Cigars Insider

The smoking culture has existed for ages and has been a consistently growing market. History tells that cigar smoking was common in the Latin American region which includes countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua. Same with Cameroon, Honduras, Indonesia and it includes Cuba and the United States of America.

Christopher Columbus is said to be the first to introduce cigar in Europe. Ages after, cigar smoking has been associated with masculinity and high social status that makes cigar an interesting part of a special smoker’s habits. In special occasions, it could be a good form of present for a friend, a colleague, a boss, a patner…How does one buy a good cigar as a gift?

• Find out stores, specifically smoke specialty stores, that sell a great selection of cigars including those which are extraordinary.
• Consider the smoking experience of the person you would want to give your present to. This would determine if the size and diameter of the cigar would suit his or her taste. The cigar diameter is directly proportional to the richness of the flavor. Cigars that are bigger in diameter and richer in taste are more appropriate for “experienced” smokers. For “greenhorn” smokers, longer cigars with cooler smoke is commendable.
• See to it that the cigar is of good quality and that it is made of one hundred percent tobacco. Some cigars are more of the non-tobacco components like paper, glycerin or saltpeter.
• Refrain from buying a lumpy cigar. You could check out if its lumpy by giving it a gentle squeeze. Also check the wrapper. Refrain from picking cigars that have wrapper discoloration.
• Make your present more special by adding up a cigar cutter or an ashtray that would impress the receiver.
• Give it with sincerity of course.

Cigars like many other consumable goods require special care to preserve their quality. Milk must stay cold. Meat must stay frozen. Cigars are best preserved in air that has a moisture content between 65 and 75%. The moisture content of the air is commonly known as the humidity. If a cigar is kept in an environment where the air is too dry, it will lose moisture causing a loss in flavor. The wrapper of the cigar will dry out and will become prone to cracking. Once a cigar wrapper becomes cracked the cigar can easily become worthless. A small crack in the wrapper will make drawing smoke from the lit end of the cigar much more difficult. Cigars are a luxury item that are often shared on special occasions with guests and friends. Most people consider it in bad taste to offer a ripped cigar to someone. A large enough tear will cause the guts of the cigar to spill out. It is possible to repair a small rip in a cigar with a repair kit, but an ounce of prevention is always worth more than a pound of cure. A cigar stored in an environment that is too humid may cause molding of your cigar stock or hatching of tobacco beetle larva that will destroy your cigars by burrowing through them. High humidity can also cause your cigars to swell in size, which may cause the wrapper to rip. The interior tobacco leaves of the cigar will absorb moisture making their volume larger. Keeping you cigars in the 65-75% humidity range is key to maximizing the shelf life you your cigars.

A humidor is any kind of storage space that is used to store cigars or pipe tobacco. In a humidor the narrow optimal range of humidity for storing tobacco is maintained. Most tobacco shops have humidors that are walk in. Humidors for home use are small boxes that can be conveniently stored on a shelf or in a cabinet. Personal box type humidors hold between thirty to a hundred cigars. Tabletop humidors are also popular for home use. A tabletop humidor has a larger capacity than a box humidor. The smallest sized tabletop humidors hold a few hundred cigars while the largest hold a few thousand. This type of humidor stands on legs like a table. The smallest sized humidor obtainable is a travel humidor, which holds between ten and forty cigars.

Box type and travel size humidors are made mostly from wood or lined with wood on the inside. The type of wood used for the exterior is less important than the wood used for the interior. A tabletop humidor, which is designed to resemble a table, may be made from more exotic materials like leather or marble but usually has a wood lined interior. Spanish cedar is most frequently chosen wood for lining the inside of a humidor because it has tobacco beetle repelling properties, and it imparts taste into cigars stored near it. Mahogany is also used for the interior of a cigar humidor; mahogany has a less pungent odor compared to Spanish cedar.

