So our lessons began and each one of us was enriched for having gone through the seminar on “pure grades.”  Pure grades or Grado Puro in Spanish, are corona sized cigars that are fashioned to taste specific flavors of tobacco.  Each pure grade is taken from one particular bale of leaves, and all of its components, i.e. filler, binder, and wrapper are all from the same stock.  Now this differs from most cigars the consumers smoke, because those are an amalgamation of different tobacco blends to bring about a unique flavor signature.  What pure grade allows you to distinguish and pick up are the unique flavor profiles of different regions.  This was highly invaluable, because it allowed each of us to finally put geographical locales with specific flavors.  The following paragraphs are five different pure grades we smoked, and hopefully helpful to you, the consumer and enthusiast, in identifying specific tastes you like on  your palate.

Peruvian Tobacco:

The first pure grade we sampled was from Peru.  Many people don’t often necessarily think of Peru as an active tobacco region, but the truth is that they are a major contributor when it comes to producing leaves that are used for the body of the cigar.  Chances are you have had Peruvian tobacco mixed in to your stick, and not even known that it was there.  Its chief characteristics are a sweet initial aroma, some liken it sweet hay and a strong bitter taste.  Eventually the sweet and bitter aspects give away to a leathery note.

Brazilian Tobacco:

The next pure grade we sampled was from Brazil.  Brazil is known as a great mixing tobacco as well, and tends to have sweetness as its chief characteristic.  Some of its aspects include dry bread like notes, some called it yeasty in composition, and then it also had a tendency to develop spice and floral aromas.  The floral aroma can be best equated as one walking through a rose garden, and the resultant pleasant smell that accompanies that experience.

Nicaraguan Tobacco:

The Nicaraguan tobacco was one of the most easily identified by the group due to its unique dry and nutty flavors.  It tends to be very distinct, and the key here, I think, is really its nutty flavors.  It also can take a shift towards the floral realm in its flavor.  A great cigar that embodies a lot of this profile in my mind is the new Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta series.

Dominican Criollo Tobacco:

The Dominican Criollo is known for its strength and  cedar notes.  Some call it a wood like taste, to me it specifically reminds me of the cedar chips that I grew up with in the Seattle area.  Either way, the Dominican Criollo packs a wonderful woody flavor, and can tend to punch up the potency of the cigar in the strength category.

Dominican Corojo Ligero Tobacco:

The Corojo blend was interesting in the fact that it offered so many flavor shifts.  Its no wonder that many cigar makers tend to favor corojo as a chief component of their cigars.  While smoking the corojo I picked up floral earthy tones and then a shift towards dry leathery tones the further I got into the smoke.  At one point I even detected some soapy notes in the profile.

The above mentioned sampling is not definitive in the profile department, and all palates are different, but hopefully it gives you the reader an idea of what you can expect from different geographical locales.  Knowing what you like and don’t like is an important part of any sale, and being able to go to your local tobacconist and asking them about geographically specific cigars should be a nice way for you to verify these flavor signatures for yourself.  Remember most sticks tend to have a mixture of tobaccos in them, so asking for a corojo stick might offer your more than just the corojo flavors, if it is mixed with other tobaccos.  So the next time you go to your local B&M think about what type of profile you like and remember to always mix it up. As Jose Blanco once said when asked what the best way to develop your palate was, he replied back with a grin “smoke many different cigars from many different countries!”

So we at PuffingCigars.com have compiled some tips and suggestions to prevent this dreaded situation from ever happening again.  If you have anything to contribute, funny stories to share or just want to voice your opinions please do so in the comment section.

Smoking Jacket – Not only does a smoking jacket make you like instantly classy but having this garment will protect your shirt, arms and possibly neck from smelling like smoke. These are the areas of the body that will, mostly, come in counter with excess smoke. A true smoking jacket will also prevent any sort of loose ash from burning or staining your shirts. Scavenge your higher end department stores during the off season for jackets and suits (summer) to find the best deal available.

