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Your one source for fine premium cigars, humidors, pipes, Zippo lighters and related accessories.
For the young Cigar Entrepreneur, choosing the right smoke can be the most difficult of matters. One has to know what one is looking for, as well as looking at. There is such a wide variety of high-profile cigars on the market today, that one just about has to have some instruction prior to that first purchase.
First, we will cover the subject of flavor. The layman would assume that all cigars are made from the same tobacco, as well as have the same flavor. The truth is, there is a massive variety of tobacco flavors available, each particular flavor having its own level of intensity. Your own personal favorite could very well be one that everyone else despises. Everyone has a different pallet for a cigar. Regardless, the actual mix of tobacco, the time elapsed since the making of the cigar, the condition it is in (storage, humidor, etc) and what you have drank or ate before or during the smoking of the cigar all have a bearing on the actual taste.
As far as only being one flavor of tobacco initially grown, this also is a fallacy. Tobaccos will attain different flavors depending upon the soil in which that particular plant is grown. In addition, different parts of the actual tobacco plant are utilized to define a particular flavor. All of these factors are blended together by cigar gurus who know what will go well with what to produce an original and excellent cigar.
With all this in mind, we can assume that picking that right cigar is going to be difficult at best. It takes more than just a random pick or a glance. It takes knowledge.
First, always refer to a smoker. If you know someone within your circle that enjoys a good high-quality cigar, ask him or her about what they like. Tell them your favorite flavors of food and fruit. This will give them a good idea as to what will lay best on your pallet. If you don’t know a connoisseur of fine cigars, ask the individual that runs your cigar shop. He/She may not smoke, but you can be certain that they know what cigar smokers come back for over and over.
Once you have chosen a cigar for consideration begin your inspection. Before we go too deeply into this, however, let’s discuss the occasional white powdery substance that you may come across on a cigar. Do not let this turn you away, as this is what is called “Bloom.” Bloom is simply the result of ageing on a cigar and is in no way a bad thing. Actually, it may very well be considered a positive aspect. This enhances the flavor. Mold, on the other hand, should be avoided. If a cigar is kept at extreme levels of humidity, it will form a blue-green tint on the packaging. Avoid it at all costs.
Ask yourself if you would prefer a mild cigar, or a more full-flavored smoke. If you would lean more towards the full-flavor option, then choose a cigar with a larger ring. The ring is the actual diameter of the cigar. The larger the diameter, the more intense, and multiple blends you will experience.
Another way to get a feel for the taste of a cigar is the smell. Take a good whiff of it. If the smell is overwhelming, then it will likely be very strong. Take notice that we use the word “likely” in that reference. This is not always the case. Some smokes smell a level or two more intense than they actually taste.
Next, how long do you want to smoke a cigar? Common sense tells us that the longer the cigar, the longer the smoke-time. However, another way to tell is to gently squeeze the cigar ¾ of the way up. If it seems very tight, it will have a more difficult draw and take longer to smoke. If it is loose, the smoke will proceed at a faster rate.
Moving on, we have the construction of the cigar. Does it appear lumpy or feel loose at spots here and there? If so, you probably do not want it. You see, the creation of a good hand-rolled cigar is actually considered a work of art in some circles. The way a cigar looks is at least 40 % of the selling value. If it does not look good, it is far more difficult to move, commercially speaking.
In choosing the right cigar for you, the one and only true manner is to just shop around. Research reviews online. There are a number of very effective and consistently updated review sites, such as Cigar Inspector Online. These sites will give you individual reviews by people who have tried the cigar. Then, once you pick out one to try, do not go in with the attitude that if you don’t like this one, you will never try another. Expect to invest a little time in finding your perfect cigar. Even then, when you find that perfect Robusto or Maduro, keep shopping. Variety is truly the spice of life.
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Los Angeles, April 7 – Kaizad Hansotia missed his calling. The head of the Gurkha cigar empire should have been in television programming.
Audiences are always asking for new and different kinds of entertainment and for the cigar smoker, few can match his track record for inventiveness, presentation and flair. Welcome the Gurkha Signature 1887.
This newest blend has a personal aspect to it, as Hansotia notes his family’s history. “1887 was the year my family entered the world of business and commerce,” he said. “Their first venture was a long-lived, successful import-export business. Commerce and prestige items have been a part of my family’s heritage ever since.”
Made in Honduras as with almost all of the Gurkha lines, the Signature 1887 is offered in just one shape, a 6 1/2-inch by 55-ring toro, but in two styles. The 1887 Red uses an aged Connecticut Shade wrapper while the 1887 Black has a Nicaraguan-grown wrapper, but both blends such a common, Dominican-grown binder. The filler is the same for both styles, but is unique in itself, using powerful Peruvian tobaccos and East Indian leaf, heretofore mostly unknown for use in cigars. Hansotia uses the Indian filler as a tribute to his own heritage: “My father founded a watch-manufacturing company in India in 1950,” he recalled.
