Cigar Craft

The Cuban Cigar

Even most non-cigar smokers have heard some of the lore surrounding the Cuban cigar. Long revered as the finest and best tasting brands in the world, they have traditionally been extremely difficult to procure. Consequently there exists a very profitable market for importing and distributing Cuban cigars to cigar-lovers worldwide. There are many brands of Cuban cigars available, but some of the most well known include Coronas Especiales (rumored to be one of Fidel Castro’s favorites) and Montecristos.

Many people assume that the distribution of Cuban cigars on U.S. soil is illegal. The truth of the matter is, although there are certain restrictions placed on the importing of cigars from Cuba, there is no outright law forbidding their presence. Recently the Department of Justice altered the original embargo on Cuban products, allowing limited amounts of cigars to be brought back from licensed trips to Cuba. That law has since been expanded to include personal quantities, up to two boxes, for personal use.

Although there is actually no law governing the importation of Cuban cigars for personal use, large business have been fined, at times, for the selling or distributing of large volumes of Cuban cigars to the pubic. Fines are a rare occurrence, however. Many private settings that sell Cuban cigars, such as hotels or casinos, have experienced little or no problems over the years.

In recent years there has been a growing black market for fake Cuban cigars. Most of the time, they are easy to spot because of their poor quality and appearance, but occasionally there have been Cuban imitations that are more difficult to regulate. The only way to ensure the quality and authenticity of a purchase is to take proper care to go to a reputable, reliable dealer of Cuban cigar products.

For any concerned individuals who hope to purchase Cuban cigars, but are worried about legal ramifications, there is little cause for concern. Purchasing Cuban cigars for private, non-commercial use has been going on for years among the most high-profile cigar aficionados, including politicians and movie stars.

Cigar Humidor Selection, Set Up & Maintenance

When choosing a humidor, make sure to buy one that's somewhat larger than what you expect to need, or you'll run out of space quick when cigar fever hits or that special box goes on sale unexpectedly. The typical humidor will hold around 100 loose cigars and will generally cost somewhere between $50-$100, depending on the manufacturer and materials used. Humidors that store thousands of cigars are readily available, but don't forget your visa card, they are very expensive, usually in the $1,500-$3,000 range.

Once you determine the capacity of the humidor you'll need, you can then begin to choose a model that appeals to you. From experience, most people know what they want in a humidor, be it glass top, dome, a table design, or a plain old milano, when it comes to the outward appearance the sky is the limit. The humidors appearance should match and add to the decor of the room it will reside in, but also match the person that it belongs to.

Setting up a humidor isn't as simple as filling the humidifier with water and tossing in your cigars. You'll need a solution of Propylene Glycol and distilled water, mixed at a ratio of 50%/50%. The prop-glycol solution is readily available at most cigar shops. Apply this solution to the element of your new humidor just once to start, all subsequent recharges should be pure distilled water only. You should re-up the prop-glycol/distilled water solution once every couple of years. Never use tap water. The minerals will clog your element and render the device useless. If the humidor is constructed of solid spanish cedar you can use a damp cloth to lightly moisten the inside surfaces, giving you a substantial head start in preparing the box for cigar occupants which are anxious to get in and relax. If your box is lined, I don't suggest this method, it could cause damage to the wood if it is thin. Watch the humidity inside the humidor. If it refuses to rise, place a small saucer of distilled water in the bottom of the box and close the lid. Leave this in until the humidity builds and reaches 70% or greater. Remove the saucer and watch the hygrometer.

Once it pegs 70% and sustains this reading for 2 days you can slowly begin to add your cigars keeping a close eye on the humidity. If you suspect a faulty hygrometer test it. Place the hygrometer in a zip lock type bag large enough to accommodate the gauge and a small container of salt and water, heavy on the salt. Heavy so much that it makes a sort of paste. Close the bag and leave it for 6 hours. The humidity reading should be a perfect 75%. If it isn't then throw the culprit hygrometer into the floor and smash it with your boot, or take it outside and blow it to smitharines with a gun, or melt it in a blast furnace. The most annoying thing on this earth is a faulty gauge. Do the right thing and make sure no one else could ever wind up with this demonic barometer. A trip to the vise, perhaps. The best hygrometers are digital models, because they are always accurate, never needing calibration. A wise $20 investment in the future comfort of your prized puros.

Once your new humidor is fully loaded with cigars you will need to keep a close eye on your perfectly calibrated hygrometer. The first weeks and even months of the new humidors life can be a thirsty time. The inner surfaces are all absorbing moisture and it takes from the element, which means it will need to be refilled more frequently in it's infancy, less as it matures and begins to soak in the sweet smell of it's guests.

