The Stogie Guys

New cigar smokers usually have a lot of questions as they delve deeper into the pursuit. Sometimes answers are easy to find. But then there are those questions that you really don’t want to ask, though you wish someone would address them.

Fortunately StogieGuys.com is here to help. Here are a few issues that rarely get explored at the lounge of the local B&M but nonetheless deserve attention:

I like Macanudos. What’s wrong? Absolutely nothing. Macanudo is one of the top selling premium brands in the country, so you’ve got plenty of company. Part of the disdain for the brand is just that—it’s a best-seller. Another big reason is that Macanudos are mild, which doesn’t appeal to some smokers. On the other hand, Macanudos have a consistency that other manufacturers would do well to emulate, and I’m sure all would love to match the sales. Remember, smoking is for enjoyment. If you like Macanudos, smoke ’em.

Why do reviews frequently highlight a triple cap? What difference does it make, since I’m going to cut it anyway? Well, aside from the unholy reverence for all things Cuban (the triple cap is a traditional Cuban technique), the process can make it easier to open the head of the cigar without damaging the wrapper. Just snip the little cap on top and you should be ready to go.

What’s the deal with waiting before removing the band? The strategy is that the heat from smoking will loosen the adhesive securing the band. Personally, I can’t recall that ever making much difference. And if it is true, why don’t the wrappers, which are secured with the same vegetable glue, routinely come loose as you smoke?

How on earth does anyone keep up with all these cigars? The truth is, they don’t. In fact, I can imagine that some brand owners aren’t really familiar with all of their own output. Just to get an idea of what’s out there, the 2010 edition of Perelman’s Pocket Cyclopedia of Cigars covers more than 1,300 handmade cigars. Unless you have a memory like Harry Lorayne, it’s a pretty tall order.

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Like it or not, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. This Sunday to be exact. And whether you’re shopping for her, shopping for him, or just looking to celebrate your individualism, finding the perfect gift can be tough.

Cigar enthusiasts can be easy to buy for, if you have the right information. There are countless sticks and cigar accessories available in almost every price range. But maybe cigar-related gifts are a bit too predictable, or maybe you just want to give that cigar fan something a little different this year. So, instead, below are three unique ideas that the average cigar enthusiast would love.

Chocolate-infused bacon. Vosges, a Chicago-based purveyor of sweet treats, carries a line of yummies that combine chocolate and applewood smoked bacon (pictured). From chocolate bars and toffees to a pancake mix and a flying pig, these delicacies are a manly take on a traditional Valentine’s day gift. Prices range from $2.50 to $62.

French press gift set. Coffee is widely considered to be a cigar complement, and no self-respecting coffee drinker should be without a French press. This method is preferred by many “brothers of the bean” because it is said to capture more flavor and more oils in each brew. This gift set includes a French press and two insulated highball glasses for only $40.

Mad Men-esque barware. Even if you don’t watch Mad Men, you can’t deny that vintage barware is pretty badass. So you’ll be pleased to learn that a Virginia-based retailer has created a line of drinking accessories inspired by the popular AMC drama. Included are flasks, travelling bar sets, muddlers, and classic roly poly glasses. Prices vary.

Hopefully these unique gift ideas make it easier to get through what many consider to be a crummy holiday. Good luck, and happy shopping.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

The economy may be moving toward improvement, but there are still plenty of us who need to watch our nickels and dimes.

Occasionally, when I read cigar reviews and rankings, I’m reminded of years ago when the New York Times food writer wrote lovingly about a $4,000 meal he enjoyed in Paris. The Daily News followed with a hilarious parody, sending a reporter to dine for a few dollars somewhere like the Bowery. I mean, if you’re paying $4,000 for food—or $20 for a cigar—you’d hope they‘re good, wouldn’t you?

But you don’t have to spend that much for an enjoyable cigar. Whether you’re a new smoker looking to experiment or a grizzled vet eager to save a buck, your selections don’t have to be a crap shoot. Many top blenders and manufacturers have lines that won’t break the bank.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started. I doubt you’ll like them all, but I’d be equally surprised if you don’t enjoy at least one. Prices vary depending on sizes and local taxes, but you should be able to find them for around $5 or less.

1) La Traviata: This CAO line takes its name from an old Cuban production. It’s a multinational blend, with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, a Cameroon binder, and filler from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. A medium-strength cigar with lots of leather.

2) Benchmade: A Don Pepin Garcia creation, these pigtailed Nicaraguans are “sandwich” style with short filler. They lack the consistency and burns of long-filler cigars. Nonetheless, I’ve found them remarkably enjoyable.