These are flavorful cigars, but aren’t expected to overpower most smokers. They will be – as is typical for the Gurkha line – a treat for the eye, packaged in chests of 48 cigars each in either a red lacquer or black lacquer finish, depending on the style.
“We launched the line with 300 boxes of each,” said Hansotia, “which were sold out in four days. We plan to produce 1,500 more boxes of each in 2008, although we expect shortages as we expect customer demand will exceed supply.” With a total of just 172,800 cigars made in total, it’s not likely the brand will last long.
By: David Faulkner
People talk about the Cuban cigars as if they are best and only cigar with taste. This resulted in the market Cuban cigars held over any small manufacture of cigars. These cigars where rated as the best cigar to ever satisfy the tastes of the connoisseur. Today we see many company’s with brand name cigars that offer the fine taste and flavor that was offered by the Cuban cigars. The Dominican cigars have taken the lead in the fall of the Cuban cigars in this country.
Sunshine and fertilized soil helps with producing quality tobacco and the Caribbean has both to produce an even more tasteful cigar. This area thrives in the area of cigar tobacco and has since become a leader in supplying many manufacturers with quality and great tasting fillers. The Dominican cigars have definitely taken the place of many cigars by offering a fine cigar with plenty of flavor and a strong draw.
What this means to us, is that Cuba is not the only supplier of rich tasting cigars. Dominican cigars gain popularity because they use the rich leaves to produce fine cigars. The Caribbean shares this soil and sunshine with Cuba, Bahamas, Dominican and other islands in the area. The ecosystem nurtures the plants and the soil, which is rich in nutrients, produces the most favorable tobacco. Curing and fermenting the leaf along with the techniques used give the right mix for the quality of the tobacco. Cuba had a knowledgeable understanding of cigar making unknown to others, but since many companies have gained some insight into the makings of a fine cigar.
Because of all the technology and the liberation of the tobacco industry, Cuba no longer holds the status of being the best cigar around. Many connoisseurs tell you a Cuban cigar does not necessary remain necessary have now that they have all the other fine cigars available. The manufacturers of cigars now have a better business relationship now that the Cuban cigar has left the country.
Dominican cigars came to us at the appropriate time and have since become a high quality-tasting cigar. Cuba does not allow for a competitive market for cigars and has since lost there ability to house the best plants. Most of the Cuban named cigars have since moved to the Dominican, which should be called the Dominican cigars rightfully. Look at some the cigars such as Cohiba and you will see Dominican cigars as a manufacturer.
Buy Dominican cigars, smoke them and see if you do not agree that they are truly a fine cigar that has taken away from the need for Cuban cigars.
Military Boutique Premium cigars are handcrafted in small batches and in limited quantities by Tabacalera Esteli. They make great Military gifts for those that serve in, or have served our country. They are also a great Military retirement gifts. 25 cigars are packaged in a cedar wood humidor box that displays the emblem in full color on the box and on the cigar wrappers.
Salute to Arms - Air Force
http://www.thecigarstore.com/product.php?p=85177
SALUTE TO ARMS Air Force Gifts Boutique Premium cigars are handcrafted in small batches and in limited quantities by Tabacalera Esteli. They make great Military gifts for those in the Air Force, or have served our country in the U.S. Air Force. They are also a great Air Force retirement gift. 25 cigars are packaged in a cedar wood humidor box that displays the US Air Force emblem in full color.
SALUTE TO ARMS Air Force cigars celebrates those that serve our country in the United States Armed Services, and are perfect gifts for Air Force men and women. Each cigar is handcrafted by Tabacalera Esteli using super premium aged Cuban Seed Habano long-filler tobacco. The Binder is a wrapper quality Cuban Seed Habano 2000 leaf and draped in a beautiful and delicious shade-grown Sumatra Cuban-Seed Wrapper. With a large ring size of 50 and a full 7 inches long, these Churchills have a mouth-watering aroma and taste. 25 cigars are hand packaged in a collector’s humidor that proudly displays the insignia of the Air Force in full color. Each individual cigar also has a band embossed with the insignia.
MEDIUM BODIED. Their distinguished taste is medium-bodied with mellow and well balanced floral flavors and hints of mild orange peels and toasted nuts.
Salute to Arms - Army
http://www.thecigarstore.com/product.php?p=85178
SALUTE TO ARMS Army cigars celebrates those that serve our country in the United States Armed Services. They are perfect for army men or wowen. Each is handmade by Tabacalera Esteli using super premium aged Cuban Seed Habano long-filler tobacco. The Binder is a wrapper quality Cuban Seed Habano 2000 leaf and it is draped in a beautiful and delicious shade-grown Sumatra Cuban Seed Wrapper. The cigars have a large ring size of 50 and a full 7 inches long, these Churchills have an exquisite aroma and taste. 25 are hand packaged in a humidor box that proudly displays the insignia of the Army in full color. Each individual cigar has a band embossed with the logo of the U.S. Army.
