We know it gets harder all the time to find spots where you can enjoy a cigar outside a shop or your personal smoking space. But that doesn’t mean it is impossible.

I’m starting a campaign to share venues that are cigar-cordial and likely not on the typical list of such places. Hopefully it can be a resource for everyone, from those traveling to an unfamiliar location to folks seeking a new experience right around home. I’ll kick it off with two places in my general area (Tampa Bay) where I’ve enjoyed cigars in a friendly atmosphere.

Skipper’s Smokehouse. This amazing restaurant and concert venue is a Tampa institution, presenting music ranging from Americana to Zydeco. The stage is outside—fans in the summer, heaters in the winter—with chairs, picnic tables, and benches around the dance “floor.” The only comments I’ve had when smoking were inquiries about whether you could buy a cigar there. Alas, no, but it‘s also only a few miles from two large shops, Tampa Humidor and Cigar Castle. So you can stock up on stogies before hitting Skipper’s for a dinner and a show.

Miss Vicki’s. A quintessential Florida burger joint, Miss Vicki’s consists of a covered bar, open-air tables, and a small stage that often features local musicians. But the star of the show is the restaurant’s extraordinary waterside location where the Anclote River enters the Gulf. You’re only yards from the water and facing west for beautiful sunsets. Who could resist lighting up in a setting like this in a place called Holiday? One caution and one hint: Seating is limited and it’s often packed; try the Key Lime pie.

Now it’s your turn. Add your suggestions. Let’s keep this going and create a resource that will make cigar smoking even more enjoyable.

-George E

photo credit: Flickr

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Last month, we provided some suggestions for finding new cigars. New cigar smokers might get the most out of those tips, but they are lessons even cigar veterans can benefit from.

Similarly, though these five suggestions are aimed primarily at those who’ve recently taken up cigars, I sometimes feel we’re all new smokers at some time or other. I still get a rush walking into a large, well-stocked humidor and a feeling of anticipation lighting up a cigar I’ve not tried before or wondering what experience I’ll find from different tobaccos.

With that in mind, here are five ways to make sure that you get the most out of every cigar experience:

1. Keep your mouth wet. Your taste buds won’t work as well when they’ve dried out. If you’re looking for something that won’t affect the cigar’s flavors try water or club soda.

2. Take time to make sure you have an even light on the cigar’s foot. Keep an eye on the burn as it progresses. If it gets uneven, you won’t experience the cigar the way it was intended.

3. If you find yourself in the proverbial smoke-filled room (and you’re not handing out highway contracts), step out periodically for some fresh air. Too much smoke can overload your senses and dull the experience of your cigar.

4. Try a V-cut or punch when smoking short- or mixed-filler cigars. This can limit the bits of tobacco that end up on your tongue.

5. Enjoy yourself. This might sound silly. But remember that cigar smoking is a hobby of pleasure, not accomplishment. The number of hot new releases you acquire, the size of your humidor, the money you spend or save…all this and more is meaningless unless you find enjoyment in the cigars you smoke.

-George E

photo credit: Flickr

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With only 13 shopping days left before Christmas, consumers across the country are traipsing through crowded malls to find the perfect gifts. Many have cigar enthusiasts on their lists but find shopping for cigars either intimidating or confusing.

Never fear. Cigar smokers need not be a difficult crowd for which to buy presents. Their dedication and passion for the hobby of cigars makes it easy to narrow down gift choices. This holiday season, you can be virtually assured of gift-giving success if you follow some simple rules of thumb.

Only give a box if you’re sure. Some cigar enthusiasts are completely loyal to one brand or one specific blend. If this is the case, you can’t do wrong by buying a box he or she is sure to love. Maybe this isn’t the most original idea—and maybe the box won’t be much of a surprise—but any cigar smoker will tell you that you can never have enough of your favorite smokes.

Samplers offer variety. Many cigar enthusiasts don’t have just one favorite cigar. For these folks, I can’t recommend buying a whole box. Instead, samplers can be terrific presents. When you give a sampler of ten different cigars, it’s like giving ten different gifts. The recipient might not love all ten, but chances are he or she will really enjoy at least a few, and you might even be responsible for turning someone on to his or her new favorite smoke.

Consider cigar accessories. Every cigar enthusiast needs a great table lighter, a travel lighter, a nice cutter, a good ashtray, etc. Instead of buying cigars, think about giving the gift of a cigar accessory. Many accessories can be personalized and, unlike cigars themselves, are likely to last for years to come. My wife gave me a wonderful alligator skin cigar case years ago and I’ve cherished it ever since.