3) Brick House: A medium-strength line from J.C. Newman, these cigars sport an Ecuadorian sungrown wrapper and lots of flavor. Construction is first-rate. A must-try for any smoker.

4) Cuban Crafters Cameroon: A great example of the sweetness and spice found in the African wrapper. It’s blended nicely with Nicaraguan filler to create a tasty, well-crafted smoke. Well worth seeking out.

5) Sancho Panza Extra Fuerte: Made by General Cigar, this Honduran puro is full-bodied and easy to find. With spice, cedar, and a touch of sweetness, this blend comes in six sizes.

For more cigars that’ll impress without doing too much damage to your wallet, take a spin around our Cigar Reviews Archive.

–George E

photo credit: Flickr

There are many options when it comes to deciding how to store your cigars. You can choose from coolers, Tupperware, wine refrigerators, desktop humidors, cabinet humidors, etc. What you choose will surely depend on your needs and means. Living in Florida, I was looking for a storage option that would help me control the temperature during the summer months without breaking the bank.

I had two choices: a temperature-controlled unit from a humidor company such as this unit from Avallo, or a converted thermoelectric wine cooler. Due to a limited budget, I could not afford the estimated $1,500-$2,500 for a humidor like the Avallo. So I decided on the wine cooler option. After looking around for awhile I was able to find this 28-bottle unit from Edgestar for $199 shipped.

After doing some research, here’s how I converted this wine cooler into a humidor:

1. The first thing I did was get rid of the plastic smell on the inside. My unit had a very distinct plastic smell when I took it out of the box. I wiped the inside down with some warm water with a little bit of baking soda. Then I let the unit air out for a couple of days. There was still a faint smell, so I closed the unit and let it run for a couple of days with just a box of baking soda in it. After that, the smell was gone and I started to work on the customizations.

2. The unit comes with an S-shaped drain to collect condensation that forms inside the unit. I wanted to run some wires through the drain hole, so I drilled straight down out the bottom to give me a straight shot to run the wires.

3. Then I ran the wires for an electronic temperature controller and a computer fan through the hole I just drilled.

a. The electronic temperature controller allows me to keep the temperature in the unit between exactly 66 and 68 degrees. The unit came with an analog temperature controller and I wanted more precision than that would provide. I have the analog control set just below medium so that the unit cools at a slow rate when it is on. This helps minimize humidity swings related to the cooling. An electronic temperature controller is not necessary for units with a digital temperature control or if you don’t care to be that precise.

b. The computer fan runs on a timer and is used to circulate air in the unit when it is not running. Again, this step is not mandatory, but I felt it was a good addition in my situation. To power the computer fan you will also need a 4-pin to AC converter.

4. Next, I needed to seal the drain hole to prevent cold air and humidity from leaking out. I used an odorless clear silicone to seal the hole around the wires. The silicone sets up in about 2 hours but takes about 24 hours to completely cure so I left the unit open overnight.

5. Since I plugged the drain, I needed to come up with a way to collect any condensation that formed in the unit. I used a piece of clear vinyl affixed under the fan (where the condensation was forming) and laid the bottom in a small plastic bin. If any condensation forms it runs down the vinyl and collects in the bin.

6. Then I put several tubs of distilled water, some empty boxes, and 2 pounds of 65% humidity beads in the unit to get the humidity to the level where it needs to be to store cigars. After a day, the humidity was spot-on.

7. Finally, I was ready to start putting my cigars in the unit. While you can juse the shelves that come with the unit, many people prefer to have some cedar drawers or shelves. I had some custom drawers made by Chasidor. The drawers are oak but lined with cedar and have glass tops. I also added two cedar shelves to the unit.

After all that work, my cigars now have a nice, custom-looking, temperature-controlled home for a fraction of the cost of the Avallo unit. The temperature stays between 66 and 68 degrees all the time and the humidity is right at 65%. About once every two months I have to put a dish with a little distilled water in the unit to recharge the beads. Other than that, it’s maintenance-free.

–Patrick M

photo credits: Stogie Guys

Odds are tomorrow night you’ll be celebrating the New Year with a champagne toast. And if you’re like me, you’ll also want to celebrate that festive occasion with a fine cigar. But not just any cigar will do.

While I’ve seen champagne pairings that include such powerhouse cigars as an Opus X, this seems like a waste of good champagne to me. Sure, while you’ll the enjoy cigar—much as you probably would if any exceptional cigar was paired  a glass of water—a true cigar/drink pairing should bring out the best in both components.

