The Cigar Lounge

diddy535 · 04-27-2013, 12:13 AM

So I know there are a lot of resources on the internet and such regarding cigars. This is just a quick write-up I wanted to do. I’m learning about cars as I go so can’t say I’ve been able to contribute with a cool DIY or anything like but here is something I know a little about… cigars. There is so much more information available, this isn’t meant to cover everything – just enough to make you dangerous.

This isn’t meant to take away from the “Finer Things” Thread, just wanted to start a discussion dedicated to cigars. (The Finer Things in Life)

I’m not really into the history of smoking, maybe someone else can chime in. Basically what you need to know is Columbus found the Americas, then tobacco, then it was exported to Europe.

Regions where is tobacco grown
US (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, & Florida)
Mexico – not very refined can be anything from mild to unbearable.
Brazil – more pronounced and heavy
Jamaica – litter than a Dominican, originally where “Macanudo” was produced.
Germany
Italy
Cameroon – heavier than Dominican, spicy and pungent aroma
Sumatra – spicy and mild
Java

Cuba is one of the most popular so let’s start there. There are four main growing regions: Vuelta Abajo – produces the best wrapper, binder and filler (only area in Cuba where all three are grown)
Partido - wrappers
Remedios – about 95% filler, 5% wrapper
Oriente - filler
The main reason Cuba is known to produce some of the best cigars in the world is due to the soil. The red earth is unique to the island and few other places in the world come close. A lot of people think that the weather is the main reason for the fine tobacco however weather changes and many other countries in the area have similar, almost identical climates. Workers are also very good at what they do in Cuba, but many great workers have been exiled to other cigar producing countries.

Ecuador has some of the best weather in terms of cloud cover and produces some of the best shade grown wrappers in the world. Mildly flavored yet subdued.

Dominican Republic has been getting a lot more attention recently. The country’s political stability has allowed for production of great tobacco and is often rated some of the best in the world. Generally a “mild” cigar.

Honduras/Nicaragua have more political tensions that have prevented the countries from being some of the top consistent producers. The border they share is rich with soil and climate. Hondurans are spicer than Domincans and more full bodied. Nicaraguans are a medium bodied and sweet, especially the wrappers.

Planting/Growing cigars
Planting begins with seeds in September-October. Plants are grown in pots for around 45 days until they are planted in the field. They stay there until maturity, approximately an additional 90 days. There are three different types of leaves on the tobacco plant. At the bottom Volado (mildest in flavor), in the middle Seco (medium flavored leaf), and the Ligero (the strongest in taste). These plants reach a height of 5-6 feet high. Usually all three types of leaves are combined to create a cigar. Ligero makes for a stronger tasting cigar and Volado makes for a lighter one. So if you wanted a “middle of the road” cigar could you have one just made from Seco? No. The flavor of only Seco would be way to bland which is why the different leaves are combined. Plants are primed 5-6 times, with 2-4 leaves being taken from each priming. The ligero leaves or the ones at the top are left on the plant longer. They receive more nutrients, become stronger, thicker and ideal for wrappers. The leaves are sorted by size and texture (they’re all green at this point). Leaves are cured and fermented in barns of varying temperatures. Never more than 165F, in Cuba not more than 120F and wrappers are cured between 90F-120F. The only exception is the Maduro which must be at least 165F if not higher to darken properly. The whole process takes at least a year, sometimes five, sometimes longer.

Rolling and Construction
The aged leaves are again sorted. Different leaves are gathered and blended – a blend is what makes every cigar taste different.

Wrappers – the part where most of the flavor of the cigar comes from and the part you most likely notice. Everything from vein size, to the oiliness, to the texture.

Basic breakdown of Wrapper colors:
Claro – light golden brown
Colorado – medium brown
Maduro – dark brown
Oscuro – brown/black

Pay attention to where your wrapper is from. For example, the popular “Connecticut” – was it grown in the U.S.? Ecuador? Etc. “Cameroon” as well – was it grown in Ecuador? Mexico? Or actually in Cameroon?

Binder – the blanket. Strong enough to hold the filler, yet adds flavor

Filler – always made from either long leaf only or a combination of short and long leaf (short leaf only is something like what you’d find inside of a Dutch Master)

Is it handmade or machine made? Handmade is like it sounds, completely hand rolled. Machine made again, made only by machine. Where it gets tricky is when the cigar’s filler/binder is bunched by machine, then turned over to a cigar roller to put on the wrapper. This quasi operation is still allowed to be called “Handmade” so it can be difficult to determine whether your cigar was truly handmade or if it’s “handmade.”

