much better, but the whole cigar mood will improve, and you might be invited to participate in a few more conversations. Until next time, CLP (clip, light and puff). "Smoke 'em, if you got 'em"
Sunday, June 5, 2011
"I paid $25 for this cigar"
Ironically, you hear phrases like the title way too often. Typically some "cigar snob" is uttering those words and all to proud of the fact they spent a lot of money on a cigar. Now if you reside in a place like California where taxes are ridiculous (and the agenda of all the self-righteous ass wipes) you'll find cigar prices extremely high, as it's they're way of trying to get rid of a totally legal product (that's another discussion for another time), but in other places a great premium cigar can hit your pocket in the neighborhood of $9 to $14 dollars. Example, a Camacho Triple Maduro 6x60 averages around $15 and up in the People's Republic of California, but recently while visiting my hometown of New Orleans, I found them at a couple of stores for $11 per stick. So there may be a reason you have to pay more for a cigar, unless you're like me and I order online and have my cigars shipped to me (screw these dumb ass tax happy California zealots), but for the most part it's not about how much you pay for a cigar that determines if it will be a good one or not.
The first rule of thumb is "your palate is your palate", what taste like a dog rocket to you, may be the best cigar in my humidor to me. So you and only you can tell what you like best. But don't fall into that trap that you have spend a King's ransom to enjoy some fine sticks. SPOILER ALERT!!! Because a lot of the folks I enjoy cigars with respect my opinions regarding cigars, I've often taken the bands off of some cigars and tell the person I'm giving them to "this is one of the most expensive cigars I have in my collection, but I want you to try it". As we sit and enjoy the cigars, I hear comments like "man this is one of the best cigars I've ever had", or "this has to be a $20 cigar, because it's just so smooth and tasty" as well as other complimentary comments. After the cigars are done, I show them the bands and...wait for it, wait for it...... BAM! JMs Dominican, Flor D Oliva, Cigar.com House Brand, Quorum, Baccarat and the list goes on. All of those brands are what's called "value brands" or as the cigar snobs call them "cheap shit". On average for the brands I just mentioned you'll spend $35 to $45 a bundle of 20. Now my friends I just laid this bombshell on, are dumbfounded. "How can a cigar that cost so little, taste so good?" Because it's not always about the price, it's about where it's made, who blends it, how it's kept etc.
I'll throw out a heap of praise to Cigar.com right now on their house blends. A.J. Fernandez and Don Pepin Garcia are two of the hottest, most knowledgeable guys in the cigar business and they both produce and oversee not only their top of the line super premium brands but they also make some of Cigar.com's house blends. Now common sense will tell you that these gentlemen aren't going to risk their reputations and sales of their own brands and make a crappy cigar for another company. No! They put the same quality and care in Cigar.com's House Blends as they do their own cigars, the only difference, price,. and the Cigar.com House Blends are off the chain (The Brazilian, the Sun grown etc) Also, if you do a little research when looking at value brands, you'll find a lot of the tobacco that has been used in the super expensive, super premium brands are used in the value brands. Yep, the same exact tobacco. Some of it may be short filler or leftovers, but it's the SAME tobacco. My point is you don't always have to spend a million bucks to get a great cigar.
Then there's seconds, 2nds, overruns whatever you want to call 'em. They are cigars that come from major factories that don't quite meet quality control standards. A slight difference in color, a tear in wrapper, the foot of the cigar is frayed a bit etc. Those cigars aren't thrown away or "rebuilt" they're sold as seconds etc., and typically at a huge reduction in price, sometimes 60-80% off of what their super premium friends that made the cut sell for and they don't always have a band on them. So why would one spend $16 on a cigar when they can get the same cigar without a band and a slight blemish for $5? It blows my mind, after all I'm not buying my cigars for anyone to judge, I'm buying them for my enjoyment and magically once you start enjoying them, the blemishes go away. I have yet to purchase a cigar just because the band or box looks great.