Cigar knowledge is power. Aside from the tremendous knowledge offered by the online cigar community, many books have been written on the subject, and most of these would make an excellent gift. My favorite has to be The Gourmet Guide to Cigars by Paul Garmirian, a solid work that was published in 1990 and is now considered a classic. Other interesting reads include Playboy: The Book of Cigars, The Cigar Lover’s Compendium, and The Cigar Maker (by our very own Mark M).

Don’t forget cigar rights. Most cigar smokers have a fervent passion for defending cigar rights and opposing tobacco taxes and smoking bans. For these folks, a membership to Cigar Rights of America is an excellent gift. Benefits of membership include supporting professional lobbyists who fight for cigar freedoms, discounts at cigar shops, free cigars, and more.

I hope these tips are helpful as you shop for that cigar smoker on your list. Feel free to leave a comment if you have a tip of your own that you’d like to share. And happy holidays.

-Patrick A

photo credit: Flickr

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Now that we’re in the middle of the Christmas shopping season, many consumers will surely be looking for a good stocking stuffer for that cigar enthusiast on their list. They might want to consider the Ergonomic Torch Lighter from Butane Lighters Wholesale.

Butane Lighters Wholesale is a California distributor of torch lighters, cigar cutter lighters, pipe lighters, table lighters, and other products to meet your flame-related needs. The owner of the outfit, Aaron Torng, was nice enough to send me the Ergonomic Torch Lighter for this review, and I’ve been testing it out for over a month now.

First, the specs on the product. It stands four and a half inches tall with a weight of four ounces. Its unique frame, aside from looking pretty cool, fits well in the hand, and the black rubber grips make the sleek steel surface easy to grasp. Other notable attributes include an adjustable flame (screwdriver required) and a refillable butane tank.

The 45-degree angled head makes toasting the foot of a cigar a little less awkward, but I’m unconvinced it makes much of a difference. What does make a difference is the easily operated thumb slide and the reliable flame. When set to its highest level, you can light a cigar from about three inches away.

Over the past four weeks I’ve used the Ergonomic Torch Lighter extensively. I can say that the flame doesn’t disappoint, and the value is outstanding. At $19.99, this product is superior to many lighters that I’ve owned in terms of performance, and far less expensive. And each butane fill-up seems to last for a respectable time period.

While its larger size and lack of a safety mechanism makes this lighter less than ideal in terms of mobility, I’ve really enjoyed having it on my desk or out on the patio when company is over. I may even pack one of these in my golf bag when the summer rolls around, though I think it was designed to be a table lighter.

Whatever the case, the Ergonomic Torch Lighter is a solid buy for under $20.

-Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

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For those of us who live in the northern part of the U.S., winter can be a crummy time to be a cigar enthusiast. The cold, arid air makes humidor maintenance more difficult. And, with a lack of indoor smoking sanctuaries thanks to government-imposed bans, we’re often forced into the frosty outdoors if we want to enjoy a premium cigar.

I live in Chicago, where the winters can be brutal. For me, as often as I like to smoke, simply going outside is not an option. I cannot be expected to bundle up and sit in the arctic frost for 90 minutes or more every time I want a cigar, notwithstanding how many times I’ve done that before, and notwithstanding how much I respect those who consistently brave the weather to light up some premium tobacco.

Thankfully, I have a loving wife who understands this, and who isn’t vehemently opposed to the delightful aroma of a premium cigar. So when we were on the market for our new home in Chicago, we specifically looked at condos that have a room that could be turned into my winter smoking den. Our requirements were as follows: the room must have a ceiling fan, several windows, a good heat source, and at least enough space for my humidors. We also wanted a hard wood floor, since carpeting tends to soak up that stale tobacco smell and get stained by errant ashes.

I’m pleased to report that the condo we ended up buying has all this and more. After some adjustments—including the installation of French doors with basic weather stripping and draft guards—I have a wonderful smoking den off of our main living room. The den is big enough to house a comfy chair, all of my humidors, lots of books, a desk for writing, and even a dartboard. And it has ample windows, each with a good view of the neighborhood.

My procedure for lighting up in this sanctuary is basically to crack open a window, fire up the radiator to offset any incoming chill, turn on the ceiling fan, and smoke away. With the doors closed, all this is enough to keep the vast majority of the smoky smell away from the rest of our home. Sure, the den isn’t air-tight. And I didn’t invest the money to buy an expensive exhaust system. But my wife doesn’t strongly oppose cigar smoke, either, so it was never my intention to completely isolate myself from the rest of the world. Heck, I find that I open the doors an average of two or three times during each cigar, usually to get a cold one from the fridge.