Humidors come equipped with a hydrometer, which is a device that measures humidity and some form of a self-regulating air humidifier. The most common way the humidity in a humidor is maintained is through the use of a mixture of 1:1 Propylene Glycol and water. Propylene Glycol is an inexpensive alcohol that emits water into the air when humidity is below 70% and absorbs water when humidity is above 70%. Room sized humidors will more than likely have some kind of automated machinery that monitors air humidity and adjusts it accordingly.

Wondering how to choose the perfect cigar?  If you’re a newcomer to the world of cigar smoking, here are a few tips to choosing the best cigar.

First, note the texture of the cigar. Squeeze it gently. Is very soft, or rigid?  Ideally, the cigar should give slightly, but not too much.  Very gently, squeeze the length of the cigar to check for lumps.  A good cigar will have a consistent texture.

Next, inspect the cigar for flaws.  Any cracks or discolorations are the signs of a lower quality cigar.  The cigar’s wrapper should be wrapped smoothly. 

Finally, look at the ends of the cigar.  Pay particular attention to the exposed end where cigar is lit.  If you’re new to cigars, it can be difficult to gauge the quality of the tobacco.  The simplest way to judge the tobacco quality of a cigar is to inspect the color of the tobacco.  If you note any abrupt color changes, this may indicate that the tobacco leaves were not laid out properly.  Look for a cigar with a smooth blend of tobacco.

Cigars have long been associated with the rich and powerful, with relaxation and rich flavor.  Cigar aficionados have created a culture around the art of smoking, assembling various theories and accessories to debate and facilitate smoking.  Much like wine tasting, cigar smoking has been seen as a diversion of the upper echelons of society.

It is believed that cigars were probably first produced in Spain, and then quickly caught on in other European countries.  Although many different countries manufacture cigars, Cuban cigars have long been highly regarded as one of the most flavorful and rich of all cigars.  This is due to regional microclimates that are said to produce the highest quality tobacco, as well as the skill of the country’s cigar makers.  Other countries that produce significant amounts of tobacco and cigars include Brazil, Mexico, Honduras, Ecuador, Cameroon, Dominican Republic, Indonesia, and the United States. Why have cigars long caught the attention of so many?  Many speculate that the cigar’s main attraction is in the way it is manufactured.  High quality cigars are always wrapped by hand.  Unlike cigarettes, cigars undergo a lengthy process of fermentation and aging (much like wine), resulting in subtle flavors and textures.  They are highly individual and the best cigars will provide no smoky aftertaste at all. 

The taste of cigars is much more complex than cigarettes.  The majority of all cigars are created by wrapping three different layers of tobacco leaves together.  High quality cigars usually contain long leaves of nicotine as the filler, although they may also contain a combination of scraps.  This results in subtle variations, different textures, and complex flavors. Cigarettes, on the other hand, are mass-produced and generally only contain one type of tobacco.  Cigars also come in an incredible variety of flavors. The dedicated cigar aficionado can find chocolate, vanilla, apple, and even coffee-flavored cigars!

Every cigar aficionado knows that the very best cigars come from Cuba.  Unfortunately, buying the best can often be a risky proposition.  But many cigar enthusiasts are willing to take the risk to get a taste of the very best.  If you’re wondering just how one would get their hands on a box of Cubans, read on.  Because of the relationship between the United States and Cuba, know that there are a lot of people looking to take advantage of cigar aficionados.  Purchasing Cuban cigars should be done with great caution in order to avoid getting duped. 

First, know that importing cigars from Cuba is considered illegal.  The United States placed economic sanctions on the Cuban government in 1963.  Ever since then, Cuban cigars have become the holy grail of cigar enthusiasts.  There is, however, one loophole: visitors to Cuba who return from a sanctioned and licensed visit are allowed to bring back cigars.  However, visitors are not able to bring back more than $100 worth of cigars, and they must be intended for personal use, and not for resale. 

Any other ways of obtaining Cuban cigars is considered illegal.  It is in fact illegal to buy, sell or trade Cuban cigars in the United States.  Fines for illegal trading, buying or selling of Cuban cigars may face up to $55,000 in civil fines.  This type of fine, however, is quite rare.  The more likely scenario is that you’ll have your cigars confiscated. 

