Find the Right Cigar Shop

23 Tuesday Aug 2016

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cigars, Cigars City, Davidoff Tampa, Perrin Lovett, The Happy Little Cigar Book

This is a pet subject of mine. I’ve written about it before several times. In my older article, Proper Cigar Etiquette I offered a brief glimpse of what helps make a great cigar shop great. Several chapters of the Happy Little Cigar Book are so dedicated and I even offer a short list of recommended shops.

America is a large place and, thankfully, filled with many, many decent to excellent tobacco houses and bars. The only way to really cover them all would be with a Fordor’s-style travel guide. That would take a while to put together though I am open to the idea. If I solicit you as part of a crowd-funding effort, please contribute. Hmmm… I might have to do a volume about shops in Europe too…

Anyway, for now, here are some generic ideas for picking the right shop. For starters, let’s examine some of the wrong shops.

What To Avoid

Not every place that sells tobacco in general, even to include cigars, is a real cigar shop. Think of it as CIGAR SHOP®. You’re looking for a pleasant experience. I’ll cover what to do if you’re on the road and have to settle – that comes a little later.

If one Googles “cigar shop” one will get all sorts of establishments advertising themselves as such when, in reality, they are not. I once looked up a shop at a beach resort. I drove to it and only then discovered it was a discount cigarette outlet in a scummier part of town. I left and did without. I have tips below on avoiding that mistake.

A good shop will sell cigars and pipe tobacco and little else. A few sell a limited selection of high-end “natural” cigarettes. Most of the better shops completely prohibit cigarette smoking for aroma issues.

Look out for hookahs. Again, I have been in fine shops that have offered a small selection of hookahs for sale. However, if the pipes are out and smoking, that is a bad sign. Most establishments will not allow hookahs and the … uh … hookah people associated with them.

Similarly, a good shop will forbid the sale or use of glass pipes, bongs, and other narcotic -esque paraphernalia. If you’re looking for a head shop, find one. Or, just hang out on the street and meet a local dealer. Don’t bother the smokers.

Pool tables also have no place around cigars. One might fit in a back room but usually not. The tables, along with darts, video and gambling games attract a certain element. How shall I put this? They attract trash. There. Avoid them. Sure, you might enjoy darts and such at the sports pub but the same does not belong around a tobacconist.

Loud, boisterous, and obnoxious people/crowds can ruin the cigar experience. At a special event or on a very busy night the volume may be up; it should not be the norm. If you can’t plainly speak with and understand the fellow sitting next to you, something is wrong.

It’s also wrong to have children in a cigar shop. I don’t mean having them stand by the door while you run in the humidor, only to leave in a minute. I once went to a shop and bought a few sticks. I was about to light up when the shop-keep asked me not to as her young daughter was present. A little girl was coloring in the smoking lounge. I left.

The afore-mentioned trash will sometimes amble in pushing a baby carriage or shepherding toddlers. This is awkward and inappropriate. The same types are usually asking for chemicals to beat drug tests, glass pipes, or weed. The employees of a good shop will soon ask them to leave. If people like that are humored, you may be in the wrong place.

Smoking Not Allowed?

I’ve been in a few places with a great selection and none of the problems listed above where one cannot light up. Most of these stores are in places like malls that prohibit smoking in general. It’s okay to purchase from these and then leave. There’s no reason to stay.

There are some shops which have acquiesced to smoking bans. There is an entire city in my neck of the woods where all smoking is prohibited. The local cigar shops did nothing to prevent the ban. None of the owners even bothered showing up at the government planning meetings. They did that to themselves. There is no reason to support such places.

Worst of all are the shops where the owner just doesn’t want smoking inside. This seems oxymoronic and it is. Do not patronize these idiots.

So, where does one find a good shop? There is trial and error, which will eventually lead to happy success. One can always consult with a veteran. Then there’s the internet:

IPCPR Listings

The International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) is to cigars what the NRA or the SAF is to firearms. They maintain a website of preferred retailers at this website. A few easy clicks and one has access to hundreds of better shops from sea to smoking sea. You can find a shop near you, wherever you are.

