The Parts of a Cigar

What are the different parts of a cigar?  Many long-time smokers enjoy their stogies without learning the basic parts of their cigar.  While it's true that you can enjoy a cigar without knowing how it was put together, learning the basic parts of a cigar can be instrumental in helping you choose the best quality cigars.

The first thing many smokers notice about a cigar is the wrapper, the layer of tobacco on the outside of a cigar.  A cigar's wrapper is very important because it provides much of the flavor of the cigar.  The best quality tobacco leaves are usually used to construct the wrapper.  They range in color from very clear (claro) to very dark (oscuro). 

Binders are known as the 'intermediate leaves.'  They are used to hold the tobacco filler together.  Binders can vary considerably. 

Last but certainly not least is the filler used to make a cigar.  The filler is the tobacco.  Generally, filler can be either long or short.  Long filler consists of whole tobacco leaves, while short filler consists of scraps. 

How to Choose the Perfect Single

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. 

Rashaad's Cigar Smoking Etiquette

Smoking cigars may be a great source of pleasure in your life, but the courteous smoker knows that not everyone enjoys the taste (or smell!) of a good Cuban.  With the fervor of anti-smoking campaigns still in full swing, the importance of enjoying a good stogie while not offending others cannot be stressed enough.  Simply remember that while you are smoking a cigar, it can be difficult to gauge the smell that others are experiencing.  And don't forget that cigar smokes can leave a mighty strong residue on clothing, furniture, and even the walls!  In order to enjoy your stogie without a heavy conscience, learn to become a considerate and courteous cigar smoker.

If you live with non-smokers, try to find a well-ventilated area of your residence where you can smoke comfortably.  Although it may be tempting to lock yourself away in an office or bedroom, it's probably not a good idea to smoke in an enclosed area unless it has a window.  Make sure you have easy access to the window.  Never smoke in a closed area!  You are more likely to inhale the toxic air from your own cigar.  If possible, go outside to smoke.  Pull up a lawn chair; relax on the porch, or any other open area where you can smoke comfortably.  Get as far away as possible to non-smokers, especially children and the elderly.  Remember that cigar smoke contains many carcinogens that can be easily inhaled by non-smokers.

If you must smoke a cigar outside your home, remember that the courteous and respectful smoker will only light up where legally permitted.  Do no light up in a bar, hotel, or restaurant where smoking is clearly prohibited.  The courteous cigar smoker will also make sure to smoke in the company of other smokers.  If you are with someone who does not smoke, ask his or her permission.  If they agree, be considerate about it.  Make sure the smoke isn't wafting in their direction.  Sit near an open window or space.  Make sure the air conditioner or current is moving the smoke in their direction!  Also, make sure no one around you is eating.  The secondhand smoke from a discourteous smoker is a surefire way to ruin a meal. 

A courteous cigar smoker will also be aware of their ashes.  If you must smoke outside your home, make certain to dispose of your ashes in a safe and appropriate container.  Don't forget that ashes can easily blow away, especially in lower quality cigars.  Don't litter with ashes, and be careful they don't blow near anyone around you. 

Making the Perfect Cut on Your Cigar

How to clip a cigar properly?  Although every cigar aficionado has their own proven method, here are some basic guidelines to get you started. 

First, examine the head, or closed end, of the cigar.  This is the part of the cigar that will need to be clipped.  Determine where the 'cap' is.  The cap refers to the part of the cigar where the tobacco leaf was used to close the cigar.  Once you've found the cap, determine its length.  As a general rule, you should not cut any further than the end of the cap.  If you cut further than the cap, there's a good chance your cigar will unravel!

Use a good quality clipper to cut the head at the cap.  You don't want a cheap cutter that will result in frayed or split cuts.  You can purchase a special cigar cutter at your local tobacco shop that is designed to make clean cuts.  Once you have your cutter, hold your cigar at eye level and make a fast and decisive cut just above the cap.  Less is more when cutting if you find your cut is too superficial, simply cut down a bit more.

Why Use a Humidor?

If you are not an experienced cigar smoker, you may be wondering why cigar aficionados use humidors.  Humidors are used to store and protect cigars so that they are kept at their peak flavor.  A humidor works by keeping a cigar at a constant temperature, somewhere between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and about 70-72% humidity.

Many cigar aficionados claim that the ideal temperature for storing cigars is 70 degree F.  Any lower will tend to age the cigar, rather than keep it at a constant level.  Humidors are not meant to age, but rather to preserve the integrity, flavor, and color of the cigar. 

