The Stogie Guys

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

In the latest segment of Random Thoughts from the Humidor, I share my contemplations about Air Jordan, trends in cigar bands, and the impending change in weather.

I Wanna Be Like Mike

Chicago is about to host the 39th Ryder Cup, the biennial competition that pits the best golfers from the U.S. against the best from Europe. As fun as it would be to trade places with the likes of Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson, or Phil Mickelson, there’s no one I’d rather be this weekend than Michael Jordan. USA Captain Davis Love has tapped the “49-year-old, cigar-chomping, billionaire former basketball player” to “keep the players loose, to serve as possibly the greatest role model for success in sport, and to pass out cigars.” Sounds like a good time, and sounds like M.J. will have the best seats in the house at Medinah Country Club.

Bacon-Wrapped Cigars?

I think it’s safe to say manufacturers have gotten increasingly creative with cigar bands in recent years. I understand this trend. After all, without a cigar band, distinguishing cigars from one another is nearly impossible. But how creative is too creative? Yesterday my colleague reviewed a cigar with a metal gear around the band. That’s a significant jump in originality from the days when raised type, glossy surfaces, or even double-bands were beyond the norm. And I’d say it’s even a far cry from the last band that made me do a double-take: the band of jaggedly cut Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper leaf on Tatuaje’s “The Face.” It makes me wonder what’s next. A cigar with a band made of bacon?

Winter is Upon Us

It’s almost October, and that means cold temperatures, icy winds, and low humidity is just around the corner. Over the years we’ve published a number of articles on this subject, and I thought I’d point out a few of them here for the benefit of preparation. First, you may consider finding yourself an indoor winter sanctuary for smoking, especially since smoke-friendly locales are hard to come by these days. Second, if you’re going to be smoking outside, you might want to consider stocking up on shorter smokes. Third, be sure to have the right beverages on hand, including winter beers and ingredients to make hot buttered rum or a Stonewall Jackson. Finally, we’ve also written tips on how to build a temperature-controlled humidor and altering your smoking routines to accommodate the cold.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Flickr

In this segment of Random Thoughts from the Humidor, I pontificate on the upcoming football season, Lance Armstrong, and observe the latest from Puro PAC.

Football and Cigars

Baseball is still my favorite sport to watch with a cigar (the pace of the game and the long season is perfect for relaxing with a cigar), but football is a close second. Finding a cigar shop with your game on television is a goldmine, while watching the Sunday night game (which streams for free online) isn’t bad either on a crisp fall night on my balcony. My favorite Super Bowl viewing experience was at Shelly’s Backroom, although that had more to do with the fact that my Giants beat the undefeated Patriots that year.

Lance the Dope(r)

Following years of allegations that Lance Armstrong cheated his way to his historic victories in the Tour de France, the U.S. Anti-Doping Association has stripped him of all seven of his Tour de France titles. Lance claims the government agency lacks the power to do this and claims it is all a political attack against him, but has dropped all his legal challenges to the agency’s actions. Meanwhile, Armstrong continues to push for the government to control the lives of adults who choose to use tobacco and relentlessly attacks those who oppose his efforts. Does he see the irony (or hypocrisy) of complaining when the government supposedly overreaches against him for putting a foreign substance in his body, while at the same time pushing the government to interfere even more into the lives of millions of others who choose a different (and legal) substance? I doubt it.

Puro PAC Supports Cigar Bill Co-Sponsors (And Some Who Aren’t)

Puro PAC, the “Super PAC” created to fight for Cigar Rights in Washington, has been busy raising money and supporting candidates (so far the PAC hasn’t reported any independent expenditures). According to the most recent reports, all of the money is going to incumbents (though recipient Shelly Berkley (D-NV), a cosponsor of H.R. 1639, is currently challenging Republican Dean Heller for his Senate seat). Roughly two-thirds of the money has gone to Republicans. Of the 46 recipients of Puro PAC contributions, all but seven are co-sponsors of either the Senate or House versions of the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Preservation Act. Those who aren’t include Speaker John Boehner, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey (who apparently raises money at cigar events but also voted for FDA regulation of tobacco to begin with and led the charge to raise the SCHIP tax), and non-cosponsoring Representatives Leonard Boswell (D-IA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), and noted cigar smoker Gerry Connolly (D-VA).

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

In this segment of Random Thoughts from the Humidor, I look at rare displays of honesty, seasonal changes, and why new releases may be good for your wallet.

Telling the Truth

Sometimes the truth will come out. Check out these descriptions from a recent Holt’s catalog about two of its bundle offerings:

• “Below average flavor and construction”
• “Mild and non-descript”

Then there’s the pitch from Corona Cigar Co. for its cleverly named bundle, Don Nobody: “Well here’s the truth…I ain’t no Cuban and these cigars aren’t made by somebody claiming to be Fidel Castro’s personal cigar roller.” You gotta love it.

Summer’s Here

Remember that the changing seasons can mean different things for your humidor. With summer now fully upon us, you may need to think again about humidity levels, temperatures, and humidor placement. Air-conditioning can suck moisture from the air similar to what many heating systems do, possibly reducing the level in your room to as low as 40%. It’s a good idea to frequently check whatever type of humidification system you use. If you have a cooler spot in your home, such as a cellar or basement, that’s often a good location for the humidor. Use a thermometer to measure the ambient temperature rather than rely on the thermostat that’s probably several rooms away. And, remember, fans don’t lower the temperature.

