Cigars 101

Here you'll find cigar how to's, information, guides and more.

How to review a cigar

Cigars, to many, provide a great deal of pleasure and relaxation.  Cigar smokers don't smoke because they have to, they smoke because they want to experience all that a cigar can offer.  Aside from relaxing with your cigar, it's also fun to take notes and review a cigar once in a while.  Whenever I smoke a cigar, I always make sure I have plenty of time to actually smoke the entire stick, and also be able to think about what I'm tasting.  A developed palate will allow most cigar smokers to pull out various flavors throughout their smoke, including cocoa, spice, pepper, coffee, anise, etc. 

Read more: How to review a cigar - a quick guide

How to calibrate a cigar hygrometer

calibrate hygrometer

To ensure that your cigars are being stored at the correct environment, use this guide to calibrate your cigar hygrometer.  It’s always a good idea to check the accuracy of your hygrometer. You can use the Salt Test method on both digital and analog hygrometers. Most hygrometers today can either be adjusted or calibrated to an accurate reading. The salt test method won’t fail you, and it’s very easy to do.

Read more: How to calibrate a cigar hygrometer

Cigar Herf Explained

You’re probably wondering what is a herf? Its roots of the term herf are still uncertain, however the word was coined back in the mid 90′s by members of a cigar newsgroup (before cigar forums).

Read more: What is a cigar herf

 How to smoke a cigar

how to smoke a cigar

Learning how to smoke a cigar properly will add to the enjoyment of the hobby, and allow you to fully appreciate cigars. Most people smoke cigars for the pleasure and relaxation effects they offer, not for a nicotine fix. Smoking a cigar, to some, is a ritual. The one thing to remember is only enjoy a cigar when you have the time to enjoy it, not just smoke it. Much like fine wines and scotches, cigars offer many characteristics to appreciate.

Read more: How to smoke a cigar

Cigar Terms

An extensive list of cigar terms and definitions. 

Read more: Cigar Terms

Ways to properly store cigars

store cigars

Cigars, like any other consumable item requires proper storage and maintenance, otherwise they will quickly go bad. Unless you plan on smoking your newly purchased cigars within a day or so, you will need to store them in what’s called a humidor. Humidors come in all sizes, from very small (only able to store 5 or so cigars) to very large cabinet size humidors (which can store up to 5,000 cigars).

Read more: How to store cigars

 Cuban Cigar Box Codes

 A list of Cuban cigar box codes.  Most box codes can be found on the bottom side of the cigar box, and are stamped with a code.  Use the below reference guide to find out what your box codes mean.

Read more: Cuban Cigar Box Codes

How to season a cigar humidor

Season a humidor correctly the first time to ensure proper setup and operation.  A common question asked among new cigar smokers is “How do you season a humidor?“. Here’s a quick guide that should answer most questions…

Read more: How to season a humidor

How to build a coolidor

coolidor

Building a humidor does not have to be difficult; it’s actually quite simple.  All it takes is about 30 min and $50 in materials (possibly even less).   Humidors built from a cooler have many advantages, and will in many cases out perform any standard cigar humidor.

Read more: How to build a coolidor

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Poll

Where do you smoke in the winter?

In the garage - 27.6%
Inside the house - 8.7%
Local cigar lounge/shop - 14.8%
In the car - 3.1%
I bundle up and go outside with the snowman - 38.3%
I don't - 7.7%

Total votes: 196
The voting for this poll has ended on: 01 Feb 2013 - 00:00

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