http://cigarsecrets.com From the moment you walk into the cigar store to the final puff, it can be an enjoyable experience. It is those in-between moments that can elude us. Where to store them, which cigar to smoke, how to light it, how to blow smoke rings, how to rate a cigar, selecting the perfect cigar, etc, etc. It is for all of the above that this site is written. Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:10:20 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en There is a lot of talk of whether you need to find a popular label to get a good smoke. Well, here is my take… Large cigar makers have the most consistent tobacco. They often have first rights to thousands of acres of tobacco. So, if you are looking for a ... http://cigarsecrets.com/out-on-the-town/should-i-buy-name-brand-cigars/ The term “blowing a smoke ring” is something of a misnomer and probably the reason many cigar smokers fail when attempting their creation.  Most people think they have to exhale to form a ring when, in fact, just the opposite is true. But wait.  Let’s start with the basics and not ... http://cigarsecrets.com/how-to/how-to-blow-smoke-rings/ The 2009 Top Ten Cuban Cigars? Well look no further, the votes are IN! If you are lucky enough to get your hands on any of these, find a nice quiet area - or a loud one with friends - and enjoy! The 2009 List! 1. Cohiba Esplindidos 2. H Uphmann Magnum 50 3. San ... http://cigarsecrets.com/cuban-corner/2009-top-ten-cuban-cigars/ It takes only a few weeks for a cigar to become dry in adverse conditions, but it takes a few months to restore them.  And although dry cigars could be brought back to an acceptable smoking condition, they will probably never be as good as they originally were.   So an ... http://cigarsecrets.com/how-to/how-to-refresh-a-dry-smoke/ Get ready to pay a bit more for your favorite smoke. On February 4th, 2009 President Obama signed into law the expansion of the State Children's Insurance Health Program (SCHIP).  This program provides health and dental insurance to children and pregnant mothers who do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford health insurance. The ... http://cigarsecrets.com/out-on-the-town/tax-increase-on-cigars/ This is a surprisingly common question I get but it is an almost impossible answer. My friend Tommy laughs when I can make a smoke last as long as the “recommended smoke time.” In a nutshell, the bigger they are the longer they smoke (like you had to go to a ... http://cigarsecrets.com/how-to/how-long-does-it-take-to-smoke-a-cigar/ You may have seen or heard two different terms when discribing Cuban Cigars. "Made in Cuba" and "Made in Havana."  The two words are interchange and in either case come from the island of Cuba. The term "Made in Havana" is largely due to the fact that most Cuban cigars are made ... http://cigarsecrets.com/off-the-grid/made-in-cuba-or-made-in-havana/   Did you know you can easily create your own flavored cigars? Just take a few mild smokes (no maduro's) and put them in a tight sealing container (no need for a humidor for this one). A tupperware bin works great. It needs to be large enough to hold the cigars and a shot of ... http://cigarsecrets.com/out-on-the-town/create-your-own-flavored-cigar/ You wouldn't think a cartoon character would be the inspiration of cigar line, but that is exactly where Punch got its name around 1840.  The name Punch was taken from an English humor magazine (and a very popular puppet show) The character "Punch" smoked and stogie and repeatedly hit everyone with his club. You may vaguely recall the names "Punch and Judy" as they ... http://cigarsecrets.com/off-the-grid/where-did-punch-cigar-get-its-name/ Sit back, light up your favorite smoke and consider, perhaps for the first time, the lowly band that encircles your cigar. A simple paper ring of no consequence to you... something to be discarded without thought. Yet for some it is an object of great debate, its origin shrouded in ... http://cigarsecrets.com/out-on-the-town/who-invented-the-cigar-band/