Cigar and Tobacco Lounge

[mrd]

Ne znam da li ce se kopirati stari topic sa B92, ali ovo je vazno. 🙂

Kako pusiti, Ili ovo.

Edited May 1, 2019 by Eddard

[Eddard]

Welcome!

[Doorn]

Nastavljamo ovdje

 

[Lobotomija]

Evo, da pitam odmah, da li se može pisati i o duvanima za motanje? 

[mrd]

13 hours ago, Barakuda Brnabić said:

Evo, da pitam odmah, da li se može pisati i o duvanima za motanje? 

Hteo još jutros da odgovorim, ali me RL uzeo pod svojee znaš ono kad kreneš iz sobe da uzmeš nešto pa na putu zaboraviš. 🙂

Dobro bi bilo i lule i ouvan da idu pod isto. Promeniću ime. 

Dobro došlo.

Edited May 1, 2019 by mrd

[mrd]

On 4/28/2019 at 12:10 PM, Eddard said:

Welcome!

Možda da se ime promeni u Cigar and Tabacco Lounge

[Lobotomija]

Mrd, čak i zvuči dobro. 

[Doorn]

Dobro jutro

 

[mrd]

Malo mi tvrda. Dobar ukus.

Sent from my LM-G710VM using Tapatalk

[Lobotomija]

U vreme srednješkolovanja^tm, kad su se na trafikama mogli naći legendarni sarajevski Marlboro i gnjilanski Dunhill, duvana za motanje nije bilo u prodaji. Jedino što se moglo kupiti bili su Hallo Lulu papirići, bez lepka, koje sam obrađivao tako što savijem pri kraju i liznem tanko, da bih pravilno otcepio ostatak koji mi ne treba. One prave papiriće sam, razumljivo, kupovao po inostranstvu ili Free - shopovima....

 

Tih godina je svakako bilo čudno videti tinejdžera kako mota Samson na velikom odmoru... i to je priča potpisnika ovih redova. Duvan sam počeo da motam tamo negde '84., što će sa rezonskim pauzama iz opravdanih razloga sakupiti celih 35 godina iskustva. Srećom, u ono srećno vreme sam imao srećnu zamenu za nesreću kad duvana nema, u vidu neprebolnog sarajevskog Marlbora koji je rešavao pušačke probleme... u svakom trennutku.

 

Decenijama kasnije, duvana ima u slobodnoj prodaji. Izbor je, hajde da kažemo, skroman - pored Druma i Golden Virginia, koji mi samom zelenom i kiselom pojavom gadi pušenje, sve drugo je tek podsećanje na duvan koji vredi da se zaustaviš na tren i probaš nešto od ukusa. Srećom u nesreći, uvezen je deo Mac Baren programa, savršeno obrađen i bez panjeva, za šta se ispostavilo (u mom slučaju) da je idealan za mešanje. Tako sam došao i do savršene kombinacije, crveni Mac Baren (American Blend) i Cherry, iz "Choice" programa*.

 

Kombinacija koja diže kafić na noge, da mi se dešavalo da priđe više pušača sa pitanjem "da li ima toga u Beogradu?"...

 

Ima, samo se treba poruditi. 

 

Moj tata je bio strastveni lulaš, možda sam zbog njega i otišao u ove krajeve. Njegov Borkum Riff mi je ostao u korteksu još od detinjstva. Možda će neko reći "pogrešio si, sin ti je postao pušač i truje se tvojom krivicom" ali ipak mislim da bih postao pušač i bez njega. Na starom forumu se toliko pričalo o tome, ovaj topik je bio jako posećen i cenjen, ali iz nekog razloga nisam ostavljao postove. Od sada ću početi i neka mi niko ne zameri - od mene nećete dobiti dim u lice, ali me nemojte dirati ako uživam u svojoj cigareti.

 

Domaćinima topika zahvljujem što me primaju u kružok. 

 

 

* Evo računice - tri duvana mešam 2 prema 1, tj. dva crvena Mac Barena i jedan Cherry. Ukupna cena je 1080 dinara, što je oko 9,70E. Zatim, jedna kutija (kesica) slim - filtera stoji 120 din (1E) i dva crvena Smoking - papira, što stoji oko 80 rsd (70 centi). Ukupno, imam za dve nedelje u iznosu od oko 11,50E.

