Commentary: Random Thoughts from the Humidor (XII)

In this latest segment of Random Thoughts from the Humidor, I contemplate an underestimated FDA threat, a resurgence in smaller cigars, and my favorite cigar routine.

The FDA Would Ruin Cigar Aesthetics

FDA regulations would have many detrimental impacts on premium cigars. Though I’m not sure it would be the most damaging, one that particularly worries me is restrictions on packaging. One of the best things about cigars is the artwork, the ornate boxes and bands that make the first impression about the cigars you are going to enjoy. But if cigars end up regulated the way cigarettes are, ugly government warnings will ruin the aesthetic beauty of a well-designed cigar box. It’s just another reason to support the important Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act in Congress.

Renaissance of Coronas

Maybe I’m just noticing it more, since coronas are often my favorite cigar size for a particular blend, but after a time when smaller ring gauge cigars were completely neglected, the classic corona size seems to be re-establishing itself as a staple size. For a while, it seemed many new cigars were limited to larger ring gauge sizes. Robusto, toro, Churchill, and the “gordo” (6 x 60). And while those sizes aren’t going anywhere (even though I’m seeing less Churchills than I used to), today a corona is increasingly included in that lineup. As a fan of smaller ring gauge cigars, I think this is a good trend.

My Saturday Morning Cigar Routine

If you’re looking for cigar routine, let me recommend my favorite time to smoke a cigar: Saturday morning. As often as possible, I make a strong cup of coffee, grab the paper (the Saturday Wall Street Journal, usually), and sit outside for a leisurely smoke. After a long week of full days, something about sitting around, doing a little reading, and just generally not being in a rush makes Saturday mornings my favorite regular smoking routine. Try it. It’s a great way to start the weekend before rushing to check items off your to-do list.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Flickr