Sizes: most cigars are listed as say 7.5 X 50 (Churchill) the 7.5 is the length, the 50 is the ring size (how thick that sucker is).

Common Misconceptions
1. My ash is the whitest ever, that means I have the best cigar. Not true. Ash color is indicative of the amount of pH in the soil during the growing of the plants.

2. Leaving the band on while you smoke is rude. It’s really not so don’t worry about it. Plus, it’s better to remove the band after you’ve been smoking the cigar since the glue will heated up and separate easier. Don’t be that guy trying to take off his band right away and crack/scratch/damage the wrapper.

3. Don’t lick the stupid thing. You’re not going to humidify the cigar any more than it already is by sucking on it. Gross.

4. It’s boating (canoeing) whatever you say. There’s something I an do about this! Not really… this has more to do with the construction than anything else. I’ve tried dabbing some spit on the faster burning side, I’ve cut the cigar and started over, but usually if it’s going to boat – it’s going to boat.

How to Smoke it
It’s really up to you. Start by cutting it, the guillotine is the most popular but “V” cutters and punches work too. Really not too much of an opinion on this. I like to smell the cigar before I light it up. When you light it only use wooden matches or a butane lighter. Roll the cigar over the top of the flame, not touching it, to let it heat up. Then gently puff. I break my cigar down into 3rds, so 1/3, 2/3, and 3/3. I find the cigar really changes throughout it’s smoking life and different stages offer new flavors.

Suggestions
1. Try smoking two different cigars at one time, going back and forth. There’s no better way to tell the differences between cigars and you might recognize different flavors that really appeal to you.

2. Try smoking the same cigar brand/number but in different sizes. What you like as a “Churchill” you might hate as a “toro.” Different sizes, different ring sizes even, and different draws can change the experience.

3. Don’t go off what someone else says is the best. Their tastes might be completely different from yours. Explore for yourself, there’s nothing wrong with asking for a recommendation, and hey I'm always curious what others are smoking, but don't be that guy who buys only the top 25 in Cigar Aficionado.

Multiple resources used here, a good book for those interested is Richard Hacker's "Ultimate Cigar Book." A lot of this info is from there.

Editor's note: this is a rough draft. I've been tinkering for a little while and just wanted to upload something. I'll be back later to add some pictures of what I'm talking about, new things like different sizes, etc.

diddy535 · 04-27-2013, 12:13 AM

Smoking now:
Fuente Fuente Opus X – rush to find this ASAP! These cigars come out twice a year, usually sometime near Father’s Day (a little early this year) and Christmas. They’re the cream of the crop as far as Fuente goes and they are extremely hard to get a hold of. Cigar shops can’t order these – the ones that do sell them simply have a couple boxes shipped automatically once they are released and poof they arrive. Great smoke, never on sale, expect to pay $13-20 depending where you are/size/etc.

nmjaxx9 · 04-29-2013, 09:08 PM

To much to read

SUBD for later reading sounds interesting.

Coon-azz · 04-29-2013, 09:24 PM

Nice info. I'm currently enjoying the Alec Bradley Edge and the Gurkha Ghost... really good cigars and goes well with some Crown Black or Crown Reserve.

Coon-azz · 04-29-2013, 09:25 PM

I had thought about starting a Cars and Cigars meet in the Fredericksburg, VA area, but not too many people seemed interested. I thought it would be great to get a bunch of great hot rods with good smokes and friends to share it with....

diddy535 · 04-29-2013, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coon-azz

I had thought about starting a Cars and Cigars meet in the Fredericksburg, VA area, but not too many people seemed interested. I thought it would be great to get a bunch of great hot rods with good smokes and friends to share it with....

If I was near by I'd totally go!! Just tried this Gurkha called the beauty, really nice one. Their Reagent is my favorite though.

Tigger · 05-03-2013, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coon-azz

I had thought about starting a Cars and Cigars meet in the Fredericksburg, VA area, but not too many people seemed interested. I thought it would be great to get a bunch of great hot rods with good smokes and friends to share it with....

