Articles » Cigars
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A cigar is a surprisingly complex product. It looks fairly simple, to be sure. About six inches long and a little more than half an inch in diameter. Made from tobacco wrapped with yet more tobacco. Simple. But the devil is in the details in this case.
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Along with the basics of type, shape and size, there is a very important characteristic of cigars worth knowing about: color. Since the word refers to the shade of the outer wrapper leaf, you might think it has little bearing on the taste of the cigar. Oh, not so.
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Cigars - Tobacco Growing Regions
Though they are the most well-known, the countries of Central America and the Caribbean are not the only major tobacco growers in the world. Quality leaf and fine cigars are made in several other regions.
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Tobacco Growing Regions – Central America
Cuba remains among the premiere tobacco growing regions in the world. Despite decades of deterioration caused by the Castro regime, Cuban cigars are still some of the very finest.
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Even if you don't have Arnold Schwarzeneggar's bank account, you can still treat yourself on those special occasions to a truly fine cigar. You'll spend a little more but, as the women's hair ads say "You're worth it". Whether as a birthday gift you give yourself, or just a reward for a good day's work, these cigars will make you feel like the Chief Executive.
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Not too many years ago, cigars were out of favor. The image associated with them was one of sweaty politicians and slovenly couch potatoes. But the 19th century images of elegance have been reclaimed and brought back to popularity.
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Like any agricultural product made for enjoyment -- wine, beer, flowers -- the fresher cigars are when consumed, the more they'll be enjoyed. Even the best cigars can't be good if they're stale. Fortunately, keeping good cigars in good condition for a good long time is fairly easy. Just store them properly.
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Cigars - Selection Tips For The Novice
When you pick out a cigar, make sure to learn the proper cutting and lighting techniques. But, as with any new experience, you may make some mistakes at first. Minimize your losses by starting with some milder cigars - they tend to be less expensive.
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Cigar Selection Tips For the Novice
If you're new to the cigar smoking scene, you may want to ease into the lifestyle before taking the plunge. While, sitting in a red leather chair sipping cognac and puffing on a Churchill may look delightful (and it is), there are some things for the novice to consider.
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Selecting Cigar By Shape and Size
The tobacco used in a cigar, and how it's prepared and packed, is the most essential element in smoking. But, smoking is a physical experience as well as one of taste, and that aspect shouldn't be entirely neglected.
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Cigars - Medium Priced, But Top Notch Flavor
It isn't difficult to pay $50 for a cigar. Even $25 will often net you a very fine smoke, but at that price you aren't going to be having one every day. If you love a good cigar, after dinner with a glass of wine, you'll want something you can enjoy and not feel guilty splurging on. There are a whole range of medium-priced, but stellar smoking, cigars that fit the bill.
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What could be simpler than lighting a cigar? Well, like many things today it has become a specialized skill. Of course, if you don't have it you can still enjoy a cigar. But to enjoy it to the fullest, putting forth a little effort to acquire that skill is well worth the time.
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A well constructed humidor will help keep good cigars smokable for long periods of time. But how do you tell if it's doing the job?
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Cigars -- Humidor Selection Tips
In order to keep your fine cigars at the peak of freshness, in order to enjoy them the most, always store them in a humidor. Ah, good advice, but how to implement it? There are, after all, a hundred styles and sizes, made from a variety of materials.
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What could be simpler than smoking a cigar? Well, probably nothing. But smoking a cigar correctly, now that's a different matter. Correctly? Oh, how snobbish, you say. Maybe, but being a snob sometimes is the result of having higher standards. You judge.
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Fine Cigar Choices For Modest Prices
In general, to get a truly fine cigar you have to spend some money. A $15 cigar is often the floor. For quality, you have to pay $25 or more. But, fortunately for the novice and those occasional smokers who just want a good cigar without emptying their bank account, there are a few choices.
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Ah... a delicious smoke. But, before you can smoke a cigar you have to light it. And before you can light it you (usually) have to cut it. As with everything these days, that has evolved into a special skill. Here are a few tips that will help you acquire it.
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Corona, Robusto, Macanudo, Perfecto... are you after a good cigar or selecting a wine? So many names, so little time. Well, if finding a good cigar is your goal, you can best begin by knowing a little of the basics.
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There may not be such a thing as the perfect cigar. But as a goal, it's laudable. Selection is key, of course. Just as with fine wine, you have to start with a fine brand and vintage in order to have a chance. But one common way of going beyond those criteria is also similar to wine: aging.
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Cigars - A Glossary Worth Reading
Sometimes you can learn a lot, about cigars in particular, just by reading through a glossary. Some of these terms will actually help you select a better cigar. Read on...
