tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80007520437417655302024-01-19T22:11:54.529-08:00Sean's Cigar RoomAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717948599841179002noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000752043741765530.post-39326601271548139592012-09-08T19:00:00.000-07:002012-09-08T19:00:25.857-07:00Cigar Humidors – Are They Really Necessary?<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pknitty86/3624547814/" title="Humidor by pknitty86, on Flickr"><img alt="Humidor " height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3382/3624547814_d8bce96286.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In one sense cigars are like sponges in that they absorb
what is in their environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they are
stored in less than optimal conditions they could easily go bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the most expensive cigar could end up
being a disappointing smoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if
you store your cigars in the proper environment not only will they maintain
their quality, you will actually help them to age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Most non-cigar smokers are not aware that keeping cigars in
a humidor goes well beyond protecting them from the environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When stored in a humidor each of your cigars
has the potential to become a “perfect smoke”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Therefore, whether you are an ardent cigar aficionado or a beginning
cigar smoker you should store and age your cigars in a good cigar humidor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Prior to being rolled, most cigar tobacco has been
processed, cured, fermented and aged for at least two years after the tobacco
has been harvested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that point in
time the cigars are ready to be constructed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The tobacco is rolled and then the finished cigars are usually aged
before being offered to the public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
some finished cigars, especially lower-priced bundles, are not aged any
additional length of time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Most cigars will continue to improve for up to a decade if
they are aged in a properly maintained humidor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After that time they will still need proper storage but they won’t show
any significant improvement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The reality is that most of us won’t want to wait ten years
before enjoying our cigars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Experiments
were conducted to see how much aging affected the quality of different
cigars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although every bundle or box of
cigars will age differently most of the results were pretty consistent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a summary of how the findings can
affect the quality of your cigars:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>If you age most cigars for a minimum of two to
three months before smoking them you will recognize a considerable improvement
in the taste.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Some cigars may attain their full flavor
potential in as little as six months of being aged in a humidor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>If you age your cigars for at least a year they
will become significantly mellower.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>You can’t transform a bad cigar or a bad brand
of cigars into good cigars by aging them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, if you’ve bought good cigars that taste bad you can
dramatically improve their taste by aging them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>You will need to age inexpensive cigars longer
than you need to age premium cigars to achieve noticeable improvements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Full bodied cigars tend to improve and mellow
more with longer aging than do mild cigars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>All cigars age differently and will taste
different from each other (even cigars from the same bundle or box).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>If you buy your cigars from local tobacconists
who keep their cigars in a humidor it is likely that they’re ready to smoke
immediately (or will require less aging) than cigars that you buy via mail
order or online.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Artificially flavored cigars don’t need to be
aged but they still need to be stored in a humidor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, you should never keep artificially
flavored cigars with other cigars in the same humidor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Before aging your cigars you will need to take them out of
their wrappers or tubes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, artificially
flavored cigars should be kept in their sealed tubes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Beginning cigar smokers sometimes balk at the thought of
investing in a humidor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aging aside,
even if you could prevent only a handful of premium cigars from going bad it
should justify the cost of a small humidor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Author Bio</b> –
Jason Daniels is an avid cigar smoker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because it’s not always possible to find a place to smoke his favorite
cigars, Jason always carries</span><a href="http://www.blucigs.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">e-cigs</b></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
in his pocket so that he can enjoy a satisfying “smoke” wherever he is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717948599841179002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000752043741765530.post-78935890129516712222012-09-08T18:57:00.000-07:002012-09-08T18:57:10.988-07:00How to Cut a Cigar<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emeryjl/388608868/" title="Rolling Cigars_Cuba 178 by hoyasmeg, on Flickr"><img alt="Rolling Cigars_Cuba 178" height="375" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/134/388608868_5ffbbb04b7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Aside from the taste and the aroma, cigars are quite
different from cigarettes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike
smoking cigarettes, you can’t just pull a cigar out of a box, light it up and
start to smoke it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Properly preparing a
premium cigar prior to smoking it is a process in itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The end of the cigar must be properly cut in
order to get the best draw and flavor while maintaining the structural
integrity of the cigar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Virtually all premium cigars have closed heads that have to
be cut before you can smoke them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll
look at a number of different ways to cut a cigar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best way is the way that suits your style
and taste.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you watch old movies you’ll see that some of the actors
cut a v-shaped notch in their cigars with a pocket knife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others used a horseshoe nail to pierce the
end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And certain “tough guys” bit the
ends off their cigars and spat them out before lighting up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although some people still prepare their
cigars for smoking using one of these methods, for the most part the way cigar
aficionados cut their cigars today is a bit more hi-tech.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One thing’s for sure – a bad cut will ruin any cigar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the better the cigar the more attention
you should pay to how you cut it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The overriding concept is to create a smooth, ample opening
for the smoke to come through without compromising the cigar’s structure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the time this will mean that you’ll
have to cut away part of the flag leaf or the cap that was used to close the
cigar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, you need to make sure
that you don’t cut too much away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
do some of the filler leaves can fall out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></o:p> </div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Wedge Cut</b></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you make a bull’s eye cut or a wedge cut, you will want
to make a relatively large cut in order to expose the surface of the filler
leaves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will allow you to get a
