CIGAR Essentials
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07-25-2007 9:13 PM
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Gary Bourland
  - Joined on 04-09-2007
- Posts 65
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Cigars 101 - How to Select, Cut, Light, Smoke and Enjoy Hand Rolled Cigars
From Gary Manelski,
How to Select the Right Cigars
If you're ready to join the ranks of cigar smokers, here is how to get started. The first step is selecting the right cigars to "practice" with. You should start by choosing several different single cigars at your local tobacconist. Do not buy a box of cigars until you have sampled a few singles, first. Don't be afraid to ask the owner or manager for advice.
Choose Mild CigarsMild cigars are recommended for beginners, since the more full-flavored cigars would most likely taste too strong (or just plain bad) to a new smoker. Mild cigars are also the least expensive, so you won't have to worry about ruining an expensive cigar by lighting it incorrectly, or by cutting too much off the closed end.
Inspect the CigarOnce you have determined which type of cigar(s) to purchase, then gently squeeze the cigar to determine if there are any hard or soft spots.
You don't want to take a chance on buying a cigar with a bad draw, or worse yet, one that is plugged and not smokeable. Tip: Reputable tobacconists will usually replace a plugged cigar. Also, inspect the wrapper for cracks or discolorations.
Protect & SmokeIf you do not yet own a humidor, do not buy more cigars than you can smoke within a couple of days, and make sure to leave them in their cellophane packaging (if applicable) until you're ready to smoke. Never leave an unprotected cigar exposed to the elements, as it will quickly dry out. You can temporarily store cigars in a Tupperware or similar container.
Semper Fi
Time for a C-Gar!
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Gary Bourland
- Joined on 04-09-2007
- Posts 65
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Top 5 Cigars for Beginners - Experienced Smokers Will Like These, Too
From Gary Manelski,
Our top 5 cigars suggested for beginners were selected considering both flavor & cost, making for what we think are the best values for the new smoker. It is important to stay with the mild-to-medium strength cigars when starting out, which are usually the least expensive of the premium hand rolled variety. Although the costs per stick listed below are prices that can be obtained if purchased by the box, it is recommended that single cigars (which are a bit more expensive) be sampled, first.
An excellent value in a Dominican hand-made cigar for about $1.50 per stick. These cigars are a bit rustic, and do not even have bands. They are mild in flavor and have a consistent draw. Arturo Fuente (compare prices) makes a wide range of different cigars, some being amongst the best in the world. The Curly Head is near the bottom of their price range, but is an excellent value for being a Fuente. The Curly Head measures 6 ½" x 43 (length x ring gauge), and for the price, is strongly recommended. (Note: Not to be confused with the Curly Head Deluxe)
This cigar is made by Hoyo de Monterrey (compare prices) in the Honduras. The cost per cigar is about $3.25, making it the second most expensive cigar in this list. Cigars that cost $15 do not taste as good. The size is 6 ¼ x 45. Excalibur makes six other cigars in this class (Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7), each having different dimensions. The No. 5 Excalibur cigars are mild-to-medium in flavor, very tasty, and will improve with age in your humidor.
Baccarat cigars (compare prices) are very mild Honduran cigars, measuring 6 x 43. You will notice a sweet taste when starting to smoke this cigar, and the draw is really smooth. However, they burn a little fast, and begin losing their flavor before the halfway point. Since the cost is just under $2, it is worth the price to experience such a premium smoke, if only halfway. They do not seem to improve with age in a humidor, but taste great right out of the box.
A mild-to-medium smoke measuring 5 ¼ x 50, with a price tag of about $3.50 apiece. These are Honduran cigars that contain a nice blend of tobaccos, and are very well constructed. This cigar really needs to be aged in a humidor for several months to bring out its true flavor. Other Punch Grand Cru cigars (compare prices) with smaller ring gauges are available, but this wider size seems to have more flavor and a better draw. Too bad it is not a bit longer.
The Oliva family has been in the cigar business for many years, and much of their tobacco is found in premium cigar brands manufactured by other companies. Their own Flor de Oliva (compare prices) brand offers some excellent values, including the torpedo at a cost of about $1.50 per cigar. The cigars are made with Nicaraguan filler, and are mild-to-medium in flavor with just a hint of sweetness (not as noticeable as the Baccarat). The size is 6 ½ x 52. For just a few dollars more per bundle, try them in gold (compare prices).