Things to Look For

A good location. A shop should be accessible and offer ample parking. It should not be in a part of town where patrons are at risk of mugging.

Selection. Everyone has a favorite stick or two. Sometimes one can’t find them. However, a good shop should have enough alternatives to please the average smoker. These, of course, must be kept properly humidified and stored at the proper temperature.

Staff. The people who work in a shop should be (must be) friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.

Lounge. The hallmark of a great shop is its lounge or lounges. These should feature comfortable seats and plenty of ashtrays, lighters, and cutters. Some places even offer mini conference centers for working smokers (like writers). All good shops have wi-fi. They also have a system that will clear most of the smoke out while maintaining air conditioning.

Cigar Bars. Cigar bars are extremely popular. Some offer only beer and wine while others have full bars. Take advantage of this perk responsibly.

Television. I hate TV in general but most shops have them. They are not always on (good thing for me). However, when they are on, there is a protocol for what’s playing. The acceptable programming is (in no particular order): news, business news, sports (golf first unless it’s football season). If a movie is aired it should be the equivalent of an old John Wayne movie. Do not accept Dr. Phil, Oprah, or any unmanly programming.

Hours. These vary greatly. Traditional stores and those in smaller markets often are open 10 AM – 6 or 8 PM on weekdays. Bigger shops and those with bars are frequently open past midnight. Some open extra early for the coffee crowd.

Women. Cigar shops are by and large the realm of men. That said, many shops employ ladies and many women enjoy cigars. Not that you really have a choice but try to find company like this:

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Davidoff Tampa – literally all of my advice rolled together.

Alternatives for the Road or to Get By

Sometimes there are no proper shops around. Then there are the times the shops are closed. There are still places you can find cigars:

Liquor stores. These usually have limited but decent selections. Some even have humidors.

Drug Stores. Behind the front counter there should be a few smokes. You will have to screen these for quality. It is an option.

Grocery Stores. Some carry a few cigars and some of those are pretty good. Many carry individual humidity controlled sticks. Look around the customer service desk.

Gas Stations. Usually these are dead ends. However, some stations in trendy or high-end vacation areas may carry cigars. the same goes for old-fashioned news stands (if you can find them).

Internet Options

This is a touchy subject in cigar-land but, hey, I’m a touchy guy. Don’t use these at the expense of your local shop, especially if you have a good one. Online retailers are based in better tax jurisdictions and thus can offer lower prices. These might come in handy if you need to make a large purchase.

One can also go online guilt-free when there isn’t a quality shop in your area or if you need something your shop doesn’t stock. For this option I recommend my friends at Cigars City.

To recap: Avoid the trash and the druggies. Seek out quality selection and good company in a comfortable environment. No matter where you are, the cigars are probably right around the corner.

Happy smoking!

Perrin

Updated January 5, 2017: From The Tampa Humidor!

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Quesada Oktoberfest

21 Thursday Jul 2016

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beer, cigars, Cigars City, Germany, Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest, in Munich, actually cranks up in September. The great German celebration has become synonymous with Bavarian culture and beer. Quesada mixes a mighty cigar into that already awesome equation. Thanks to Manuel and Company my Oktoberfest observation started in July.

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This all-Dominican beauty is a big (6 ½ x 56) cigar. It’s big, dark, oily and exceedingly well constructed. As large and firmly built as she is, the draw is exceedingly easy and smooth. The body is solidly medium. Perhaps something about the smooth, easy-going nature of the smoke made me want to say it was even on the lighter side of medium (for me, for me). Admittedly, that thought is surprising given the look of the stick. It looks as strong as it is attractive but ends up having very good table manners. Another thought is that many might consider what I find “solidly” medium to be a little fuller than most. I’ll leave it at medium. If one likes anything between purely mild and super heavy, this experience will not disappoint.