good draw from the core through the rim of the cigar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the time, you should cut around 1/16<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
of an inch off the end of the cigar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you don’t have a measuring device with you look for where the curved end begins
to straighten out and make your cut there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Alternatively, you can expose a lot of the surface area of
the cigar by cutting a V-shaped wedge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are a couple of potential drawbacks to using this type of a cut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although the draw will be easy the cigar
could smoke too hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, if you
like to chomp down on your cigars this type of a cut makes the opening in the
cigar more prone to collapsing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the
structure of the cigar is torn the draw will be closed off.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></o:p> </div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cigar Cutters<o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cigar cutters can be used to help you to cut your cigar with
one swift motion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are the most
efficient and safest way to properly cut a cigar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you use a cigar cutter rather than a knife
or a piercer you will minimize the chance that you will tear the wrapper or
otherwise damage the cigar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your best
options would be to use either a single-bladed or double-bladed cutter to cut
across the end of the cigar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you use a single-bladed cutter position the cigar away
from the blade, at the far side of the opening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bring the blade down and touch
the cigar before you make the cut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
will keep the cigar in the proper position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then use an even pressure while making the cut confidently and quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A double-bladed cutter is a little easier to use because it
cuts from both sides simultaneously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nonetheless you should rest your cigar against one of the blades before
you click the cutter shut.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It is well-worth investing in a good cutter because making a
bad cut will ruin any cigar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you ruin
even a handful of good cigars their cost could add up to considerably more than
that of even the most elegant cigar cutter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Author Bio – Jason Daniels has been smoking cigars
for more than a decade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When not smoking
one of his favorite cigars you can often find him writing about them, usually with
an<a href="http://www.blucigs.com/" target="_blank"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">e-cigarette</b></a> clenched between his
lips</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717948599841179002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000752043741765530.post-20322212901676947232012-09-08T18:52:00.001-07:002012-09-08T18:52:29.199-07:00What Cigars Does Tony Soprano Smoke?<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/giblet/1733901611/" title="Cuban dreaming by gilbrit, on Flickr"><img alt="Cuban dreaming" height="333" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2227/1733901611_4ee7838045.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“The Sopranos” is an American TV drama series whose
storyline revolves around mobster Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) and his New
Jersey based Italian-American criminal organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout the series Tony Soprano tries to
balance the requirements of dealing with a dysfunctional family with the
responsibilities of running a dysfunctional mob.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The show first aired on HBO on January 10, 1999.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It proved to be so popular that it ran for 6
seasons, during which 86 episodes were produced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The final episode was first shown on June 10,
2007.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then “The Sopranos” has been
picked up by A&E for syndication in the US.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has been broadcast internationally as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In addition to being called “the greatest television series
of all time,” during its initial airing it was recognized as the most
financially successful television series in the history of cable TV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The industry acknowledged the quality of the
show by showering it with 21 Emmys and 5 Golden Globe awards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the opening sequence, as well in many of the scenes, it
was not unusual to see Tony smoking a cigar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During the opening title sequence we see Tony Soprano holding a cigar
while driving home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gets on the New
Jersey Turnpike after exiting NYC from the Lincoln Tunnel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see numerous landmarks around Elizabeth
and Newark, New Jersey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of
the sequence Tony pulls into his driveway in the suburbs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There’s been a lot of debate about what kind of cigars Tony
Soprano smokes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although he was seen smoking
at least one Macanudo throughout the years, and even though he gave Dr.
Cusamoano a box of Cuban Montecristos, not for nuthin’ the cigar he smoked most
often was a CAO Maduro L’Anniversaire Robusto.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This beautiful Nicaraguan maduro is at the pinnacle of CAO’s
line of cigars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was developed to
honor CAO’s anniversary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1998 Cigar
Aficionado’s Insider rated it the 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> best cigar in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Robusto is 5” x 50.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The filler is made of Nicaraguan and
Dominican tobacco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its binder is Ecuadorian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The current list price for a box of 20 of
these fine cigars is around $125.00.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Overall, the construction of this cigar is very good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although some CAO cigars have an overly tight
draw, this particular cigar draws smoothly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you examine the wrapper it’s unlikely that you will find any
blemishes or soft spots.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Before lighting, the cigar has an aroma reminiscent of
vintage port, tobacco and fresh raisins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It actually smells a lot like Red Man chewing tobacco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like Tony, you won’t be disappointed once you
light it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beginning draw is really
easy and the cigar burns straight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In no
time at all your taste buds will come alive as the thick sheets of smoke
tantalize them with hints of black cherry, raisins and molasses <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once the first third of the cigar has burned the flavor
begins to mellow as the taste of mocha coffee is added to the mix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time you are down to the last third of
the Robustu a bit of the initial sweetness has returned accompanied by a more
intense mocha flavor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From beginning to
end, billowing clouds of smoke will drift into the sky.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pretty much everything about the CAO Maduro L’Anniversaire
Robusto is exceptional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the neat
thing is that you won’t need any connections to the mob in order to enjoy one
yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Author Bio – Jason Daniels has been a cigar lover for more
than a decade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he’s not smoking one
of his favorite cigars you’ll often find him with an</span><a href="http://www.blucigs.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> e cigarette</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> dangling from