All this worked out fantastically well, and I understand how lucky I am to be able to pull this off. I’ll be feeling even luckier once those subzero temperatures sweep in and the snow begins to fall. So my advice is to find yourself a winter smoking sanctuary before it’s too late, be that sanctuary at a cigar lounge or in your home. Otherwise, you may want to invest in some warm gloves that leave your fingers nimble enough to cut and light a cigar.

-Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

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With football on the TV, turkey in your stomach, and family gathered, Thanksgiving is a great day to enjoy a fine cigar. So, as we have each of the previous four years, today the StogieGuys.com team tells you what cigars we’ll be firing up after our big meals.

Patrick A: This year my wife and I are hosting Thanksgiving for the first time in our new Chicago home. To mark the occasion, my family will be christening my smoke-friendly den with E.P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Divinos cigars. This selection should be perfect because the Toro-sized smoke’s profile of cream and nuts will pair nicely with post-meal coffee.

Patrick S: Savoring a Thanksgiving cigar can be tough when you’re visiting with family and have to go outside into the cold to smoke. That’s why I’m picking the Tatuaje Petite Cazadores Reserva this year. It’s a small but hearty Boradleaf-wrapped stick that won’t last much more than half an hour. With earth, chocolate, and a bit of spice, it should go well with bourbon after a large meal.

George E: I’ve been giving a lot of thought to my 2011 Thanksgiving smoke. In the past, I’ve savored some special sticks on this holiday. And I initially considered the exquisite PG Symphony 20th. But a cigar like that deserves undistracted attention, not competition, from what should be some rare good Thanksgiving football. So I settled on one I always enjoy, and one that will complement an exciting game: the tasty Arturo Fuente Double Chateau Sun Grown. Who knows, maybe I’ll light up that PG on Friday.

Mark M: I’m going with a Sancho Panza Double Maduro and a Guinness, which is a magical combination. An interesting factoid is that I was first introduced to this combination by my wife, who was drinking a Guinness one afternoon while I was smoking a Sancho Panza. She asked to taste my cigar and later commented, “Wow, it goes really well with a Guinness!” She was right and since then it’s been one of my favorite cigar-beer combos.

Feel free to let us know what you’ll be smoking tomorrow in the comments below. And be sure to have a safe and joyous Thanksgiving.

-The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr

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I have been a fan of V-cutters and punches since I started smoking cigars. All that talk about making sure your guillotine didn’t slice off too much of the cap and cause the wrapper to unravel made me nervous. At least that was one worry I could eliminate.

Even now that I think I have enough skill to clip the head without inflicting undue damage, I still like the V-cut. It opens up the cigar but maintains its integrity and shape. But I’d never had a good V-cutter. Until recently, the only high-quality one of which I was aware was from the Boston Cigar Cutter Company, and they’re, frankly, too pricey for me.

Enter the VX Cutter from Xikar, listing at about $50 and generally available for $10 less. I have long used and appreciated a regular Xikar cutter. I like its sharp blades, fine action, and the company’s no-questions-asked lifetime guarantee. So I took the plunge, selecting the silver VX model.

The first thing I noticed was the heft. After a succession of cheap plastic V-cutters, the Xikar’s metal construction stands out, as does the easy sliding action and the ergonomic design. The blade is extraordinarily thin and sharp. The result is a surgically clean clip through most any size cigar. The indention for the cigar head is ample, working for a ring gauge up to 64, according to Xikar.

The company also notes that the bottom of the cutter is concave and can be used to hold a cigar. I guess that might come in handy at some point, though I’m not really sure when.

I’ve used my cutter on a dozen or so cigars, and it has opened up every one perfectly. So, whether you’re afraid of unraveling your wrappers or just like a V-cut, I highly recommend the Xikar VX.

-George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

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In the previous segment last week, I laid out some ideas to help you increase the likelihood that you’ll enjoy the new smokes you try. Here are a few more thoughts to tuck in the back of your mind as you scan the humidor shelves and light up.

1. Price typically has meaning. Sure, some manufacturers tack a high price tag on a mediocre cigar hoping to convince potential customers it must be good. Conversely, the belief that smart people can find great bargains is also widely held. The truth is that good tobacco, talented workers, and proper production usually cost more and result in better cigars. Now, this doesn’t mean there aren’t fine bargain cigars to be had or that you‘ll necessarily like a high-priced smoke. But if you continually search in the low, low end you’ll find disappointment.

