You can't enjoy a cigar or pipe without having the proper accessories, well in essence you actually could, but what fun is it when you have to bite the end of your cigar off, or attempt to tamper your pipe with your bare finger (I've seen it done and was quite amazed), or more than anything try to light your cigar or pipe as you rub 2 sticks together. Not a good look at all, so with that being said.......
First things first, if you're going to enjoy a cigar, you have to be able to clip, cut, pierce or punch the cap aka head. As mentioned above you could always go old school and just bite the cap off but that is so, so neanderthal, and straight out last resort. Then you could pinch it off, that to is just antiquated and both of those methods tend to destroy the cap and that could mean a less than perfect smoke. So you have to have a cutter, piercer, or punch. We got that part covered, onto the next sequence of events, combustion.
Secondly, in order to start combustion, you have to have fire! Many still use wooden matches to ignite both, some use matches from a match book, cedar spills, now with the advancement of technology some use a USB coil electronic lighter and of course a butane or regular fluid style lighter. We've got that part covered. By-the-way, I go back and forth using wooden matches and butane lighters for the most part, they just always seem to do the job, and the right wooden matches and cedar spills can add flavor to a cigar, not sure about pipe tobacco.
Next, now that we've been enjoying our cigar or pipe, other accessories come into play. For the most part you're good for a while on your cigar with the exception of maybe having to re-light a time or two, and with a pipe, depending on your level of experience, you have need to re-light a few times. Part of that re-lighting means you have to push down the "dottle" and proverbial "cherry" on top of the unsmoked pipe tobacco, so you'll need a tamper. I've seen folks use a nail head as a tamper, empty bullet casing, saw a security guard once use an actual bullet and the whole time I watched what angle he was sitting as if it were to go off, I wanted to make sure I was not in the "line of fire". Didn't fire, but it was one of the most unpleasant smoke sessions I've ever had. Moving on, for the most part you can use any rounded flat item as a tamper, and there are some pretty unique ones out there. I typically use a "Czech" tool. It's the multi-function, super inexpensive tamper most pipe smokers use. It has 3 function; tamper, pick and spoon and I won't get into each of their functions, as they're pretty easy to figure out. Also for a pipe smoker, pipe cleaners are a must have. The only other thing a cigar smoker may need (if no ashtray is available) is a cigar stand and what's known as a "nubber". A nubber is a tool that help you to enjoy the end of your cigar know as the "sweet spot". Some use toothpicks, there's actual cigar nubbers for sale, and often you'll see ice-picks used or a "2 penny nail". All will suffice to enjoy that great spot of a cigar. There are a few more accessories you'll need ie., ashtrays, travel humidors, pipe cases, tobacco pouches etc.
Now the reason I've went through all of those things is to say this, I HAVE WAY TOO MANY DAMN SMOKING ACCESSORIES!! I probably have in the neighborhood of 150-200 lighters, maybe 150 or so cutters, punches and piercers, 50-60 tampers/tamper tools, far too many ashtrays, quite a few nubbers (not just nails), hundreds on hundreds of matchboxes or tubes and the list goes on. This is really for the "newbie" to the smoking game, so take heed. If you're new to this lifestyle and remotely think you'll be around for a while, do some research before you start purchasing your accessories, it'll save you some tears and money in the long run. I didn't do the prerequisite research and eventually noticed I had way too many accessories. Instead of researching, when I started enjoying pipes and cigars, I purchased the cheapest or suggested accessories and subsequently as I gained more knowledge, I decided I needed to have better accessories. The other day, I was going through some boxes I have packed away and it's truly unbelievable of the amount of accessories I have. Some purchased, some that were gifted to me, things I won via online contest or a smoking events. Some were a "bonus" when I purchased cigars, pipes or pipe tobacco etc. I still have my very first cigar guillotine cutter from 1984, it's a plastic cutter I was given by the General in the Air Force who taught me to enjoy cigars. The blade is a bit rusty due to it's age, and dull, but I still have it. I also have a Dupont cigar light I paid $500.00 bucks for, a Corona Old Boy pipe lighter I paid $200 plus for. I also have a 1900's Vintage Midland Jump Spark Wireless (yeah they called it a Wireless in the early 1900's) table top lighter I've been offered $4,000.00 for. It's a beautiful piece of art, that I can't ever see getting rid of. I have a ashtrays from numerous events, that were won as a prize or included with the purchase of cigars or pipes. Then I have a collection of tampers and nubbers I've made myself and sell occasionally. One of the cooler cigar accessories I own is an electric cutter. It has a vertical tube that you place the cap end of your cigar into and it then starts a circular blade that cuts the head off perfectly (sounds Medieval, but it's so cool. I own an ashtray that's a poker hand (cards) and that too is really cool. One day my grand kids, kids will have a plethora of smoking related accessories to take to the the "Antique Road Show" taping.