The burn was even and clean. A long, pale gray ash held on for up to two inches before the obligatory tapping. If you’re looking for an ash contest entry, this is one to consider.

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Not surprising for the size was the abundance of smoke, hearty in volume and in flavor. As I noted, it’s an all Dominican affair – wrapper (Cibao), binder, and filler (Criollo, Viso, and Ligero, all long).

The flavors were full and complex but were well synthesized rather than a hodge-podge. They were also remarkably consistent throughout the long smoking. Underlying everything were generous notes of light earth, gentle cedar, and a little mild leather – all to be expected from the D.R. resume. This is not a “spicy” cigar per se though spice notes did develop and hold on, mixed with splashes of coffee and cocoa. The menu was uniform from start to finish, ending dry, happy, and still very smooth.

Like the festival after which it is named this cigar might, just might, be best in a slightly cooler clime. Of course, air conditioning will suffice to bring in autumn all year round. I got lucky as a freak and breezy evening thunderstorm lowered the temperature to an almost unnatural fall-like level.

Regardless of the weather, this stick was expressly made to be paired with beer. I took mine with a good brown ale. I know from experience that it goes well with many of the traditional, explicitly named Oktoberfest brews as well as with many fall and holiday-season special brews. It even excels when complimenting something a little crazy like Samuel Adams’s Fat Jack pumpkin ale (all 8.5% ABV of it). If one is feeling particularly strong and adventurous, then a bout of Stone’s Imperial Russian or something similar might even be in order.

This is making me thirsty … now I almost long for cooler temps. Luckily, one doesn’t have to wait for crisp fall evenings. Quesada’s Oktoberfest is smooth enough for warmer times and I imagine it would nicely accompany most beers of lighter or milder quality.

All this German excitement doesn’t require a travel agent or any great effort to enjoy. Simply click over to the great folks at Cigars City and order up your Oktoberfest today.

**Note: Beers are not included.**

A Wicked Good Time

06 Wednesday Jul 2016

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cigars, Cigars City, fun, The Happy Little Cigar Book

The Diesel Wicked Belicoso Review

“Diesel Wicked” – the name sounds like something a Massachusetts trucker would exclaim as he eases up I-93 towards Andover: “Diesel is wicked expensive! I need a cigar!” Something like that. Make no mistake, this is one wicked awesome smoke. It’s another terrific offering from A.J. Fernandez; a limited run while the unique, ass-kicking leaves last. Check out the whole Diesel line.

I’ve smoked cigars going up 93 myself; just over the NH border there’s this happy little place called Two Guys – the perfect place to relax before or after a meal at the Red Tavern. Wait … they closed the Tavern some years back. (I digress as usual). Anyway, I enjoyed my Wicked 6 X 56 torpedo one recent evening after a run by the river. Just prior to dusk it still felt hot as hades even while drinking half-frozen water. Anyone else would have been laid out by this strong, full-bodied baby. There’s nicotine in this stick. You can feel it working the magic; it’s a physical endeavor as much as a flavor experience. You actually know you’re smoking a cigar! Now, let me skip ahead straight to the flavors.

I was at an event one time which mainly featured flavored cigars. The rep went on and on about perfume, potpourri, berries, and flowers. I finally asked him if he had any tobacco flavored cigars. We shared a tense laugh. No such problems here – the Wicked is a tobacco product that tastes like tobacco, good tobacco! It all stems from the wonderful balance of ligero filler from the hills of Nicaragua bound up with some of Esteli’s finest. The wrapper is a maduro, a dark, oily, rugged-looking broadleaf from Pennsylvania. This combination packs a punch and a kick. It’s strong but not overpowering – dignified if a little less than smooth – like an overpriced, late model diesel pickup truck.

