Cigar Tip: Winter Is Coming

December is upon us. Before you know it, most of us will be in the throes of the coldest time of the year—a time that isn’t particularly friendly to cigar smokers or humidors. So I thought today might be a good time to reflect on some of the winter-related content we’ve published over the past (nearly ten!) years as we all brace for the drop in temperature.

First up is an article from January 2007, written by my colleague while he was vacationing in Belize. There’s an absurdity associated with writing an “Ode to the Cold Weather Smoker” from such a tropical location, and I suppose most people would also call standing outside in the winter just to smoke a cigar absurd. But, as he puts it, “To brave inclement weather shows true dedication to the wonderful hobby that is cigars… When many might close up the humidor until late spring, the cold weather smoker bravely smokes on.”

Next we have a piece I wrote in December 2007 about the strategy of smoking shorter, quicker cigars to minimize your exposure to the elements. My recommendations at the time (which now seem very dated) included the Punch Champion, Montecristo Petit Edmundo, Fuente Hemingway Short Story, and the Oliva Serie G Special. And don’t forget length isn’t the only determinant of the time it will take to smoke a cigar; thin ring gauges should also be favored in the colder months.

Of course, if you have an indoor smoking sanctuary—or a great cigar lounge nearby—you can feel more confident lighting up that large Churchill. But such spaces can be really hard to find, depending on where you are. Government-imposed smoking bans have outlawed many bars, restaurants, and other establishments from offering cigar-friendly accommodations. In certain municipalities, private residences in multi-unit buildings have even been targeted. The result? In the winter, a multitude of cigar smokers must either curtail their cigar consumption until the weather improves; smoke out in the cold; build some kind of cigar sanctuary at their home, if possible; or find a welcoming cigar lounge, however far away.

Whether indoors or out, it’ll be a good idea to keep a warm beverage by your side. Here are our five favorite winter drinks, including the hot toddy, hot buttered rum, and the Stonewall Jackson—an American classic consisting of hot cider and bourbon (but rye, Tennessee whiskey, or even spiced rum fill in nicely).

Finally, this article from 2012 is full of holiday-specific tips, including winterizing your humidor, giving cigars as gifts, traveling with cigars, and sharing favorites.

Here’s wishing you a safe, happy, healthy, and cigar-filled winter. If you have any other articles, resources, tips, etc. to help us get through the cold months, feel free to leave a comment below.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Flickr