Stogie Tips: In Case You Wondered…

New cigar smokers usually have a lot of questions as they delve deeper into the pursuit. Sometimes answers are easy to find. But then there are those questions that you really don’t want to ask, though you wish someone would address them.

Fortunately StogieGuys.com is here to help. Here are a few issues that rarely get explored at the lounge of the local B&M but nonetheless deserve attention:

I like Macanudos. What’s wrong? Absolutely nothing. Macanudo is one of the top selling premium brands in the country, so you’ve got plenty of company. Part of the disdain for the brand is just that—it’s a best-seller. Another big reason is that Macanudos are mild, which doesn’t appeal to some smokers. On the other hand, Macanudos have a consistency that other manufacturers would do well to emulate, and I’m sure all would love to match the sales. Remember, smoking is for enjoyment. If you like Macanudos, smoke ’em.

Why do reviews frequently highlight a triple cap? What difference does it make, since I’m going to cut it anyway? Well, aside from the unholy reverence for all things Cuban (the triple cap is a traditional Cuban technique), the process can make it easier to open the head of the cigar without damaging the wrapper. Just snip the little cap on top and you should be ready to go.

What’s the deal with waiting before removing the band? The strategy is that the heat from smoking will loosen the adhesive securing the band. Personally, I can’t recall that ever making much difference. And if it is true, why don’t the wrappers, which are secured with the same vegetable glue, routinely come loose as you smoke?

How on earth does anyone keep up with all these cigars? The truth is, they don’t. In fact, I can imagine that some brand owners aren’t really familiar with all of their own output. Just to get an idea of what’s out there, the 2010 edition of Perelman’s Pocket Cyclopedia of Cigars covers more than 1,300 handmade cigars. Unless you have a memory like Harry Lorayne, it’s a pretty tall order.

-George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys