Hello smoke fans! Big Ronnie is back and today, we’re talking about herfs. What’s a herf? Good question. While performing my normal Google-research for this post, I was unable to find any real, legitimate sources online who actually acknowledge this term.
“A herf is a gathering of BOTL and SOTL to relax, unwind and smoke premium cigars. You won’t find any drug store cigars at a herf!
A herf can be as simple as two BOTL getting together for a smoke after work or it can be a full blowout with music, food, games, etc.
The main theme of any herf is relaxation and camaraderie, everything else is secondary – even the cigars.”=
BOTL = Brother of the leaf (Male cigar enthusiast)
SOTL = Sister of the leaf (Female cigar enthusiast)
I don’t LOVE that definition. Considering that I don’t see Merriam-Webster, or American Heritage adding it to their annual new words lists, I think I’ll attempt to rewrite it for our readers.
Herf: Noun
Definition by Big Ronnie
A herf is a gathering, party, occasion, get together, etc. where cigars are enjoyed. A herf can be mobile, and has no other rules.
I myself have herf’ed (past tense) on golf courses or backyard BBQ’s & birthday parties where a few guys steal away and enjoy a smoke. I’ve even been part of an impromptu herf at my crazy Cousin Al’s wedding.
Herfs (plural) are a good time because they involve cigars and cigar enthusiasts. Some herfing (adjective) happens without much planning, while other herfs are large, ritualistic annual events like Cigar Aficionado’sBig Smoke NYC, which was held on 11/29/12.
Whatever you choose to call a herf, make sure you fill it with friends, good times and premium hand rolled cigars. FineTobaccoNYC hosts herfs all the time – here are a few photos:
The Truth? You Should Insure Your High-Value Cigar Collection
You’ve probably heard the story about the lawyer who insured his cigar collection. According to the tale, he then filed a claim with his carrier because the cigars had all been destroyed by separate fires. A judge, upon hearing the case, ruled that fire was a covered peril in the policy and ordered the carrier to pay up. The kicker: When the lawyer accepted payment for the claim, he was promptly arrested for arson because he had “set the fires” himself when he smoked them.
Great story, right? Problem is, it’s a hoax.
So is there a connection between your cigar collection and your home insurance? The answer to that question is a resounding “yes.” In fact, there could be more than one.
First the bad news
One way your cigar collection might affect your home insurance policy is a definite negative. Unless you don’t actually smoke the cigars, you’ll lose access to a major home insurance discount available in some states. It’s called the nonsmokers discount, and it can save you up to 20% on your premium. It’s restricted to households in which no members smoke cigarettes or other tobacco products, and it’s in place because it lessens the chance of fire.
Now the good news
The good news is that your cigar collection is covered against fire, wind and other perils specified in your homeowners policy. The collection falls under your personal property coverage, which gives you help if the contents of your home are damaged by a covered peril. Coverage limits for your stuff generally are set as a percentage of the amount of dwelling coverage for your home. That’s the amount it would take to rebuild your home in case it is damaged by a covered event. Standard home insurance policies generally set personal property coverage limits at 50% to 70% of the amount of your dwelling coverage.
Make sure you have enough coverage
However, there can be a catch as your policy relates to your cigar collection. High-value items, including jewelry, furs and collectibles, are only insured up to a specified amount. If you just have a random selection of cigars you picked up at the corner shop, you’re probably in good shape. But if your collection includes a box of Gurkha’s original Black Dragon cigars, which sells for $115,000, or even a large number of Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas – at $32 a cigar – you could exceed the limit fairly quickly. The solution is to schedule an endorsement. That’s extra coverage for your high value items.
Regardless of whether you take the endorsement route or you’re comfortable with the limit as it is, you’ll need to list what’s in your collection on a home inventory. That’s a glorified listing, with receipts and photos when possible, of everything you have in the home. It will help you get your claim paid quicker. Keep several copies of the inventory, and make sure you have at least one offsite in case your home is damaged.
Make sure you have the right coverage
There is one other potential problem as well. Standard home insurance policies typically don’t cover damage from floods. You’ll need a separate policy for that. If you survived Superstorm Sandy, for example, but your cigar collection didn’t, you’d only received help for your smokes if you had flood insurance. Premiums vary according to the potential risk, but if you live in a lower risk area, you could pay less than $150 for coverage.