Smoking Wardrobe – Along with your shirts, know that your jeans/pants and even shoes will absorb the odor from our beloved cigars. As clothes go out of your regular wear or business rotation you can keep these pieces to use at your smoking sessions.  Cigar smoke does not easily leave some materials, such as jeans, so a simple wash may not do the job. Finally – the “old cigar smell” can easily transfer to other pieces of clothing when they are hanging in your closet or sitting in the dresser drawers. So keep a separate set of clothes! You may also consider buying athletic clothing (think Nike Dry-Fit) as these types of materials used are created to not retain any smells.

Fabreeze, Fabric Sheet, & Quick Run – If the budget doesn’t allow for some alternative smoking jeans, or any article for that matter, and keeping them in a separate storage area is not an option; you can always count on your trusty dryer! Spray the clothing down with a mild odor remover/cover-up such as Fabreeze until the article is damp. Insert the pieces into a dryer with a scented dryer sheet and give it a quick run on medium until they are no longer damp. This should make them suitable for storage and limit the strength of the smell.

Outside or Garage Storage – As we have stated earlier the smell from one piece of clothing to another can transfer by just being in the same proximity. Because of this we suggest you keep the clothes in an outside environment to allow them to naturally breathe.  If you cannot do this, try to keep them in a dry area that does not have any other fabrics such as a storage room or garage.

Wrap it Up – If you do not have the ability to keep your dirty clothes separate make sure to wrap them up. Place them in a dirty towel or a plastic bag prior to putting them in the hamper or laundry room. This will limit the exposure to other clothing and prevent any smell from lingering in the air.

Dr. Nicks Mouth Spray – Your palate, mouth, whatever you want to call it has direct contact with the hot smoke that will make removing the smell beyond difficult. Dr. Nicks Mouth Spray is a natural “breath purifier” that will remove the taste and smell from your mouth without the lingering alcohol taste other mouth sprays tend to leave. This is also good to carry around if you smoke more than one cigar in a single night (who only smokes one?) because it will quickly clean the palate and allow you to savor the second cigar as if it was your first of the day.

Wash Your Hands – Holding your cigar means this is the second most part of the body that comes in contact with the smoke. It makes the world of difference to simply wash your hands after your smoking fun time. Try to use a soap that has a light scent, or even mint, for best chance of removing the lingering cigar smell.  A natural soap bar or a scrubbing soap will remove any dead layers of skin that will trap the scent (and leave your hands feeling super smooth).

Take a Shower – Do I need to go into detail about showering and why it’s beneficial? So moving beyond the simple explanation know that the soap you use is very important. Again I would suggest using something that is slightly scented and that uses a mint to freshen up your skin. While the “men’s men” will hate this next part – you need to use a rough natural soap or luffa to clear dead skin. Not only will you remove dead skin but your significant other will love the baby smooth skin (and that means more “cuddle” time).

Wash Your Hair – Hair can and will absorb any odor it comes in contact with. Much like the hand washing advice and the shower advice, wash with something that has a light scent. You would be surprised how man “men’s smelling” shampoos you can find at the store.

Brush Your Teeth & Gargle – Okay – again I am not going into great detail as to why this is going to help you out. Just make sure to brush your teeth and use mouth wash. Crest makes a great mouth wash that doesn’t have a high level of alcohol for you super wimps (or people who generally hate the burning sensation).

Buy Expensive Gifts - What lady, girlfriend, wife, mistress (I’m kidding) or significant other can stay mad at you after giving them a much needed surprise present? No one can, nor will anyone debate that last sentence. What we really mean, is make sure you always show how much you appreciate the other half and they will always let you enjoy your free time, regardless of how you smell!

Many of the frequent cigar lounge patrons have seen this situation occur: “The Oxygen Thief”, as he will now be described, walks into the establishment and sits in the most comfortable seat in the house. This is the same person who will continue to plug in his laptop, connect to the Wi-Fi and make a special request for what plays on the TV.  “The Oxygen Thief” reaches into his bag and pulls out a package of cigars he ordered online and smokes for hours, enjoying the fine amenities.