his mouth and a shot of bourbon in his hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717948599841179002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000752043741765530.post-8240016589687053032012-09-08T18:49:00.000-07:002012-09-08T18:49:03.182-07:00The Top 4 Cigars for the Beginning Cigar Smoker<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jakeliefer/283543146/" title="Lila and her Cigar by jakeliefer, on Flickr"><img alt="Lila and her Cigar" height="323" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/121/283543146_6c07187d33.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">People have been smoking cigars for hundreds of years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many years before Christopher Columbus
stepped foot on the New World, Native Americans were rolling up scraps of
tobacco, putting it in a large leaf and smoking what they rolled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Columbus brought tobacco with him on his
voyage back to Spain and introduced cigars to the Europeans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they say, “the rest is history”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Learning the proper way to smoke a cigar is similar to
learning how to enjoy doing pretty much any other hobby well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After reading about the basics the best way
to learn is to experience it yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following
is what the beginning cigar smoker needs to know in order to start off on the
right track.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">First, let’s talk a bit about cigar etiquette.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you learn several things you should feel
like you can comfortably fit in with any group of cigar connoisseurs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cigar smoking should be a leisurely and fun experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although you may think that it looks cool to
bite off the end of a cigar before lighting it, the cap should be cut with a
cigar cutter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cigar cutters are very
inexpensive items and every cigar smoker should own at least one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Make sure to carry either matches or a lighter with
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Asking another cigar smoker for a
light will give you away as a cigar novice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once your cigar is lit it is time to enjoy the smoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But rather than trying to race to the end of
the cigar, the smoke should be savored slowly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When the cigar has been smoked approximately ¾ of the way
down, instead of grinding it out you should set it on the side of an ashtray
and allow it to go out by itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you grind it out the tobacco will take up
all the room in the ashtray.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Finally, there is no reason to let a good cigar go bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If, after smoking a cigar or two you decide
that you want to take up the hobby you should invest in a humidor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The humidor will keep the cigar fresh and
help it to age properly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It isn’t
necessary to spend a lot of money on your first humidor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many small fully functional humidors are very
affordable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A new cigar smoker should begin by smoking the best mild or
mild-to-medium cigars that he or she can afford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are the top four cigars that the beginning
cigar smoker should try:</span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></o:p> </div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Macanudo Hyde Park</span></b><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Macanudos are one of the best-selling premium cigars in the
North America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re made in the
Dominican Republic by the General Cigar Company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Macanudo Hyde Park Café has a light taste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has hints of cashews, almonds and fresh
herbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This cigar is one of the best
choices for a beginner and could be the benchmark against which other cigars
are measured.</span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></o:p> </div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Helix Blue Tubular</span></b><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Made in Honduras by the General Cigar Company, the Helix
Blue Tubular is also a mild cigar that would be a terrific choice for the
beginning cigar smoker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some ways it
is similar to the more expensive Macanudos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, you may want to avoid trying their artificially flavored Helix
Remix cigars if you want to experience what a “real” cigar tastes like.</span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></o:p> </div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Gispert</span></b><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Gispert cigars, which are made in Honduras, have a
mild-to-medium body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very easy to smoke,
these cigars have a woodsy and earthy flavor and a hint of leather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When lit these very reasonably priced cigars also
smell like leather and wood.</span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></o:p> </div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Gran Habano Connecticut #1</span></b><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Gran Habano cigars are made in Honduras by Guillermo
Rico.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Connecticut #1 is a
mild-to-medium bodied cigar that is made of a blend of filler tobacco from
Nicaragua.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The filler tobacco is wrapped
in an Ecuadorian wrapper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a flavorful
cigar, closer to medium bodied than mild, without being overwhelmingly
powerful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You now know the most important things about cigar etiquette
and the best choices of cigars for the beginning cigar smoker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest is up to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a very modest investment you can embark
on a new venture that could bring you years of smoking pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Author Bio – Jason Daniels has been smoking cigars and
writing about them for more than a decade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When not smoking one of his favorite cigars, you’ll often find him sitting
behind his notebook computer at his local coffee shop with a cappuccino by his
side and an </span><a href="http://www.blucigs.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e cigarette </span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">dangling from his mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717948599841179002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000752043741765530.post-4098711824812043812012-08-09T12:26:00.000-07:002012-08-09T12:26:10.313-07:00Cuban Cigar Aficionados of Note<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesse757/3294299696/" title="Thursday: 2.19.2009 by Jesse757, on Flickr"><img alt="Thursday: 2.19.2009" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3573/3294299696_05428cf93e.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It may be the world's most renown generic product name, and
one that brings a special glint to the eye of connoisseurs everywhere; Cuban
cigars. For stogie lovers, no matter where they're found, there is simply
nothing more special that to light-up any one of a number of famous Cuban cigar
brands. And some of the world's most famous cigar enthusiasts have some pretty
strong preferences when it comes to relaxing with one of these deliciously
decadent indulgences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Shakespeare's Progeny<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Winston Churchill was not a man much taken with moderation
and self-restraint when it came to consuming delicious and enjoyable items. He
once commented to an interviewer, “My rule of life prescribed, as an absolutely
sacred rite, smoking cigars, and also the drinking of alcohol, before, after,
and if need be, during all meals, and in the intervals between them.” So it
should come as no shock that a man holding such a view would devote a
considerable about of energy to procuring the best of each of these items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While he enjoyed several different brands, by far and away
his favorite cigars were the <i>Romeo y Julieta</i> brands, one of Cuba's
finest. He employed a number of suppliers over the years, and always had 3000
to 4000 on hand, in a special room he had constructed for just that purpose.