Yes, this is still America and you can spend whatever you want to on a cigar, it's your damn money, but I'm just hoping to share a little wisdom and let you know, in this time of "belt tightening" we all want to save a little money when we can. I'm also not saying don't buy super premium brands and blends, we need to support our lifestyle as much as we can, because the "pleasure police" (thanks Cigar Dave) are trying to take away our freedom to enjoy a legal product. Do some research and you'll be surprised at what you might find. In my case, I purchase a lot of cigars and I like to let them age, so whether it's a $2 stick or a $15 stick, you'll also be surprised at what proper aging can do to a cigar. About 6 years ago I picked up a bundle of cigars called "National Brand". They had a sun grown wrapper, they looked great and this older gentleman who had just spent $400 on cigars for his friends who were coming over, picked up a bundle of National Brand for himself. "Wait, you just spent $400 on two boxes of cigars for your friends, but only $45 on cigars for yourself?" I asked, to which he replied "those idiots wouldn't know a good cigar if it smacked 'em in the ass, but it makes 'em feel good when they come to my place and smoke $15 cigars". Alrighty then. By the way, this gentleman (who I used to run into often at the cigar shop) knows his stuff, told me to "go do the Google thing on these cigars and Greg, you might just be surprised". So I run to my laptop and voila!, National Brand is made by Caribe Cigars (Camacho). Holy crap, let me get a bundle, which I did. Now back to today or a few months ago, I've smoke a few of these over the years since I bought them and they were great, now with about 6 years of age, some plume on 'em, MAN THIS CIGAR freaking rocks!
In closing I say to you, take some time and truly learn about what you're smoking. You will not only save money, but you'll find some absolute winners. I know I mention the cigar snobs a lot and they too are Brothers and Sisters of the Leaf, so I have love for 'em, just a little, but still love. I think they're misguided kids who really don't know any better or pompous butt holes who want to brag about how much money they have and spend, but remember the old proverb "a fool and his money are soon parted", then I'm sure they'll be the value brand Kings and Queens once they're broke, although they'll put the band of an expensive cigar on that value cigar so they can keep bragging LMAO!!!
CLP folks! (clip, light and puff). Until next time "smoke 'em if you got em"
The first rule of thumb is "your palate is your palate", what taste like a dog rocket to you, may be the best cigar in my humidor to me. So you and only you can tell what you like best. But don't fall into that trap that you have spend a King's ransom to enjoy some fine sticks. SPOILER ALERT!!! Because a lot of the folks I enjoy cigars with respect my opinions regarding cigars, I've often taken the bands off of some cigars and tell the person I'm giving them to "this is one of the most expensive cigars I have in my collection, but I want you to try it". As we sit and enjoy the cigars, I hear comments like "man this is one of the best cigars I've ever had", or "this has to be a $20 cigar, because it's just so smooth and tasty" as well as other complimentary comments. After the cigars are done, I show them the bands and...wait for it, wait for it...... BAM! JMs Dominican, Flor D Oliva, Cigar.com House Brand, Quorum, Baccarat and the list goes on. All of those brands are what's called "value brands" or as the cigar snobs call them "cheap shit". On average for the brands I just mentioned you'll spend $35 to $45 a bundle of 20. Now my friends I just laid this bombshell on, are dumbfounded. "How can a cigar that cost so little, taste so good?" Because it's not always about the price, it's about where it's made, who blends it, how it's kept etc.
I'll throw out a heap of praise to Cigar.com right now on their house blends. A.J. Fernandez and Don Pepin Garcia are two of the hottest, most knowledgeable guys in the cigar business and they both produce and oversee not only their top of the line super premium brands but they also make some of Cigar.com's house blends. Now common sense will tell you that these gentlemen aren't going to risk their reputations and sales of their own brands and make a crappy cigar for another company. No! They put the same quality and care in Cigar.com's House Blends as they do their own cigars, the only difference, price,. and the Cigar.com House Blends are off the chain (The Brazilian, the Sun grown etc) Also, if you do a little research when looking at value brands, you'll find a lot of the tobacco that has been used in the super expensive, super premium brands are used in the value brands. Yep, the same exact tobacco. Some of it may be short filler or leftovers, but it's the SAME tobacco. My point is you don't always have to spend a million bucks to get a great cigar.