Is flood insurance right for your collection? Consider that it would also cover the rest of your home as well. If your collection means a lot to you, you might want to click here to find a licensed agent about how much protection you have for it and how much you need.
Smoking locations are on the decline in most western countries. Public smoking is now criminal in many U.S. states, and the FDA is now considering even more involvement in how and where smokers can get cigars. Don’t even get started with Canada, with its regulations and sometimes more importantly its freezing weather.
The popularity of private cigar smoking is increasing – more are willing to smoke in their apartments or homes (given the right ventilation), since they often cannot smoke in parks, beaches, and other public spaces. It has also led to a rise in social cigar events at home.
How can those without public places to smoke have better smoking experiences? A handful of Canadian readers here have asked what to do since smoking is near impossible to do indoors, and outdoors is cold. So here are a few suggestions for having good HERFs at home.
Invite the right people: nothing will kill a great night of conversation and fun like having a large group of strangers stuck at a table. If you do invite total strangers, be a good host and introduce others. Even worse is when a total ass shows up.
Use the right location: Sure, you can do a poker and cigar night in your backyard in the sub-zero Canadian tundra in the middle of the winter. Technically. But a space heater and big garage might be a better solution. If you’re smoking the summer, a back patio works great. In areas where there are no good places to smoke, compensate by throwing even better HERFs when the weather is right. Organize a month or more in advance, get some sponsors, and have a great time.
Set the right atmosphere: large fluorescent lights don’t set a relaxed mood. Loud, ear-piercing music doesn’t either. Whether you’re smoking indoors or out, there are plenty of things you can do to make people relaxed. Jazz and latin music are both generally excellent for smoking. Throw on some soft lighting, and if you are inside, be sure to account for ventilation – it is never fun to hate hanging out with friends because you can’t breath.
Bring extra cigars: every now and again, people will come and either forget cigars, or the game will go long past the single cigar they brought. If you are hosting, grab a few cheap sticks to keep the smoking going.
Those considerations are important for anyone wanting to host some cigar smokers for some relaxation. But what about the smokers in locations where social smoking isn’t allowed? Other readers have actually commented that they don’t have anywhere to smoke with others. That has meant they’ve had to get creative. Some have held hangouts on Google+, others through Social Cigar. And there are many other options, including anything from sharing photos on Instagram to playing party bingo online.
What do you do while hanging out and smoking with friends? If you have a unique suggestion or idea, drop it in the comments section below, or tweet us @finetobacconyc.
Since starting FineTobaccoNYC as a little blog about two and a half years ago, I’ve had the chance to meet some pretty influential people in the cigar industry. From cigar manufacturers, brand reps, lounge owners, and tobacco lobbyists, the list goes on. One thing I’ve found to be true in my meetings with various industry actors is that all of them have a story. Maybe they were former lawyers, like Rocky Patel. Perhaps they worked in law enforcement and decided to open their own shop. The stories are too numerous to count.
But count them we shall. First up is Patrick Vivalo of Rocky Patel cigars. I first encountered Patrick online, and was blown away by his personability and willingness to really delve into details. I wanted to know a little bit about what it is like to work with Rocky Patel, a company that is famous for its expensive parties, luxurious IPCPR booths, and numerous product lines. Below is that interview – enjoy!
~~~~~
Patrick Vivalo of Rocky Patel Cigars
FTNYC: Rocky Patel is now clearly one of the biggest names in the business. How did you end up at Rocky Patel, and what has made you stay?
Vivalo: I started with Rocky Patel when we were still known as “Indian Tabac Cigar Co.” back in 2002. I first met Rocky back in 2001 while I was working at a local cigar lounge. Whenever he was in town (which wasn’t that often), we would smoke a cigar or two together. While we got to know each other we established a friendship and mutual respect. What has made me stay is Rocky’s hard work, passion and dedication not only to make a great cigar but to create a great team of people who are equally as passionate and dedicated to not only the company but to the cigar industry as a whole.
FTNYC: Working in the cigar industry, you must get to experience some pretty unique things, especially working with the Patels. I’ve been at events with both Rocky and Nish, and those guys can party. What is the most memorable experience you’ve had at Rocky Patel since joining them?