His butler once lamented that Mr. Churchill normally spent more on cigars in
two days than he made weekly in salary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Not Made in <i>Chinatown<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As a long time cigarette smoker, Jack Nicholson had long
wanted to quit, but just the inhaling part. His chance came while filming <i>The
Last Detail</i> in Canada in 1973. His character turned out to be a cigar
smoker, so Jack started trying different brands as the filming progressed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Since Cuban cigars can be legally purchased in Canada,
Nicholson started trying different brands, and by the time the shooting was
over, he was a <i>Montecristo</i> smoker for life. He won't reveal his
stateside sources, where they're illegal, but he manages to have one in his
hand several times a day. At least if his source dries up, he always can turn
to an </span><a href="http://www.blucigs.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e-cigarette</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Game Over<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Most basketball fans usually know a game has concluded when
the time clock hits double zero. But for many years, fans in Boston knew that a
game was over the moment legendary coach, Red Auerbach,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fired up one of his notorious cigars, while
seated on the bench next to his team. At least nowadays, with ecigs and
ecigars, he wouldn't break any rules.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Red once remarked that the only thing that brought him more
joy than a Celtics win was a great cigar. And when he said “great”, he meant
Cuban. Auerbach's smoke of choice was the <i>Hoyo de Monterrey</i>. This is one
of the premiere cigars in the history of Cuba, grown in the fabulous <i>Vuelta
Abajo </i>region of Pinar del Rio. And while Red is no longer with us, if you
look hard enough, you can still see one or two Celtics banners hanging in
various aging sheds around Cuban's most western province.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No Joking Matter<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of the more unlikely lovers of Cuban cigars is the
multi-talented, and impossible to define, Whoopi Goldberg. Whoopi delights in
breaking barriers and defying stereotypes, which may have something to do with
her not only enjoying the tradition “man's treat” of a good cigar – but Cuban
ones to boot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Whoopi generally prefers smaller cigars, but on special
occasions, she loves to break out the good stuff. That's when you'll see her
with one of Cuba's signature brands – the <i>Cohiba</i>. Apparently her
philosophy is, if you're going to smoke one, make it the best. A sentiment she
shares with all lovers of Cuban cigars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Resources:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.cigaraficionado.com/webfeatures/show/id/Top-100-Smokers_8111/p/3"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.cigaraficionado.com/webfeatures/show/id/Top-100-Smokers_8111/p/3</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoyo_de_Monterrey"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoyo_de_Monterrey</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_cigars#Cuban_cigars"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_cigars#Cuban_cigars</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717948599841179002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000752043741765530.post-56008566101665369572012-08-09T12:22:00.001-07:002012-08-09T12:22:41.996-07:00Excellence Revisited: Today's Cuban Cigars<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevegriffdotcom/5505160233/" title="Partagas Petit Coronas Especiales by SteveGriff.com, on Flickr"><img alt="Partagas Petit Coronas Especiales" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5138/5505160233_95dd529692.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cigar aficionados can often be heard talking about their
passion in much the same way wine lovers discuss vintages and varietals. The
association stands up to closer inspection. After all, cigars, like wine, are
agricultural products. Like all such products, the taste, aroma and overall
quality of any tobacco, directly reflects the soil in which it grew, the air
and humidity where it matured, the sunlight where it was nurtured. Given these
factors, the discriminating palate can definitely discern the differences from
one harvest to the next; and so can the market.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The <i>Dom Perignon's</i> of the Future<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While Cuba has always been considered the home of the
world's best cigars, there have definitely been some ups and downs over the
last 30 years that generally reflect the various conditions present on the
island in any given season. Cuban cigar production has been affected by
horrible luck with recent hurricanes on the one hand, and difficulties in
procuring gasoline and the proper fertilizers on the other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As the expert ratings for the various brands of the 2011
crop start to now come in, one thing is clear; this is a vintage that will be
long remembered for its excellence. The <i>Cigar Aficionado </i>magazine, long
a standard of evaluation in the industry, saw their average ranking score reach
90.9 for the first time ever when looking over the 2011 selections. The
previous high of 90.3 was reached in 2010, indicating that we are in the midst
of some truly memorable harvests.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“We are probably seeing some of the finest years of Cuban
cigar production ever,” according to Edward Sahakian, operator of one of
London's best cigar shops. He feels that anyone buying Cuba cigars from any of
the last four years is getting truly great cigars. “They are real collector's
items,” he goes on to say. The noticeably enhanced quality, compared to some
bad years in the late 90s and early 2000s, reflects dramatic improvements being
made at every stage of the production process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">New Quality, New Marketing Strategy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of the factors contributing to the drop in Cuban cigar
quality during the down years was traced to overproduction, and a glut of
inexperienced rollers in many factories. Combined with some unfortunate weather
conditions, the result was noticeable inconsistencies of production. There were
flaws in construction ranging from the color of wrapping leaves, to draw and
burn characteristics and even the presence of insects. Those days are now over,
according to most of the world's chief evaluators.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now, every major Cuban cigar factory has installed a draw
test machine, and they are testing a large percentage of every batch of freshly
rolled cigars. Even more importantly, improved production strategies have led
to the development of new regional and <i>limited</i> sub-brands reaching
market. These have been of superior quality and created quite a bit of
excitement amongst the Cubans themselves. And when Cubans take notice, you can
bet everyone else in the cigar smoking world will too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Living in Good Times<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2011 witnessed the highest number, ever, of Cuban cigars
ranking at 93 or above – 15. The top rank went to the <i>Partagás Serie P No. 2</i>.
But it wasn't alone in earning the admiration of the experts. Also scoring high
were the <i>Punch Double Corona, Cohiba Lancero, </i>the <i>Bolivar Corona
Extra </i>and the <i>H. Upmann Sir Winston.</i>This proliferation of top
quality choices indicates that Cuban cigars are again reaching levels of taste
and consistency absent for several previous years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“These are wonderful years of Cuban cigar production,” says
Mr. Sahakian. So good is the current crop, across the spectrum, that he is
advising his customers to put a box in storage since they are only going to
improve with time. Just like a fine wine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Rafael Ortega – I have been a lover of Cuban cigars for many
years, and never tire of the joy of lighting one up after a great meal. Nowadays,
I frequently enjoy substituting an </span><a href="http://www.blucigs.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e-cigarette</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> or e-cigar when in restaurants.