Semper Fi
Time for a C-Gar!
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Gary Bourland
- Joined on 04-09-2007
- Posts 65
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Here is our top 10 list of Cigar Do's and Don'ts, a handy list of cigar tips for the aspiring cigar connoisseur. If there is a cigar tip that you think should be on the list, let us know by posting it in our cigar forum for the whole world to see.
We want you to live for a long time!
After purchasing boxes or bundles of cigars, remove the cellophane and all other packaging, then place the cigars in a properly maintained humidor for at least a few months before smoking. Single sticks stored in a humidor at your local tobacconist may be aged enough to smoke immediately.
Use a cigar savor, or just toss the cigar.
Select a drink that will not be overpowered by the flavor of your cigar.
You can also use a wooden match, but before lighting your cigar, let the sulfur burn off after striking the match.
7. Don't snuff out your cigar when finished.Leave your cigar in the ashtray and it will extinguish itself automatically, avoiding that foul odor.
9. Don't store cigars in a refrigerator.It will remove the moisture from the cigars, drying them out.
Semper Fi
Time for a C-Gar!
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KiokiCigars
  - Joined on 03-21-2008
- Posts 2
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Gary, Good list you have there, you nailed everything right on the head.
Eric
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Just bumping this up that I found...Not that I will ever be needing to know how to smoke one of those. LOL
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Mimi Z
  - Joined on 01-13-2008
- New York
- Posts 527
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Hey Deb,
Thanks for bumping this up........We all get to enjoy Major Pain's writings again, especially since he "LOVES" Ceeegars, as do most men in the Sand Box and Afghanistan and anywhere in the World. It's a "Guy" thing.
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.
~ Harvey Fierstein
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Gary Bourland
- Joined on 04-09-2007
- Posts 65
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A New Annual Cigar Event
Friday September 19, 2008
There are a number of major cigar events coming up in November, but if you can't make it to Las Vegas for the Big Smoke or Tampa for the Cigar Heritage Festival,
maybe you can make it to Miami for a new but somewhat less expansive
cigar event. Mike's Cigars is a well-known South Florida cigar retailer
and one of the top cigar distributors worldwide. Mike’s will be hosting
their first-ever We’re Smokin’ event on Saturday, November 1, 2008, from 1:00-6:00pm at 1030 Kane Concourse, Bay Harbor, Florida 33154. Tickets are now on sale for $125 each.
Semper Fi
Time for a C-Gar!
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aprilangel
- Joined on 04-21-2009
- Posts 4
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Thanks to Gary Bourland for his interesting tips. My husband always enjoys smoking his cigars. Currently I am looking for a present for my husband and I thought about to present him a new butane lighter. I must admit that I am an absolute newbie and do not know which one is best. I have already compared some prices but I do not know which to buy. Has anyone a suggestion which one is the best? Would appreciate tips. thx in advance
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inkydigits
  - Joined on 06-24-2007
- SF Bay Area
- Posts 263
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Check out www.cigarsinternational.com
I've purchased a lot of cigars from this site. They have a nice selection of sampler packs and some great deals. Just received my "Recession Special" order from them the other day... 25 different cigars for $29.99 plus $5 for shipping.
Good luck!
Jen
---"The Americans have fuel to fly chocolate cake across the Atlantic. They have no concept of failure." --- The words of a German officer from the film "The Battle of the Bulge"
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PatrioticLady
- Joined on 06-12-2008
- Middle Tennessee
- Posts 234
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Y'all, I just placed an order from Kioki Cigars (via a link from AS page) and was impressed with the service so far. I ordered three of their Samplers for the Troops, which contain 5 cigars each, and I wrote a note for them to enclose for the Warrior, who recently got to experience the birth of his son while on leave. I got a very nice e-mail this morning from the owner of Kioki Cigars, thanking me for my purchase, and stating that he is going to include "a few extra cigars in honor of the new addition." I thought that was above and beyond, since they already offer free shipping to orders going to our troops, and the Sampler was marked down from $29.95 to $9.95. Just thought I'd share my experience. Thanks, Marty, for "introducing us" to Kioki Cigars!
I cannot do everything. I accept that. Not being able to do everything is no excuse for doing nothing. ~ Helen Keller
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