On another note, in the "smoking game" you can never have too many accessories. I keep lighters, tampers, nubbers in my vehicle, in my work briefcase, in my pockets at all times. I have accessories in my locker at my local B&M, hell I'm researching what it will cost to have a "accessory person" follow me around and carry tools (then I'd be a job creator), so I'd actually be helping the economy grow. So if you're new to this and don't want to have hundreds of accessories, put some time in and do a little research. Some may cost a bit more, but will last a lifetime with proper care. Some are just really cool to have and are the ultimate talking points in a setting with fellow enthusiasts. Unless you just like having boxes and boxes of cigar and pipe related stuff hanging around, or you may want to start a smoking related museum one day, then carry on. Until next time "CLP" (Clip, Light and Puff".
Greg C
(____GC__________]]]]~~~~
Discussions about the world of premium cigars, accessories, libations and everything cigars.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Sunday, October 15, 2017
"I'm Getting Old"
It's late Saturday afternoon and I've completed all of my weekend chores and now it's time to adjorn to the "cave" and fire up a cigar or a bowl in one of my pipes, the same thing my granddad used to do back in the day. Wait, am I morphing into my granddad? This can't be, I'm not an old man, I don't think I am anyway. Is this what cigars and pipes represent, being old? Quick somebody call the Age Police, something is happening to me.
Well, even though I'm closer to 60 than I am 50, I don't think or feel like I'm old and "no" this isn't what cigars and pipes represent. What it does represent is a different appreciation or maybe a better appreciation and understanding of life. I find myself spending a lot of time in my cave and normally I'm enjoying a fine cigar or pipe smoke and more than likely, reading something or surfing the net researching something regarding cigars and pipes. Or even enjoying a virtual "Herf" with my online smoking crew in one of the several social media groups I belong to (which is another blog for another time), or just enjoying life. Even though my grandfathers are no longer with us, man how I wish I could've spent a little more time with them when I was old enough to truly enjoy a good smoke, I think the conversations would be so awesome. Being able to understand their thoughts about their smoking game, the ups and downs of life and now being able to "compare" notes. Just the possibilities...
That's one of the reasons I introduced my son, and other younger folks to the cigar and pipe game. I'm hoping to pass on a hobby that was passed on to me, that is slowly being taken away from us with all of the political attacks on tobacco. Hoping to have younger generations understand how magical this game is, in the sense of being able to actually have civilized discussions about life, politics, sports, religion etc., make business connections, making new friends, the works. I've had some of the greatest as well as heated conversations about those things at my local brick and mortar and ironically no one was ever wiped off the face of the earth. I actually have re-examined some of my views and have had others say the same thing to me regarding their views on life over a cigar or pipe smoke. Those conversations from where I sit, don't seem to happening a lot anymore. Everybody is too busy texting these days and not having that human interaction that is needed so much. The opportunity to sit and look another person in the eyes and express your feelings about your views, get a rebuttal, and debate the point. Who knew that could happen when you were enjoying your cigar or pipe.
Back to this "old" thing, I remember when I couldn't wait for the weekend so I could go clubbing or hanging out, ripping and running nonstop, now I plan during the week what my smoke lineup will be for the weekend, especially if I've purchased something new I hadn't tried yet. I meticulously plan and think about what I'll drink with that smoke, what music I'll listen to, what movies or television shows I may watch, which book I might read and finally when Friday hits, it's like heaven. After work, I get home and set my plan in motion and it's on! Change into something comfortable (including my slippers), prepare my drink, grab my smoke selection and retreat to the cave and there "she" is, my recliner. WTF? A recliner, are you effing kidding me? Yes, my recliner has become my security blanket sort to speak. It's where I find myself on many nights and I tell you, there's no other place I'd rather be. There's just something about the solitude of the cave, my recliner and a fine smoke. All of the world's troubles just seem to disappear and life is good. Sometimes it's just for a couple of hours, other times it's all night into the early morning, and I mean early morning. Recently I searched my streaming services for every cigar, pipe, tobacco movie or documentary I could find and what started out at 6:30 pm, lasted until 4:30 am the next morning although I did sneak in about a 30 nap around 1:00 am, that damn "old" thing again. And to be perfectly honest, it was one of the best Friday nights I've had in my life.