And you know something? They're pretty good too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Resources:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.cigaraficionado.com/webfeatures/show/id/16429/p/1"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.cigaraficionado.com/webfeatures/show/id/16429/p/1</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cigar"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cigar</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://gulfnews.com/business/features/cigar-sales-in-the-uae-light-up-1.1030625"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://gulfnews.com/business/features/cigar-sales-in-the-uae-light-up-1.1030625</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717948599841179002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000752043741765530.post-79254479327431166902012-08-09T12:16:00.000-07:002012-08-09T12:16:16.155-07:00The Factory at El Laguito<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/web-stark/5369806798/" title="Untitled by daniel.stark, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5161/5369806798_8fe0680f79.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Although Cuba is relatively small, there are two separate
mountain ranges which traverse the island, and enough elevation changes and
topographical anomalies scattered about to create literally hundreds of unique
agricultural growing zones. These regional differences and micro-climatic
characteristics have worked to protect certain growing areas from the
encroachment of sugar plantations, and large scale agricultural production in
general. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The peasant farmers in these areas have become familiar with
the personalities of every twist and turn of the land; every nuance of the
soil. The result is the ability to refine planting and growing strategies
designed to produce quality instead of quantity; something that corporate and
large scale agricultural<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>concerns can
only dream of.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A Friend's Special Treat<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the early 1960s, Eduardo Ribera had been growing tobacco
on several scattered plots near foothills surrounding his village for many
years, and his father before him. He knew why the tobacco leaves near the big
ceiba tree on the hill dried faster than those close to the stream, down the
road a bit. He felt it in his bones, but he could never have explained it to
anyone, even if he'd wanted to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Every year, just before selling his harvest to Cubatabaco,
the state owned marketing agency, Eduardo would carefully select and prepare
what he knew to be the best mix of his product. He used this material to
prepare for himself, and a few select friends, his own special brand of homemade
cigars. No big deal to him, just the skimming off a little cream from the top
before sending the rest of to be used for whatever the marketer saw fit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In early 1965, a neighbors' son, now working in far off
Havana, was just returning to the capital after a brief visit home to see his
parents. Eduardo had known him since he was a child, and would give him a box
of his home made cigars on each of his visits. Something to remind him of home
when he returned to the big city.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Simply <i>Esplendido<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Back in Havana, one evening his employer stopped and asked
the young man where he was getting those unusually aromatic cigars he always
seemed to have. “They're a gift from a friend, who makes them himself, <i>commandante</i>”,
he replied. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He offered his boss one to try, and as the first few curls
of light blue smoke drifted away, a smile of appreciation and amazement came
across his face. Fidel Castro knew a good cigar when he smoked one, and he
instantly knew that this was the best one of his life. <i>Ever</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A Star Is Born</span></b><br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When Eduardo Ribera saw the jeep pull up in-front of his
small home, he instantly recognized his neighbor's son in the back seat. He
also instantly recognized the passenger in the front. Eduardo was flattered, if
a little shocked, as Fidel told him his days of selling his crop to the state owned
agency were over. From now on, Eduardo's homemade cigars were going to be
produced at a special factory being set-up for just that purpose at a home in <i>El
Laguito</i>, just outside of Havana.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The best hand rollers in Havana were recruited to work at <i>El
Laguito, </i>and soon hundreds of boxes of Eduardo's homemade treats were being
produced each week. Christened with the indigenous Taino Indian name for
tobacco, the first <i>Cohiba Cigars</i> began to appear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Getting your hands on a box can prove to be a little tricky.
Only a few thousand boxes are produced annually, and buying them in the US is
strictly forbidden. But somewhere in a hidden valley of the Cuban hinterland,
friends of Eduardo Ribera's family are still treated to a special parting gift
as they return home. No big deal really. Just a box of his home made cigars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hector Salinas – Quality tobacco has been a passion of mine
for a number of years. It's what drew me to Cuba in the first place. And while
I enjoy an </span><a href="http://www.blucigs.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e-cigarette</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> now and again when smoking isn't permitted, Cuban cigars
remain my true love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Resources:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cohiba_(cigar_brand"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cohiba_(cigar_brand</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.cigaraficionado.com/"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.cigaraficionado.com/</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717948599841179002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000752043741765530.post-73149117034245334522012-08-08T19:01:00.003-07:002012-08-09T12:10:59.909-07:00Types of Mild Cigars<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gphayter/3658410460/" title="sepia by Greg Hayter, on Flickr"><img alt="sepia" height="350" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3660/3658410460_d8a4ddcb3e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Whether you are a beginner cigar smoker, or a cigar
aficionado who enjoys the smooth pleasure of a mild cigar, there is quite a
range of brands to choose from. Milder cigars also have the advantage of being
a little less expensive than more robust cigars, which also makes them great
for beginners. Here is a rundown on some of the most popular types of mild
cigar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Macanudo</b> - The
Macanudo is a premium mild cigar, hand-rolled in the Dominican Republic. It is
the highest selling cigar in the United States. Favored for its consistency,
this cigar is made with a blend of Dominican filler with a Connecticut shade
wrapper and a binder from Mexico’s San Andres valley. The Hyde Park Café
variety it has a unique, light flavor of herbs, cashews and almonds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CAO</b> – The CAO Criollo cigar is hand-rolled with a blend of Cuban-seed
tobacco grown in Nicaragua. They are sought after for their mild to medium
strength and enjoyed by beginners as well as veteran smokers. Their flavor has
subtle tones of chestnuts, coffee and mushrooms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Helix Blue
Tubular Cigar</b> – This is a very mild, super smooth cigar. It has a flavor
very similar to Macanudo and had a blend of Dominican, Brazilian and Honduran
filler, with a Connecticut shade wrapper and a Mexican binder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Baccarat Rothschild
Natural Cigar</b> – These cigars are one of the mildest and most aromatic
cigars you can find. This brand is a favorite among new cigar smokers. They
contain Honduran tobacco rolled in a sweet wrapper. Despite being a premium
cigar, this is still in the more affordable price range. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Montecristo Yellow Robusto
Natural </b>– The Montecristo is a legendary cigar originating from Cuba and
now Dominican-grown. This particular type is favored for its incredibly smooth,
creamy flavor and sweet aroma. The cigar is laced with the gentle flavors of
cedar and nuts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Casa Torano</b> -
Another favorite of the beginner cigar smoker, the Casa Torano, is made in the
Honduras. It is a mild to medium-build cigar that is full of smooth flavor.
Favored for its earthy, peppery tones which make a subtle contrast to its
creaminess, this cigar is sure to please your palate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gispert </b>– This is
a deliciously mild and very inexpensive cigar, which is great for beginners and
more seasoned smokers alike. It has a subtle flavor of aged wood and a hint of
leather. This cigar has been around since the 19<sup>th</sup> century and its
popularity continues to o today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Author Bio:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Corinna Underwood is a freelance writer and cigar
aficionado. She enjoys writing about the many types of cigars as well as pipes
and </span><a href="http://www.blucigs.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e cigarettes</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.</span> <o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717948599841179002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000752043741765530.post-50922455463344858762012-08-08T18:55:00.003-07:002012-08-08T18:58:49.669-07:00Cigar Brands in the USA<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualphotographystudio/2891137600/" title="Rolled Cigars by virtualphotographystudio, on Flickr"><img alt="Rolled Cigars" height="333" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3061/2891137600_81c9f2b4fa.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The cigar aficionado is not short of brands to choose from
in the United States. Whether you are looking for something smooth and mild, or
something a little stronger, you are sure to find something to your liking.