Then there's seconds, 2nds, overruns whatever you want to call 'em. They are cigars that come from major factories that don't quite meet quality control standards. A slight difference in color, a tear in wrapper, the foot of the cigar is frayed a bit etc. Those cigars aren't thrown away or "rebuilt" they're sold as seconds etc., and typically at a huge reduction in price, sometimes 60-80% off of what their super premium friends that made the cut sell for and they don't always have a band on them. So why would one spend $16 on a cigar when they can get the same cigar without a band and a slight blemish for $5? It blows my mind, after all I'm not buying my cigars for anyone to judge, I'm buying them for my enjoyment and magically once you start enjoying them, the blemishes go away. I have yet to purchase a cigar just because the band or box looks great.
Yes, this is still America and you can spend whatever you want to on a cigar, it's your damn money, but I'm just hoping to share a little wisdom and let you know, in this time of "belt tightening" we all want to save a little money when we can. I'm also not saying don't buy super premium brands and blends, we need to support our lifestyle as much as we can, because the "pleasure police" (thanks Cigar Dave) are trying to take away our freedom to enjoy a legal product. Do some research and you'll be surprised at what you might find. In my case, I purchase a lot of cigars and I like to let them age, so whether it's a $2 stick or a $15 stick, you'll also be surprised at what proper aging can do to a cigar. About 6 years ago I picked up a bundle of cigars called "National Brand". They had a sun grown wrapper, they looked great and this older gentleman who had just spent $400 on cigars for his friends who were coming over, picked up a bundle of National Brand for himself. "Wait, you just spent $400 on two boxes of cigars for your friends, but only $45 on cigars for yourself?" I asked, to which he replied "those idiots wouldn't know a good cigar if it smacked 'em in the ass, but it makes 'em feel good when they come to my place and smoke $15 cigars". Alrighty then. By the way, this gentleman (who I used to run into often at the cigar shop) knows his stuff, told me to "go do the Google thing on these cigars and Greg, you might just be surprised". So I run to my laptop and voila!, National Brand is made by Caribe Cigars (Camacho). Holy crap, let me get a bundle, which I did. Now back to today or a few months ago, I've smoke a few of these over the years since I bought them and they were great, now with about 6 years of age, some plume on 'em, MAN THIS CIGAR freaking rocks!
In closing I say to you, take some time and truly learn about what you're smoking. You will not only save money, but you'll find some absolute winners. I know I mention the cigar snobs a lot and they too are Brothers and Sisters of the Leaf, so I have love for 'em, just a little, but still love. I think they're misguided kids who really don't know any better or pompous butt holes who want to brag about how much money they have and spend, but remember the old proverb "a fool and his money are soon parted", then I'm sure they'll be the value brand Kings and Queens once they're broke, although they'll put the band of an expensive cigar on that value cigar so they can keep bragging LMAO!!!
CLP folks! (clip, light and puff). Until next time "smoke 'em if you got em"
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Welcome! Now let's talk about cigars
Welcome to my blog. Being a person that absolutely loves the "cigar world", here we'll discuss everything cigar. Including, but not limited to cigar manufacturing, countries of origin, how to correctly smoke a cigar, what foods and drinks enhance cigars and many other things. Just a little about me. I've been enjoying cigars for more than 25 years, and have a close relationship to many of the companies that produce cigars as well as I serve as the event coordinator for Cardenas Cigars in Sacramento, CA http://www.cardenascigars.com/ My personal collection includes well over 100 boxes/bundles/singles (and if you're counting, that's about 2200 or more cigars). Cigar enjoyment is not just smoking, it's truly an art. Over the coming weeks I'll tell you how I was introduced to cigars, what drives my passion for them and hopefully share things that will make you're cigar life more enjoyable and knowledgeable. I'll post ratings of cigars (and explain what makes up most rating systems), where to buy them, what to look for etc. If you have any ideas, suggestions, comments, complaints etc., please feel free to let me know. So, "light 'em if you got 'em". Long ashes
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