Edited May 6, 2019 by Barakuda Brnabić

[mrd]

U vreme srednješkolovanja^tm, kad su se na trafikama mogli naći legendarni sarajevski Marlboro i gnjilanski Dunhill, duvana za motanje nije bilo u prodaji. Jedino što se moglo kupiti bili su Hallo Lulu papirići, bez lepka, koje sam obrađivao tako što savijem pri kraju i liznem tanko, da bih pravilno otcepio ostatak koji mi ne treba. One prave papiriće sam, razumljivo, kupovao po inostranstvu ili Free - shopovima....
 
Tih godina je svakako bilo čudno videti tinejdžera kako mota Samson na velikom odmoru... i to je priča potpisnika ovih redova. Duvan sam počeo da motam tamo negde '84., što će sa rezonskim pauzama iz opravdanih razloga sakupiti celih 35 godina iskustva. Srećom, u ono srećno vreme sam imao srećnu zamenu za nesreću kad duvana nema, u vidu neprebolnog sarajevskog Marlbora koji je rešavao pušačke probleme... u svakom trennutku.
 
Decenijama kasnije, duvana ima u slobodnoj prodaji. Izbor je, hajde da kažemo, skroman - pored Druma i Golden Virginia, koji mi samom zelenom i kiselom pojavom gadi pušenje, sve drugo je tek podsećanje na duvan koji vredi da se zaustaviš na tren i probaš nešto od ukusa. Srećom u nesreći, uvezen je deo Mac Baren programa, savršeno obrađen i bez panjeva, za šta se ispostavilo (u mom slučaju) da je idealan za mešanje. Tako sam došao i do savršene kombinacije, crveni Mac Baren (American Blend) i Cherry, iz "Choice" programa.
 
Kombinacija koja diže kafić na noge, da mi se dešavalo da priđe više pušača sa pitanjem "da li ima toga u Beogradu?"...
 
Ima, samo se treba poruditi. 
 
Moj tata je bio strastveni lulaš, možda sam zbog njega i otišao u ove krajeve. Njegov Borkum Riff mi je ostao u korteksu još od detinjstva. Možda će neko reći "pogrešio si, sin ti je postao pušač i truje se tvojom krivicom" ali ipak mislim da bih postao pušač i bez njega. Na starom forumu se toliko pričalo o tome, ovaj topik je bio jako posećen i cenjen, ali iz nekog razloga nisam ostavljao postove. Od sada ću početi i neka mi niko ne zameri - od mene nećete dobiti dim u lice, ali me nemojte dirati ako sam uživam u tome.
 
Domaćinima topika zahvljujem što me primaju u kružok. 

Setio si me sad vojske, gde nam je majka jednog mostarca donosila čkiju. Svakome po jednu kutiju od košulje. Taj mi je duvan bio najslađi. :)

Sent from my LM-G710VM using Tapatalk

[Lobotomija]

13 minutes ago, mrd said:

Setio si me sad vojske, gde nam je majka jednog mostarca donosila čkiju. Svakome po jednu kutiju od košulje. Taj mi je duvan bio najslađi. :)

Sent from my LM-G710VM using Tapatalk
 

 

Čist duvan, poput cigara, osim što je rezan i ne prolazi dodatne (tačne) kvalifikacije. Volim da zapalim, ali radije cigaru. 

 

Prilično sam pratio i na starom mestu, od topika ste napravili asortiman i školu za prave pušače. Od mene plus i učešće ubuduće, ali ću se pohvaliti i hand made cigaretama, jer sam estetiku doveo maltene do savršenstva. Okačiću. 

 

edit: Mislio sam da znam puno, ali me je stari topik stavio nazad na mesto, bez preterivanja.

Edited May 6, 2019 by Barakuda Brnabić

[Doorn]

Pa da malo obnovimo gradivo:

 

Quote

10 Things Every Cigar Smoker Should Know

 

 

The comforting world of premium cigars can sometimes seem bogged down by endless choices, confusing messages and opinions posing as fact. It can be a complicated, confusing hobby, even for a longtime smoker. To help navigate the maze, we’ve assembled a list of facts and information that aim to give insight and perspective to every level of cigar aficionado, whether novice or inveterate. 

 

This list is by no means a Ten Commandments of cigar smoking. It’s more of a basic treatise that addresses pertinent issues and highlights some of the aspects that make the premium cigar industry unique. We’ve also included a few useful tips that will serve to enhance the smoking experience and elevate the enjoyment of this beloved pastime.

 

Photo/David Yellen

A field of sun-grown tobacco flourishes in a valley in the Dominican Republic. The crops grow from natural fertilizer.