I've learned more about things I never imagined I would be interested in, and with the ability to research via the internet, it has been wonderful. As far as the cigar and pipe game, I belong to a few social media groups as I mentioned earlier that are interesting to say the least. One in-particular (I won't give out the name as it's very exclusive and members only), there are quite a few characters. Women and men for just about every walk of life you could imagine. There are many things we share, but things I like most are hearing others views regarding what they're smoking. There's the "super experienced aficionado" the "I know enough to be dangerous" and the "I have no earthly idea what I'm smoking or doing, but I like it" person, and I learn something from each and every one of them. I recently mentioned that I'd been enjoying the smoking lifestyle for almost 34 years and somebody said "hell, I was two when you started smoking cigars" (the old thing again). The cool thing was at that very moment I realized I had gained the attention of a much younger generation and it was in a cigar and pipe group. That's really the beauty of it all, in my opinion. There's one gentleman who typically on Sunday evenings prepares his "weekly pipe smokes" and I find it pretty interesting when he does. It gives me an opportunity to compare notes and see what he's smoking that I may not have tried to this point. It's also pretty interesting to see the reviews folks post and again, compare notes to see what their thoughts are about a particular cigar or pipe tobacco.
There's a beauty to getting "older", and I say that for whatever age you may be. If you pay attention, you might just learn something, especially in the smoking game. There's a couple of guys who refer to me as "Triple OG" and I'm still embracing that moniker, but I do consider it an honor, as having a 30 something son, and I know it's meant as a sign of respect, and isn't that what most folks only want, respect? So I'm about to fire up a bowl in one of my pipes and just accept that I am getting old and be thankful that I am. Hopefully the next time you're in a brick and mortar or participating in a social media group diccussion, go ahead and offer something, you never know who's listening and don't be afraid of "getting old".
Until next time...........CLP (clip, light and puff).
Gregory
(____GC__________]]]]~~~~
Well, even though I'm closer to 60 than I am 50, I don't think or feel like I'm old and "no" this isn't what cigars and pipes represent. What it does represent is a different appreciation or maybe a better appreciation and understanding of life. I find myself spending a lot of time in my cave and normally I'm enjoying a fine cigar or pipe smoke and more than likely, reading something or surfing the net researching something regarding cigars and pipes. Or even enjoying a virtual "Herf" with my online smoking crew in one of the several social media groups I belong to (which is another blog for another time), or just enjoying life. Even though my grandfathers are no longer with us, man how I wish I could've spent a little more time with them when I was old enough to truly enjoy a good smoke, I think the conversations would be so awesome. Being able to understand their thoughts about their smoking game, the ups and downs of life and now being able to "compare" notes. Just the possibilities...
That's one of the reasons I introduced my son, and other younger folks to the cigar and pipe game. I'm hoping to pass on a hobby that was passed on to me, that is slowly being taken away from us with all of the political attacks on tobacco. Hoping to have younger generations understand how magical this game is, in the sense of being able to actually have civilized discussions about life, politics, sports, religion etc., make business connections, making new friends, the works. I've had some of the greatest as well as heated conversations about those things at my local brick and mortar and ironically no one was ever wiped off the face of the earth. I actually have re-examined some of my views and have had others say the same thing to me regarding their views on life over a cigar or pipe smoke. Those conversations from where I sit, don't seem to happening a lot anymore. Everybody is too busy texting these days and not having that human interaction that is needed so much. The opportunity to sit and look another person in the eyes and express your feelings about your views, get a rebuttal, and debate the point. Who knew that could happen when you were enjoying your cigar or pipe.
Back to this "old" thing, I remember when I couldn't wait for the weekend so I could go clubbing or hanging out, ripping and running nonstop, now I plan during the week what my smoke lineup will be for the weekend, especially if I've purchased something new I hadn't tried yet. I meticulously plan and think about what I'll drink with that smoke, what music I'll listen to, what movies or television shows I may watch, which book I might read and finally when Friday hits, it's like heaven. After work, I get home and set my plan in motion and it's on! Change into something comfortable (including my slippers), prepare my drink, grab my smoke selection and retreat to the cave and there "she" is, my recliner. WTF? A recliner, are you effing kidding me? Yes, my recliner has become my security blanket sort to speak. It's where I find myself on many nights and I tell you, there's no other place I'd rather be. There's just something about the solitude of the cave, my recliner and a fine smoke. All of the world's troubles just seem to disappear and life is good. Sometimes it's just for a couple of hours, other times it's all night into the early morning, and I mean early morning. Recently I searched my streaming services for every cigar, pipe, tobacco movie or documentary I could find and what started out at 6:30 pm, lasted until 4:30 am the next morning although I did sneak in about a 30 nap around 1:00 am, that damn "old" thing again. And to be perfectly honest, it was one of the best Friday nights I've had in my life.
