It is not easy in the cigar world to be the “first” at something.

The Nomad Cigar Company was not the first to introduce a great cigar. No, many companies have gone down that road.

Nor did Nomad become the first to create a cigar band, box, Facebook fan page, or even try and leverage social media.

No, the Nomad Cigar Company took things a bit further.

If you look closely at every Nomad cigar band, you will see two words. One is the unmistakable “Nomad” in big letters. The other, slightly off to the side, is the word, “@Godfadr.”

“@Godfadr” is the personal Twitter account for the company’s founder and President, Fred “Godfadr” Rewey.

There are other cigar companies using Twitter, but no one had been that in-your-face about creating an immediate access experience with the cigar maker.

We caught up with the “Godfadr” and asked him the story behind the band.

“Early on, when we were playing with different shapes and sizes, I was smoking a cigar at a local hangout outside of Orlando, FL. I gave the guy next to me a cigar. At the time, there were not even any bands on it.

He loved the cigar and preceded to take out his phone, look me up on Twitter, take a photo and post it to his Twitter account. Almost immediately after that, I received great comments and feedback from other cigar smokers.

At the time, I was always looking for opportunities to convey my “total access” philosophy; I wanted to personally stay in touch and communicate with people smoking Nomad cigars.

I thought, why not put it on the band? – it has been a great experience ever since”

Whatever the story of “how” it came to be, there is no doubt that it helps tie together a segment of cigar smokers that may not have the ability to hang out with a local group; let alone the founder of a cigar company.

Next time you light up a Nomad Cigar try tweeting @Godfadr. Just don’t be surprised when he replies.

I am not going to lie, this has to be the coolest cutter I have ever owned. For a couple reasons…

1. Xikar makes great cutters. Period. – If you are like me, you have seen a variety of neat looking cutters that just come up short (no pun intended) when it comes to the actual cutting portion. I have yet to have a Xikar cutter fail in the cutting department.

2. The 3D Mayan cigar cutter is a work of art – before you ever start cutting. Half cutter, half sculpture. Even the weight of it is noticeably heavier than the average cutter.

3. So far, knock on wood, I have not run into another one. It is a real attention getter – so much so you might want to consider keeping it on a chain.

We have seen these as high at $250 retail. I picked mine off Amazon for $179.00. Although somewhat pricey for the average recreational cigar smoker, it just may be the last cutter you ever buy.

It comes in a gift box with a certificate to redeem a free Sting-Ray cutter sheath.

Not sure how long you can grab them for the same price I did…so good luck.

Hang around a cigar shop long enough and you will no doubt run into the old question, “Can you figure the weight of cigar smoke?”

The conversation starts out light enough (no pun intended) but it can get serious real quick as more and more people weigh in (pun intended).

First off, here is the history.

Rumor is, Sir Walter Raleigh once said that a large portion of a cigar is “smoke” and that he could effectively weigh it.

Here is what he did…

1. Weighed the cigar before smoking.

2. Smoked the cigar while carefully saving all of the ash created.

3. Weighed the ash (along with the remaining butt).

4. Subtracted the end weight (ash and butt) from the start weight (whole cigar).

5. The difference, he surmised, was the “weight of cigar smoke.”

Sounds simple enough huh? Probably best to leave it at that.

Enter the geeks…

As the evening progresses (and possibly some drinks) someone in the crowd knows more than they should and still gets an issue of popular science delivered to their home.

Then something like this comes up…

“But what is ash? I mean generally there are oxides of Si, P, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, and K. You need to consider what those elements were bound to before combustion. You also need to consider the temperature and pressure of the surrounding environment. I suppose a muffle furnace would suffice.”

What the hell?

OK Sheldon, sit down in your favorite cigar chair and shut up. Sheesh. Some people take all the fun out of it.

It seems that some people just have too much money. And I don’t necessarily mean “wealthy.”

No, I mean people that just throw money away when it comes to picking out a decent cigar.

There are two ways to blow money when it comes to buying cigars.

1. Buy overpriced cigars or

2. Buy cigars that are too cheap.

Frankly, I am not sure which is the greater sin, so let’s start with the first one.

Twenty years ago, things were different. Your cigar choices were limited in two ways. One, there were just a lot less cigars out there and two, you were pretty much victim to whatever your local cigar shop deemed appropriate to carry.

