This documentary short provides a fascinating look into the world of handmade cigars, from the preparation of the leaves to the final wrap. Meet these Cuban-American cigar makers (tabaqueros) and discover why they possess a rare love and passion for their work. Enjoy.
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Handmade Cigars – Short Film – Los Tabaqueros
By Tony Vega on Monday, August 2nd, 2010 | No Comments
Cigar Smoking Walkthrough
By Tony Vega on Sunday, June 20th, 2010 | No Comments
What are the basics of cigar smoking? How do you light a cigar? How do you draw on the cigar properly? Do you inhale? What are the dos and dont’s of cigar smoking? If you have ever pondered any of these questions, read on. Here is a simple and accessible primer designed to help you gain familiarity with the sometimes confusing, always enigmatic world of cigar smoking.
First Step: Lighting Up
First, all new cigar smokers should learn how to properly light a cigar. Use a clipper designed for cigars to clip off the edge of the head (the section you put to your mouth). If possible light the foot of your cigar with a cedar match. Avoid regular cigarette lighters. They produce a nasty odor that can linger and ruin a good cigar. If you must use a lighter, use butane lighter. These will keep the odor to a minimum. However, you should always strive to use a wooden match because lighters can easily taint the foot of your cigar. How do you light up? Simply strike a match and hold the edge of your cigar over the flame. Avoid touching the cigar to the fire, simply hold the cigar over the flame and draw deeply until the cigar is lit.
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Fighting the Beetles: Protecting Your Cigars from Infestation
By Tony Vega on Tuesday, August 11th, 2009 | No Comments
Your cigar box may be at risk of a secret predator. Many cigar aficionados have been shocked and repulsed at finding their treasured cigars infested with Lasioderma Serricorne, also known as tobacco beetles. This dreaded beetle feeds on your precious cigars. They don’t care if your cigars are drugstore mass-market brands, or imported beauties.
How to Blow Smoke Rings with Your Cigar
By Tony Vega on Wednesday, July 15th, 2009 | No Comments
Do you yearn to blow smoke rings with your cigar like a pro? Stogie aficionados often speak of the ceremony-like deliberateness of smoking a good cigar. Blowing smoke rings is the mark of a smoker who enjoys the smooth and relaxing effects of smoking. But how do you blow a good smoke ring? Some argue that it cannot be taught—that it will simply come to you with time and practice. Regardless, here are a few tips to get you going.
Drugstore Cigars: A Good Buy?
By Tony Vega on Monday, July 13th, 2009 | No Comments
The sheer diversity of cigars can be confusing for new smokers. Many new smokers want to know: is it OK to buy cigars from their local drugstore or chain store? What is the quality of these cigars? Can you expect to get good flavor from these cigars?
While of course, it’s perfectly OK to purchase these cigars, be aware that these packaged cigars are usually of poorer quality. Most ‘drugstore’ cigars contain preservative or other non-tobacco ingredients. Common ingredients found in packaged cigars may include paper, Glycerin, and saltpeter. High quality cigars will contain only tobacco. Packaged drugstore cigars will generally contain these extra ingredients designed to keep them stored on the shelves for extended periods of time.