New Cigars, Better Deals?

Buckle up for an onslaught of new cigar releases. With the annual International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) Trade Show less than a month away, cigar makers will be presenting new lines, new extensions for old lines, new sizes, new tobaccos, new, new, new. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and caught up in the hype. Don’t worry, though, if you can’t find some special cigar you want to try. If it’s any good, it’ll show up sooner or later. (If not, why’d you want to smoke it anyway?) Sometimes August and September can be good for bargain hunters. Some shop owners, fresh from placing orders and anticipating new stock, need to clear out space. They may mark down sticks that haven’t been selling well or are being dropped. So keep your eyes open.

–George E

photo credit: Holt’s Cigar Co.

In this segment of Random Thoughts from the Humidor, I look at a rousing success, a continuing failure, and the burning of something other than tobacco.

A True Cigar King

First, some good news. In a recent essay in The Tampa Tribune, King Corona Cigars owner Don Barco explored the comeback in the city’s one-time cigar manufacturing hub, Ybor City. For cigar lovers, the most telling parts came when Barco talked about recent trends at his restaurant/bar/café/cigar shop situated on East Seventh Avenue, the district’s main drag. Barco wrote that 2010 was his best since opening 14 years ago, even better than during the ’90s boom. Then, 2011 beat it in sales, “and as the year ended we had our best week of business since the Super Bowl of 2009.” I’ve never met Barco, but I’m sure I’d enjoy having a cigar with him. His shop is my favorite place to enjoy a smoke in Ybor, and StogieGuys.com has sung the praises of one of his house brands, Ybor City Handmades. It’s great to salute a cigar success.

Cuba: Good and Bad

Last year Cigar Aficionado published a colorful report of Havana’s top tourist spots. For a view of life on the island for those who live there, check the March 24-30 issue of The Economist. Its 10-page report has such startling revelations as the fact that while state farms hold 75% of Cuba’s agricultural land, 45% of it was idle and weed-choked as of 2007; the post office sells email access for $1.50 a minute; and Cuba is the only Latin American country with a declining population, a population whose percentage of those under 15 and those over 60 is about equal.

Where There’s This Smoke, There’s Definitely Fire

If you’re involved in fighting smoking restrictions, you can likely find some interesting facts in an InvestigateWest report on the health dangers of wood smoke. For example, Washington state’s “Ecology Department estimates that sooty pollution from sources including wood smoke and diesel exhaust contributes to 1,100 deaths and $190 million in health costs annually.” And among the hazardous chemicals released by burning wood are the carcinogen benzene and carbon monoxide, linked to heart damage. But not a lot is being done because of the high costs and potential punitive impact on poor people who rely on wood for heat. My point isn’t to argue for more restrictions. I think this kind of information can be used to point out to lawmakers that there are many risks and to question whether it’s fair to focus on tobacco simply because it’s an easy target. If air quality is such a vital concern, shouldn’t it be dealt with in a comprehensive fashion? It might well be asked, when do they plan to take action on fireplaces and wood stoves?

–George E

photo credit: Flickr

In this issue of “Random Thoughts from the Humidor” I pontificate on an odd cigar name, a Honduran puro, a legal victory for cigars, and a new supporter of Cigar Rights of America.

Would you smoke “The Gagger”?

I’m a big fan of K.A. Kendall’s 7-20-4 cigars. I’ve enjoyed both the original and the new line, and I think the “Dog Walker” size is not only a good little smoke but also clever branding. (Even non-dog owners can relate to a cigar that’s just large enough to enjoy on a short walk.) I can’t say the same for his newest size, “The Gagger.” I honestly can’t think of a worse name for a cigar. Maybe that’s what he’s going for, but personally I don’t see it working. Then again, I’m not a big fan of 60-ring gauge cigars, so I’m probably not the target audience.

Humo Jaguar

Speaking of cigars with unique names, I was skeptical when I was first told about Humo Jaguar, named after the Honduras cigar festival of of the same name. The cigar, which is distributed by Miami Cigar & Co., is a Honduran puro made by Placensia and was the winning blend at the 2011 festival, where cigars by various Honduran makers were tasted blind. It happens to be a fantastic cigar, one of my favorite from the recent IPCPR show, with depth, plenty of body, excellent construction, and quintessential Honduran sweetness. As someone who generally reaches for Nicaraguan and Dominican smokes and not for Honduran smokes (especially puros), it reminds me how good Honduran cigars can be. To that end, it certainly achieves its goal.

Free Speech for Tobacco Companies

While I’m not a lawyer, the recent federal court decision striking down the new graphic warning labels for cigarette packages strikes me as particularly important. Finally, a judge stood up for the First Amendment rights of tobacco companies by saying that they cannot be forced to put propaganda on their products. While courts haven’t always recognized it, the graphic warning labels clearly are not about providing facts to smokers so they can make an informed decision, but are designed to persuade people not to smoke. As someone who worries about the artistry of cigar boxes being ruined by similar anti-tobacco propaganda, it’s good to see a judge standing up to government attempts to force companies to propagandize their customers.

Altadis USA Steps Up

Kudos to Altadis USA for signing up with Cigar Rights of America and also making a “significant contribution” to IPCPR. Up until they signed on a few weeks ago, Altadis, one of the largest premium cigar makers, was the one missing cigar company from CRA’s list of supporters. Now that they’ve stepped up, all of the largest cigar makers are represented with CRA.

–Patrick S

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