Well, even though I live in Virginia Beach, I'd be willing to make the drive up if it is at a reasonable time so I'm not waking up at 5am to get there. Have a cigar bar or a place of interest? I think this would be cool.

snowsurfdirtx · 05-03-2013, 05:00 PM

i've got some Oliva V's that just came in that im enjoying. ones a 5 stick sampler of different sizes, other box is from their 2009 Maduro Especial release.

m4a1mustang · 05-05-2013, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowsurfdirtx

i've got some Oliva V's that just came in that im enjoying. ones a 5 stick sampler of different sizes, other box is from their 2009 Maduro Especial release.

Big fan of Oliva Serie V.

My current top picks:

Padron 26
My Father Le Bijou 1922 (the Special Edition run was amazing)
Ashton VSG
Oliva Serie V (Serie G and O are good too)
La Aroma De Cuba Mi Amo

diddy535 · 05-05-2013, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Big fan of Oliva Serie V.

My current top picks:

Padron 26
My Father Le Bijou 1922 (the Special Edition run was amazing)
Ashton VSG
Oliva Serie V (Serie G and O are good too)
La Aroma De Cuba Mi Amo

Never had the 1922, they still running it?

Went with a CAO Cameroon today, love those.

m4a1mustang · 05-05-2013, 08:47 PM

Yep. It's a fantastic cigar.

speedfreek · 05-05-2013, 10:36 PM

Just got into cigars about a year ago. Now I probably smoke one every weekend or so. I tried the Gurkha Ghost this weekend. I have sampled a few of the Gurkha line including the Ninja, Evil, and Assassin. I have also tried the Oliva Cain and Tabak Especial.

I am not seasoned enough to have top picks. I am pretty much just sampling a new one each time. Although I would say the Ghost and Tabak are probably at the top of my list right now.

diddy535 · 05-05-2013, 10:49 PM

Mmm Gurkha. I wish everyone lived closer, need to set up a cigar car meet.

m4a1mustang · 05-05-2013, 10:51 PM

And I was just in St. Louis. Fusz is a big time cigar lover.

diddy535 · 05-05-2013, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

And I was just in St. Louis. Fusz is a big time cigar lover.

Saw that, congrats on the car btw love that midnight blue! Still need to meet Lou!