Lounges Operate On Fixed Prices
While “The Oxygen Thief” is sitting in his luxurious leather chair enjoying the free Wi-Fi the shop provides it may be a surprise just how hard the retailer has to work to provide these amenities. It may be slightly obvious to everyone that the lounge has some larger fixed costs such as the electricity, retail rent, inventory and the basic payroll. It may surprise everyone just how large some of these basic expenses are.  Remember that the shop must run multiple TV’S, florescent signage, a humidity system 24 hours a day, smoke eaters, fridges, a security system and provide multiple outlets for consumers to plug in their various electronics.

The retailer is forced to cut a check to pay for these operational costs. I hope it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that the funds primarily come from the sale of the cigars inside the humidor. You must now take into account that the price of the product is set by the manufacturer by contractual agreement. A typical agreement dictates the sale price while the shops limited ordering ability increases the cost. To put it plainly the retailer now has very little “wiggle room” for making a profit and freeing up funds to distribute back into the lounge.

*Without getting too technical it is important to remember retailers must also face higher city, state, and national taxes on tobacco related items that only trend upwards. Additionally the mark up of cigars is far less than any other item in a retail environment (clothing, jewelry, etc.)

Why We Must Support Retailers
There are infinite numbers of reasons that anyone who enjoys smoking cigars should support their local lounge. Again it comes to no surprise that a cigar lounge creates one of the most relaxing and enjoyable social communities. This is a haven where we, cigar smokers, can escape the troubles of the day and fully relax. People of all social classes will combine and produce great conversation, laughter, and general enjoyment of one another. What other commodity is capable of encompassing such a group of people from all walks of life?

In an increasingly isolated world where technology has made us social hermits, it seems only right and true that we celebrate establishments that carry on the good fight to bring people together in reality, instead of cyberspace.

So What’s The Deal On BYOC?
Do not bring in your own cigar. “The Oxygen Thief” is coming into the shop to enjoy the communal setting and luxuries that are being provided by the retailer. The irony will be that these services will no longer be available for all to enjoy without the support of a meager cigar or related merchandise purchase. Please know this is not a cut and dry answer to every situation. Just remember that we must support the local tobacconist who supports us.

What are cigar bundles?

Bundles are cigars that are created with the intention of selling in smaller groups to the consumer at a discounted rate than the normal “premium” cigars. Bundles can maintain a lower cost for many reasons such as a lack of a big name manufacturer, fancy bands, lower grade tobacco, and sometimes they are made with leftover filler, also known as sandwich, tobacco.

For novice smokers, and even some with a more advanced palate, bundled cigars are a cheap alternative to the “premium” single sticks that carry a higher price tag. As the components (binder, filler, wrapper) are grown in the same area and are even produced in the same factory as the “premiums“.

This is especially more true today as the cigar business has become very competitive. Now many bundles are produced and distributed with cigars that would be considered “seconds“. Additionally many large retailers and distributors will specifically create a bundle with a big name manufacturers under the agreement of a large quantity and that the creator be kept anonymous.

So why not always buy bundles or generic cigars?
The primary reason is that while the bundle can be of equal quality it does not mean it necessarily will be. The “premium” cigar market must maintain brand quality and go through additional steps that would increase the cost. Some of these steps include a draw test, ensure there are no soft spots, closer inspection of the wrapper, call for better rollers, and many other reasons.

Additionally the products being used (wrapper, filler, binder) might be similar but will not contain the quality used in the “premium” lines. This is a major factor that someone with even a slightly trained palate, or experience smoking many different kinds of cigars, will notice right away. Finally, consistency from one cigar to another (if you so like/hate them) can vary greatly, again due to many factors.

Are you still ready to try some bundled cigars?
The first step you should take is to find a local retailer who carries various brands of “bundled” cigars. Most, for economic purposes, are willing to sell individual cigars for the sake of finding your perfect cheap(er) cigar. Try to experiment with “bundled” cigars that contain long filler tobacco as these are usually created with higher quality tobacco. Additionally, it’s safe to say that regions tend to produce most of the same qualities and taste characteristics of the higher priced cigars. So read the package to see where they are created and what components were used as it has the potential of tasting much like your favorite “premium“. Finally, you should seek out “bundles” that are created for private distribution or that are not afraid to list the parent company name (like the Ashton Benchmade or G.A.R.). At worst these tend to be seconds that did not pass inspection for some minor reason.