Vivalo: My most memorable experience working with the company… there are so many! On the professional side, I would have to say it was back in 2003 at our annual trade show (back then it was known as the RTDA, now IPCPR) when we launched the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 & 1992. Retailers were used to the vibrant packaging of the ITC line & we went in the opposite direction with classic elegant packaging (of course the cigar was good too). That was a huge trade show for us as it was the beginning of the transition of the company. On the personal side, I would have to say December 19th, 2006. It was the day my sister passed away and Rocky made sure he was with me and my family the whole day. That meant a lot to me and I will never forget that.
FTNYC: The market for cigars is experiencing something of a resurgence now, with hundreds and even thousands of new brands popping up in the past decade or so. What makes Rocky Patel cigars stand out? If you had to distill Rocky Patel into one or two sentences, how would you describe its essence?
VivaloL: What makes Rocky Patel cigars stand out is the same as how have gotten to where we are today: passion, dedication and consistency. Rocky is known as the hardest working man in the industry. He built his brand by spending countless days, weeks, and months on the road doing in-store events and building his relationship with both retailers and consumers. Another big part to our success is our factory tours to Honduras. We take down hundreds of people every year (both retailers & consumers) to experience the art of cigar making first hand. With those two things, we have built a very local customer base.
FTNYC: We all know that the American cigar industry, particularly in large cities like New York, is under a lot of stress from local, state, and national regulations. What is one suggestion you would give to members of the cigar community who want to ensure their right, and the right of others, to enjoy a cigar?
Vivalo: To continue to ensure your rights as a cigar smoker and an American I suggest that you stay current on local and state issues by going to cigarrights.org. I think the CRA is vital to our industry as I am an ambassador and Rocky is a founding member. We are not only facing smoking bans and tax increases but the possibility of FDA regulation in the premium cigar industry. You as an American have the right and an opportunity to let your voice be heard by contacting your state and local congressman and representatives.
FTNYC: Any special up and coming cigars or projects that you’d like to clue our readers in on?
Vivalo: Those who were at the IPCPR saw some of the new, exciting lines we have introduced to the market. There were a few firsts for the Rocky Patel brand such as the Edge Habano (the first Edge made in Nicaragua but still with the Plasencia’s and is 100% Nicaraguan tobacco). Burn Naples, FL was inspired by Rocky’s cigar lounge in Naples, FL called Burn which is made up of 100% Honduran tobacco. We also made a cigar for Gary Sheffield called HR500 to commemorate his mile stone of being one of only 25 to accomplish the mile stone. We also came out with Private Cellar which a rich medium to full bodied cigar with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper (another first for a RP brand), Freedom and the Nording 50th Anniversary to commemorate Erik Nording’s 50th year in business.
What is your favorite Rocky Patel cigar? Who are some of your favorite up and coming brands in the U.S. today?
Vivalo: I think all of our cigars are great and there is a market for each and every one. There are so many that I enjoy, such as the new Freedom, Private Cellar, Edge Habano, Xen, Thunder,Decade, but I would have to say that the 15th Anniversary is my favorite. I prefer a medium to full bodied cigar and love Nicaraguan tobacco and the 15th has both. Flavor, balance & strength, if you haven’t tried a 15th and love a medium to full bodied cigar I suggest you go grab one after you are done reading the rest of this interview! I also enjoy quite a few other brands, I think it’s important to smoke other brands to stay in tune on to what is going on in the industry. Some of those are Padron, Tatuaje, Illusione, Liga Privada, 601, LFD & My Father to name a few.
FTNYC: Last question: your best smoke ever. Where was it, what were you smoking, who were you with?
Vivalo: The best cigar I have ever smoked (so many to choose from!), I would have to say the first Vintage 1992 I ever had. I would also have to say the first cigar I ever had. It was a Partagas Serie D 4 and it was on Christmas Day 1996, I was at my friends house and after dinner we went to watch the Bulls & Knicks in his smoking room. I, like many people who have never experienced a cigar, was hesitant due to what every non-smoker always preaches about how smoking is harmful. My friends father explained that he smokes cigars to relax and enjoy the overall experience. From that day I fell in love with cigars and eventually landed a job at a local cigar shop.
FTNYC: Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Any other thoughts you’d like to share?
Vivalo: I’d like to say that I feel fortunate to work in such a great industry as ours. It’s more like a brotherhood. There are a lot of great people (some of which I consider good friends). We work in an industry like no other, we do what we love and love what we do! I also just started writing Whiskey reviews for my good friend Thor at Cigar Press magazine. It is something else that I am very passionate about and when speaking with Thor we bounced some ideas around and he felt that he was missing that in his publication. Again, thank you and I am honored that you have given me this opportunity!