That has changed.

There are lots of cigar companies out there…big and small. The big boys like Avo are putting out quality cigars at a variety of price points. New start-ups like NomadCigarCompany.com have figured out how to create quality cigars and an amazing price.

So, at the end of the day, you don’t need to pay $20 a stick for a quality cigar. Heck, you don’t even have to pay $15.

Secondly, stop chasing cigar that are under $4.00 a stick. I mean really. What kind of quality do you really think you are getting? For the most part (and yes, there are a couple of exceptions but probably not yours) anything under $4.00 a stick is the bologna of the cigar world – you just don’t know what you are getting.

My advice to the first group is try some lesser expensive cigars. Stop trying to prove yourself to the world via showing off the right “label” and actually enjoy a better smoke.

As for the second group. If it is a budget issue, just skip a cigar here and there and double your budget. You will have a much better cigar experience and stop blowing money on crappy sticks.

Orlando, FL (March 28, 2012) – This March, Fred Rewey, founder and president of Nomad Cigar Company, Inc., introduced his first line of Nomad cigars.

Created in the heart of the Dominican Republic, Nomad’s initial offering comes in 5 shapes and each cigar showcases Dominican filler and binder with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper.

Nomad’s founder was adamant about focusing on the quality of the cigars first, and letting the price points fall where they must. Fred stated, “It doesn’t do any good staying focused on a [low] price point if you can’t deliver a solid cigar. Fortunately, at the end of the day, we were able to procure amazing tobacco and deliver it at an affordable price.”

Nomad’s flagship cigar is called the “Fugitive.” The 2012 Limited Edition is 5 7/8” in length with a max ring size of 64.  The Fugitive has a unique feature being tapered on both ends.

Also included in the initial line:

The “Drifter.” – Full 6” in length and a 60 Ring gauge.

The “Navigator” – A 6” Torpedo

The Renegade – A traditional 5 ½” x 54 Robusto

The Vagabond – 4 5/8” in length with a max ring size of 54 (also tapered on both ends).

The cigars are presented either in boxes or cellophane-bundled (online orders are “bundled” until late April).

Nomad also set out to shake up the cigar buying experience in two ways. One, people can go online and register for Nomad’s “Fugitive Club,” a cigar referral program that enables smokers to gain points and redeem for Nomad swag or even cigars. Secondly, Fred personally signs each order and Nomad has been known to throw “something extra” in the cigar orders – just to say thanks.

Nomad was focused on two factors from the very beginning; the cigars themselves and creating an unprecedented access to the company. It appears that they have accomplished both.

If cigar buyers are unable to find a retail location in their area currently carrying the Nomad line, they are also offered direct on Nomad’s website at www.NomadCigarCompany.com

Contact:

Fred “Godfadr” Rewey, Nomad Cigar Company

Twitter: @Godfadr

Godfadr@NomadCigarCompany.com

We just put in a order for what could be one of the coolest looking cutters on the planet. 

Course, we are just wondering if it will work in “real life.”

Update: We checked out the cutter and give it a 10 for the cool look of it. However, we have to leave it at that. It just came up short (no pun intended) when it came to using it.

It just can’t seem to handle that very last part of the cut – leaving the user with trying to re-cut it or end with a slight tear – neither of which are acceptable in our opinion. If you want to check it out for yourself, you can find the Cuban Crafters 3 Blade Cigar Cutter at Amazon for a decent price.

Just know that we think it will end up on your shelf as a conversation piece more than see actual use.

I get a kick out of the weekly emails sent out by cigar companies. This morning was,  “Grab this box of premium cigars for only $20 a box!”

Oh, and did I mention they were also going to throw in a humidor and lighter?

WOW! What a deal right?

Not really.

I get sick and tired of hearing about people that are disappointed with cigars just because they were chasing some ridiculous low price.

If I sold you a car for $10,000 and threw in a boat and RV would you think you were getting a good car? Of course not. Why do you think the cigar world operates any different.

The fact of the matter is that the cigars typically suck. Big time.

So the would-be cigar smoker ends up throwing half of them away or decides that they just can’t get a good cigar anymore.

Here is what I recommend;

Stop chasing the incredible $2.00 a stick deal that comes with “free stuff.”

