February 11, 2010

  • Restoring Cigars with the Proper Accessories

    A cigar is not something that can be made and then left to sit around in just any sort of setting. This is because cigars are crafted from tobacco leaves that can absorb moisture, lose moisture, and even take in some of the odors and flavors within their environments. Consider the use of humidors - these keep a relatively level humidity within in their interiors thanks to their built in humidifiers and hygrometers. When a cigar is kept in a balanced humidor it will age nicely and retain its original flavors, though their tobaccos will tend to blend and mellow a bit over time.

  • Methods of Cigar Storage

    Anyone who has ever visited a tobacconist shop that specializes in high-quality cigars is likely to remember the enormous cabinets in which all of the boxes and brands were displayed for sale. Such a cabinet is known as a humidor, and anyone who hopes to retain and even improve the quality of their own cigars will need to invest in at least one home-sized version. Why would someone require more than a single humidor? Apart from the obvious fact that they may own many boxes of costly cigars that need to be stored properly, they may also want to age cigars without loss of quality.

  • Deciding to Age Your Cigars

    Do you really have to age all of your cigars? Actually, this is an interesting issue, and enthusiasts are torn over the best way to enjoy a cigar. There are some varieties that should be smoked when they are fresh, and will in fact completely reject all efforts at aging and mellowing. For instance, those known as the Maduros are often extremely resistant to aging due to their thick and cured wrappers. The larger ring-gauge cigars, however, tend to do quite nicely in the aging process. There are others that can also benefit greatly from the practice, and investing in a special or individual cigar humidor for such varieties may be a good idea.

December 31, 2009

  • Using a Humidor

    Lots of people enjoy smoking high-quality and exotic cigars. After all, they have some of the most beguiling and appealing aromas of any tobacco products available. They are, however, remarkably sensitive items and can sustain physical damages as well as go stale rather quickly. For example, most cigars are made by wrapping special varieties of tobacco within a full tobacco leaf. These are then secured with a paper band and placed inside of a cellophane or plastic wrapper before being boxed up for shipping. All of this is to prevent the cigar from falling apart and being damaged during shipment.

December 26, 2009

  • Cigar Wrapper Types

    Wrappers are a very important part of a cigar. Not only do wrappers play a functional role, they also play a role in the experience of a cigar. Knowing the differences in wrapper types can help you determine what cigar might be best for you. Can you explain how a Colorado wrapper differs from a Maduro wrapper? Do you know how a Claro wrapper will influence a cigars taste? Below, we explain each wrapper type in detail and the properties each wrapper type imparts on the experience of a cigar.

November 6, 2009

  • Basic Instructions for Lighting Your Pipe

    There's no doubt that smoking a pipe is one of the most enjoyable pastimes around. Of course, you can't smoke that pipe until you learn how to light it. This can take some time, as you'll need a bit of patience and some knowhow to get started. You will also need some specialized tools to ensure that you are successful. With the right tools and the right tips, you'll be enjoying that pipe in no time at all.

November 2, 2009

  • How To Age A Cigar Using A Humidor

    It's true that some things just get better with time. Pain, wine and yes Cigars also are enhanced by the ageing process. A well aged cigar displays subtleties in flavour, the mellowness. It's the reason why some people will pay high sums to enjoy a vintage cigar that has been aged in the right way. But don't worry, you won't necessarily need to hand over all your cash to enjoy the flavour and complexity of a well aged cigar, with a little care, the right tools and some patience, you can get started ageing your own cigars at home.

November 1, 2009

  • Cigar Cutter Lighter Combos

    If you enjoy smoking cigars, you're carrying on a pastime that has been around for a very long time. Few things can compare to the enjoyment derived from a luxurious, high quality cigar. Of course, if you do smoke, you'll realize quickly that you need a cutter and a quality lighter to help ensure your smoking enjoyment. You'll find that one of the most popular options is to choose a cigar lighter with a cutter for your needs. These combination units offer quite a bit of convenience, as well as quality operation and other benefits.

October 27, 2009

  • How Are Windproof Lighters Wind Resistant?