Have patience through this entire process. Finding a good “bundle” cigar can be just as time consuming as finding your favorite “premium“.

Keep your cigars away!

Before your cigars can find a new home the humidor must be properly seasoned. The cedar inside the cigar humidor not only smells great but is actually part of the humidification system. Cedar does a very good job of holding moisture. Meaning – if you do not introduce the wood to a moist environment and prepare it for the cigars, it will steal the moisture from your precious smokes.

Very few items are needed to complete the job: distilled water, a clean cloth, and some time (maybe a couple of days).

Now for the warnings:
Distilled water is not an option. You CAN’T use regular tap water because it may contain chemicals and other elements that can ruin your wood, cigars, or all around flavor. Distilled water is a must.

Do NOT, ever, wipe down your humidor with a damp sponge or cloth. Doing so can cause the cedar to take on moisture at a high rate. Sometimes this will cause the wood to warp and ruin your fitting. Additionally because cedar can “suck in” the water – wiping may cause dark water spots. DO NOT wipe down your humidor with a wet cloth.

Let’s begin the process:

• Remove the hygrometer and make sure it is properly calibrated. Click here to read our instructions on hygrometer calibration.

• Wipe the inside of the humidor with the DRY cloth to remove dust, dirt, or general debris.

• Remove the humidification system and place it face down in a bowl of distilled water. Make sure the system has absorbed enough water to “fill it” up. This could take around 30 minutes and when removed there should not be any dripping water.

• Place the humidification system back into the humidor.

• A shot glass of distilled water must now go in the middle of the humidor, and close the lid.

• Time will vary by the size of the humidor but generally speaking you can open the box after 12 hours. Notice the shot glass is now less full as the water has been absorbed.

• Put the hygrometer back into the humidor and fill the glass up with water again.

• Wait 24 hours and make sure the humidor is maintaining a constant humidity you are satisfied with . A humidity level of 69%-71% should be perfect for your cigars.

• When the humidor can sustain a constant humidity you have completed the process, you may have to recharge the “brick” or humidification system again.

• Place your cigars in the humidor and give your self a smoke for all the hard work!

The shape and size of a cigar is given by two measurements the consist of the ring gauge and its length.

The ring gauge is defined by the diameter in 64th’s of an inch. For example: If a cigar has a 50 ring gauge then it is 50/64ths of an inch thick.

Length is a bit more straight forward: It’s the length of the cigar given in inches.

When it comes to the actual shape, or roll, of the cigar there will be two major groups: Parejos and the Figurado.

A Parejo has a straight cylinder body where one end of the cigar will be “capped“, or closed, and the other end, or foot, will be open. This will require the smoker to use a cut, punch, or v-cut to open the closed end. The figurado shape is the most common.

Figurado have a more complex shape and require more skill from the roller. One end of the figurado is usually pointed. The shape of the cigar can also have a bulge or other “unique” features or shapes. Cigars have been made into baseball bats, chili peppers, and even footballs. Most of the time figurado shaped cigars must be cut.

As you read through the definitions of the cigar sizes or see how the ring gauge effects the name of the cigar: Please know that cigar manufactures still call their sticks whatever they wish. For example, one corona cigar might be another companies robusto.

PAREJOS
Petit Corona: This short corona is usually only 4 1/2 inches, with a ring gauge of 40 to 42.

Corona: Traditional dimensions are 5 1/2 to 6 inches with a ring gauge of 42 to 44.

Churchill: A large corona format. The traditional dimensions are 7 inches by a 48 ring gauge.

Robusto: The traditional size is 5 to 5 1/2 inches with a 50 ring gauge.

Corona Gorda: Aslo referred to as a robusto extra. The traditional measurements are 5 5/8 inches by a 46 ring gauge.

Double Corona: The standard dimensions are 7 1/2 to 8 inches by a 49 to 52 ring gauge.

Lonsdale: A lonsdale is generally thicker than a panetela but longer than a corona. The classic size is 6 3/4 inches by a 42 to 44 ring gauge.

