Cigar & Lifestyle Interests for the Discerning Smoker
Buying Cigars as a Gift
Is there a cigar aficionado on your gift list? Wondering how to choose a decent cigar for a friend or loved one? Even if you know nothing about cigars or choosing a good cigar, just learning a few basics can help you sniff out (sometimes literally) a good cigar to...
Buying Cigars as a Gift
Is there a cigar aficionado on your gift list? Wondering how to choose a decent cigar for a friend or loved one? Even if you know nothing about cigars or choosing a good cigar, just learning a few basics can help you sniff out (sometimes literally) a good cigar to give to a friend. Fortunately, cigars have now entered the mainstream. Long ago a symbol of the rich and powerful, it’s now easier than ever for just about anyone to enjoy a good cigar. Of course, you probably won’t be able to buy your friend a box of top-tier Cuban cigars, but you can definitely buy them a good quality cigar that will put a smile on their face. First, visit your local tobacconist or specialty smoke shop for the...
Retailer Review: Thompson Cigar Co.
Thompson Cigar Co. is an online cigar and accessories retailer based out of Florida, USA. Founded in Key West, in 1915, now located in Tampa, Thompson Cigar Co. is the oldest mail order cigar company in the country. Today, Thompson Cigar runs the single largest inventory storage humidor in the United States, totaling over 300,000 cubic feet. Thompson distributes private label cigars, national cigar brands, boutique cigars, humidors, and smoking accessories. My experience with Thompson started some twenty years ago in about 2002 when I placed my first mail order on their website. Not impressed with the availability of premium cigars in my local area (lack of brick and mortar cigar shops), I...
Failings at FDA’s Tobacco Center Highlighted by Independent Report
December 20, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECody CardenDirector of Communicationscody.carden@cigarrights.org Failings at FDA’s Tobacco Center Highlighted by Independent Report WASHINGTON, DC - Cigar Rights of America applauds a new report from the Reagan-Udall Foundation (RUF) that suggests increasing transparency and predictability at the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). CRA participated in the Foundation’s review process, providing comments on the need for sound science, clearer guidance to industry, and prioritization of Agency focus on higher-risk products. The Reagan-Udall Foundation is an independent entity, created by Congress and staffed by experts,...
The Anatomy of Cigars
Cigars are comprised of surprisingly few component parts. Unlike cigarettes, which usually have filters, two different kinds and colors of paper, and filler ingredients other than tobacco, premium cigars are made of 100% tobacco. What makes one cigar so different from another is the type of tobacco, where that tobacco is grown, when the leaves are picked, how the picked leaves are then cured and fermented, and how the finished leaves are cut and rolled. Because cigars are made in so many parts of the world, there is a diverse range of products, and it can get confusing navigating the cigar landscape. Today we’ll be looking at wrappers, fillers, and binders, including what they are, the...
Cigar Reviews
Cigar Review – CAO Columbia
This is a good middle of the road, second shelf cigar, it’s not top shelf or something that I would classify as a celebration cigar, but if you want something with good flavor, a mild to medium body and affordable then this would be a good cigar to consider. I think if the cigar didn’t have the burn issues it had that it would have been a more enjoyable experience, and based on the ashing issues, it would be suited for an outdoor activity like the golf course or fishing.
Cigar Review: Ortega Serie D Habano
I would classify this as a second shelf cigar, this isn’t a world class cigar you want to save for a special occasion, but it isn’t exactly an everyday smoke you would want to waste on mowing the grass either. This is a cigar that is best enjoyed after a good dinner, as the power of the cigar does ramp up pretty high and the nicotine hit it provides in conjunction with the intense flavor could be a little much for a middle of the day cigar or a smoke on an empty stomach. Overall, this is a nice cigar to have in the humidor and one that deserves a place in any smoker’s lineup, even if its not on regular rotation.
Cigar Review: Rocky Patel Edge A-10 The Sixty
I would classify this cigar as a top shelf smoke, this is a cigar you want in your humidor for those times when you want to sit back and relax with a nice drink and be able to pay proper attention to the flavors of the cigar you are smoking. I enjoyed this cigar so much that I put through an order before writing up this review so I can get more in the humidor. This cigar is a pleasure to smoke, a pleasure to be around when smoked and gets our recommendation for being added to anyone’s lineup.
Cigar Review: Eiroa The First 20 Years
This is a cigar that we would classify as a top shelf smoke, and is something you want to keep around for when a good smoke is desired that not only tastes and smokes great, but is a pleasure to be in company of as well. While the price point of the stick might turn some smokers in the opposite direction, we would encourage you to give these Eiroa cigars a try. Fully impressed with this offering, we can tell that the makers of this cigar have a history in the business.
Cigar Review: Petrus Oscuro Gordo
This is one of those cigars that you throw in the humidor for when you have buddies over that don’t know a good smoke from a horrible smoke – it looks great, smells great and to a less experienced smoker it might even taste great to them. Now don’t get me wrong, the flavors in the cigar were good, however they didn’t mix well, didn’t transition well. This might be a good smoke for those days your running the mower and don’t really care what you’re smoking, because its definitely better than a gas station cigar, but just not one that I would keep in my rotation.
Review: Rocky Patel Dark Dominion
I would put this a second shelf cigar – while the appearance and construction of the cigar meet the standards I would expect from a Rocky Patel the overall flavor and body of the cigar don’t match my expectations of a Maduro. Don’t get me wrong, the cigar is a pleasurable smoke and I enjoyed smoking it – it’s not something I would classify as a celebration or special occasion cigar, nor would I put it as a low as an everyday smoker. If you are looking for a medium bodied cigar that has a tendency towards spice, then this is right for you. I’m anxious to see what some time in the humidor will do to this particular stick because I think it has more potential given the time to rest and age properly. In the end, you can’t go wrong adding a box of these to your humidor for the occasional smoke.
Review: Rocky Patel Winter Collection 2012
This is a complex cigar that requires the time to sit back and relax with in order to appreciate the flavors which are produced. If you’re looking for a run of the mill cigar than this isn’t it, but if you are looking for a relaxing smoke and want to experience a diverse flavor profile than this would fit the bill. My biggest concerns about this particular cigar were the construction and burn issues, which are in my experience uncommon with Rocky Patel. I wouldn’t rate this as RP’s best, and it is nowhere near the quality of a Vintage ’90 or Vintage ’92, for this reason I would put it as a second shelf cigar.
Review: Oliva Hellion Habano
I would rate this cigar as a second shelf cigar – not Oliva’s best and certainly nowhere near a Serie V, but for a cigar store exclusive, this cigar was blended and rolled quite well. The flavor profile and strength of the cigar make me think that it would be paired well with a bourbon or whiskey on a nice afternoon. If you are looking for a full flavor stick, this won’t quite wet your appetite, however if you’re looking for a relaxing smoke with a medium body than this cigar fits the bill. Overall, this is a cigar that I would keep in my rotation and I look forward to seeing how much this cigar can improve with a little more time to rest in the humidor.
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