 

1. Cigars Are a Natural and Artisanal Product 

Buzzwords like “natural” and “artisanal” are overused and abused in today’s parlance, but premium, handmade cigars have truly earned the right to flaunt these credentials. They are made of one thing and one thing only—tobacco. Pure, unadulterated tobacco. Not a single leaf is chemically treated or artificially altered for taste. Everything from flavor to color is achieved through natural means—and that’s part of the cigar’s inherent beauty. 

In fact, few consumable products are so natural. Perceptible flavors, whether sweet or spicy, are naturally occurring. The various alluring shades of brown are achieved through an organic process free of dyes or ripening accelerants. There are no preservatives to increase shelf life and no sweeteners, artificial or natural. Such additives and chemicals are the domain of cigarettes and machine-made cigars, which are mass-produced in the billions. 

On the craft side, rolling the perfect handmade cigar is an artisanal skill, and one that takes many years to fully master. Blending tobacco is as much art as it is science, and because tobacco is subject to the whims of nature, the blender must be able to work effectively with an ingredient that can change from year to year due to crop variations. 

Like wine, some vintages are better than others, but cigarmakers will do everything in their power to ensure that their product is consistent, even though crop quality is highly dependent on the weather. Consistency, however, isn’t the same thing as cloning, and there will always be minute variations from cigar to cigar. As with any handmade product, no two premium cigars will be exactly alike. The finest, most sincere cigars are natural expressions of both the cigarmaker and the soil from which the tobacco was grown. 

 

2. Two Hundred Pairs of Hands

It’s often said that 200 pairs of hands touch your cigar before it makes it to your humidor. Some claim the number is even higher. Suffice to say, every time you light up a cigar, many, many people with many different skills all contributed to bring you the ultimate handmade product. 

It starts with seed selection and greenhouse cultivation. Cigar tobacco starts as a tiny seed, most often planted in a tray and grown in a greenhouse. Once the seedlings are a few inches high, they’re transplanted to the fields where they can flourish. At full height and maturity, the leaves are removed by hand, harvested and hung in a curing barn to dry and turn brown. That’s a few dozen hands before the tobacco has even left the farm.

The cured tobacco is then taken to a facility, unpacked and piled up for fermentation. When fermentation is complete, the tobacco pile is separated and laid on drying racks to air out. Then, it’s all repacked and stowed for aging. After a few years, the aged tobacco is unpacked again, rehydrated in a special misting room and categorized for color. That’s a few more dozen hands.

The outer wrapper leaves will also undergo destemming or despalillo, a process where the thick, central vein is removed from the leaf. Sometimes that step is done completely by hand, other times the tobacco is fed through a stripping machine. For filler, a worker will remove part of the stem by hand, leaving the rest intact. More hands.

Don’t forget the rolling process, which requires appointed factory workers to dole out the proper proportions of aged tobacco to the rollers each day. The torcedor takes his pile of leaves back to his rolling table and recreates the cigar according to the cigarmaker’s blend, bunching and rolling each cigar by hand. The blend is formulated of exacting proportions of very specific tobaccos to impart a very particular smoking experience—a formulation that puts more hands on your cigars. 

Finished cigars are sorted for color consistency, then sent to the aging room. Finally, they’re banded up, boxed and sent out. This is the basic chronology of how a cigar is made. There are, of course, plenty of other quality-control steps that vary from operation to operation, and nearly all are completed entirely by hand, but the point is this: a single hand-rolled cigar is a massive human effort that requires hands-on expertise on every level.

 

Photo/David Yellen

Tobacco arranged in enormous piles (pilónes) for fermentation. The combination of pressure, water and naturally occurring heat will rid the tobacco of undesirable properties like bitterness.

 

3. Tobacco Undergoes Fermentation

Fermentation is common to producers of wine and spirits, defined as a process that converts sugars in organic material to alcohol, often with the use of yeast. In the tobacco industry, it’s more of a microbial fermentation—one that breaks down the leaf organically through the use of water, pressure and oxygen. No alcohol is produced in tobacco fermentation, but the process releases heat as it changes the chemical composition and physical traits of the leaf through humidity and oxidization. 

Tobacco undergoes fermentation for one simple reason: it makes the tobacco taste better. The process affects the flavor and smell of tobacco, making it less astringent and reducing bitterness while bringing out its more floral, nutty and sweeter aspects. 

Fermentation is fairly simple. Once tobacco has been cured in a barn, the leaves are arranged in large piles known as pilónes. The only thing added is water. The weight of the piles produce pressure while the enzymatic and microbial breakdown produces the heat. The piles are checked daily and the temperature is monitored. When the internal temperature of these pilónes reaches a certain point, the tobacco pile is taken apart, rotated by hand and painstakingly reassembled.