Here is a rundown on some of the most popular brands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Arturo Fuente</b> –
These cigars are renowned for their place in the upper echelons of cigars.
Hand-made in the Dominican Republic, their quality is unimpeachable and they
are considered to be one of the most dependable hand-rolled brans available in
the U.S.A.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Macanudo – </b>These
cigars are made in the Dominican Republic. They are filled with a mild
Dominican tobacco blend that originates from Mexico. They are rolled in a
premium grade Connecticut shade wrapper. Each Macanudo has a mellow flavor that
remains consistent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romeo and Juliet</b> –
If you’re looking for a smooth smoke with a medium blend of tobacco, this is
the one for you. Originally made in Cuba, these cigars are now produced in the
Dominican Republic. Each cigar is imbued with a sweet, oaky flavor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Montecristo – </b>This
hand-rolled cigar is a legend among serious smokers. Currently on of the
highest quality cigars in the world, Montecristo has set a standard for other
cigars to be judged by. There are several cigars in the Montecristo series
including the Platinum, Reserva Negra, New York, White, Yellow and Classic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CAO </b>– Made with
Honduran and Nicaraguan and Dominican blends of tobacco, the CAO brand has a
selection of smoke with different flavors and strengths. Cigars in the CAO
series include the LX2, MX2, OSA Sol, Italia, La Traviata and La Traviata
Maduro.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ashton</b> –This is a
brand of handmade cigars with impeccable quality. Made in the Dominican
Republic, these cigars are invariably consistent. The series has three styles
of cigar including Traditional, Aged Cabinet and Aged Maduro. If you haven’t
tried one yet, it’s high time you did!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rey Del Mundo</b> –
These cigars have been made since the late 19<sup>th</sup> century and are more
popular now than ever. They are premium cigars with a rich and spicy flavor.
They are hand-rolled with a blend of Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan filler
and Oscuro or Sumatra wrappers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 85.4pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 85.4pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dutch Masters</b> – Made in the U.S.A., Dutch Masters have been keeping
smokers happy since 1911. The Dutch Master series contains more than twenty
styles of cigar including President, Perfecto and a range of fruit and alcohol
flavored smokes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Author Bio:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Corinna Underwood is a freelance writer and cigar
aficionado. She enjoys writing about the many types of cigars as well as pipes
and </span><a href="http://www.blucigs.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e-cigs</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717948599841179002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000752043741765530.post-89174067460244829802012-08-08T18:49:00.002-07:002012-08-09T12:11:21.836-07:006 Cigar Myths and Legends Debunked<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wapster/4633106602/" title="Relaxing :-) by Podknox, on Flickr"><img alt="Relaxing :-)" height="375" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4004/4633106602_bd75706ff9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you were to ask just about any cigar aficionado where the
world’s finest cigars come from you would probably see a smile cross their face,
their eyes look up to heaven, and hear “Cuba” roll from their lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strong, full-bodied Cuban tobacco is the best
in the world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why hand rolled
Cuban cigars are so aromatic and spicy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are the epitome of the cigar maker’s craft.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Over the years a mystique has grown up around these cigars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secrets about these beautiful stogies have
been whispered into the ears of world leaders, the captains of industry and
anyone else who has been lucky enough to smoke one. Some of these stories are
true, yet some are fantasy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today we’ll
reveal the truth about some of the myths and legends about Cuban cigars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Bigger the Cigar the Stronger the Taste</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Myths abound that correlate the strength of a cigar with its
size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most myths suggest that the bigger
a cigar is the stronger it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually,
there is no correlation between the strength and the size of a cigar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a large cigar is made from mild tobacco
it’s mellow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conversely, if a small
cigar is made from strong tobacco it is strong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cuban Cigars are Rolled on the Thighs of Virgin Women Rollers</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sorry to disappoint you if you believe this myth, but Cuban
cigars are rolled by men and women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
of them are virgins, while some are not.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As far as cigars being rolled on anyone’s thighs go, that’s
an urban legend as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you had the
skill to roll a cigar you’d find that it would be extremely uncomfortable
trying to roll it on your thigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Cuban cigar factories have furnished areas where the cigar rollers create their
masterpieces on wooden rolling platforms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A Cigar’s Strength and Body are the Same</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Experienced cigar smokers know that strength and body are
different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Full bodied cigars aren’t
necessarily strong, and vice versa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
cigar’s strength is dependent on the spice and amount of nicotine in the
tobacco, not on the flavor of the cigar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Only Perfect Cigars Burn with a White Ash</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here’s another legend that’s about to bite the dust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a cigar burns with a white ash it only
means that the tobacco was grown in soil that had a lot of calcium and
phosphorous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a cigar burns with a
grey ash it just means that the land the cigar tobacco was grown on has a lot
of magnesium in the soil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Darker the Maduro (the Wrapper) the Stronger the Cigar</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is also a myth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The color of the maduro does not indicate how strong a cigar is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s only way to find out how strong a
cigar is and that is to smoke it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">JFK Wanted to Exempt Cuban Cigars from the Embargo</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">President John Fitzgerald Kennedy loved Cuban cigars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right before the embargo became official he
had his press secretary, Pierre Salinger, secure 1,200 boxes of H. Upmann Petit
Coronas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kennedy actually did want to exempt Cuban cigars from the
embargo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, tobacconists from
Tampa opposed this idea and confronted him with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously, they won.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There you have it – the truth about half a dozen of the most
popular myths and legends about cigars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One thing that you can’t debunk, though, is the pleasure you can get
from smoking a fine cigar – Cuban or otherwise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Author Bio – Jason Daniels enjoys cigars and loves writing
about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he’s not writing
articles about cigars you might find him journeying to lands where cigars are
manufactured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, when he’s not smoking
cigars, you’ll often find </span><a href="http://www.blucigs.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">e-cigs </span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">between his lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717948599841179002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000752043741765530.post-55839739654486508662012-08-08T18:45:00.001-07:002012-08-08T18:46:31.959-07:00Sir Winston Churchill – Cigar Smoker Extraordinaire<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/harwichs/5775444630/" title="Winston Churchill - Parkeston Quay by Harwich & Dovercourt, on Flickr"><img alt="Winston Churchill - Parkeston Quay" height="494" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2053/5775444630_671f4f24d6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill was born on November