That unmistakable tobacco flavor is made of hearty tones of wood and earth. The smoke is deep and heavy right off. It’s a down and dirty smoke – a wicked smoke – all in a very good way. I also detected the essence of leather and fresh ground pepper. Hints of not-so-hot (but definitely there) spice kept the session amped up. When I finished (and this one is a real fingernail burner) I was nearly dizzy but I could have almost fired up a second stick. Does “Mmmmmm……” describe it well enough?

The cigar itself was very well-built, being both dark and shiny and of very stout construction. In fact, I initially had some misgivings based on the touch and feel test. I thought there had to be too much leaf packed in there. I was wrong – don’t always trust your gut. The draw was deceptively easy given the tightness of the construction – a tribute to the roller and to A.J.’s quality assurance.

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The light up went off without a hitch (I used a single match). All that thick tobacco not only made for delicious smoke but also for a long smoke. The entire time, start to finish, she burned absolutely perfectly. I probably puffed along slowly for about two hours without once needing to address any canoeing or irregularity. Not surprisingly, given the robust stature of the cigar, it burned slowly (and I had been running so I was dead tired and of no help via additional puff power). A tight, chalky white ash formed and held on until summoned to the ashtray. This might be a good candidate for your next long ash event.

I’ll bet it’s a good candidate for just about any event. I would say any smoker could handle it but I have experience and a heart. If you’re just taking up the hobby save this one for later in your tenure. Otherwise, approach it slowly and with a little caution. I didn’t write “ass-kicking” above without reason. Seasoned vets, smoke away! The Wicked might go well with a strong single-malt or a good bourbon. I’d recommend a couple of ice cubes in the glass and maybe one should keep the cold water handy, as I did. Yes, I will match any cigar with the appropriate beer. In this case it would have to be a strong, dark beer – maybe that’s better left until after the weather cools a bit. Hot here. Maybe I should move to New Hampshire or … naah.

**Looking for a wicked read – order The Happy Little Cigar Book on Amazon!**

The Diesel Wicked – a wicked good cigar whether the weather is wicked hot or wicked cold. For wicked low prices on Diesels and other premium cigars please visit the good folks at Cigars City. Cigars City? Now that sounds like a place I could move to. Sounds like wicked fun.

This Means War! Ruination Man O’ War #1 (Robusto) Review

28 Tuesday Jun 2016

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AJ Fernandez, cigars, Cigars City, fun, Sun Tzu

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” – Sun Tzu

If our enemy is a bad, weak, or boring smoke, then the Ruination may be the supreme cigar. Name aside, there is no fighting, just pure enjoyment.

What. A. Cigar. This big brown beauty delivers tons of smoke and flavor right from the first puff. The Ruination packs a punch, both in terms of quality and taste, for a well-sub-$10 stick. By the way, to make sure you get the best price possible for your Man O’ War, consult the good folks at Cigars City, where the advertised sticks are never “out of stock”.

My Robusto boasted a superb draw born of excellent quality and solid construction. As one can easily see from the above photo, this smoke has smooth lines which match its smooth yet energetic taste. This particular size, 5 ½ x 54, is perfect for after dinner enjoyment or while passing a long (well-deserved) lunch break. Take any break and add this masculine masterpiece from master cigar-maker Abdel “A.J.” Fernandez of Tabacalera Fernandez, Esteli (new site under development). It’s a great example of the ages-old Cuban rolling legacy alive and thriving in Nicaragua today.

I would classify my Robusto’s strength as a fuller-medium. Really, for me personally, I’d call it medium, but I call most cigars “medium” – either through my increased fortitude or loss of senses – jury is still out. Anyway, the usual, seasoned cigar smoker should find the Ruination full-bodied but not too strong. If fact, it may be just right for any veteran. (Newbies might need to ease into it to avoid … that unpleasantness … you know what I mean … or you will. Ha ha ha).

The burn began with a slight unevenness which rapidly worked itself out. After the initial light-up the burn was perfect as was the draw – lots and lots of generous smoke, not too hot and none too mild. The ash held on in average fashion – and I didn’t burn myself! Aside from a foolish, self-inflicted blister, I hate nothing more than a poor-burning stick that detracts from the tasting experience. No such worries here.