A photo is worth a thousands words. The photo below of a WWI vet is no different, though you might say it is worth a thousand cigars as well. The following is a post that dropped in the LA Times on November 7th, 2012. The article is basically a redux of an earlier article published all the way back in 1988.
You can find the full article here, and can read some highlights below. Props and thanks to Scott Harrison for writing it.
Sept. 13, 1988: Martin De Young, 100, says his greatest pleasure in life is smoking a cigar. De Young, a resident of the Veterans Home of California in Yountville, says he cut down to three a day, one after each meal.
Los Angeles Times columnist Charles Hillinger took the portrait of De Young, then wrote in a Nov. 25, 1988, column:
YOUNTVILLE, Calif. – The two World War I Army veterans sat side by side at the 40th annual Veterans of Foreign Wars Picnic and engaged in lively conversation.
“You got some age on me,” Martin De Young said to Homer Holmes, who turned 100 last February. De Young celebrated his 100th birthday in May.
“How come you live so long?” Holmes asked his younger friend.
“It’s the cigars,” De Young laughed, puffing away and revealing a toothless smile. “Cigars are the greatest pleasure of my life now. I smoke three White Owls a day, one after each meal.”
Asked if smoking isn’t dangerous to his health. De Young laughed and replied: “You must be kidding. I’ve been smoking cigars 85 years.”
Both men are residents of the Veterans Home of California, which houses 1,275 veterans of both world wars, the Korean conflict and Vietnam.
The people of Forks Township, Pennsylvania can rest easy now that Tariq Jahad Yusuf Jackson, 22, has been arrested for allegedly suiting up in a ski mask and gloves, arming himself with a sawed-off shotgun, and robbing the local “Chubby’s Convenience Store” of some cash and $8 in Black & Mild cigars. He then escaped via bicycle into the early morning darkness.
Sinister.
So how did this master-mind plan for his dramatic robbery? According to the article, Jackson visited the store six and a half hours before the robbery to buy some Black & Milds and ask the employee what time the store would open the next morning. You’ve gotta hand it to him for using his noggin’!
Remind you of anyone?
A few more facts from the story, first reported by Patch news:
“Jackson’s apparent getaway vehicle was a bicycle. Police used the bike’s tire tracks to point them in the direction of Jackson’s home.”
“His home at 2305 Jamie Court is .76 miles from Chubby’s, according to mapquest.com.”
“He stole several packs of Black & Mild cigars from a display shelf, “being very selective in only taking said listed brand of cigar.” The cigars are valued at about $8.”
So, after we put the facts together, what do we have? Other than a rather hilarious story, I honestly don’t know. But it’s glad to know that the spirit of Rocco from Boondock Saints is still alive and well.
Jackson is being held at Northampton County Prison on $100,000 bail.
What do you do when your cigar stops burning like this…
And starts burning like this…?
photo courtesy stogiesontherocks.com
Few things throw off the cigar smoking experience like a canoed burn. There are a few ways to correct this issue that don’t involve throwing your cigar into the backyard in a rage. Here are a few suggestions, one of which you may not be familiar with, but first, a few “do nots” of touching up your cigar.
Do nots of touching-up a cigar:
1. If you are using a flame to touch-up the cigar, be careful not to burn the wrapper of the cigar with the flame. So much of the flavor comes from the wrapper that burning it prematurely will release the flavors oils on the wrapper, and therefore the flavor. Don’t let it happen!
2. Don’t clip your cigar just because you’ve had a burn that gets uneven. It is totally unnecessary.
A few ways to touch up our cigar:
1. Traditional flame approach: hold the cigar close enough to the match where the overhanging part of the wrapper slowly smokes and turns to ash, but do not let the cigar touch the flame. This will ensure that the wrapper doesn’t light on fire and prematurely burn.
Depending on how uneven the burn is, it is possible that the cigar has actually drifted from being completely lit, so it may be important to actually relight the cigar.
2. Using the purge to straighten the burn: One of the lesser known ways of straightening the burn is simply by pushing air outward through the cigar 2 or 3 times, then pulling in. Pushing air through the cigar not only purges the cigar and improves flavor, but it also pushes the ember in the cigar forward and out, catching the pieces of the binder and wrapper that weren’t burning before.
