Glass Top Humidor And Why They Rock

In addition to a standard humidor, travel, cabinet, and glass top humidors bring joy to the true cigar aficionado. For the cigar smoker who may not need the massive design of a cabinet humidor but still wants to add weight to his or her prized collection of fine cigars, glass top humidors are an excellent selection. The term glass top humidor does not refer to the design or materials used in the manufacturing of the humidor. Instead, a more common understanding of the “glass top” humidor is “desktop” humidor.

The glass top humidor is very popular for several reasons. First, the investment necessary to purchase a glass top humidor is much less than for a cabinet humidor. A search on the internet reveals that there are countless glass top humidors for less than $200 that come in untold designs, shapes and quality. The average cigar capacity of a glass top humidor can vary from smaller units that hold 25 or so cigars to larger units that keep upwards of 200 cigars.

Anyone needing to maintain more than 200 cigars will need to research buying a smaller chest size humidor or a small to large cabinet humidor. As with cabinet humidors, the most common interior wood is the Spanish cedar wood for its quality in maintaining humidity levels and for adding rich flavors to the cigar.

One additional offering with glass top humidors is that they will almost always offer external hygrometers (the gauge for determining the internal humidity levels.) This is extremely important for two reasons. For one, if the glass top humidor needs to be opened each time to determine the humidity levels, each time the case is opened, the humidity level will fluctuate. This can lead to the humidifier being overworked and possibly failing. Secondly, one must observe and monitor the levels to determine the effectiveness of any humidor and if there is a failure in the humidifier.

Again, glass top humidors, also referred to as desktop humidors, are a small investment and can be enjoyed by any cigar aficionado.  Even though a friend of mine (John) still enjoys his Tupperware version to this day (he calls it  “tupper-dore”.

Tasting Cigars From Around The World

Most everyone is familiar with the much-lauded flavor of Cuban cigars. But how do you know if you’re smoking a Cuban cigar, or a cigar from any other country for that matter? For those new to the world of cigar smoking, you should know that every cigar-producing country has its own unique flavor and character. The soil quality and the way the tobacco is produced and rolled contribute to the overall flavor of the finished product.

One must of course allow for significant regional variety, here are some very basic guidelines for getting to know the world’s flavors.

The famous Cuban cigars are renowned for their smoothness and ‘creamy’ flavors. They are applauded for their rich flavors and overall premium quality. Cigars from Central American countries like Honduras and Nicaragua are known to be strong and rich in flavor. Caribbean countries like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are known for their milder flavors.

Whatever country you purchase from, remember that a good way to gauge the overall flavor of a cigar is to note its diameter and length. In general, cigars with a thicker diameter will have a richer flavor. Longer cigars are generally cooler.

So You Want To Buy A Ciagr As A Gift

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