I've learned more about things I never imagined I would be interested in, and with the ability to research via the internet, it has been wonderful. As far as the cigar and pipe game, I belong to a few social media groups as I mentioned earlier that are interesting to say the least. One in-particular (I won't give out the name as it's very exclusive and members only), there are quite a few characters. Women and men for just about every walk of life you could imagine. There are many things we share, but things I like most are hearing others views regarding what they're smoking. There's the "super experienced aficionado" the "I know enough to be dangerous" and the "I have no earthly idea what I'm smoking or doing, but I like it" person, and I learn something from each and every one of them. I recently mentioned that I'd been enjoying the smoking lifestyle for almost 34 years and somebody said "hell, I was two when you started smoking cigars" (the old thing again). The cool thing was at that very moment I realized I had gained the attention of a much younger generation and it was in a cigar and pipe group. That's really the beauty of it all, in my opinion. There's one gentleman who typically on Sunday evenings prepares his "weekly pipe smokes" and I find it pretty interesting when he does. It gives me an opportunity to compare notes and see what he's smoking that I may not have tried to this point. It's also pretty interesting to see the reviews folks post and again, compare notes to see what their thoughts are about a particular cigar or pipe tobacco.
There's a beauty to getting "older", and I say that for whatever age you may be. If you pay attention, you might just learn something, especially in the smoking game. There's a couple of guys who refer to me as "Triple OG" and I'm still embracing that moniker, but I do consider it an honor, as having a 30 something son, and I know it's meant as a sign of respect, and isn't that what most folks only want, respect? So I'm about to fire up a bowl in one of my pipes and just accept that I am getting old and be thankful that I am. Hopefully the next time you're in a brick and mortar or participating in a social media group diccussion, go ahead and offer something, you never know who's listening and don't be afraid of "getting old".
Until next time...........CLP (clip, light and puff).
Gregory
(____GC__________]]]]~~~~
Saturday, May 13, 2017
"Who's Your Daddy"?
Yeah, that's right I asked "who's your daddy", but I'm asking in the sense of a whole cadre of young guns, now involved in the cigar game. The industry is filled with a lot of young and ambitious entrepreneurs who are turning the cigar world on its collective head. One of the things I've noticed is a lot of those young guns have serious cigar linage. Members of the Padron, Fuente, Eiroa, Perez-Carillo, Torano, Garcia, Oliva, Rico etc., families have been in the business for a multitude of years and now their children and grandchildren have venture in and taken the cigar world by storm. For example Jaime Garcia, son of Jose Pepin Garcia is one of those young guns who not only understands tobacco, but understands the cigar game and has made a significant impact within it. He's taken lessons learned from his father and elevated them to another level. His cigars are some of the most sought after in the game and for good reason. Or A.J. Fernandez, a third generation cigar maker who is a superstar, without a doubt. And many, many more have decided to not only keep the family legacy going, but put their own stamp on it.
They've ventured outside of the box their elder family members created and reside in, to try new things, blending different tobaccos from different regions into one cigar, inventing new shapes and sizes, taken advantage of new advertising methods (ie., youtube and social media), they've partnered with their fellow young guns to produce collaborations, and even re-blended and re-packaged family legacy blends with much success. Personally, I love it, because they don't play by the old line rules, they like to push the limits and they refuse to be be labeled as just a "cigar maker". A.J. Fernandez is probably the ring leader, you can find his name associated with quite a few of his own blends as well as with a lot of old time "standards" that have taken on a new life. I recently picked up a box of the his Romeo y Julieta Crafted by AJ Fernandez and it's simply amazing. Most definitely not your grandfather's RyJ, but still a RyJ. A standard in the cigar game, known for it's mild flavor and consistency, AJ decided it was time to bring the RyJ to the 21st Century and he did so in a major way. A medium to full-bodied cigar, it's pack with flavor, tons of complexity, but somehow is still within the confines of what you would expect from a RyJ.
This group of folks have decided, in my opinion, "we're going to make cigars we like, because we feel the consumers of today's cigars want a change". I recently had a discussion with a friend who's been in the cigar game since the 1960's and as much as he's clinging to his era, he confessed, "I kinda like a lot of these cigars from the young' uns". He's a gentleman that likes what he likes and he likes the old standards, because they're consistent and what cigars should be. But wait, is that a Gran Habano #5 he's smoking? That's not an old standard, and when I asked him, he retorted "what can I say, it's an outstanding cigar". That my friends is what this lifestyle is about about, the ability to bridge the gap and bring generations together. The desire to offer a new look at an old thing, the want to introduce those that feel their cigars were the best ever crafted, to okay, this new generation is on to something.