2. Remember that your tastes will change over time. A favorite cigar from a year ago may not now seem so good, just as one that didn’t quite hit the bull’s eye could prove a winner. When you smoke a cigar you don’t enjoy, ask yourself a few questions: Is it well-constructed? Was it too strong or too light? Were the flavors unpleasant or just not what you wanted? Depending on your answers, this could be a stick to revisit.

3. Pay attention to construction and burn. These can be key indicators of care and quality. Of course, one example isn’t enough to make a sweeping determination, but keeping track of how a manufacturer’s cigars perform is worthwhile.

4. Don’t rush to buy a box or a bundle. Sure, the cigars are individually cheaper that way, but you don’t want to be pennywise and pound foolish. Smoke a few sticks first, and try them with different beverages and at different times. Make sure you really want to smoke 20 or 25 of them.

5. When you find a cigar you like, try it in different lengths and ring gauges. Sometimes, you’ll find little or no difference. But sometimes you’ll discover a vitola that’s better.

Again, I hope you’ll add your tips and thoughts.

-George E

photo credit: Flickr

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Discovering an enjoyable cigar is one of the highlights of the hobby. But, as in most things, there’s a yang to the yin: picking up a stick for the first time and finding it not to your liking.

I don’t believe there’s a way to eliminate that possibility, but you can certainly increase your odds for success. Here are some things you might want try. Just remember that none of my suggestions are ironclad, and no doubt you’ll sometimes want to strike out on your own.

1. Figure out what tobacco you don’t like. With so many variations, this can be tough. But if you look at some of the less common tobaccos, it can be easier. My list, for example, begins with Mexican tobacco. Now that doesn’t mean I’ll never try a cigar that uses it, and there are a few I like. But when I see Mexican on the list of ingredients, whether wrapper, binder or filler, my antennae goes up and my interest goes down.

2. Similarly, note who makes cigars you like. This isn’t always easy to discern and isn’t always disclosed. And just because you fancied one cigar from Don Pepin or Dion Giolito doesn’t mean you’ll like their others. But it does tilt the edge in your favor.

3. Have some ideas about what you’re seeking before you go to the shop. Rarely will you find any details about a cigar’s makeup on the box. Reviews, advertisements, and personal recommendations can be informative and helpful. It’s also good to have several cigars in mind, since it seems that invariably the one you want won’t be on the shelf.

4. Maybe you’re one of those individuals who totes a cigar journal along or taps your smoking thoughts into a smartphone or computer. If you, however, are among those of us who lack the discipline to consistently take extensive notes, worry not. Jotting a couple of key points on a scrap of paper and tucking it into your shirt pocket can fill the bill. Just make sure to include the cigar’s name so you’ll recall what it was you smoked.

5. Remember, a cigar doesn’t have to be new to the market to be new to you. Now, more than ever, attention is focused on newcomers. But there’s a reason some cigars have been around for decades: people like, and buy, them. Look the humidor over carefully and note how many you have and have not smoked.

As always, this will be better and more useful if you share your thoughts and suggestions. Part II will be coming up soon.

-George E

photo credit: Flickr

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Looking to pull together a last-minute Halloween costume? We’re here to help. In an effort to make trick-or-treating a lot more tolerable, here are a dozen costume ideas, each that will let you smoke a cigar as part of the costume:

1. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Whether you’re going as The Governator or one of his gun-toting movie characters, a big cigar won’t look out of place.

2. Groucho Marx. Sure, it’s a little dated, but this American icon loved his stogies.

3. Mark Twain. America’s cigar-smoking author.

4. Scarface. Say hello to my little friend.

5 Bill Clinton. The president who got into trouble with cigars.

6. Mike Ditka. See photo of Patrick A from a few years ago.

7. Ernest Hemingway. The famous author loved his cigars.

8. Hot cigar girl. Enough said. (Other ideas for female costumes accepted.)

9. Winston Churchill. Leading (and smoking and drinking) England through World War II, this prime minister is by far the manliest British dude ever. By far.

10. A cigar-chomping communist dictator. Any Pinko Commie like Fidel Castro, Kim Jong Il, or Che Guevara will do.

11. The Babe. Maybe the greatest slugger in baseball history, Babe Ruth was known for his love of food, drink, and cigars.

12. Al Capone. If we’re talking mafia bosses, why not be the original? Capone was known for his enjoyment of cigars, booze, and women. Just don’t get syphilis.

Got a few costume ideas that we missed? Let us know in the comments.

-The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Stogie Guys

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