When purchasing a box of Cuban cigars, be prepared to fork over quite a bit of your cash.  Prices can range from about $150 to $500 or more.  If you’re offered a box below these prices, chances are it may not be the real thing.  Most Internet businesses that sell purportedly genuine Cuban cigars tend to be imitations.  Always avoid shops or retailers that offer “discounted” Cuban cigars. 

How to get your hands on the real thing?  The easiest way to get a box of authentic Cuban cigars is to head north to Canada.  Buy them in Canada and repackage them so that they are not in their original Cuba packaging.  Remove the rings and place the cigars in a different box.  Customs agents tend to not inspect cigars carefully, and it is generally not considered a serious offense to bring Cuban cigars into the United States.  In fact, many clerks at tobacco shops will even offer to repackage Cuban cigars for you.

For the new smoker, the different styles and sizes of cigars can seem mind-boggling.  It helps to know that all cigars can be divided into two broad categories:  parejos and figurados.

Parejos refers to cigars that are basically straight.  They are subdivided into three categories:  coronas, panatelas, and lonsdales.  Coronas come in a variety of styles and famous brands.  They are known as cigars with an ‘open foot’ (or tip) and a rounded head.  Panatelas are generally longer than coronas, are thinner.  Lonsdales are also longer than coronas, but are thinner than panatelas. 

The second basic category consists of the figurados.  Figurados refers to cigars with that are irregular or somehow hand-shaped so that they are not strictly straight.  The smallest type of figurados is the belicoso cigars, which are known for a larger foot and a smaller, rounded head. Another basic figurado cigar is the pyramid, which have pointed heads that taper to a large foot.  The perfecto is a figurado cigar that is tapered on both the head and foot, with a thinner middle.  The largest figurado is the diademas, known as the ‘giant’ of cigars because it is always eight inches or longer.

Is there a cigar aficionado on your gift list?  Wondering how to choose a decent cigar for a friend or loved one?  Even if you know nothing about cigars or choosing a good cigar, just learning a few basics can help you sniff out (sometimes literally) a good cigar to give to a friend. 

Fortunately, cigars have now entered the mainstream.  Once the symbol of the rich and powerful, it’s easier than ever for just about anyone to purchase a good cigar.  Of course, you probably won’t be able to buy your friend a box of top-tier Cuban cigars, but you can definitely buy them a good quality cigar that will put a smile on their face. 

First, visit your local tobacconist or specialty smoke shop for the best quality and widest selection.  Avoid ‘drugstore’ cigars.  Although they may be inexpensive and convenient to purchase, drugstore cigars are usually filled with preservatives and generally of poorer quality.  They may contain, at minimum, saltpeter, paper, glycerin, and other preservatives and irritants.  You should make sure that the cigars you purchase are made of 100% tobacco.  If you have any questions regarding the cigars ingredients, ask the salesperson.  An experienced and knowledgeable sales clerk will be able to tell you extensive information about the ingredients. 

Your local tobacco shop is a good place to shop because you will generally be allowed to smell and touch the cigars.  Squeeze the cigar gently.  A good quality cigar will give a little when squeezed.  The cigar should be firm, with no excessively soft or hard spots.  Never buy a lumpy cigar. Look at the wrapper.  If you notice any drying or discoloration, best not to buy it.  Ideally, the wrapper should be tight and smooth.  Inspect the color of the tobacco to make sure it is even.  Do this by inspecting the end of the cigar.  Some color variation is normal, but if the color changes abruptly, chances are the cigar was not rolled properly.  A cigar that is not rolled properly may result in an uneven burning and unpleasant odors. 

If you’re not sure how much your friend smokes, choose a longer cigar.  Longer cigars tend to have a ‘cooler’ taste—an excellent choice for beginners. If you know your friend is an experienced and regular smoker, choose a cigar that is greater in diameter.  These cigars tend to have a richer flavor that experienced smokers will appreciate.

