Stogie Tip: ’Tis the Season for Short Cigars
Wednesday, December 12th, 2007Baby, it’s cold outside. For those of us not lucky enough to be living in a tropical climate, December – with its diminishing humidity and freezing temperatures – is a stark reminder that winter is not the most accommodating season for cigars.
That sad fact is more apparent to smokers this winter than any other in recent history. There are more oppressive, government-imposed smoking bans in effect today than ever before, forcing thousands of decent stogie enthusiasts into the cold and out of private restaurants and bars that would otherwise welcome them with open arms.
As my colleague wrote last January, it isn’t easy to step out into the winter elements for a cigar. Jack Frost does everything he can to make standing still or sitting down intolerable this time of year, one reason why “to brave inclement weather shows true dedication to the wonderful hobby that is cigars.”
So, other than gloves, space-heaters, hats, and long underwear, I’d like to propose the following tip to make this winter a little more enjoyable: Smoke shorter cigars.
As you well know, that seven inch by 50 ring gauge Churchill you’ve been eyeing in your humidor is a serious investment in time. If you smoke slowly – as you should to maximize enjoyment – it could take two or more hours to complete. In this weather, according to authorities, such exposure could lead to frostnip, frostbite, and even hypothermia.
Luckily, we here at StogieGuys.com have reviewed a good number of short cigars lately, providing you with some excellent choices for the winter months. Some of my favorites include:
• Punch Champion
• Oliva Serie G Special
• Montecristo Petit Edmundo (Cuban)
• Don Kiki Brown Label Figurado
• Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story
Feel free to share your favorite shorty with our readers by leaving a comment. Who knows? You might even save someone from losing a finger.
photo credit: Stogie Guys
Even for those of us who don’t face winter’s wrath, you’ve highlighted some very tasty sticks. Another to consider is the 4 x 45 Don Lino Africa Kuro, which you can sometimes find in a colorful little flip-top metal box of four.
Touche on the Don Lina Africa! I’ll also throw out the RP Vintage 2nds that can be had cheap in small perfecto or petit corona size.
I’ll throw the cheap, but always tasty Famous Buenos Maduritos from Famous Smokes in the mix. I also enjoy the CAO Cameroon cigarillos in the cold months. Sancho Panza Double Maduro quixote too.
Gotta throw in the Drew Estate Natural Juicy Lucy as well as The ACID Kong cameroon cone shaped shorty.
I’m a fan of the Rocky Patel Sun Grown Petit Perfecto.. a great size for the cold: 4.5″ x 44
By the way… those are some great looking cigars in the photo
Nice selection and advice I follow here in Arizona even though it’s only 48 (?!) degrees here right now. I’ve been a huge fan of the Boli (Bolivar, ISOM) petite corona for a number of years now and it’s one of my go to smokes. I almost always have a couple of 50 cabs in my humidor. One for now and one to age as long as I can make it.
Long ashes gentlemen.
I live in Maryland and not having a cigar lounge in my home, my car has become my winter hiding place for cigars. Sometimes I catch myself taking the long ride home just for a few more puffs. And for those special nights I actually take my portable DVD player, a cup of coffee, heat up the car, and kick back in my driveway. The neighbors probably are wondering why I sit in my car for an hour every few nights. But with a few humidors full of tasty cigars, a guy has to do what he’s got to do!
Thanks for the suggestions. Being up here in the great northwest, smoking a shorter cigar is the only way to enjoy the outside in this cold! Cali is the place to be - both weather wise, and for the comfort of the Cigar Bar (for now). I see in the pic you have a Zino. One of my favorites and without a doubt short enough to bear a 40 degree sitting!
brrrrr….
Happy Holidays!
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