If it is a budget issue for you, then smoke less, but get better cigars. You will enjoy the cigar experience a ton more (even if it is slightly less often).

If this sounds like a rant, it is.

I started the Nomad Cigar Company to try and stop people from chasing crappy cigars. No, you won’t find a $2 cigar over at Nomad…and I am not going to apologize for that fact either. Sure I have plenty of deals over there (like with the Fugitive club you can earn free cigars just for referring friends) – but I will never sacrifice quality.

Too many of these high-volume online shops take their dried out cigars that have been sitting in the back office and make them “specials.”

Really. You deserve better than that.

On Sunday afternoon I took advantage of a bright crisp fall day to have a
seat in the garden, share a glass of single malt with my daughter and light
up a wonderful cigar-the Perdomo Habano with a Corojo wrapper in a 6X60
gordo size.

The cigar is wonderful to look at, a light sheen lets it almost
glow. This Nicaraguan puro is well constructed, firm in the hand with a
great cedar-y smell in the pre-light.

I paired it with an 11 year old Balblair Highland single malt that my daughter just brought back from
Scotland, The citrus notes of the scotch were perfect with the rich
full-bodied Perdomo. It’s burn was consistent-no relights or touch ups.

The flavor was cedar and leather with a spicy retro-hale. This cigar’s flavor
was tasty throughout.

The size and construction of the gordo is just great. You really feel
special with the creamy smoke and great draw.

I smoked it down to the nub. It took about an hour and I was in no hurry. I only really have one
criticism: the ash was a little flakey and fell off sooner than I wanted.

The price was right too at $8 or so from my local B & M. There are a few
more of these in my humidor…I am already looking forward to them.

Guest Reviewer is: J Bebb is a 52 year old cigar enthusiast that has been enjoying smoking for
30 years. Along with cigars he enjoys fine dining, cooking, beer, rare and
unusual whisky and outdoor activities. A father of three he is proud to say
that his children echo his enthusiasm. J lives with his wife of 25 years and
family in upstate New York.

Sure, you can use a razor blade, an x-acto knife or a pocket blade; you can even just bite and tear to remove the uncut end of a cigar.  Probably uncouth, but not without it’s value when you’re far from home with an unclipped cigar and a powerful urge to smoke.

But you already know (if you read the How to Cut a Cigar post) that a cigar cutter is one of the four essential tools an experienced cigar smoking aficionado needs.  Simply stated, the object of the cut is to create an ample, smooth opening for smoking.  This will allow you to draw more easily on your stogie and will also ensure that your cigar burns evenly without damaging its structure.

Here are some of your Cigar Cutter options:

• Cigar Knife
• Single Cutter
• Double Cutter
• Straight Blade
• Double Blade
• Bullet Cutter
• Bullet Punch
• Eagle Scissors
• Credit Card Cutter
• Punch

And my personal favorite (shown in picture)…

• The Guillotine Cigar Cutter

But once you get over the fun idea of executing the tip of your smoke, the real question is this:  ‘What’s the right tool for the job?”  What’s the recommended way to trim a smoke?

What you use to clip your cigar is a matter of personal preference.  Cigar smokers are known (and respected!) for their independent minds and spirits.  So do a little hunting and pecking, a little nipping and clipping, and see which manufacturer has a product that fits your hand, your sense of style – and your budget.

And keep it clean, boys and girls!  If your formerly wonderful cutter suddenly stops working well, YOU may be the culprit – having let a build-up of moist tobacco accumulate and dull the edge.  If your cutter is in less than optimal condition, you might as well just use your teeth, so wipe off the blade of your cutter frequently and be sure to keep any cutter well sharpened.

The latest in ‘cutting edge’ cutters?  For the golfer that wants to be smokin’ on the fairway, Dunhill has created an all-in-one cutter and divot repair tool.  And nobody offers more combination cutting instruments than Colibiri, including a refillable pen with integrated bullet-style cigar cutter (available in a variety of smart colors and finishes) and a large selection of combination cigar cutters and lighters.

New to smoking cigars?

Don’t worry.  Even Winston Churchill had to start somewhere!

Cigar Secrets is filled with lots of information about choosing cigars, lighting  smoking them, accessories, etc.  But this page is devoted to answering the questions many ‘virgins’ ask.  A Cigar Newbie’s FAQ, if you like.  (And don’t be too hard on yourself – some of the, shall we say, more ‘experienced’ cigar smokers who are reading this site could do with a refresher in these basics too.)