Are you confused about old cigars versus fresh cigars?  What does this mean, exactly?  If you’re new to the world of cigar smoking, these terms can be a little perplexing.  Basically, know that cigars are never really fresh.  That is, you generally can’t purchase a cigar just after it has been produced.  Most tobacconists store their cigars at the proper temperature and humidity before they are stored.  Also, the tobacco in most premium cigars is usually aged for about one to two years before it is rolled into a cigar. 

Many smokers prefer old or vintage cigars.  Why?  Older cigars are not inherently better than newer cigars.  This is simply a matter of personal taste and preference.  How long can vintage cigars last before they lose flavor and integrity?  Cigars that are properly stored at a constant temperature of approximately 70 degrees, and about 70% humidity, can be stored indefinitely. 

What happens if an old cigar is not stored properly, and begins to dry out?  Although the integrity of the cigar will probably be damaged, it can be restored significantly by re-humidifying it.  This process must be done slowly and with great care to restore the cigar’s flavor and consistency

The cigar has long been viewed as a luxury of the rich and powerful.  Images of well-to-do men puffing on a stogie and swirling a glass of good brandy have been well documented and memorialized in films and TV.  If you are just becoming interested in cigars and would like to relax with a stogie and drink after a long day’s work, here are a few tips to get you started. 

Traditionally, the cigar has been paired with a strong drink.  Popular spirits include rum, brandy, or whiskey.  Some argue that a good cigar should always be paired with a strong drink that has a hint of sweetness.  Indeed, cigar smokers have long enjoyed these popular pairings.  For years, the idea of pairing cigars with beer has gone overlooked.  But why overlook good old beer?  Recently, the trend has been to pair cigars with various varieties of beer.  It seems that as cigars have entered the mainstream, it has been democratized and popularized.  What better way to enjoy a puff of this newly popularized treat than to pair it with beer? 

Pairing a good cigar with a good beer is not an easy feat, but when accomplished, it is well worth the effort.  Much of the pairing has to do with your experience level.  If you are a novice, you will probably need help in pairing your specific cigar with an appropriate beer.  If you have a more experienced palate, and you know what you like, you can probably make connections between certain types of cigars and beers. 

Because cigars are so strong and flavorful, one of the challenges in pairing is to find a beer that complements the intensity of most cigars.  Most cigars will pair nicely with a good barely wine or a single malt scotch.  If your cigar can be described as woody, spicy, with hints of cedar, try pairing it with a barley wine.  The fruity hint of barely wine should complement nicely with the spicy flavor of your cigar.  The combination of a spicy cigar with a slightly fruity beer can create an overall creaminess that enhances the flavors of each significantly.

If you have no clue as to what flavor combinations might work, experiment.  First, find a cigar that you enjoy.  Try to identify the characteristics that you enjoy about it.  Then, find a beer whose flavors you think might ‘match’ or complement the cigar.  Many incredible discoveries have been made in much this same way.

Is an ashtray just an ashtray?  Unlike regular cigarettes, cigars need their own special space to support their girth and ashes.  Many cigar aficionados swear by the pleasures of finding the proper place to hold their cigars and ashes.

So what are the characteristics of a good ashtray?  First of course, make sure the ashtray you buy is big enough to hold your cigars.  Cigars come in varying sizes, so you will want an ashtray that can accommodate the single of your choice.  Next, consider your personal style of smoking.  Do you produce a lot of ash?  Do you let your cigar rest for extended periods of time?  These are all important considerations when choosing your ashtray.

Look for ashtrays made of metal, heavy glass, or ceramics.   Ideally, you will want the ashtray to be big enough to hold the ashes for two cigars. 

Where can you find the best ashtrays for your cigars?  Many cigar aficionados swear by antique ashtrays.  Search out flea markets and antique stores for good deals.  Tobacco shops, mail order catalogues, and Internet shops are also good places to look.