The Stogie Guys

This Sunday is International Pipe Smoking Day, a day for celebrating the tradition of pipe smoking. If you haven’t tried a pipe, it’s a good time to see if you like it.

Unlike the love-hate relationship between cigar and cigarette smokers, pipe smokers are natural friends of cigar smokers, and not just because we frequent the same shops. Remember that the IPCPR, after all, represents both cigar and pipe retailers.

Like cigar smokers, and unlike cigarette smokers, pipes are a hobby, not a habit or an addiction. A pipe, like a cigar, is a great way to slow down the hectic pace of life and reflect on the past, present, and future.

Pipe smokers are often also similarly discriminated against, even among smokers. I’ve seen signs that read “No Cigars or Pipes” too many times to remember.

Personally, I’ve tried a pipe on a few occasions, and while I enjoyed it, ultimately it wasn’t for me. I can see the appeal, but the idea of constantly cleaning a pipe seems like a bit too much for me. I’ve also never smoked a pipe that has the complexity of a fine cigar. (But then, I’m an amateur when it comes to pipes.)

So don’t take my word for it. Many cigar smokers regularly enjoy pipes too. And with International Pipe Smoking Day on Sunday, what better time to give it a try?

–Patrick S

photo credit: Flickr

Write a review about an expensive cigar and one question will be inevitably asked, almost without fail: Is it worth the price?

That’s a fair question, and one that I often ask myself. After all, cigars cost money, and buying one stick usually means less left over to spend on others. And yet, in my reviews, you won’t find the answer to that question. It’s not that it doesn’t occur to me; it’s just that I don’t think my personal answer would (or should) be helpful to readers.

First, each person’s financial situation unique. A college student is going to be far less likely to buy an $20 cigar than a millionaire. Meanwhile, some collectors are perfectly willing to shell out thousands of dollars for a box of vintage Cubans. Personally, when I first started smoking cigars in college, $5 seemed like an awful lot to spend. Now I consider that to be a pretty inexpensive sum to pay for a smoke. (And if I won the lottery tomorrow, I may suddenly think that $30 or $40 isn’t all that much for a cigar.)

But the means to pay for a cigar isn’t the only aspect that impacts whether a cigar is “worth the price.” One’s palate and preferences can have just as large an impact.

Many but not all cigar smokers find that their palates become more refined over time, and what they value in a cigar’s flavor changes. I appreciate complexity and subtlety much more now than back when I first started smoking. Practically speaking, that means I’m more willing to shell out a few extra bucks now for a more complex smoke than I would have been a few years ago.

In other words, what people value in cigars is as varied as their financial situations. This isn’t to say that some cigars aren’t worth the price. Sure, there are still some cigars that I wouldn’t recommend for anyone; but these days, with higher quality the norm, such cigars are fewer and farther between.

Which brings us back to cigar reviews: If you read a cigar review thinking it will tell you whether or not a cigar is worth buying, I think you’ll be disappointed. The truth is, only you can know if a cigar is “worth the price.” But by reading a detailed review written by a reviewer you trust, you’ll have a better chance of finding those cigar that are best for you.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Flickr

With a self-diagnosis the other day, I discovered that I suffer from two cigar maladies: extreme aging disorder (EAD) and specialosis occasionism (SO).

These conditions can induce feelings of confusion and indecision, create overcrowded humidors, and limit smoking enjoyment. Perhaps you, or someone you know, is afflicted by one or both of these and may not even be aware of it. But don’t despair. There is hope. These infirmities can be cured.

Bear in mind that EAD and SO are related and can strike individually or in unison. And, like many dangers, they often start with good intentions, only to later develop into full-blown maledictions.

First, let’s look at EAD. Those who are afflicted often say something like this: “Oh, no, I can’t smoke that. It’s aging.” This despite the fact that the cigars in question have been in the humidor since Jimmy Carter was in the White House.

Aging cigars, of course, isn’t a bad thing in and of itself. However, what happens with a person suffering from EAD is that the part of the brain that recognizes cigars are supposed to be smoked becomes crippled.

This change can be charted with brain scans and sometimes leads to the individual morphing from a cigar smoker to a cigar collector. Their humidors are often stuffed with names such as Opus X, Cuban Montecristo, and Padrón Anniversary.

Sufferers of SO usually have a far-off look in their eye as they anticipate something like a wedding, anniversary, or special birthday. Such occasions are the only time they’ll light up a high-quality stick. “Oh, no, I’m saving that one,” you may hear them say when they open their humidor.

Just like their brethren beset by EAD, those with SO sustain brain changes, too. It’s just in a little different spot, the area that controls the capacity to enjoy the 350 or so days each year that have no major significance.

Now, let’s talk about cures. They can be simple and effective, especially when applied consistently.

