Finding the Best Cigar Cutters

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. Read more

Be a Cigar Smoking Professional

Even before you know what you’re doing, you can ‘look the part’ of an accomplished cigar smoker.  These are the four essential items you will want to have.

1. CIGAR CUTTERS

There are just some things a cigar smoker can’t do without. This is one of ‘em.  Sure you can chew off the end of your cigar (like they do in the movies) and just spit it out, but nothing says you’re a true connoisseur better than pulling out your own personal cigar cutter.  (Also see How to Cut a Cigar). Read more

Getting to Know Cigar Wrappers

Of the three major cigar components – wrapper, binder and filler – it’s the wrapper leaves that readily present themselves for inspection when you’re making your purchase.  Some industry experts claim that up to 75% of the flavor of a cigar comes from the wrapper – so be sure to get to know them well.  “Kick the tires” so to speak of each new stogie you buy.

To pass muster, wrapper leaves should be thick and have an oily feeling.  They should possess a smooth and uniform color, with small veining running throughout the leaf.  The veins should be subtle, not prominent, and no blemishes should mar the leaf. Read more

How to Blow Smoke Rings

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. Read more

Are Cuban Cigars the Best?

At some point this was bound to come up. “Are Cuban cigars the best of the best?” Certainly their reputation puts them on the top of cigar connoisseurs lists – even if they are illegal in this country. Read more