Panetela: Shaped like a longer, thinner corona, panetelas were more popular in years past than they are today. This format varies in length from 5 to 7 1/2 inches and has a ring gauge of 34 to 38. This shape is also used to create the Culebra.

FIGURADOS
Pyramid: A sharply tapered and closed-headed cigar with a wider open foot. These cigars are between 6 and 7 inches with a ring gauge of around 40 at the head that widens to 52 to 54 at the foot.

Belicoso: A belicoso was a short pyramid 5 to 5 1/2 inches in length with a shorter, more rounded taper at the head and a ring gauge generally of 50 or less. Belicosos today are frequently coronas or corona gordas with a tapered head.

Torpedo: A torpedo has a closed foot, a pointed head and a bulged middle.

Perfecto: This shape has a closed foot and a bulge in the middle. The difference is that the head is rounded rather than pointed. Perfectos mainly describe the shape – and are not limited or defined by size.

Culebra: This exotic shape, made up of three panetelas braided together and banded as one cigar. The three parts are unbraided and smoked separately. They are usually 5 to 6 inches in length with a 38 ring gauge. You can read more about the culebra here.

Presidente/Diademas: This cigar is 8 inches or longer. The head is closed and tapered with a ring gauge of 40. The foot, which can be open or closed, is a 52 ring gauge or larger.

* The cigar ring gauge chart is only meant to display the minute difference or relative difference in ring gauge size.

The creation of the culebra cigar starts with 3 long Panatelas that are twisted together when the tobacco is extremely moist. The roll can only be done by very specialized workers and is therefore limited in the amount created and by the brand that can produce them.

Culebra’s are generally stored and sold in individual boxes.

Why was the Culebra’s Cigar Created?
There are no definitive answers as to why the culebra was created but many theories are circulating.

The most humorous of the stories involves the cigar rollers outsmarting the manufacturers. Manufacturers would set a limit on the cigars they could smoke and or take home (lets just use 3 for example). Rollers decided to take the three they were allowed and braided the cigars – essentially making 1 cigar that wouldn’t ever pass quality standards. Now, using the same number of 3, the rollers can take home a total of 9.

Story Number 2: Cigar manufactures allowed the rollers to smoke cigars. However it was a little unclear what the workers were specifically smoking. Were they smoking profits? Or the general cigars that didn’t meet quality standards? Now by braiding the cigars they could smoke and making the sticks look awkward, manufactures were able to keep inventory. Also – because it was an odd shape the cigar rollers would not be able to sell the sticks on the black market.

The final theory floating around is that the culebra shaped cigar was developed as a simple marketing ploy. Cigar sales may have been down, a brand uniqueness was wanted, or whatever the reason: This was a simple marketing tool. You have to admit the cigars always catch your eye and create great conversation. Culebra’s are unique and many people buy them strictly for collecting.

Can You Smoke the Culebra Cigars?
Yes, the culebra cigars were meant to be smoked. Untie the wraps, or bands, at the end of the braid and carefully pry the sticks apart. Share a stick with two other friends or put them in your humidor for safe storing.

However if you were to keep them together and smoke them all at once you might gain some bragging rights or funny store to share with your friends. Just make sure to take some pictures.

The culebra cigar should have no problems with the draw. However the ash might fall off at or just past the bends.

Many cigar smokers will also use cigar purging to “revive” an old stick that may have been sitting overnight. That’s right – People have claimed that the purging practice can restore a cigar to “just-like-new” status after it has been sitting for long period of times.

How to Purge Your Cigar:
If your cigar starts to taste bitter or if you are relighting the smoke you will need to clear the end of any ash. The cigar should be lit – so if you are going to purge a cigar after it has gone out (which everyone should do) you must make sure the end is red hot with your trusty lighter.

*Do not inhale on the cigar* Now simply take in some fresh air, place the cigar to your mouth, and blow out (DO NOT INHALE ON THE CIGAR). You do not need to do anymore than 3 full cycles (breath all the way in-breath all the way out).

You have now purged your cigar.

Make sure the cigar is still lit and enjoy the “refreshed” flavor.

Please note: PuffingCigars.com is providing you this information so you can test it and form your own opinion.