When faced with EAD, the first step is to ask forcefully: “Which one do you want to get too old to smoke first: you or your cigars?” Then point out that some cigars don’t improve with age. Finally, lift a cigar from the box and gently say, “Even as you smoke this one, all the others are still getting older.”

For those with SO, the prescription is considerably simpler. Apply and repeat as necessary: “A great cigar makes any day a special occasion.”

Though EAD and SO can be serious conditions, in most cases they can be treated successfully. And, of course, success should be celebrated with a cigar.

–George E

photo credit: Wikipedia

The other day I lit up a cigar I was looking forward to: a Los Blancos Nine Torpedo with a dark wrapper that’s said to be used just before turning to a full maduro.

The pre-light aroma was enticing and, when lit, the Nine produced lots of smoke and the six-inch stick burned slowly. From what I’d heard and read, I anticipated a ligero-powered, Nicaraguan sizzler.

Nope. What I found was a bland, one-dimensional cigar about which the only noticeable element I could find was a spicy finish. And therein lies my dilemma, expressed in a simple question with a not-so-simple answer: Do I want to review the Nine? There are any number of issues to consider.

First, I’d have to smoke at least a couple more because it wouldn‘t be fair to judge the cigar by one stick. I might want to seek them out at different shops, since it’s possible the box from which my Nine came had experienced some problem. That means I’d spend about $8.50 each for at least two more Nines and, perhaps more importantly, spend time going through cigars I probably won’t enjoy—two times. Since I rarely smoke more than one cigar a day, that means something to me.

The upshot of all this is that, while I’m always on the lookout for new cigars and a pretty high percentage of those I light up are done so with the idea of a review, in many cases it goes no further than the initial experience.

Here at StogieGuys.com, we take our reviewing seriously, and we try to be transparent. On the site, you’ll find a clear explanation of our ratings system. And earlier this year, one of my colleagues wrote at length about the nature of reviews.

I hope this sheds a little more light on the process.

–George E

photo credit: Flickr

The new year is less than two weeks old, and that means it’s not too late to for a list of hopes for the cigar community in 2011. Here are my top five wishes:

More Limited Editions

Limited edition smokes can be frustrating. They’re often hard to get and, if you don’t move quickly, you may not be able to buy any, meaning you may have to make a decision before you really know all the details about the smoke. Still, there’s a refreshing bit of honesty in limited edition cigars. Many cigar makers, particularly those who don’t grow their own tobacco, have only enough tobacco to make a small run without sacrificing quality and consistency. So limited releases can be some of the best (if rare) cigars available. For that reason, I welcome more limited cigars, as long as they’re limited for a good reason and not just a marketing gimmick.

Reasonably Priced Cigars

After a few years of seemingly exponentially expensive new smokes, 2009 and 2010 saw a number of solid new cigars in the more reasonable $4-7 range. With the confidence in the economy wavering (to say the least), cigar makers seemed to understand that for dedicated cigar smokers to enjoy more cigars, they would require good cigars that didn’t cost an arm and a leg. Let’s hope that this lesson is taken to heart in 2011.

Innovation from the Big Guys

It has become commonplace for veteran cigar smokers to seek out boutique smokes and ignore those made by the largest companies, particularly those by industry giants Altadis and General Cigar. But those companies are large and successful for a reason, not the least of which is massive tobacco stores that ensure consistency and quality control second to none. Last year, more innovative blends like Altadis’ Warlock and General’s new La Gloria Cubana offerings showed that bigger doesn’t need to be bland. So in the new year I’m hoping the cigar industry’s biggest companies continue to pair their knack for consistency with boundary-pushing, innovative cigars.

More New Cigar Companies

It seems like every week I get another press release announcing a new cigar from a company I’ve never heard of before. In the cigar boom of the late 1990s, this was a symptom of the fact that anyone and everyone thought they could make money by bringing a new Don Nobody cigar to market. It would be easy to dismiss all the new cigars as another similar boom, but I’m inclined to think there’s an important difference: Today, most of the people behind new brands seem genuinely passionate about creating quality sticks. Sure, not all of them are great and not every new brand will succeed, but the net affect is a push towards better cigars as current companies feel pressure to maintain quality and remain innovative.