MEDIUM BODIED. Their distinguished taste is medium-bodied with mellow and well balanced floral flavors and hints of mild orange peels and toasted nuts
Salute to Arms - Marines
http://www.thecigarstore.com/product.php?p=85179
SALUTE TO ARMS Marine Corps cigars celebrates those that serve our country in the United States Armed Services, and make perfect gifts for marines men or women. Each boutique cigar is handmade by Tabacalera Esteli with super premium aged Cuban Seed Habano long-filler tobacco. The Binder is a wrapper quality Cuban Seed Habano 2000 leaf and each cigar is draped with a beautiful and delicious shade-grown Sumatra Cuban Seed Wrapper. With a large ring size of 50 and a full 7 inches long, these Churchill length cigars have an exquisite aroma and taste. 25 are hand packaged in a military gift humidor box that proudly displays the insignia of the US Marine Corp in full color. Each individual cigar has a band embossed with the emblem of the Marines. They make a perfect military gift for active personnel or those in retirement.
MEDIUM BODIED. Their unique taste is described by cigar aficionados as medium-bodied with mellow and well balanced floral flavors and hints of cocoa and nuts. They have true boutique premium cigar flavors
Salute to Arms - Navy
http://www.thecigarstore.com/product.php?p=85180
SALUTE TO ARMS Navy cigars celebrate those that serve our country in the United States Armed Services, and are perfect for navy men or women. Each boutique cigar is handmade by Tabacalera Esteli using super premium aged Cuban Seed Habano long-filler tobacco. The Binder is a wrapper quality Cuban Seed Habano 2000 leaf and each cigar is draped in a beautiful and delicious shade-grown Sumatra Cuban Seed Wrapper. Navy cigars have a large ring size of 50 and a full 7 inches long, these Churchill length cigars have an exquisite aroma and taste. 25 are hand packaged in a military humidor box that proudly displays the insignia of the US Navy in full color. Each individual cigar band has the logo of the Navy embossed in full color.
MEDIUM BODIED. Their distinguished taste is described as medium-bodied with mellow and well balanced floral flavors and hints of sweet orange peels and toasted nuts.
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Despite their similarities to cigarettes, cigars have long possessed a much more sophisticated persona. Though they have often been portrayed as accessories of the rich and powerful in years past, cigars have seen a much broader degree of mainstream popularity recently. Magazines like Cigar Aficionado extol the joys of cigar smoking, and the whole array of elegant humidors (used for storage,) boxes, lighters and other related products available to cigar smokers exude a distinctive style or persona.
The humidor, the most well known cigar accessory, comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and price ranges. In addition, one can find many other boxes, display cases, lighters, cutters and cigar-related gifts available at local stores or online retailers. Websites like Cigarworld can direct you to a local outlet that will serve all your needs.
Despite a remaining stigma regarding their legality, Cuban cigars still count themselves among the most highly regarded and sought after brands. Due to their superior taste and quality, and also because of the geographical obstacles to obtaining them, they have traditionally been difficult to buy and very expensive once located. Fortunately, recent relaxations of various U.S. sanctions regarding the importation of Cuban Cigars has made their availability to American buyers much more common.
The increased availability of discount prices on premium brand cigars has also contributed to the rise in popularity of cigars and cigar smoking. Online merchants such as Payless-cigars offer many high quality brands at prices much lower than those found in traditional stores. Plus, they can be shipped to your doorstep quickly, cheaply and anonymously.
With all the other cigar accessories available for purchase, cigars have become big business in the States in recent years. In fact, since the early 1990s sales for cigars and cigar products have risen to heights previously unseen. Due in part to their popularity among celebrities, cigar smoking has taken on a hip, youthful image that elevates smoking cigars from a simple recreational hobby, to an integral part of a luxurious lifestyle.
Introducing a new premium cigar for cigar lovers. Don Conti Cigars. These new cigars use Cuban seed & Dominican tobaccos, grown in the Cibao Valley which is the very heart of the tobacco industry.
What’s cool here is that they have this great promotion where you buy a box and get three free cigars with it. You try them and if you are not satisfied, return the unopened box for a full refund including your return shipping. The Cigar Store believes that Don Conti Cigars deliver a smoking experience you will savor. Once you have tried a Don Conti, you will want to make sure you have humidor space available for them at all times.