Tobacco beetles, cigar bugs, or scientifically known as Lasioderma serricorne; This little nuisance can cause destruction of your beloved cigars. With minimal warning and the proper weather conditions the tobacco beetle can turn your cigars to dust. If suspect of a tobacco beetle infection there are measures you can take and prevent a full blown attack.

Let’s Understand the Tobacco Beetle
The tobacco beetle is quite small in size; on average growing between 2-3 mm in length. Size comparisons are often made with the size of a pinhead. Life cycles are in a four stage 10-12 week process: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

The female adult will eat through the wrapper of the cigar and bury itself in the tobacco to lay its eggs, approximately 100 eggs. Shortly after, 6-10 days, the eggs will turn to larvae. Larvae will survive by eating your tobacco and ruining your sticks. I will not go into too much detail of the pupa and adult stages – but these bugs will then start to reproduce and the chances of hurting your other cigars will increase.

L. serricorne thrive in very warm clients above 70 degrees (F), however the L. serricorne beetle has been found in temperatures as low as 65 degrees (F). I also want you to know, and please take note, the tobacco beetle CAN FLY.

Evidence of Tobacco Beetles
It is very important that you always check the cigars in your humidor (or similar storage device) for tiny holes on the outside wrapper. This will be your first – and hopefully your last indication of the bug.

The second thing you may see is a light black dust that will either be next to the cigars – or if the cigar is tapped it will fall out. This is tobacco beetle do-do.

Found Tobacco Beetles ? – Do This
You must immediately isolate the infected cigars from the cigars showing no wear. Please keep in mind the tobacco beetles can fly – move – and just generally get around. If the infected cigars were sitting next to others you must consider the others also infected. For boxes – the cigar bugs shouldn’t have moved from one closed box to another. You must check your cigars and make a judgment. I choose to error on the side of caution and place all nearby cigars and cigar boxes in the “contaminated” pile for cleaning.

Take the cigars, remove them from the box they are in (or humidor) and place them in a freezer bag (double bag). To reduce the shock of cigars I slowly introduce cigars into the cold (they can only live in warm weather; freezing will kill the tobacco beetle).

• Place the freezer bag of cigars in the fridge for one day.
• Move the cigars into the coldest part of your freezer for 3 days.
• Return the cigars to the fridge for one day.
• You can then bring them back into the humidor.

Many have suggested you do this process twice to ensure the tobacco beetles have been killed.

….ONLY AFTER YOU….

Clean the humidor. When you start the process of freezing your cigars you should also start to clean your humidor.

• Remove everything from the box and wipe it down with a clean cloth and distilled water. Vacuum the inside and make sure all bits of tobacco are removed (the food source).
• Place the humidor in open air and allow it to try; removing all humidity.
• Allow it to sit and dry out for about a week.
• You will of course have to re-prepare the humidor to accept the cigars again.

Prevention
The infection of tobacco beetles happened because your living situation was just right. Make sure the cigars are not too warm or too humid. Many smokers will try to keep the temperature of cigars at 69 degrees (F) or lower. When lowering the temperature you will have to adjust to the proper humidity, 70 percent rule no longer applies.

Quick Note On Cuban Cigars
I was told that all Cuban cigars should be immediately treated as if they are infect because of the curing process they go, or don’t go, through.

The quick answer is this: Old European etiquette says remove it, however you really might want to keep it on.

Cigar bands as of late have become quite the marketing tool. Bands from Alec Bradley, Perdomo, CAO and many others are elaborate. The embossed, multi-colored, even gold specked bands are not only predominately placed but are also securely glued on the cigar (I wouldn’t want my expensive cigar band to just come off either).

For this vary reason alone it is not unheard of to damage the cigar wrapper attempting to pull off a band so that you can comply with “proper etiquette”.

So let me make a suggestion: Leave your cigar band on while smoking – at least for a little bit.

Smoking with the band on will allow to heat from the cigar / smoke to weaken the glue. Thus you can then pull the cigar band off and not ruin the actual stick. Not only will you not damage the cigar, but you will have a perfectly removed band that can be used for collecting.

Modern cigar makers have also stated that smoking a cigar with the band, or without, is a personal choice.