And by the way, there are a lot of young guns who are women, and they to are destined to make their mark in the cigar world. Tres Reynas is a collaborative project featuring Janny Garcia (Pepin's daughter) and Raquel and Patricia Quesada (of Quesada Cigars), made in the My Father Cigars factory is a hidden gem. Unfortunately, I think it didn't get the publicity or recognition if should have gotten because 3 young women created the line. They even changed the band (former band had a woman's head profile on it) to a more smoker friendly band, just so folks are able to see how good of a cigar it is. The cigar was introduced back in 2013, and it ages well, and it truly is a fine smoke, especially if you like spicy, peppery cigars. I shared one with a friend who "nubbed" it and when gave it a sterling rating, that is until he discovered three women were the creators of the cigar and then it became a "average" cigar, wtf!
So, if you're one of the stodgy old curmudgeons who think cigars shouldn't change, take a deep breath, pick up a few of these sticks from the young guns and be honest with yourself, you might just discover you've been missing out. If you're like me and always want something different, what the hell are you waiting for? Give the new generation a shot, you too might be surprised and discover it's not just about young folks riding the coattails of their family members, but serious cigar folks who are a force to be reckoned with. I'm going to light up this Gran Habano and enjoy it. Until next time....... CLP (clip, light and puff)!
Long ashes and deep bowls
Greg C
(___G_________]]]]~~~
They've ventured outside of the box their elder family members created and reside in, to try new things, blending different tobaccos from different regions into one cigar, inventing new shapes and sizes, taken advantage of new advertising methods (ie., youtube and social media), they've partnered with their fellow young guns to produce collaborations, and even re-blended and re-packaged family legacy blends with much success. Personally, I love it, because they don't play by the old line rules, they like to push the limits and they refuse to be be labeled as just a "cigar maker". A.J. Fernandez is probably the ring leader, you can find his name associated with quite a few of his own blends as well as with a lot of old time "standards" that have taken on a new life. I recently picked up a box of the his Romeo y Julieta Crafted by AJ Fernandez and it's simply amazing. Most definitely not your grandfather's RyJ, but still a RyJ. A standard in the cigar game, known for it's mild flavor and consistency, AJ decided it was time to bring the RyJ to the 21st Century and he did so in a major way. A medium to full-bodied cigar, it's pack with flavor, tons of complexity, but somehow is still within the confines of what you would expect from a RyJ.
This group of folks have decided, in my opinion, "we're going to make cigars we like, because we feel the consumers of today's cigars want a change". I recently had a discussion with a friend who's been in the cigar game since the 1960's and as much as he's clinging to his era, he confessed, "I kinda like a lot of these cigars from the young' uns". He's a gentleman that likes what he likes and he likes the old standards, because they're consistent and what cigars should be. But wait, is that a Gran Habano #5 he's smoking? That's not an old standard, and when I asked him, he retorted "what can I say, it's an outstanding cigar". That my friends is what this lifestyle is about about, the ability to bridge the gap and bring generations together. The desire to offer a new look at an old thing, the want to introduce those that feel their cigars were the best ever crafted, to okay, this new generation is on to something.
And by the way, there are a lot of young guns who are women, and they to are destined to make their mark in the cigar world. Tres Reynas is a collaborative project featuring Janny Garcia (Pepin's daughter) and Raquel and Patricia Quesada (of Quesada Cigars), made in the My Father Cigars factory is a hidden gem. Unfortunately, I think it didn't get the publicity or recognition if should have gotten because 3 young women created the line. They even changed the band (former band had a woman's head profile on it) to a more smoker friendly band, just so folks are able to see how good of a cigar it is. The cigar was introduced back in 2013, and it ages well, and it truly is a fine smoke, especially if you like spicy, peppery cigars. I shared one with a friend who "nubbed" it and when gave it a sterling rating, that is until he discovered three women were the creators of the cigar and then it became a "average" cigar, wtf!
So, if you're one of the stodgy old curmudgeons who think cigars shouldn't change, take a deep breath, pick up a few of these sticks from the young guns and be honest with yourself, you might just discover you've been missing out. If you're like me and always want something different, what the hell are you waiting for? Give the new generation a shot, you too might be surprised and discover it's not just about young folks riding the coattails of their family members, but serious cigar folks who are a force to be reckoned with. I'm going to light up this Gran Habano and enjoy it. Until next time....... CLP (clip, light and puff)!
Long ashes and deep bowls
Greg C
(___G_________]]]]~~~
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