    Wind resistant lighters are devices of which any smoker should be aware. These lighters can help ensure that you are able to light up when and where you wish, regardless of how hard the wind might be blowing. Every smoker has suffered the inevitable snuffing out of their flame when trying to smoke in windy conditions; even a very light breeze can make lighting up difficult. Quite a few smokers have opted to make use of a wind resistant lighter to help avoid this problem. How do these lighters work?

October 15, 2009

  • Why Purchase a Dual Flame Lighter?

    While finding the perfect blend of tobacco is a delightful process, having the right tools on hand to help you enjoy that smoke is a vital consideration. You will find that your choice in lighters makes a tremendous difference in your smoking enjoyment and even in your ability to smoke. Traditional flame options are not great choices for cigar lovers, but torch flames may not offer pipe and cigarette smokers the best light, either. Thankfully, dual flame models give you the options you need.

July 31, 2009

  • Butane Lighter Care

    Butane lighters are available in models which are made for use in rugged environments. A wind resistant lighter used to mean fluid-filled but today's gas-filled lighters can provide reliable service in conditions which would make a cheaper lighter useless. Making certain they work as intended does require that one pay attention to the proper maintenance of their lighter and that starts with the fuel one uses.

July 21, 2009

  • How to Glue a Cigar Wrapper

    Cigars, especially the good ones, can cost a fair amount of money. To that end, a damaged cigar can be a very disappointing thing. Of course, it is only disappointing if one isn't aware of just how easy it is to fix them.

July 19, 2009

  • When to Ash a Cigar

    One may not realize it, but the ash on the foot of one's cigar does play a role in how well the cigar smokes and how it tastes. Most often, individuals give this little consideration. There are good reasons to maintain a certain amount of ash while smoking, however.

July 18, 2009

  • Cigar Lighting Instructions

    Smoking a cigar is a different affair than smoking a cigarette. There are etiquette concerns regarding when and where it's appropriate to light up as much as there are etiquette concerns regarding how one lights up. Following both is certain to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.

June 30, 2009

June 25, 2009

  • Differences in Cigar Wrappers

    The wrapper is an integral part of your cigar. Before you begin applying your lighter to just any old cigar, you need to know the difference the type of wrapper makes. Numerous different types of wrapper exist and they all play a role in how much you enjoy your cigar. Do you know the difference between a Claro and a Colorado wrapper? What is a Maduro wrapper? How does the type of wrapper used affect the enjoyment of the cigar? Here, you will find a bit of help in understanding the role played by the wrapper.

June 24, 2009

  • Cigar Styles and Sizes

    Anyone who has ever seen a humidor standing open, like a vast treasure vault, knows that cigars come in many different styles and sizes. Unlike many other things in life, both of these factors will have a singular effect on your enjoyment. For instance, the style and size of the cigar you choose will affect the taste of the cigar, the harshness of the smoke and even the temperature of the smoke you draw in from the cigar. Knowing a bit about the different cigar styles and sizes will help you know which you want to put your lighter to for your enjoyment.

June 12, 2009

  • Types of Cigar Cutters Not Every Cigar Cutter Looks the Same

    Browsing the web, a few years ago, I found this article on some splashy celebrity site about Sienna Miller, the movie star. She's standing against a wall, smiling broadly while smoking a cigar. What struck me about the picture was how cheeky she looked. Like a naughty girl flaunting her wicked ways. I was so struck in fact, that I went out to buy my first cigar. And what was a random chance meeting of me and a picture of a movie star on her break, turned into an interesting and fun hobby. While I never smoked the actual cigar I became fascinated with the product and its accessories and I began collecting cigar cutters. Its an odd hobby for a woman, not quite as odd as smoking cigars, but still odd.

February 18, 2009

  • How To Age A Cigar Using A Humidor

    Cigar afficionado\'s swear that like a fine wine, a quality cigar gets better if it has been aged using a process that is simple, providing you start with the right ingredients. People pay lots of money for a quality aged cigar, but you don\'t have to fork out lots of cash in order to have a semblence of what they enjoy. As long as you start with a good quality cigar and a good cigar humidor, you too can age your cigars from your own home.