30, 1874 and lived until January 24, 1965.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Known for leading the United Kingdom during World War II, Churchill was
also a historian, an officer in the British Army, an artist and a writer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of his passions in life was Cuban cigars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Throughout his political life he was rarely seen without one
of his favorite Cuban cigars in his mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But where did this obsession begin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, it began at the source.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On February 20, 1895 Churchill was commissioned as a second
lieutenant (a Coronet) in the 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> Queen’s On Hussars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that time Cuba was under the control of
the Spanish Government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shortly after
being commissioned he travelled to Cuba to observe the fighting that was going
on between the Cuban guerillas and the Spaniards. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Daily Graphic</i> had
also commissioned him to write about the fight from the field, and on his 21<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup>
birthday he came under fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was
the first of approximately fifty times that he came under fire in his lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although the Spanish awarded Churchill his
first medal, probably the most important thing he took away from his trip to Cuba
was his lifelong love of and passion for Cuban cigars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once he had tasted the cigars made in this “large, rich,
beautiful island” he became hooked on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From that point on he was hardly without a Cuban cigar and thereafter
never smoked a cigar from any other country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some say that he smoked between six and eight cigars per day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other people claim he smoked up to ten Cuban
cigars a day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You may think that these were tiny cigarillos, but that’s
not the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Churchill smoked the
largest cigars available at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
favorite brand was Romeo y Julieta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
his honor this cigar manufacturer named its topmost cigar a “Churchill.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now one of the most popular formats,
Churchills are seven inches long and have a forty seven ring gauge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sir Winston Churchill always kept hundreds of these cigars
in his Chartwell residence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a
unique way of preparing them for smoking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead of using a cigar cutter Sir Winston moistened his cigars and
pierced them with a match.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">He was a rather careless smoker though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though he carried a silver ashtray with
him throughout the house, it wasn’t unusual for ash to fall down onto his
clothes and the carpets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So Churchill invented a “bellybando” for his cigars that
would prevent the ashes from falling onto his coat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bellybandos were especially handy when he
fell asleep after dinner, often with a cigar clenched between his fingers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Nowadays some people might not be aware of who this great
individual was or how he led his country to victory in the Second World War.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They may never have heard his fervent
speeches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They might be unaware of all
the reforms he implemented when he was the prime minister of Great
Britain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if you ask almost any
cigar aficionado in the world who the most passionate cigar smoker from England
was, the one who was “always carrying Cuba on his lips,” you’ll immediately
hear them say, “It’s Churchill – the one they named the cigar after.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Author Bio – Jason Daniels has been a cigar lover since the
turn of the century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although he likes Chruchills,
he actually favors smaller cigars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when
circumstances don’t permit his smoking a cigar you’ll often find him with an </span><a href="http://www.blucigs.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ecig</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> in his mouth and a glass of cognac by his side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717948599841179002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000752043741765530.post-33667352318644428722012-08-08T18:35:00.004-07:002012-08-09T12:12:56.273-07:00The Best Cigars in the World<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevegriffdotcom/5820194577/" title="H. Upmann Noellas by SteveGriff.com, on Flickr"><img alt="H. Upmann Noellas" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2602/5820194577_b41930bbd7.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ask any cigar aficionado where they best cigars in the world
are made and virtually every one of them will say “Cuba.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a number of reasons that Cuban
cigars are considered to be the best in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For one, manufacturers have been producing
cigars from Cuban grown tobacco for hundreds of years, ever since the time of
King Phillip II of Spain (1527 – 1598).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Currently the Cuban cigar industry is strictly controlled by
the government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This ensures that every
cigar that leaves the factory is properly rolled, is well made, and doesn’t
contain any imperfections or flaws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
attention to detail and the dedicated care that goes into making each and every
Cuban cigar is one of the things that sets Cuban cigars apart from those made
in any other country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Every genuine Cuban cigar is made with care from the highest
quality materials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whereas as most other
cigars are made from blends of different types of tobacco, Cuban cigars are
made from only Cuban tobacco, and Cuban tobacco is superlative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s usually full bodied and strong, which
gives each cigar an aromatic and spicy flavor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The unmistakable aroma of a Cuban cigar only comes from high
quality Cuban tobacco that’s been harvested correctly then properly dried, cut
and wrapped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hardcore cigar smokers
agree that the strongest smoke only comes from Cuban cigars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ironically, their strong taste and aroma is
also why most inexperienced cigar smokers don’t really care for Cuban cigars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It’s been estimated that more than 100 steps are involved in
producing a single Cuban cigar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
regimen has not changed much for more than 100 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because the Cuban government is determined to
maintain the reputation of these cigars, you can be assured that every single
cigar that leaves Cuba is perfect and does not contain even a single flaw.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 292.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It’s unfortunate that these cigars
aren’t easily available and are difficult to come by outside of the
island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s probably one of the
reasons that they are even more desirable throughout the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 292.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In 1962 President John F. Kennedy signed
an Executive Order which extended the Cuban embargo to include his favorite
Cuban cigars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little known fact is
that he asked Pierre Salinger, his press secretary, to get as many H. Upmanns
as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twelve hundred boxes of
Cuban H. Upmann Petit Coronas arrived the next day, right before the embargo
was enforced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 292.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Today it is once again possible
for Americans to visit Cuba. They are even allowed to bring back a limited
amount of cigars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However legislation
still does not permit Cuban cigars to be imported into the United States.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cuban cigars are so highly prized that entire companies have
dedicated themselves to producing sub-par fake Cuban cigars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately it is very difficult to tell
whether a cigar is a genuine Cuban cigar just by looking at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if you are knowledgeable about cigars,