A tip here though: don’t purge too hard or you risk pushing the ash off of the cigar, which could complicate the burn even more. Pushing too hard could also overheat the ember and crack the binder/wrapper.
3. Using a torch lighter: The same principle as with a match. Aim the torch at the uneven wrapper/binder elements, and without lighting the whole cigar on fire, gently burn even the burn.
4. Turning the uneven portion so that it faces downward: I’ve always found this trick to touching-up my cigar to be pretty non-effective, but you’ll find cigar smokers on forums all over the place that swear by it as a method. Just don’t hold on to this method for too long. If it doesn’t work, try a purge, then pull out your lighter.
Hello smoke fans. Big Ronnie is back! Last time, we were talking accessories and reviewed some of my favorite tools. We reviewed the different types of cutters and lighters, and focused on style.
Today’s topic, however, is not about the what, but the how. I’m talking about what to do, and what not to do. That’s right, we’re diving deep into our cigar culture and focusing on etiquette. Nothing is sexier than confidence. In the following genius, I’ve laid out how to act “as if” when it comes to cigars. Try to pay attention, as you are about to be armed with knowledge and confidence. Take notes, print the post, whatever – as long as it sticks.
Should I light my friend’s cigar? Do I have to smoke if everyone else is smoking? Should I bring cigars to parties?
Slow the hell down with the questions already, I’ll get there….a little more soap box first:
First and foremost, cigar culture is awesome. Most cigar enthusiasts are more than happy to tell you exactly what they enjoy and why. Cigar shop staff are friendly and helpful. Ask questions, show interest. Don’t be a wallflower. Embrace being embraced by the culture, and dive right in. Pick up a copy of Smoke Magazine or Cigar Aficionado, try to find what interests you, then ask about it in your local shop. Foundational knowledge about what you like will help you as you go, but be prepared to learn every time you enter a cigar shop. Embrace it.
When starting out in cigars, it’s easy to slip into the deep end and find yourself overwhelmed. The most difficult feeling to shake is that of inexperience. Confidence derives from experience, so if you are a newbie, accept it. Start slow, and take the time to form opinions about what you smoke.
It can be intimidating walking into a humidor for the first time. Step #1, pick something in your price range, then repeat.
Talk about what you like with any cigar shop employee or customer in a humidor. I promise they will be receptive and answer all of your questions.
My recommendations below are targeted towards novice smokers. For those intermediate or advanced smokers reading, keep going, you’ll probably learn something. I’ve broken down my recommendations into 6 categories: (Please let me know if I’ve missed anything. I take suggestions.)
Local Cigar Shop
Club
Outdoor Party
Golf
Hosting Friends
Women
LOCAL CIGAR SHOP Most humidors are a wonderland of variety, strength and flavor. Take your time, try things out. Remember, you are the customer and need to feel comfortable about your purchase, every time. Here are some general tips about what to do and not to do at your local shop:
Ask Questions – Cigar shop employees always want to talk about cigars, that why they work there.
Ask for suggestions – You will get more than you can handle. Everyone loves to talk about what they like. When discussing Cigars with shop employees, Big Ronnie takes notes, you should too.
Focus on strength first – Mild, Medium, Full. New enthusiasts should start with mild, work your way up. Try several different mild smokes before progressing. Have fun and try as many as possible.
Share when possible – Who doesn’t like to get a free igar? I sometimes buy 2-3 of my preferred cigar so that I can share them with friends when I smoke. It’s always more fun for a few guys to taste the same cigar, as you can immediately compare and contrast different viewpoints on taste.
Tip the employees – If a cigar shop employee is very helpful, ask what his favorite smoke in his humidor is, and buy him one. Now, you’ve got a friend whose brain you can pick anytime. I know, it’s genius. You’re welcome.
Know the rules of the shop you are going to – Do they serve alcohol or are they BYOB? What are their hours of operation? What are the nearby food options? Knowledge is power.
Say “Thank You” and shake hands – Be friendly, introduce yourself, stay a while. Being perceived as nice, friendly and enthusiastic will get you places in this industry, even if it is just a few more minutes with a knowledgeable shop employee.