A Don Conti cigar is unlike any other you have smoked before. The Conti tobaccos, grown and harvested in the Cibao Valley in the heart of the tobacco world, are some of the finest the valley can produce. In fact, the Conti tobacco fields are rated A and B, the very best as ranked by the Dominican Tobacco Institute. The fertilizers and the attention to the land are among the very best guaranteeing a superior tobacco and a superior cigar.
The Conti family has over 30 years of experience in cigar manufacturing. The raw materials used in their cigars - filler, binder and wrapper - are aged 4-6 years, just the right time. Some manufacturers age their product 12-18 years - far too long! Such a long period of time causes the tobacco to lose its body.
Finally when the tobacco is ready it is hand rolled by some of the very best rollers into the finest cigars. For those with a passion for perfection.
We invite you to buy a box. We know you will come to treasure them and appreciate the time and love put into their creation.
Knowing how to entertain with cigars is the perfect prelude to business
There’s an old adage: “a cigar is just a cigar, but a good cigar is a smoke.” If you’ve ever puffed on a premium robusto, corona or Churchill, you know exactly what that statement means. Nothing quite compares to the fresh bouquet of the fine brown tobacco wrapper, the spicy or peppery taste that fills your mouth as you puff, the meditative feeling that comes over you as you watch swirls of smoke waft through the room.
Cigars have always been associated with success, accomplishment and conquest. In fact, one of the highlights of the BLACK ENTERPRISE/Pepsi Golf & Tennis Challenge continues to be the annual smoker in which some of the nation’s richest and most powerful African Americans engage in banter, comradeship and deal making while puffing on coronas and sipping cognac.
But before you invite a client out for a smoke, make sure that you know how to identify a quality cigar. pick up a copy of The Cigar Companion: A Connoisseur’s Guide, which gives you details on the history and structure of the cigar as well as important advice. For example, you should know that handmade cigars have three components: the wrapper, which gives the cigar its appearance; the filler, a series of tobacco leaves that provide for the passage of smoke and dictate how quickly the cigar burns; and the binder, which holds the tobacco together. The book also informs budding aficionados that cigars should be kept in a humidified environment–preferably at a temperature of 60 to 70 degrees with humidity at 65% to 70%.
To get a better sense of the cigar culture and how you can use cigars as a part of business entertainment, we talked with Carlos “Carlito” Fuente Jr., president of Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia, one of the world’s largest family-owned handmade cigar companies, which produces such top-notch smokes as the Fuente Fuente OpusX, a 100% Dominican cigar, and the Fuente Hemingway line, which was voted “the best of the best” among premium cigar brands by the June 1999 Robb Report, the lifestyle magazine for the rich. The company also makes such top sellers as Ashton, Diana Silvius and Diamond Crown. Here’s what Fuente had to say about cigars:
BLACK ENTERPRISE: Over the past few years, cigars have been extremely popular, almost faddish. Do you think the industry will be hurt now that the fad has ebbed?
CARLOS FUENTE JR.: Fine cigars are like fine wine and watches. There will always be a demand. They will always attract connoisseurs, people who are sophisticated or successful in business and in life. At this point, the demand is still far greater than the supply, and I don’t see any change in the near future.
B.E.: What sets Fuente cigars apart from others in the marketplace?
FUENTE: Each cigar is an individual, natural product that has a personality. We grow our own tobacco and make our cigars by hand. We blend various types of Cuban seed tobaccos, depending on the cigar. But most of all, my family’s passion is in the product.
B.E.: You had a unique experience in creating the Fuente Fuente OpusX cigar. How did the production of that cigar come about?
FUENTE: In the early 1990s, my father and I had this idea that great wrapper tobacco could be grown on our plantation in the Dominican Republic. [The most common wrappers grown in Connecticut, Cameroon, Honduras, Ecuador and Nicaragua.] Many tobacco experts doubted that we could do it. So we decided to keep it a secret. Besides my father and I, only two other people worked on it. We harvested the first crop in 1992 and the leaves were oily and rich, leading me to describe them as being opulent. By chance I came across the word “opus” in the dictionary, which meant “creative work,” “masterpiece,” “a work of a lifetime.” It was a dream come true. We were overwhelmed by the great response.
B.E.: How professionals and entrepreneurs use cigars in business entertaining?
FUENTE: Cigars can be extremely valuable in business entertaining. You smoke a cigar in a leisurely fashion. It gives you an hour or two to communicate and connect with another person–whether it’s a business associate or a friend–when his or her guard comes down.
Premium cigars also serve as a great gift, since you would give them to someone as a sign of respect or to deepen a relationship. Like golf, cigars create the right atmosphere to bond [with a person] and find common ground.
B.E.: Cigars seem useful as a strategic tool as well.
FUENTE: I find that when you smoke a cigar in private, it relaxes you. It allows you to think and, in some cases, come up with creative solutions. I have been around cigars all of my life and I know that it has worked for me.