So start here and keep on reading.  And why not enjoy a good smoke while you do?

What’s a ‘premium’ cigar?

Only cigars handmade by experts from a choice blend of top-quality tobaccos and aged to perfection may truly be referred to as premium.

If I can pick up a cigar at my local drugstore, why should I spend all that money at the fancy cigar stores?

I can buy a Twinkie at MY local drugstore for a lot less money than a muffin at the French bakery down the street, but do you really think the quality is the same?  Come on.  Don’t be coy.  You know better.

Pre-packaged cigars often include non-tobacco ingredients like paper, PG (Propylene Glycol) or Glycerin (to prevent drying) and even saltpeter!  Quality cigars, the ones that you’ll purchase from reliable cigar stores, contain only tobacco.  Further, better cigars are rolled with top of the line leaves and are made with leaves that run from end to end.

Is the price of a cigar indicative of its quality or its consistency?

High prices do not guarantee good cigars. It’s the smoker’s dilemma to judge their relative worth.  This is one situation where trial and error can be fun.

Is it ok to buy “machine made” cigars?

There a lot of things a machine can do, making cigars is not really one of them. An experienced roller will know when to add more or less filler to help with the perfect smoke – a machine will not. How will you know? Well, if there is a plastic tip on the end that will be one dead giveaway. Secondly, most reputable brands do not make them with machines – if you are worried, stick to the larger cigars.

What’s the story with ordering cigars by mail or off the Internet?

Mail order cigar distributors – and there are a wealth of them on the Internet – offer the advantage of a good product and great prices, usually highly discounted over what your local merchant will charge.  The downside is an occasional “quality” issue and the minimum purchase requirement – Don Diego’s Casa de Cigars wants you to spend $100 for a box, not $5 for a single.

You should also remember that your local tobacconist is a source of information and advice, as well as selling cigars and accessories.  Once you have established a relationship with your local tobacconist (and they understand your tastes) he/she can recommend new brands for you – brands that you may have easily missed in the “catalog”.

Are cigars supposed to be aged or fresh?

The word ‘fresh’ is probably not the best adjective to apply to a cigar.  Premium cigar rollers utilize tobacco that has been (hopefully) aged for several months before rolling and then the manufacturer may age them an additional year before releasing them to distribution outlets.

So any way you smoke it, your stogie is hardly ‘fresh.’  Many people still savor the flavor of pre-Castro Cubans, and we’ve even read about cigars from the 1940’s, which still taste great.  In fact, some people have such a preference for ‘vintage’ cigars that they age their stogies themselves.

Can I figure out how a cigar will taste just by knowing what country it was made in?

Cigars are a global industry and each country’s cigars have textures and flavors that reflect different rolling techniques, unique curing or aging processes, even the difference in soils from one region to another.   You could spend a lifetime getting to know the subtleties and nuances of each.

It’s likely that the first cigars you choose will be from the Caribbean.

Of course there are always exceptions but it you’re looking to start out with a mild smoke, go Jamaican.  On the other end of the scale are cigars from Nicaragua and Honduras, which are considered more full-bodied.  In between are cigars from the Dominican Republic.  And, at the top of the list – cigars from Cuba, the richest and most prized in the world.

So, are Cuban cigars the best or what?

Some people believe they are the best others feel that they are overrated. I think it is just a matter of individual taste (ie: California Cabernet vs. French Bordeaux). Cuban cigars are typically more of a full-bodied cigar (they have milder versions as well), so if that is what you like than you may enjoy them. Cuban Cigars are made exclusively of Cuban tobacco. The likelihood of coming across a fake Cuban cigar is also pretty strong (it is big business creating fakes). Keep in mind that some Cuban cigars are machine made  – if you want to avoid the chance of this, stick to the larger sizes. (Also see the Top Cuban Cigars list for more information).

How do I know if I want a “strong” cigar?

First, lets lose the term “strong”. In the industry we prefer to refer to them as “full bodied” (although occasionally even I will say something is strong). Secondly, sometimes this will be due to inefficient aging of the tobacco. If you find a cigar line that you like, you may want to slowly move up into more full bodied cigars.