Butane Lighter Care
Butane lighters are available in models which are made for use in rugged environments. A wind resistant lighter used to mean fluid-filled but today\’s gas-filled lighters can provide reliable service in conditions which would make a cheaper lighter useless. Making certain they work as intended does require that one pay attention to the proper maintenance of their lighter and that starts with the fuel one uses. ... Read More
Saving a Damaged Cigar
Cigars, especially the good ones, can cost a fair amount of money. To that end, a damaged cigar can be a very disappointing thing. Of course, it is only disappointing if one isn\’t aware of just how easy it is to fix them. ... Read More
When Should I Ash my Cigar?
Smoking a cigar is very unlike smoking a cigarette. The right time to ash a cigarette is when the ash becomes inconveniently long. The tobacco in cigarettes is cheap and hot-burning. Conversely, the tobacco in a cigar is expensive and burns best when it\’s kept at a lower temperature. This ensures the very best flavor. ... Read More
Lighting a Cigar
Smoking a cigar is a different affair than smoking a cigarette. There are etiquette concerns regarding when and where it\’s appropriate to light up as much as there are etiquette concerns regarding how one lights up. Following both is certain to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved. ... Read More
Restoring Cigars with the Proper Accessories
If there is one tragedy where a box of high-quality cigars is concerned it would be in their being ignored and going stale. While many people wrongly believe that a sealed box of cigars is impervious to many common problems, the fact of the matter is that they are not packaged to retain their best qualities. This is the reason that the best tobacconists keep their cigars in proper storage cabinets with humidifiers and hygrometers fully engaged. ... Read More
The Cigar Aging Process
Do you really have to age all of your cigars? Actually, this is an interesting issue, and enthusiasts are torn over the best way to enjoy a cigar. There are some varieties that should be smoked when they are fresh, and will in fact completely reject all efforts at aging and mellowing. For instance, those known as the Maduros are often extremely resistant to aging due to their thick and cured wrappers. The larger ring-gauge cigars, however, tend to do quite nicely in the aging process. There are others that can also benefit greatly from the practice, and investing in a special or individual cigar humidor for such varieties may be a good idea. ... Read More
Methods of Cigar Storage
When a cigar enthusiast considers the process of cigar aging, they will need to first ponder on a few essential facts. The first is that they should not even consider enjoying the fresh cigars for at least a full calendar year. This means that the most essential of cigar accessories is going to be the humidor. This is the cedar box (which may have a solid or glass top) that is designed with a hygrometer to monitoring humidity and even a miniscule humidifier built into its interior. The humidor may also have a few trays or levels for storage and will often come with Spanish cedar slats to be used as dividers within single trays. ... Read More
Choosing the Right Accessories for Cigar Enthusiasts
Do you know someone who loves to smoke cigars? Maybe they make a point of buying all kinds of aromatic and exotic varieties on a somewhat regular basis, or maybe they have a favorite brand already. Regardless of this, they can probably benefit from a gift of cigar accessories. ... Read More
Cigar Wrapper Types
Wrappers are a very important part of a cigar. Not only do wrappers play a functional role, they also play a role in the experience of a cigar. Knowing the differences in wrapper types can help you determine what cigar might be best for you. Can you explain how a Colorado wrapper differs from a Maduro wrapper? Do you know how a Claro wrapper will influence a cigars taste? Below, we explain each wrapper type in detail and the properties each wrapper type imparts on the experience of a cigar. ... Read More
What is Aerating a Pipe?
Lighting and smoking a pipe is something of an art form. Especially when packing a pipe, the smoker needs to know what they’re doing to ensure that they get the best possible smoke. One of the most important aspects of packing a pipe is making sure that air flows in adequate levels through the tobacco. A pipe that is too tightly packed will result in a hard draw and a less-than-gratifying smoke. ... Read More