Ideally, tobacco is piled and fermented according to size and type. Different-sized leaves and different tobacco varietals will ferment at different rates, so the pile must be as homogenous as possible. The idea is to naturally alter the taste of the tobacco and transform it from its raw, bitter state to something smokeable and pleasant. Underfermented tobacco will often have a harsh aftertaste and smell like ammonia. It’s not a process that can be skipped or rushed and is critical in the world of premium cigars. 

 

4. Aging is Important

Aging tobacco plays a vital role, both before and after the cigar is made. Not only is the fresh leaf aged before it’s rolled into a cigar, but a newly completed cigar in most cases is then sent to an aging room where the tobaccos marry and the humidity levels of the cigar can stabilize. 

Tobacco leaves are aged after fermentation. During aging, the leaves are packed up into tight parcels called bales where they undergo a slow, steady breakdown of carotenoids, which helps to bring out the desirable properties in the tobacco. The aging also lends a bit of polish and maturity, helping to rid the tobacco of vegetal or “green” notes. Ever smoke tobacco that tastes like freshly cut grass or raw green beans? That tobacco has not been fully aged. If the cigar smoke is more redolent of almond, raisin and orange blossom, it has been aged properly.

But there’s a tertiary aging, and that’s done by the consumer. Once the cigar is boxed up and sent to the shops, a consumer may wish to age the cigars even longer. Similar to aging wine, this process helps to further dissipate any acidity in the tobacco and allows its mellower more nuanced personality to come through. 

Perfect aging is achieved when you bring a cigar to its absolute peak of flavor. At peak, flavors are not only at their most balanced and cohesive, but all undesirable qualities such as bitterness or harshness are completely absent. A great cigar can age for decades so long as the temperature and humidity are stable throughout. 

There are some caveats. Don’t over-age the cigar. Over-aging can result in loss of flavor and body, making the cigar taste flat and dusty. Another thing to know: aging a bad, sour cigar won’t make it any better. It will just make it bitter and old. 

Photo/Jeff Harris

The anatomy of a cigar is made up of its wrapper, binder and filler.

 

5. Understand Cigar Anatomy

A cigar is made up of three major parts: wrapper, binder and filler. The three form a smoking system and the single system forms a singular organism called the cigar. 

The wrapper is the visible outer cover leaf. It’s also the most expensive component per pound, as these tobacco leaves need to be pristine in appearance, as well as flavorful. If the leaf is too veiny, rough in texture or has any blemishes, it’s no longer categorized as wrapper.

The binder can be considered a wrapper leaf that didn’t make the cut. It’s often the same tobacco as the wrapper, only not as smooth in appearance, and it doesn’t have to be—you don’t see it. Binder is the leaf of tobacco directly underneath the wrapper and holds the filler tobacco in place, hence the name. Combustion of the binder is critical, as a good-burning binder will often help the filler to burn more evenly, especially if the filler contains more oily tobaccos that do not burn easily. 

The filler is where the cigarmaker can be most creative, as he can use several different types of tobacco from various countries and several different primings of tobacco for desired flavor, strength and complexity. As with the wrapper and binder, these are long-filler tobaccos that are put into place to burn slowly yet offer a fine gustatory and aromatic experience. 

The foot is the end of the cigar where filler is usually visible. The head is the top, or tip and is finished with a cap, which helps to hold the wrapper in place. The neater, more symmetrical the head and cap, the greater the skill of the roller. 

Good construction is key and should never be marginalized. A cigar that isn’t made properly will not draw or burn properly, drastically affecting the taste and the level of enjoyment, no matter how good the raw materials. 

 

6. Cut and Light Like a Pro

Handmade cigars don’t come ready to smoke. You must cut the head, then light. While types of lighters and cutters are open to preference, some basic rules are universal. For example, cutting too much off the top of your cigar is a no-no. What’s too much? If the wrapper of your cigar unravels after you lopped off the top, you’ve cut down too far. Normally, there’s a slight taper at the head of the cigar, referred to as the shoulder. We do not recommend cutting below the shoulder line. (Watch: How To Cut a Cigar.)

In the case of torpedoes and piramides, which taper drastically to a point, you shouldn’t cut off so much of the head that you actually lose the taper. It’s there for both functional and aesthetic reasons—to fit more comfortably in your mouth and to look nice. They are harder to make and require the work of a highly skilled roller. Also, they take longer to create, which is why they are generally more expensive. Cutting off too much defeats the entire purpose, both practically and artistically. Conversely, not cutting off enough can result in a firm draw and a build-up of tar in the head that will ooze into your mouth, something any sane smoker wishes to avoid. But it’s better to cut too little than too much—you can always cut more. 