What should you look for when purchasing a humidor?  The good humidor should close completely, with a tight fitting lid that will keep the cigars well kept from the elements and prevent any exchange of moisture.  Seams should be smooth and well fitted for cigars.  Cedar, especially Spanish cedar is ideal for the interior of the humidor.  Of course, make certain your brand of cigars fits well into any humidor you are considering purchasing. 

Choosing The Best Ashtray For Cigar Smoking

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.

Popular Cigar Lighters

Cigar lighters come in all shapes, sizes and styles, and they are one of the most important accessories for any serious cigar aficionado.

There are many brands available on the market today, most of which can be purchased at one of the numerous online cigar stores found on the Internet. One of the most popular and respected models, the IM Corona Double Corona Lighter, is flint reliable and holds butane released by a patented dual nozzle. It, along with many other brands, is available at Cuban Crafters’ online store.

Other popular brands include the Colibri 3003, the ST Dupont Gatsby and the Blazer Z Plus. Lighters can run anywhere from just a few dollars to over $100. The most expensive models, such as the Colibri Vortex II, are made of hand-crafted silver and boast wind-resistant flames and built-in cigar punches. Many of these high-end cigar lighters are available from the Cigar King, an online provider of some of the finest cigars and cigar accessories.

Lighters are just one set of the many products available to a serious aficionado. Various types of humidors, chests, boxes, cutters and portable humidifiers can be purchased to preserve and display a collection, or enhance the smoking experience.

During the U.S. cigar boom of the 1990s, the demand for quality accessories like cigar lighters was stronger than ever. Riding a wave of popularity ushered in by public the endorsements of celebrities and by the emergence of online availability for discounted brands, cigars have seen dramatic sales increases, particularly among younger generations looking to emulate the elegant, debonair lifestyle touted by magazines like Cigar Aficionado. Though many still swear by the notion that a cigar can only be properly lit by a match, the cigar lighter has become an indispensable accessory for the serious collector and casual smoker alike.

How to Spot Fake Cuban Cigars

Everyone knows that Cuban cigars are the most coveted cigars, renown worldwide for their smoothness and rich flavors.  Indeed, Cuban cigars are so prized that many illegitimate dealers have been known to sell fake Cubans to unsuspecting cigar smokers.  How do you tell if what you have is a fake or the real thing?  First, make certain that you purchase your cigars from a legitimate dealer.  Buying from your local tobacconist or a reputable mail order business can protect you from forking your money over for a box of fake cigars. 

If you have an opportunity to purchase a box of purported Cuban cigars, but have your doubts, take the time to examine the box before purchasing it.  Here are a few tips to help you spot the fakes from the real thing.

The most important thing to examine is the box.  Authentic Cuban cigars will contain a green and white warranty seal on the left front side of the box.  The seal will contain an insignia that has a picture of a shield and a hat.  On the upper right hand corner of the box, you should find a white sticker that is placed diagonally with the word 'Habanos' printed on it.  The overall appearance of the box should be neat and clean.  If the box appears damaged, smudged, frayed, or marked, avoid it.  If the color of the box is dull, don't buy it.  Even if the cigars are the real things, their quality may have suffered in transport.  If you are in the market for Cohiba, Trinidad, or Q'dorsay brand cigars, know that all authentic Cohiba's will contain the green and white warranty seal on the right hand side of the box.  

On the bottom of the box of cigars, you should find a heat stamp with the words 'Habanos.'  The heat stamp should be impressed onto the bottom of the box.  Fake Cuban cigar boxes often find other ways to imprint this label, such as using rubber stamps or paper labels.  You should also find a factory code stamp at the bottom that is stamped in green, blue or black ink.  This stamp will tell you when and where the cigars were rolled. 

If you can open the box, take the time to smell the tobacco.  Cuban cigars will have a deep, rich aroma, unmistakable to dedicated cigar aficionados.  If the smell is off, or very weak, chances are you do not have a box of authentic Cuban cigars in your hands.    The cigars should be facing the same way, and the top row may appear slightly flattened.  The caps on all the cigars should appear identical, and the foot of each cigar should be cut clean.  The bands on all the cigars should also be identical, and should be arranged so that they face the same direction.  If allowed, test the cigars out by pressing down on them.  Feel along the entire length of each cigar, checking for soft or hard spots.  The cigars should feel firm yet pliable.  If you’ve ever been to Rocky Point Mexico like me, I’m sure we can agree the fakes are what you’ll find 99% of the time but amazingly, still a fairly decent smoke for what you pay but as the song goes…”There’s nothing like the real thing baby”.