Rich flavors appeared immediately and developed in wonderful complexity. Underlying everything is the earthy, woody, maybe leathery deliciousness born of the ligero filler from Nicaraguan and Honduras. The binder is a top-notch Nicaraguan and the exquisite wrapper is an oily, deep-brown, sun grown leaf from Ecuador. Happy notes of lively pepper punctuate the hearty smoke culminating in a rich finish both toasty and mildly spiced.

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Think of the Ruination as a go-to when you need a great experience of slightly higher power yet of easy handling. I had mine during the evening while watching Lightning Bugs flit about. I dare to venture you might enjoy the smoke accompanied by a stout bourbon, a good single-malt, or even a dark rum. I find most stronger cigars go well with a hefty beer though the Southern ambient evening temperatures run some interference during the summer. Again, those unaccustomed to a little horsepower might be advised to eat a good meal first. You’ll figure it out. There are no wrong approaches in cigar-land. Let this Man O’ War bring you a little peace and happiness one night soon.

Cheers,

Perrin

Sobremesa Cervantes Fino Review

24 Friday Jun 2016

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cigars, Cigars City

Today’s adventure in cigar-land includes a visit with the Sobremesa Cervantes Fino (Corona), a 6 ½ X 46 powerhouse of complexity and elegance.

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“Sobre-Mesa” translates very roughly, via my poor Spanglish, into either “on the hill” or “envelope of the hill”. I suspect there is a better meaning behind the verbiage but I can make some sense of my definition – either one. This cigar will elevate your smoking enjoyment as if upon a high hill or plateau. It’s also a ton of mountain flavors packaged together. See, that makes sense… Dunbarton Tobacco says of the name:

Sobremesa, “over the table”, has no precise English translation, perhaps because there is no cultural equivalent in the US. It is an idiom used among the Latin culture to describe the leisurely time spent tableside after you have finished dining, but before you rise. It is the experience of lingering casually with family and friends in conversation, relaxing, drinking, smoking, and enjoying each other’s company. Sobremesa is one of life’s simplest, yet greatest pleasures.

“Over the table!” Exactly what I meant… I do know, precisely, that this is a fantastic smoke. Sombremesa is the creation of Steve Saka of Liga Privada fame. It is crafted at the Joya factory in Esteli of a variety of Nicaraguan fillers combined with a Ligero from Pennsylvania. The binder hails from Mexico while the exquisite Rosado wrapper comes from Ecuador via Oliva.

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Dunbarton and Saka debuted this exceptional cigar at last year’s IPCPR Show in New Orleans to great fanfare and amid great mystery. Had my half-cocked plans not gone awry as usual I might have been there in person. As is, I had to wait until now. So, here goes:

This chocolate-brown beauty is magnificently constructed. I found both the cigar itself and the ensuing smoke smooth, silky, and easy – a description I normally reserve for the girls at Baristas. The draw is effortless. I’ve read that some found the draw a bit tight, at least at first; such was not my experience. Gray ash forms and holds very well and uniform. The burn is even and produces a smoke rich in varied flavors. The whole experience was “creamy” – not a word I use a lot – but it fits this stick perfectly.

All that Ligero and Nicaraguan leaf imparts a meaty, yet tame-enough earthiness mixed with a woody, leathery taste that lasts from start to finish. The leather was light in my mind (taste buds, rather) as were the recurring hints of spice. I also detected notes of cocoa and coffee which assisted in sweetening the smoke. I compared my notes to others and discovered that several folks reported tasting a fruit spirit. I did not. The thought of pineapple or strawberry popping into my smoke conjures up horrors for me. Then again, that’s me; I’ve said time and time again that everyone gets a little something different out of each cigar. The Sombremesa offers plenty of everything good for every palate.

All this I found of medium body though I could imagine some might describe it as being slightly stronger. My Corona (who just mentally heard The Knack?) was terrific from end to end. I recommend it to anyone who looks for sophistication yet also desires the kick of a “real” cigar.

