I have been asked, what are the parts of a cigar? There are three parts to a cigar. The wrapper is the outer part of the cigar, so this is what you see. The binder is the part which holds the filler together and away from the wrapper. The filler is the inner most...
Cigar smokers have many rituals. They vary from where they smoke to what they are going to drink while smoking. I will spend time rolling the cigar carefully between my finger to get a sense of the smoothness or ‘toothiness’ of the wrapper. I will take a moment to...
There is no perfect cigar, just the right cigar for you. What is right for your taste buds and sense of smell may differ from mine. The joy is in the journey, one smoke at a time. The sheer number of shapes, sizes and brands can seem overwhelming at times, but with a...
One of the most frequently asked questions from new smokers is about storage. Many newbies are reluctant to invest in a humidor since they are unsure if they will enjoy the pleasures of cigar smoking. Many others invest in a humidor only to find they are unable to...
Cigar smoking is a lifestyle. What is meant by "it is a lifestyle?" Smoking a cigar is a gentleman’s/ladies’ recreation. A cigar lounge is one of the few places you will see a Congressman sitting next to a truck driver having a meaningful or frivolous conversation,...
Christopher Columbus landed on Cuba’s Bahia de Gibara on Oct. 29, 1492. Native Americans on the island were smoking raw twists of leaves and introduced the practice to Columbus’s crew. This method would later be fashioned into what we know as the cigar today. Because...
Most of the time, when I approach a newer smoker, or even a seasoned smoker for that matter, the subject of strength usually comes up in the conversation. Almost every smoker is under the misconception that the darker the wrapper, the stronger the cigar. In fact, the...
How do you tell? Ever smoked a Cuban cigar? Was it smooth and enjoyable, or was it so strong you had a taste in your mouth for days you couldn’t brush out? Did you buy it from a reputable dealer or do you have a “connection?” The truth is, unless you are paying full...