How to Pair Cigars and Alcohol

The cigar has long been How to Pair Cigars and Alcohol; 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.

Josh Scurry of ALIVE New York a victim of cyber bullying

Josh Scurry of ALIVE New York a victim of cyber bullying clears the air about the upcoming event in an exclusive interview at Healthy Living Now with Chelsea Holmstead.
(My Friend did this interview and did a really great job! Just wanted to share)

Who’s blowing smoke??

Do you long to blow smoke rings with your cigar like a pro?  Stogie aficionados often speak of the ceremony-like deliberateness of smoking a good cigar.  Blowing smoke rings is the mark of a smoker who enjoys the smooth and relaxing effects of smoking.  But how do you blow a good smoke ring?  Some argue that it cannot be taught that it will simply come to you with time and practice.  Regardless, here are a few tips to get you going.

Veteran smokers note that in order to blow a good smoke ring, you will need to create dense smoke.  Draw a deep, dense smoke puff into your mouth.  Hold the smoke there and then open your mouth slowly and deliberately.  Open your mouth, shaping your lips into a rounded 'O.' and pull your tongue back as you expel the smoke.  

Keep in mind that you are not exhaling the smoke, but simply pushing it out of your mouth.  Also keep in mind that this maneuver will not work if there is even a slight breeze in the air.  Make sure you try it in a location with still calm air.  

Cheers

Thinking about going Dutchmen? The question is…gas station cigars; are they a good deal?

The sheer diversity of cigars can be confusing for new smokers.  Many new smokers want to know:  is it OK to buy cigars from their local drugstore or chain store?  What is the quality of these cigars?  Can you expect to get good flavor from these cigars?

While of course, it's perfectly OK to purchase these cigars, be aware that these packaged cigars are usually of poorer quality.  Most 'drugstore' cigars contain preservative or other non-tobacco ingredients.  Common ingredients found in packaged cigars may include paper, Glycerin, and saltpeter.  High quality cigars will contain only tobacco.  Packaged drugstore cigars will generally contain these extra ingredients designed to keep them stored on the shelves for extended periods of time.  

In order to get the best quality cigars, you will have to visit your local specialty smoke shop.  While many mail order businesses do carry good quality cigars, be aware that they usually will not sell singles, thus you will have to purchase whole boxes. I have a buddy John who is also a cigar enthusiast and he is constantly surprising me with the different brands he finds that have great flavor at a surprisingly low price. So to be clear, it has been my experience that visiting your local smoke shop allows you to test different brands before settling on a box.

Cheers

A Short History of Cigars and Tobacco

Have you ever wondered where cigars were first produced?  It is widely believed that cigars were first produced in Spain.  But before cigars became all the rage in Europe, tobacco was needed to make them.  Tobacco is indigenous to the Americas, where native peoples have produced it for hundreds of years.  It is believed that the Maya of Yucatan peninsula in Mexico and parts of Central America cultivated tobacco, and even smoked it!  Tobacco use spread to other tribes, both north and south.  It is believed that its first use in the United States was probably among the tribe along the Mississippi.  It wasn't until Christopher Columbus sailed his famous voyage to the Americas in 1492 that the rest of the world came to know tobacco.

It is said that Columbus was not impressed by tobacco or its use among native peoples, but many sailors grew found of the strange plant.  Soon it quickly caught on in Spain and Portugal.  From there, it spread to France, where the French ambassador Jean Nicot lent his name to the scientific name for tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum).  The origins of the word tobacco itself are still suspect, although many believe it is simply a corruption of the word Tobago, which is the name of a Caribbean island.  Still others believe it comes from the word Tabasco, a region (and now state) in Mexico. 

The first tobacco plantation in the United States was established in Virginia in 1612.  More tobacco plantations followed in Maryland soon after.  Although tobacco became a popular crop, it was only smoked in pipes.  The cigar was not introduced to the United States until the late 18th century.  Israel Putnam, an army general who had served in the Revolutionary War, is credited with introducing the cigar to the United States.  He had traveled to Cuba after the Revolutionary War and returned with a box of Cuban cigars.  Their popularity quickly spread, and soon enough cigar factories were established in the area of Harford, Connecticut, where General Putnam resided. 

In Europe, cigar production and consumption did not achieve widespread popularity until after the Peninsula War in the early 19th century.  British and French veterans returned to their homelands after years of serving in Spain with their tobacco pipes in tow.  Among the rich and fashionable, the favored method of taking tobacco was the cigar.  Cigar smoking remains a habit associated with the rich and discriminating of upper society. 

Cheers:)