Lighting should be done delicately, similar to the way you might toast a marshmallow—with minimal direct contact. Too much direct contact of flame to tobacco and your cigar might end up tasting like pure char. It’s always better to light in low-wind conditions. On top of the obvious reasons, the breeze might also cause you to compensate by using too much flame just to get a burn going. Again, this will result in an unpleasantly charry aftertaste. (Watch: How To Light a Cigar.)

The risk is even greater with powerful torch lighters, which burn at a much higher temperature than soft, natural flames. While we certainly appreciate the wind resistance and surgical control of a torch flame, you’re goal is lighting a cigar, not welding pipes. 

 

7. Smoke Cool & Slow

Some cigar smokers puff too often. This is a mistake for a few reasons. Philosophically, a cigar is about enjoyment and savoring the moment. Smoking fast runs counterintuitive to this sentiment. Take your time and slow down.  

But there’s a more concrete reason as well. Hyper-frequent puffing will inevitably overheat your cigar and cause it to become bitter. Often, that bitterness is irreversible. 

A perfectly constructed cigar is made to burn slow and cool in order to impart flavor in a steady progression. While there are no set laws as to how long a cigar should last, we believe that a five-inch cigar should last you at least 45 minutes. If you’re sucking down a five-inch robusto in 10 minutes, you’re treating the cigar like a cigarette, and that’s a big mistake. Puffing every 30 seconds to a minute should be an appropriate interval. 

Keep in mind that smoking too slowly could have a negative consequence as well. Puff too infrequently,  and your cigar will go out, meaning you’ll have to relight it over and over again. Constantly lighting an extinguished cigar could introduce unpleasant flavors of char, carbon, sulfuric fumes and bitterness. But don’t sweat a relight now and then.

Leave the ash on for as long as you can. The ash serves as a temperature regulator and minimizes contact between the air and the lit tobacco, thus keeping it cooler. Great cigars are made of whole leaves, not chopped up tobacco. Those leaves have structure, and will hold an ash of a size that’s surprising to a novice.

 

The cigar choices in a well-stocked retail humidor can be overwhelming. A little bit of knowledge about the blend and strength can go a long way.

 

8. Choose Your Cigar Wisely

It’s important to know something about the blend before choosing a cigar. This helps to ensure you don’t choose a smoke that’s too strong or too mild. You don’t have to know every last tobacco component of the cigar to make an informed choice, but you should always have a basic idea of the cigar’s strength level before you buy it.

Most smokers know if they want a strong, medium or mild cigar. Strength and body refer to the cigar’s inherent intensity. One could smoke a cigar that is full of flavor, yet not particularly strong or full-bodied, meaning there’s still plenty of finessed flavor that won’t impact the palate too heavily. 

Sometimes, smokers want full, intense palate stimulation along with heavy flavors, much the way a coffee drinker wants a strong shot of espresso or a wine drinker wants a high-alcohol cabernet. That requires powerful tobaccos. Typically, a full-bodied, powerful cigar will contain ligero tobacco. These are the  darkest, thickest leaves of the tobacco plant as well as the most oily and rich on account of their direct exposure to the sun. 

Leaves tend to get less powerful as they grow lower down the stalk of the plant. Categorized as visos and secos, these lower-priming tobaccos are more nuanced in flavor and have better combustion. A full-bodied blend will contain more ligeros, a medium-bodied blend, more secos and visos. 

You can’t always tell, however just by looking at the cigar. Dark, oily wrappers often indicate a strong smoke the way light wrappers often indicate a mild or medium-bodied smoke, however looks can sometimes be deceiving. Our ratings will point you in the right direction. 

Also, beware the “sangria effect.” That happens when the cigar’s strength sneaks up on you. You think it’s a mild or medium-bodied cigar based on the easygoing flavors, but then when you try to stand up, you realize you can’t. 

 

9. Cubans Aren’t Always the Best

As long as people smoke premium cigars, there will always be the proud debate as to which cigars are the best, and the argument usually boils down to Cuban cigars vs. non-Cuban cigars. 

Lifelong Habanophiles will always preach “inimitable Cuban taste” while more universal cigar fans retort “Cubans are overrated.” It is this magazine’s opinion that Cuban cigars are great, but they are not alone in their greatness. The best Nicaraguan, Dominican and Honduran cigars can compete on the quality level with the finest Cubans. 