04-27-2013, 12:13 AM	#1 (permalink)
diddy535 Track Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 789 Drives: '09 370Z RAE 6MT Rep Power: 14	The Cigar Lounge So I know there are a lot of resources on the internet and such regarding cigars. This is just a quick write-up I wanted to do. I’m learning about cars as I go so can’t say I’ve been able to contribute with a cool DIY or anything like but here is something I know a little about… cigars. There is so much more information available, this isn’t meant to cover everything – just enough to make you dangerous. This isn’t meant to take away from the “Finer Things” Thread, just wanted to start a discussion dedicated to cigars. (The Finer Things in Life) I’m not really into the history of smoking, maybe someone else can chime in. Basically what you need to know is Columbus found the Americas, then tobacco, then it was exported to Europe. Regions where is tobacco grown US (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, & Florida) Mexico – not very refined can be anything from mild to unbearable. Brazil – more pronounced and heavy Jamaica – litter than a Dominican, originally where “Macanudo” was produced. Germany Italy Cameroon – heavier than Dominican, spicy and pungent aroma Sumatra – spicy and mild Java Cuba is one of the most popular so let’s start there. There are four main growing regions: Vuelta Abajo – produces the best wrapper, binder and filler (only area in Cuba where all three are grown) Partido - wrappers Remedios – about 95% filler, 5% wrapper Oriente - filler The main reason Cuba is known to produce some of the best cigars in the world is due to the soil. The red earth is unique to the island and few other places in the world come close. A lot of people think that the weather is the main reason for the fine tobacco however weather changes and many other countries in the area have similar, almost identical climates. Workers are also very good at what they do in Cuba, but many great workers have been exiled to other cigar producing countries. Ecuador has some of the best weather in terms of cloud cover and produces some of the best shade grown wrappers in the world. Mildly flavored yet subdued. Dominican Republic has been getting a lot more attention recently. The country’s political stability has allowed for production of great tobacco and is often rated some of the best in the world. Generally a “mild” cigar. Honduras/Nicaragua have more political tensions that have prevented the countries from being some of the top consistent producers. The border they share is rich with soil and climate. Hondurans are spicer than Domincans and more full bodied. Nicaraguans are a medium bodied and sweet, especially the wrappers. Planting/Growing cigars Planting begins with seeds in September-October. Plants are grown in pots for around 45 days until they are planted in the field. They stay there until maturity, approximately an additional 90 days. There are three different types of leaves on the tobacco plant. At the bottom Volado (mildest in flavor), in the middle Seco (medium flavored leaf), and the Ligero (the strongest in taste). These plants reach a height of 5-6 feet high. Usually all three types of leaves are combined to create a cigar. Ligero makes for a stronger tasting cigar and Volado makes for a lighter one. So if you wanted a “middle of the road” cigar could you have one just made from Seco? No. The flavor of only Seco would be way to bland which is why the different leaves are combined. Plants are primed 5-6 times, with 2-4 leaves being taken from each priming. The ligero leaves or the ones at the top are left on the plant longer. They receive more nutrients, become stronger, thicker and ideal for wrappers. The leaves are sorted by size and texture (they’re all green at this point). Leaves are cured and fermented in barns of varying temperatures. Never more than 165F, in Cuba not more than 120F and wrappers are cured between 90F-120F. The only exception is the Maduro which must be at least 165F if not higher to darken properly. The whole process takes at least a year, sometimes five, sometimes longer. Rolling and Construction The aged leaves are again sorted. Different leaves are gathered and blended – a blend is what makes every cigar taste different. Wrappers – the part where most of the flavor of the cigar comes from and the part you most likely notice. Everything from vein size, to the oiliness, to the texture. Basic breakdown of Wrapper colors: Claro – light golden brown Colorado – medium brown Maduro – dark brown Oscuro – brown/black Pay attention to where your wrapper is from. For example, the popular “Connecticut” – was it grown in the U.S.? Ecuador? Etc. “Cameroon” as well – was it grown in Ecuador? Mexico? Or actually in Cameroon? Binder – the blanket. Strong enough to hold the filler, yet adds flavor Filler – always made from either long leaf only or a combination of short and long leaf (short leaf only is something like what you’d find inside of a Dutch Master) Is it handmade or machine made? Handmade is like it sounds, completely hand rolled. Machine made again, made only by machine. Where it gets tricky is when the cigar’s filler/binder is bunched by machine, then turned over to a cigar roller to put on the wrapper. This quasi operation is still allowed to be called “Handmade” so it can be difficult to determine whether your cigar was truly handmade or if it’s “handmade.” Sizes: most cigars are listed as say 7.5 X 50 (Churchill) the 7.5 is the length, the 50 is the ring size (how thick that sucker is). Common Misconceptions 1. My ash is the whitest ever, that means I have the best cigar. Not true. Ash color is indicative of the amount of pH in the soil during the growing of the plants. 2. Leaving the band on while you smoke is rude. It’s really not so don’t worry about it. Plus, it’s better to remove the band after you’ve been smoking the cigar since the glue will heated up and separate easier. Don’t be that guy trying to take off his band right away and crack/scratch/damage the wrapper. 3. Don’t lick the stupid thing. You’re not going to humidify the cigar any more than it already is by sucking on it. Gross. 4. It’s boating (canoeing) whatever you say. There’s something I an do about this! Not really… this has more to do with the construction than anything else. I’ve tried dabbing some spit on the faster burning side, I’ve cut the cigar and started over, but usually if it’s going to boat – it’s going to boat. How to Smoke it It’s really up to you. Start by cutting it, the guillotine is the most popular but “V” cutters and punches work too. Really not too much of an opinion on this. I like to smell the cigar before I light it up. When you light it only use wooden matches or a butane lighter. Roll the cigar over the top of the flame, not touching it, to let it heat up. Then gently puff. I break my cigar down into 3rds, so 1/3, 2/3, and 3/3. I find the cigar really changes throughout it’s smoking life and different stages offer new flavors. Suggestions 1. Try smoking two different cigars at one time, going back and forth. There’s no better way to tell the differences between cigars and you might recognize different flavors that really appeal to you. 2. Try smoking the same cigar brand/number but in different sizes. What you like as a “Churchill” you might hate as a “toro.” Different sizes, different ring sizes even, and different draws can change the experience. 3. Don’t go off what someone else says is the best. Their tastes might be completely different from yours. Explore for yourself, there’s nothing wrong with asking for a recommendation, and hey I'm always curious what others are smoking, but don't be that guy who buys only the top 25 in Cigar Aficionado. Multiple resources used here, a good book for those interested is Richard Hacker's "Ultimate Cigar Book." A lot of this info is from there. Editor's note: this is a rough draft. I've been tinkering for a little while and just wanted to upload something. I'll be back later to add some pictures of what I'm talking about, new things like different sizes, etc. __________________ ( Click to show/hide ) http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...ys-thread.html Last edited by diddy535; 04-27-2013 at 12:18 AM.