Enhanced Awareness of the FDA Threat

I think cigar smokers are finally catching on to the serious threat that smoking bans and cigar taxes pose to their hobby. The realization that FDA oversight of cigars poses a serious, if not mortal, threat to cigars is coming more slowly. If FDA bureaucrats and anti-tobacco advocates have their way, every new cigar brought to market would have to undergo months, if not years, of testing before it receives FDA approval. That burden would stifle all the new innovation I mentioned above, making it too risky financially for all but a few new cigars to reach the market in a given year. Hopefully, 2011 will be the year that all cigar smokers realize the grave threat that FDA regulation of cigars poses to the innovation that we’ve come to expect and enjoy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Google Images

Aside from creating thousands of jobs and innovating and producing the stogies we love, most cigar companies also make significant charitable contributions. Many are playing active roles in the development of communities, increasing access to basic necessities, and even saving lives. These selfless initiatives are admirable and, in my opinion, underreported. So today I’m pleased to highlight several companies who deserve our praise. They are but a few of the dozens of organizations in the tobacco industry who are giving back in important ways.

Toraño Family Cigar Co.

For the holidays, Toraño partnered with the Miami-based Neat Stuff to provide new toys for children who come from abused and underprivileged homes. Company president Charlie Toraño (pictured) says this won’t be the last time he’ll undertake a charitable effort. “I look forward to Toraño Family Cigar Co. being more involved in the community in the near future as we can’t lose focus on those who are less fortunate,” he said. Franklin Monjarrez, executive director of Neat Stuff and a cigar smoker, said: “I am honored to have met with Charlie Toraño to undertake this amazing event to help Neat Stuff deliver toys to the children who need them most.”

Cigar Family Charitable Foundation

No discussion of cigar charities is complete without mentioning the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, a joint venture of J.C. Newman and the Fuente Family. This organization builds schools and health clinics, supports the development of business ventures, sponsors sports programs, and invests in water purification, all in the Dominican Republic. The goal is to make a positive humanitarian impact in an important cigar-producing country.

Other Noteworthy Causes

While space is too limited to provide even a cursory glance of the tobacco industry’s overall charitable contributions, it’s worth noting that cigar makers are giving to a host of causes, including the troops, guide dogs, hunger relief, cancer research, literacy, disaster relief, etc. Altadis’ Montecristo Relief Organization, for example, has donated millions to build homes, schools, and medical facilities, as well as provide scholarships and economic opportunities to victims of natural disasters in the Caribbean and the U.S. And Tesa, one of my favorite boutique manufacturers, donates 10% of its profits to benefit the housing, education, and sustenance of the Nicaraguan people.

Friends of CRA

Let’s also not forget that many cigar companies support Cigar Rights of America, a consumer-based, non-profit public advocacy organization that works at the local, state, and federal level of government to protect the freedoms of cigar enthusiasts. So, in addition to joining CRA yourself, you can fight against tobacco taxes and smoking bans by buying cigars made by the Friends of CRA.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

In the first 2011 issue of “Random Thoughts from the Humidor” I examine the politics of Santa’s pipe smoking, Mayor Bloomberg’s war on salt, and football:

Santa Smokes

The anti-smokers may have hit a new low. Joseph Banzhaf, head of the militant anti-smoking group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), is politicizing Santa Claus to push his militant anti-tobacco agenda. Banzhaf claims in a press release that St. Nick was quitting his beloved pipe, even though a clay pipe has been associated with Santa Claus for as long as there has been a Santa Clause. In fact, the St. Nicholas Center traces Santa’s pipe smoking back to a book written by Washington Irving in 1809.

Dealing with Whiny Anti-Smokers

As I walked the snow-filled but unplowed streets of New York City after Christmas with a cigar in hand, I got a disappointing (if not unexpected) response from one of my fellow snowed-in New Yorkers. My fellow pedestrian felt the need to comment on how she “couldn’t stand the smell” of my Tatuaje. I thought about explaining to her how if she felt that way she should oppose Mayor Bloomberg’s smoking ban which forced me to take my smoking outside, or retorting that I couldn’t stand the sound of her shrill complaining. Ultimately, though, I just laughed and crossed the street when I was able to find a crosswalk that wasn’t blocked by a mountain of snow.

The Nanny State Doesn’t Just Impact Smokers

Mike Bloomberg hasn’t only declared war on smoking. He has also declared war on salt, soda, and other “unhealthy” foods. I couldn’t help thinking of this war on salt as the streets of New York remained uncleared and unsalted. My sentiment was summed up well in Eric Felton’s Wall Street Journal article, “The War on Good Taste” (worth the full read): “Perhaps if Mayor Michael Bloomberg spent less time keeping salt off our tables and more time getting salt on the streets, New York roads might have been passable this week.”

Cigars at the Ballgame

Yesterday I attended the Giants-Redskins game at FedEx Field outside Washington, DC. People complain about the gameday experience there, but one plus is the Montecristo Lounge, where you can fire up a cigar in the stadium. It amazes me that so few other stadiums have embraced cigar lounges. During this particular game, the lounge was full of ticket-holders drinking $8 beers and buying up cigars. How is this not a win-win for sports teams and their tobacco-enjoying fans?

–Patrick S

photo credit: St. Nicholas Center