The top-tier smokes of the major cigar-producing nations are all outstanding in their own way. They are true agricultural and artisanal expressions of their respective countries. This is evident in our tasting sections and in our Top 25 Cigar of the Year awards. Sometimes a Cuban cigar wins, sometimes it doesn’t, as in our most recent Top 25, which was won by a Dominican cigar. 

 

10. Price v. Quality

Price isn’t always an indicator of quality. A cigar that costs $30 won’t always be more enjoyable than a cigar that costs $10. Inexpensive cigars sometimes score better than pricey ones in our blind tastings. At the same time, it’s important to understand that the best materials, finest construction and most acute quality control will cost money. As is true with all raw materials, not all tobacco is of equal quality. Some crops are better than others. 

You might have heard (or read) a few rather ignorant maxims like “tobacco’s tobacco” or “all tobacco is basically the same.” Statements like that are uninformed, and they presuppose that different levels of quality do not exist. Nothing could be further from the truth. 

Standards of quality are determined by appearance, combustion, aroma and flavor. A highly aromatic, flavorful tobacco that is pristine in appearance and elastic to the touch is going to be more expensive than a coarse leaf that doesn’t have much smell or taste. 

Some tobaccos also take longer time to age and ferment for maximum performance. That process will also end up raising the cost of your cigar—the longer the cycles, the longer the tobacco has to be stored in a warehouse, and that costs money. 

The tobacco could be a low-yielding varietal, meaning that the crop was not large in the field, yet the small amounts produced were outstanding. This could also make your puros a little pricier. Sometimes it’s merely a question of supply and demand.

Occasionally, a cigar is expensive for arbitrary or gimmicky reasons that have nothing to do with quality or availability. Those unfortunate exceptions are not normal in the premium cigar industry. If a cigar is expensive, the cost is usually justified. 

That being said, there’s no guarantee you’re going to love the expensive cigar. The flavor profile and strength level (either high or low) of a high-end smoke might not be to your taste. The best way to know is to try it. If you spend the extra money and find that the experience doesn’t justify the cost, then stay within your comfortable price range. If you find extraordinary levels of flavor, refinement and complexity, you’ll know the cigar was worth the splurge. 

 

 

[Doorn]

Quote

How To Cut A Cigar

A bad cut will ruin even the best of cigars, so it's important to snip your smoke correctly to avoid problems later. Before you begin, it's important to know that the object of the cut is to create an ample. smooth opening for smoking without damaging the cigar's structure. With most cigars, this means cutting away part of the cap on the head that closes the cigar, while leaving some of it glued around the end to keep the filler leaves together.

 

Next, you need to select the right cutting tool. There are a myriad of options available: single- and double-bladed cutters, scissors, v-cutters, a sharp knife, or even your thumbnail. If you are just starting out, though, we suggest choosing a double-bladed cutter, as they are the simplest to operate, are designed to make a cut across the cigar from both sides simultaneously, and can snip any shape or size smoke you'll see in a humidor. With a double-bladed cutter, there's less of a chance that the cigar wrapper will be torn, whereas other cutting tools require a bit more experience.

 

Start by identifying the shoulder of the cigar-the place where the curved end of the cigar starts to straighten out. This is where you'll make your cut.

 

Place the head of the cigar inside the opening of the double-bladed cutter, and slightly close the blades so they are just touching the cigar. This keeps the cigar properly positioned and prevents motion, which might lead to tearing or to the cut happening in the wrong place.

 

Once the cigar is in position, cut it boldly using swift, even pressure. A true aficionado cuts like a surgeon: quickly and confidently.

 

If you're having trouble, a simpler way to cut your smoke is to open the blades of the double-bladed cutter and lay it on a flat surface. Then, insert the head of the cigar in between the blades so that it rests evenly on the surface, and finally, swiftly clip the head of the cigar. This is a surefire method to achieve a perfect cut.

 

[Doorn]

Quote

How To Light A Cigar

•  

Lighting a cigar is not like lighting the tip of a cigarette or the wick of a candle—it takes longer. In other words, patience is key, especially when you are starting out. Mistakes happen even if you are a seasoned cigar veteran, so just accept it and try not to let errors ruin what should be an enjoyable process.

 

A properly lit cigar is important because it means all the components (wrapper, binder and filler) will be evenly lit, thus imparting the flavors of the blend as the maker intended them to be experienced. Additionally, you won’t be fighting an uneven burn while you're smoking, which can add hassle to a time that should be relaxing.