once you’ve tried it you will know whether or not it is genuine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Author Bio – Jason Daniels has been a cigar lover since the
turn of the century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When circumstances
don’t permit his smoking a cigar you’ll often find him with an </span><a href="http://www.blucigs.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ecig</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> in his
mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717948599841179002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000752043741765530.post-91399659500407435482012-08-08T18:23:00.002-07:002012-08-08T18:32:14.419-07:00Cigar Shapes - Is Bigger Better?<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/web4camguy/3494507435/" title="Me & Ashton by web4camguy, on Flickr"><img alt="Me & Ashton" height="494" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3413/3494507435_2eaa452e37.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As it is with many things in life, some people measure how
good a cigar is by its size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But does
size really matter?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is a nine inch
Perfecto with a rounded head really better than a four and a half inch long
Petit Corona?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll take a look at size
in this article and see how the cigars you prefer measure up to the rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll also show you the best way that you can
compare cigars.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>Cigar Shapes</u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cigars come in all different sizes and shapes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shape, or format of a cigar, is actually
a rather important factor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cigars are
either “Parejos” or “Figuardos.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Parejos are the traditional standard cylindrically shaped
cigars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The part you light, the “foot”,
is open, and the part that you snip a piece off before you put it into your
mouth, the “head”, is closed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Figuardos are irregularly shaped cigars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could be shaped like a rope, a torpedo,
or a pyramid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although different
manufacturers call them by different names, all of these exotic cigars are fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>Cigar Sizes</u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Although some countries use millimeters when referring to a
cigar’s diameter and centimeters when referring to its length, in the United
States, the United Kingdom and Cuba the diameter (the ring gauge) is measured
by 64ths of an inch and the length is measured in inches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So a cigar with a 45 ring gauge has a
diameter of 45/64 of an inch.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">High quality cigars are not graded by how much they
weigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they are weighed at all it’s
in the factory, as part of quality control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>Parejos</u></span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Corona</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Corona is pretty much the standard Parejo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Typically it is 5 ½ to 6 inches long and has
a ring gauge of 42 to 44.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Petit Corona:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Petit Coronas are usually 4 ½ inches long with a ring gauge
of 40 to 42.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Corona Gorda:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This cigar is traditionally 4 4/8 inches long and has a 46
ring gauge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Double Corona:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As its name implies, this large cigar measures 7 ½ to 8
inches and has a large 49 to 52 ring gauge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Churchill:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Named after Sir Winston Churchill, these cigars are
essentially large Coronas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
usually 7 inches long and have a 48 ring gauge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Robusto:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Robustos are becoming quite popular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re sort of like a stocky Churchill and
usually measure between 5 and 5 ½ inches with a 50 ring gauge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Panetela:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Panetelas were very popular during the last decade of the
twentieth century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Similar to thin
Coronas, Panetelas are between 5 and 7 ½ inches long and have a ring gauge from
34 to 38.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lonsdale:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lonsdales are longer than Coronas and thicker than
Panatelas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re usually 6 ¾ inches
long and have a ring gauge of 42 to 44.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>Figuardos</u></span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Torpedo:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As their name implies, Torpedos have a pointed head, a
closed foot and a bulge in the middle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pyramid:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Most Pyramids are 6 to 7 inches long and have a ring gauge
of around 40 at the closed head and between 52 and 54 at the open foot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Belicoso:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the past Belicosos were short Pyramids that were around 5
to 5 ½ inches in length.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had a
slightly more rounded head than Pyramids and had a ring gauge of 50 or
less.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, however, Belicosos are not
more than Corona Gordas or Coronas with tapered heads.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Perfecto:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Similar to a Torpedo, the Perfecto has a bulging middle and
a closed foot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However its head is
rounded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfectos can be as small as 4
½ inches and as long as 9 inches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
thickness varies from a 38 to a 48 ring gauge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Diademas:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Diademas are the big guns of the Figuardo family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are tapered cigars that are at least 8
inches long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their closed head is
usually a ring gauge 40.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes the
foot is closed and sometimes it’s open. But it’s always hefty. The ring gauge
of a Diademas is at least 52.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Culebra:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Culebra is a somewhat rare and exotic Figuardo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Presented as one cigar, it’s really 3 Panatelas
that are braided together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before
smoking a Culebra you first unbraid it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You might smoke one yourself and share the others with two close friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each Culebra is often between 5 and 6 inches
long and has a 38 ring gauge.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Does Size Really
Matter?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Like with so many other things, one of the myths about
cigars is that the bigger the cigar is the stronger it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there’s no real correlation between
strength and size at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some small
cigars that are made out of strong tobacco pack a strong punch while some large
cigars that are made from mild tobacco are really mellow and smooth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In addition, there isn’t any real consistency from one brand
to another. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, if you were to compare
two Robustos from two companies you’ll probably find that each one has its own
unique taste.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The bottom line is that size really doesn’t matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try them all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>See what you like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And most of
all have fun while you’re doing it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Author Bio – Jason Daniels has been a cigar lover for the
past dozen years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll often find him
at his local coffee shop writing articles about cigars on his notebook computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since coffee shops tend to frown on cigar smoking
in their establishments he often has a pack of <a href="http://www.blucigs.com/" target="_blank">e-cigs</a> by his side.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03717948599841179002noreply@blogger.com0