Choosing A Good Cigar

Is there a cigar lover on your gift list? Or are you simply curious about how to choose a decent cigar for one of your friends or loved ones? The good news is that even those who know nothing about cigars or about choosing a great cigar can learn these few simple tips on how to sniff out (sometimes literally) a good cigar for your friend or relative.

In case you haven't noticed, cigars have now entered mainstream culture. While the use of cigars was once the symbol of the rich and powerful, it's now completely acceptable and affordable for just about anyone to purchase a good cigar. This doesn't mean, however, that you will be able to buy your friend a box of top-tier Cuban cigars. Instead, you can feel comfortable that you are buying a good quality cigar that will put a smile on your friend's face.

The first tip involves visiting your local tobacconist or specialty smoke shop for the highest quality and widest selection of cigars. Avoid buying cigars from the drugstore or grocery store. While they may be inexpensive and convenient to purchase, these cigars are usually filled with preservatives and are generally of poorer quality than those you'll find at a specialty shop. Drugstore cigars may contain saltpeter, paper, glycerin, and other preservatives and irritants. When you visit the tobacco shop, you should ask to purchase only those cigars that are made of 100% tobacco. If you're inexperienced about the ingredients in cigars, feel free to ask the salesperson. An experienced and knowledgeable sales clerk will understand the merchandise and will be able to tell you whatever you need to know about a cigar's ingredients.

The best place to look for cigars is at your local tobacco shop. At these places, you will generally be allowed to smell and touch the cigars. Begin by squeezing the cigar gently. If the cigar gives a little when squeezed, it is a sign you're handling a good quality cigar. The cigar should be firm and should contain no spots which are excessively soft or hard, avoid buying a lumpy cigar.

Make sure you look at the wrapper. If you notice any drying or discoloration of the cigar, it would be best not to purchase that one. Ideally, the wrapper should be smooth and wrapped tightly around the cigar. Inspect the color of the tobacco. Make sure that the color is even throughout the length of the cigar. You can do this by inspecting the end of the cigar. Some variability in color is acceptable; however, if the color changes widely, it is likely that the cigar wasn't rolled correctly. When you smoke a cigar has not been rolled correctly, you may end up with uneven burning and an unpleasant smell.

If you're not sure if your friend is a heavy or light cigar smoker, it's best to choose a longer cigar. Longer cigars often have a 'cooler' taste and are an excellent choice for beginners. If your friend is an expert on cigars and regular smoker, choose a cigar that is of a thicker diameter. Thicker cigars often display richer flavor which is greatly appreciated by the most experienced smokers.

Cigar Smoking Etiquette

Have you ever wondered what the deal is with cigars? Do you know how to light one? Is there a special way to smoke one? You're not supposed to inhale it, right? What should you do with a cigar? These are only some of the questions that a newcomer to cigars might have, and if they are questions you have, then read on, the answers are provided in the short newcomer's guide below.

How to Light a Cigar

The most fundamental part of enjoying a cigar is properly lighting it. To properly light a cigar, you need clippers that are specially made to snip the edge off of the end you're going to put in your mouth, the head. After doing this, you can light the cigar, but not with just any old lighter. Cigars should be lit with a wood match, preferably a cedar one. Cigarette lighters leave a unsavory odor and taste on the foot of a cigar that might stick around and ruin the experience. If you absolutely don't have a wooden match, you can use a butane lighter, which will leave only a minimal odor. Once you have your clipped head and match ready, strike the match and hold the foot of the cigar over the flame, drawing at the same time. You should try to avoid touching the cigar with the fire directly. Once the cigar is lit, you are ready to smoke it.

Smoking: Dos and Don'ts

While smoking your cigar, resist the urge to knock the ashes off. Just set the foot over an ashtray and let the ashes fall off naturally. This will save you from knocking the "cherry" at the end and having to re-light. You also shouldn't smoke a cigar all the way down. If you smoke a cigar to a nub, even a cigar of the highest quality, it will get bitter at the end and ruin the experience. And finally, hold a cigar between your thumb and your forefinger; otherwise you will mark yourself as a newbie, or simply someone who lacks taste.

Just Relax!

Don't be in a hurry when you're smoking a cigar. Cigars are meant to be a relaxing, calm smoking experience. This comes from their very structure and design. So when you are smoking one, savor it. The best time to do so is after you've eaten, perhaps with a nice tumbler of scotch or brandy. Sip your drink, and puff the cigar, but don't inhale completely. Cigar smoke is not supposed to enter your lungs, and if it does it can be harmful to your health. Inhaling deeply doesn't improve the flavor anyway. Finally, smoke with friends. While it may seem silly, a good cigar becomes a great cigar when smoked in the company of friends, and a great cigar, well, becomes phenomenal.