 

But before you can light up, you'll want to cut your cigar so air can pass through it. (Check out How To Cut A Cigar to learn the best method to snip your smoke.)

 

 

1. Light your cigar the same way you would toast a marshmallow over a campfire—keep the cigar above and near the flame, but don’t let them touch. Burning a cigar directly in a flame makes it too hot. If you do accidentally nick the cigar with the flame, don’t worry! You haven’t ruined the cigar. Instead, calmly, but quickly, move your smoke back out of the flame.

 

2. And, as with a marshmallow, you’ll want to rotate the cigar so all parts of its tip are equally heated. Be patient and keep at it until there’s a glowing ring all the way around the cigar’s tip and the edges are thinly blackened.

 

3. Raise the unlit end of the cigar to your mouth and take the first puff. The ember should burn evenly while drawing, If it doesn’t, take the cigar out of your mouth and go ahead and touch up the end with the flame. You can also try to gently blow on the embers to create a smooth, completely rounded ash.

 

Remember, it's better to avoid lighting a cigar with a flame from a source that will alter the essence of your cigar. Examples include a candle, Zippo and oil-fueled lighters, and standard sulfur matches. These lighting implements can add odd flavors to your smoke.

 

Instead of using one of these suboptimal tools to directly light a cigar, it would be better to find a strip of cedar, called a spill, and use that to light your smoke. (See How To Light A Cigar With A Cedar Spill.) 

 

If a cedar spill isn't available, we suggest getting extra-long, wooden matches that are sulfurless. If you can’t find them and must use regular, short matches, be prepared to use a number of them. Be sure to let the sulfur burn off before starting the lighting process and try lighting two at a time, so you get a broader flame.

 

If you're only option is a Zippo or oil-based lighter, let the flame burn for a moment before lighting your cigar. 

 

The best way to get the perfect light is to use a lighter designed specifically for cigars, with butane for fuel and a flame (or multiple flames) wide enough to easily light a cigar. There are dozens of different cigar lighters on the market, and which one is best for you is a matter of personal preference. The most important requirement is performance—a lighter should fit easily in your hand, ignite easily, and work without fail every time.

 

[Doorn]

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How To Ash A Cigar

There's no need to repeatedly tap or flick a cigar's ash like that of a cigarette. Handmade cigars are crafted from long-filler tobacco, which holds a far longer and sturdier ash than a cigarette, whose ash flakes and end up in your lap if left to any length. Fiddling with the ash with too much force can break off the ember, or "cherry," of the cigar, which will leave you having to relight.

 

The best thing is to first have patience. Wait until the ash is about an inch long, or until you see a crack develop, before disposing of it in your ashtray. If you wait a very long time, the ash will no doubt drop on your shirt or pants or on the floor.

 

When it is time to ash, rest the cigar against the side of the ashtray and gently tap the end of the cigar. If done right, and at the correct time, the weight of the cigar should allow the ash to naturally fall off. If the ash is not breaking off, rest it on the side of the ashtray for a second, then repeat the process.

 

You can also gently press the edge of the cigar against side of the ashtray, turning or rotating the cigar at the same time. Take care not to press too hard. This will allow the ash to break off evenly, and you'll avoid any of the pitfalls mentioned above.

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[Lobotomija]

 

Da doprinesem topiku, juče u kafani dobijem jednu polse sjajnih orijentalnih sarmica i domaćeg kiselog mleka, uz fenomenalni" Gris" iz kućne vinarije. 

Edited May 10, 2019 by Barakuda Brnabić

[Doorn]

Danas sam se castio sa ove dvije habane. Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure no.2 i Vegueros Tapados.

 

 

 

[Eddard]

Jel’ bi bio problem da tema ode na Lifestyle tj. Razno, pošto joj ipak nije mesto na društvu? Šta mislite?

 

Da ne trolujemo temu, samo kliknite na Like ili onaj smiley što plače, kao neko glasanje.

Edited May 10, 2019 by Eddard

[Lobotomija]

A Sad je sad. 

Edited May 10, 2019 by Barakuda Brnabić
wrong smiley

[mrd]

Ova mi se dopada iako je low-priced. :)

U stvari ovu sam probao pun ukus i slatkast dim.