My “real” cigar was enjoyed with agua. You might like it paired with espresso, a dark ale, or a meaty Islay Scotch. It’s a somewhat free country so you could mix and match. I say keep it simple. Pair with a single, “monotone” beverage – whatever you choose – to compliment the delicious complexity of the smoke.

Given the young age of this line, some may find it difficult to obtain locally. Also, being of royal lineage and of complex design and origins, the cigar probably falls into the $11-13 price range depending on your tax jurisdiction. Both of these issues are adequately addressed when you order your Sombremesa from Cigars City, home of low prices and incredible selection.

On the hill, over the table, or in the envelope … you’ll be pleased with Saka’s new masterpiece. Enjoy one now!

Foyle Maduro Toro Review

20 Monday Jun 2016

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cigars, Cigars City, Foyle cigars, fun, Perrin Lovett, The Happy Little Cigar Book

“It’s hip to be square.” So said Huey Lewis and the News back in a time that now seems like a Pleistocene fairytale. Sometimes a square cigar is hip to a square who isn’t. Or isn’t always. Or something. I smoked a square cigar! Actually, it was rectangular (for the Euclidean purists). And I liked it.

Now comes the tale of the Foyle l’Anniversario Maduro, mine being a toro (5 ½ x 55). This sleek beauty is produced by Foyle. Just remember to confirm you’re 21…

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My straight box toro was extremely well constructed. The dark Connecticut, broadleaf wrapper (aged and fermented for three months!) was attractive with a deep coffee-esque, oily appearance.

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The enjoyment process itself was smooth from start to finish. The cigar burned even, uniform, with no need for retouch address. The draw was next to effortless and delivered consistent smoke which developed into a rich harmony of flavors.

The binder purports to be Ecuadorian Sumatra; the filler is part Dominican and part Nicaraguan. I suppose this mixture allows for the gracious, sweet notes of coffee and spice with a generous dose of that Esteli earth I so dearly love. Other, more sensitive palates might discern chocolate and soft, dry leather. Whatever you pick out, you’ll admit it’s an excellent taste.

All this excitement is put together in Danli, Honduras. It’s a veritable hour-long geography lesson of the Americas! Foyle is a relatively new boutique brand distributed by Alliance. Their top shelf offerings are the scions of a couple of industry insiders – Dave Topper and Tom Sullivan, me thinks. Insiders, outsiders, whatever – they’ve done a tremendous job in creating this little square standout.

I found the rectangular wonder to be of solid “medium” body. Not too strong, not too soft. I imagine this stick would appeal to just about any and all smokers though a newbie might want to fortify the stomach with a good dinner prior to lighting up.

Me, I enjoyed after a light supper, pairing my toro with a plastic flask of vintage dihydrogen monoxide. It was a fine summer evening for a little work out-of-doors. My essays on government statistics and trade treaties (GAWD help!) were greatly assisted by this very good smoke. By the way, I suspect this stick would pair well with coffee or maybe even a dark beer. Maybe a coffee beer – like Bell’s Java Stout.

As busy and satisfied as I was, I was momentarily lulled into a false sense of cigar safety. That maduro ash hangs on solidly and perhaps deceptively. I suppose there was a good inch and a half of carbon-gray ash sitting atop the stick, simmering wonderfully, when I (carelessly) transitioned from keyboard to waterbottle. My movements toppled the gray column which landed hot side down on the back of my hand. Avoid that if possible! I still bear a small blister from the encounter. Rather than admit a foul on my part, I’ll just say the Folye Maduro is “hand burning good”.

Knock one back when you get a chance. Just, please, knock the ash regularly. You can obtain a Foyle from my friends at Cigars City with low prices, fast shipping, and excellent customer service.

Oh, if you’re not into smoking and writing, perhaps smoking and reading is the thing. I suggest this dark gem would go very nicely with a good book, like mine:

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