04-27-2013, 12:13 AM	#2 (permalink)
diddy535 Track Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 789 Drives: '09 370Z RAE 6MT Rep Power: 14	Smoking now: Fuente Fuente Opus X – rush to find this ASAP! These cigars come out twice a year, usually sometime near Father’s Day (a little early this year) and Christmas. They’re the cream of the crop as far as Fuente goes and they are extremely hard to get a hold of. Cigar shops can’t order these – the ones that do sell them simply have a couple boxes shipped automatically once they are released and poof they arrive. Great smoke, never on sale, expect to pay $13-20 depending where you are/size/etc. __________________ ( Click to show/hide ) http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...ys-thread.html Last edited by diddy535; 04-27-2013 at 12:16 AM.

04-29-2013, 09:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
Coon-azz Track Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fredericksburg,VA Posts: 689 Drives: '12 370z Sport DD Rep Power: 14	Nice info. I'm currently enjoying the Alec Bradley Edge and the Gurkha Ghost... really good cigars and goes well with some Crown Black or Crown Reserve. __________________ I don't care how slow you want to drive; I encourage it. JUST GET THE HELL OUT OF THE PASSING LANE YOU TUCK FARD!!!

04-29-2013, 09:25 PM	#5 (permalink)
Coon-azz Track Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fredericksburg,VA Posts: 689 Drives: '12 370z Sport DD Rep Power: 14	I had thought about starting a Cars and Cigars meet in the Fredericksburg, VA area, but not too many people seemed interested. I thought it would be great to get a bunch of great hot rods with good smokes and friends to share it with.... __________________ I don't care how slow you want to drive; I encourage it. JUST GET THE HELL OUT OF THE PASSING LANE YOU TUCK FARD!!!

05-03-2013, 05:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
snowsurfdirtx Enthusiast Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: WA Posts: 285 Drives: Too Fast Rep Power: 12	i've got some Oliva V's that just came in that im enjoying. ones a 5 stick sampler of different sizes, other box is from their 2009 Maduro Especial release. m4a1mustang and diddy535 like this.

04-29-2013, 09:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
nmjaxx9 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Middletown, Ct Posts: 5,853 Drives: 2011 Nissan 370z Rep Power: 25	To much to read SUBD for later reading sounds interesting.

05-05-2013, 08:47 PM	#11 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6962	Yep. It's a fantastic cigar. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

05-05-2013, 10:36 PM	#12 (permalink)
speedfreek A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Huntsville,AL Posts: 1,724 Drives: '12 370Z PW 6sp Rep Power: 18	Just got into cigars about a year ago. Now I probably smoke one every weekend or so. I tried the Gurkha Ghost this weekend. I have sampled a few of the Gurkha line including the Ninja, Evil, and Assassin. I have also tried the Oliva Cain and Tabak Especial. I am not seasoned enough to have top picks. I am pretty much just sampling a new one each time. Although I would say the Ghost and Tabak are probably at the top of my list right now. m4a1mustang likes this. __________________ Tomei\|Berk\|Takeda\|ZSpeed\|Fortune Auto\|Swift\|Eibach\|SPL\|Carbotech\|Motul\|Powertrix\|Stillen\|Aerojacket\|Z1\|Forgestar\|Enkei\|Project Kics\|Nismo Ti\|Llumar speedfreek's journal

05-05-2013, 10:49 PM	#13 (permalink)
diddy535 Track Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 789 Drives: '09 370Z RAE 6MT Rep Power: 14	Mmm Gurkha. I wish everyone lived closer, need to set up a cigar car meet. __________________ ( Click to show/hide ) http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...ys-thread.html

05-05-2013, 10:51 PM	#14 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6962	And I was just in St. Louis. Fusz is a big time cigar lover. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

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