That’s why I’d recommend the following five cigars when you’re looking for something to smoke with a toast on New Year’s Eve:

Macanudo Vintage 1988 — I recently smoked a Churchill of this blend and its extensive aging has turned this into a delicate smoke with almond notes.

Por Larrañaga (Cuban) — This under-appreciated Cuban has just the right combination of mild flavors to pair with a fine Cava.

Paul Garmirian Gourmet Belicoso Fino (1991) — This one’s a bit specific, but with a mild to medium body, ginger, and floral notes, it’s an excellent pairing for a vintage champagne.

Davidoff Classic — Considered the most mild of the Davidoff blends, these cigars have a creamy base with vanilla notes and plenty of subtleties.

Illusione Epernay — Named after the central town in the Champagne region of France, Illusione creator Dion Giolito says this line (originally commissioned for European Cigar Cult Journal) is specifically designed to pair with champagne.

In addition to picking the right cigar, here’s one other hint to keep in mind: Consider pouring your champagne in a traditional wine glass instead of a champagne flute. Tall, slender flute glasses often enunciate the bubbles to the detriment of flavor. Also, be sure to avoid saucer-shaped champagne coupes, which eliminate the brilliant aromas of a fine champagne.

Cheers!

–Patrick S

photo credit: Blogspot

StogieGuys.com will be taking tomorrow off to enjoy that most American of holidays: Thanksgiving. (We will return Friday for your regularly scheduled Friday Sampler.) Known for food, family, friends, and football, Thanksgiving is a perfect time to enjoy a fine smoke. So as we did the previous two years, today we’re listing the one cigar we’ll each fire up after the big meal.

Patrick A: Since I travel back home to Chicago to visit with friends and family, I think a Tesa Cigar Co. creation will be appropriate. Tesa is headquartered in a shop on the Near North Side of the Windy City, and they produce some outstanding cigars. With a crisp profile of wine, toast, cream, and honey, the lancero-sized Tesa Havanitas Connecticut No. 1 will pair nicely with a post-meal cup of coffee.

Patrick S: As I did two years ago, I’ll enjoy an American-made cigar on Thanksgiving: the Tatuaje Reserve J21. This special robusto features an oily, rich Nicaraguan ligero wrapper. Inside is a tasty combination of cedar, leather, pepper, and coffee bean. It will pair nicely with coffee or an aged Kentucky bourbon, whichever feels more appropriate.

George E: I plan to smoke a Padrón Serie 1964 Exclusivo Natural. Because it was a gift, Thanksgiving seems just the time to light it up. I haven’t smoked one of these in a long time, and I made the decision early so I could enjoy the anticipation as well as the smoke itself.

Patrick M: Choosing a cigar to enjoy for a special occasion can sometimes be difficult for me. I have a hard time deciding between special hard-to-find cigars and cigars that I think will match up well with the festivities. This Thanksgiving, I’ve decided to go with the Churchill-sized Illusione 888. The full-bodied 888, a.k.a. Necessary and Sufficient, is the perfect cigar to enjoy after a heavy meal. Featuring bold, in-your-face flavors of spice and earth with a creamy coffee finish, the 888 is a sublime way to end a wonderful meal.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr

If you’re a regular smoker fortunate enough to have several cigar shops near your home or workplace, you undoubtedly have opinions about each of them. Sometimes choices are simple—when, for example, only one is open on Sundays and you want to smoke and watch football. But others can be trickier.

For new smokers still deciding which shop to patronize most, here are four keys to look for. While they’re all important, lets keep in mind that there are undoubtedly great shops that would fail on several accounts.

A good owner. I feel better when the owner is present and involved. It indicates the shop is in the hands of someone who has invested himself as well as his money. Practically, this isn’t always possible. But when it is, I think it says something positive.

A well-kept stock. The humidor should be consistently close to 70 degrees and 70 percent relative humidity. Many smokers keep their personal humidors at different settings, particularly less humidity. With the frequent air exchanges and extremes, though, it’s better to keep the levels up in tobacconists. I also like to see a high-quality thermometer and hygrometer.

Neatness. It counts, just like your mother told you. Seeing dust collecting on cigars, jumbled boxes on display shelves, or overflowing ashtrays creates doubts about how well the stock is treated.

Variety in selection. This one is a bit tricky because smokers reading this article are much more likely to want to try new cigars than the average customer. The store owner has to stock what sells or he can’t stay in business. So I don’t hold it against a shop if it doesn’t have rows and rows and rows of boutique brands. I will be disappointed, however, if there’s little more than the likes of Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, Punch, and Macanudo to choose from.

That’s what I look for in a great tobacconist. What would you add to this list?

–George E

photo credit: Flickr