[Kolbas]

Ovo što ja trošim je verovatno treća liga, ali ja duvanim ovo već nekoliko godina

[mrd]

6 minutes ago, Kolbas said:

Ovo što ja trošim je verovatno treća liga, ali ja duvanim ovo već nekoliko godina

Ja sam pusio plavi. Mene je doom navukao, prvo na whiskey, a onda na cigare. Porocnik. :)

[Doorn]

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Ten Commandments – How to Behave in a Cigar Store

 

 

1.Thou shalt not bring cigars purchased from online or other stores to another cigar shop. Only cigar purchased from said shop to be smoked in said shop.

2.Thou shalt not brag about the brand you smoke, how much your cigar cost or how rare it is. Nobody likes a cigar snob.

3.Thou shalt not mistreat a cigar. Your cigar probably unraveled because you cut it improperly … or burns crooked because you lit it wrong.

4.Thou shalt not abuse a cigar. It is not ok to buy a double corona and cut it in half. Putting out your cigar to save it for tomorrow is considered ignorant.

5.Thou shalt store cigars properly. Buy a humidor or rent a locker at a cigar shop. Respect the hard work that goes into these hand-rolled products.

6.Thou shalt not bitch about prices on cigars. Every state has different taxes, different mark-up. If you don’t like it find another place to buy your cigars.

7.Thou shalt not be rude about smoking a cigar. We cigar smokers are respectable tax-paying people. You represent all of us while in public.

8.Thou shalt not go to a cigar event expecting a free cigar. You cannot afford one you shouldn’t have gone to the event. If you do receive a free cigar or enjoy free refreshments, buy something. No one likes a mooch.

9.Thou shalt not be fooled by ‘fake’ cigars. Those Cubans you bought on your cruise for $50 bucks are fake; do not go around bragging about them. People are laughing behind your back.

10.Always have an extra cigar on hand; you never know when you may run in to a brother cigar smoker that needs a cigar in a pinch. Make a new friend.

 

[Doorn]

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Steve Saka, best known for blending the Liga Privada, defines strength as “A measure that has a physiological impact on the smoker. I look at the level of nicotine, the level of bite and sharpness as the primary criteria for the strength of a cigar.” Master blender and owner of Dominican Big Leaguer cigars (DBL), Francisco Almonte, defines strength as “The power of the leaf.” José Blanco, senior vice president of E.P. Carrillo, says that people often confuse flavor with strength. “Strength is about the priming of a plant. The higher the priming the stronger the tobacco.” 

Ligero is considered the strongest priming because it’s the highest point on the plant, receiving the most sunlight. Fermentation also plays a big part in a leaf’s strength. The longer tobacco is fermented, the less strength it will have. Another misconception regarding strength is the color of the wrapper. Many smokers assume that the darker the wrapper, the stronger the cigar. But Cigar makers disagree. “For so many years, that’s how cigars used to be made,” explains Saka. “Today, all those old rules are thrown out the window. Willie Flores, owner of La Hoja Cigar Company concurs by saying that a wrapper plays a role in strength but not in color. 

“I always tell people: never, ever judge the strength of a cigar by the color of its wrapper,” says Blanco. And Almonte states that the maduro wrapper adds sweetness, flavor and complexity, but not strength. Most of the strength usually comes from the filler. Cigar makers use specific criteria when blending a strong cigar. The first step is choosing a plant variety and the second is choosing the priming. The first thing that Flores does, for example, is decide which ligero to use and how much of it. “If you want a mild cigar, you can’t load it up with ligero and viso.”Some of the strongest tobaccos used by today’s cigar makers are Pennsylvania Broadleaf, Dominican Piloto Cubano and San Vincente, Honduran Corojo, Nicaraguan Criollo ’98, and the Ecuadorian Sumatra. Most cigar makers emphasize the importance of retrohaling when measuring the strength of a cigar. 

“Just because a cigar tastes spicy doesn’t mean it’s a strong cigar,” notes Almonte. “When you only smoke with your mouth you taste the wrapper. Retrohaling gives a complete experience.” And Blanco agrees: “You really only pick up the strength in the nose. Some people also pick up strength in the stomach.”Most smokers can gauge the level of strength from the physical impact it makes on the human body. A life-long smoker, David Harwood from Montgomery, Alabama, says, “Strong cigars can make a smoker light headed, give you stomach pain or even a feeling of dizziness.” 

Many blenders and farmers determine strength by chewing on tobacco leaves, getting a true sense of the nicotine level as it seeps through their lips and gums. So gauging cigar strength is still one of the hardest characteristics to quantify, as Saka reveals: “I have a hard time when people ask me how strong a cigar is. I put things on a 10-point scale and try to give them some sort of comparison. Everyone’s perception is going to be different.”