Commentary: Detailing Your Cigar Experience

I’m never quite sure whether it’s God or the devil in the details, but there’s little doubt that such attention makes a big difference.

This hit home for me the other day when I was smoking at a local shop. I’d walked back to the counter to use a lighter to correct an errant burn.

“Do you want some matches?” the clerk asked. I said yes, and she handed me a box decorated with colorful Drew Estate regalia. The first thing I noticed was that the matches were a bit longer than the usual “penny” size. That’s a nice touch for a cigar smoker, who generally needs a longer-lasting flame than someone lighting a cigarette or tossing a match on fluid-soaked charcoal briquettes.

What really made an impression, though, was the way they ignited and burned. The head went up immediately, requiring little pressure, which greatly reduced the likelihood of the matchstick breaking. And the head burned smoothly, fully, and evenly.

OK, I probably sound like I’m going overboard. But I couldn’t help but think that the matches were a reflection of the way Drew Estate approaches its business. Careful attention to everything and making sure all that’s done is done right, whether every customer will notice or not.

I had a similar experience with Aging Room cigars. The bands on the M-356 and Quattro sticks I’ve smoked were applied without glue all the way to the end. There’s a little bit left out and easy to grab for removing the band.

That’s been the case for the six or eight of these cigars I’ve smoked, and maybe I’m jumping to a conclusion. But I know that for someone who likes to remove the bands from his cigars and is often struggling to get them loose without tearing the wrapper, this is great.

So even though I can’t answer the question with which I started, I can say this: The best companies create the best impressions when nothing escapes their attention. And when it’s a cigar maker, there’s added pleasure for those consuming their products.

–George E

photo credit: Flickr