CIGAR CLUB
Cigar clubs are havens of camaraderie, friendship and good times. They should be viewed as public squares for all who share our interest. Some clubs require membership to receive special benefits, like discounts or members-only events. Here are some general tips about what to do and not to do at your local Cigar club:
Buy from the club you are smoking in – Most Cigar clubs are also shops with full retail inventory. It’s OK to bring your own cigars to enjoy, but if a shop sells cigars, buy one from them. It’s a classy move, especially if the shop does not have a cutting fee.
What’s a cutting fee, Big Ronnie?: A cutting fee in a Cigar club or shop means that you will have to pay a small fee (Usually 5$-15$, one time, not per Cigar) if you’d like to smoke what you bought somewhere else.
Make friends – Frequent visits to a Cigar shop will expose you to other Cigar enthusiasts. Be friendly, sit and smoke with them. Ask questions, give opinions. Be a dude.
Dress appropriately – Clothes do not make the man, but they absolutely shape the way you are perceived. Best foot forward guys, you are diving into a culture of affluence and achievement, dress like it. Personally, I loathe wearing neckties, so I usually skip the tie in lieu of a jacket. Personally speaking, I would never consider going to my Cigar club, The Grand Havana Room in anything less than Business Casual attire. No jeans, no sneakers, no caps.
PARTY (OUTDOOR)
Nothing is better than a Summer party. Horseshoes, Lemonade and Cigars! While this should be a no-brainer to light up, there are some considerations. Here are some general tips about what to do and not to do when at an outdoor party:
Can you smoke? – If you are not the host, be respectful and ask. If you do this in advance, you have the opportunity to ask if there will be other smokers at the party. If there are, you have the opportunity to share.
How windy? – If it’s windy out, a soft flame lighter will not be best. Bring a torch. Most Cigar shops sell inexpensive torches for just this issue (<$10).
Where will you ash? – Think about this in advance and avoid making a mess. Be classy with your cigars whenever possible, and they should be accepted. Act like a jerk, and noone will want you to smoke around them. Don’t be afraid to bring your own ashtray – the effort will be respected.
Be an Ambassador – Offer cigars, engage people in conversation, ask what they like. A great way to learn is through conversation. Don’t be shy.
GOLF
I always prefer to golf with a Cigar. It is a natural fit. Golf and Cigars are natural bedfellows, don’t fight it – embrace the union and enjoy golf that much more. Here are some general tips about what to do and not to do when golfing:
Make sure your course allows smoking – I know this is stupid, but NYC courses no longer allow smoking. I have not heard of any other regions restricting golf course smoking, but who the hell knows. Play it safe and call the course in advance.
Cheat! – I use my cigar as a directional marker before I hit. I lay my Cigar about a foot from my ball, pointing in the direction I’d like to hit. It makes it a bit easier for me to aim, without lifting my head. Of course it won’t make you a better ball striker, but for me, I’ll take any advantage I can get.
Bring enough butane – I find my cigar goes out a little more frequently while I’m golfing, so I typically need relight my Cigar more often. Don’t get stuck without a way to light up. This is especially important if you are the Cigar guy in your foursome who brought the goodies. Also, try to have at least one cutter and torch in each cart in your group, as that’s much easier than running across the fairway for a light.
Tip your caddy – …With a Cigar. They will love it. If they don’t smoke, tell him to give it to someone he knows that does. It’s a golf course, there are plenty of Cigar smokers.
HOSTING FRIENDS
Cigars with friends can be a great time. Sharing your passion with others can be hit or miss, though. Whether it be in a backyard over drinks, on a long walk, or after dinner; Cigars provide the opportunity for conversation, laughter and bonding – just make sure all are willing. Here are some general tips about what to do and not to do when entertaining friends:
Who smokes? Who doesn’t? – Be aware of this, and always remember to cater to the people who do not smoke as much as those whom you are enjoying a cigar with. Non-enthusiasts will find themselves outside of the fun pretty quickly. Try not to alienate those who don’t enjoy Cigars. It’s not their fault, no one is perfect.
Never pressure someone to enjoy a cigar – Cigars and Cigar culture can be intimidating for some. Inevitably, when not forced, people loosen up at their own pace. A novice smoker may feel embarrassed cutting or lighting a Cigar in front of experienced smokers. Let them feel comfortable at their own pace. They will. No pressure.
Ashtrays! – You never have enough ashtrays when several people are lighting up. Prepare in advance and make sure that your guests are comfortable. Also, just having ashtrays is not enough. Empty them.
Big Ronnie’s tip: Men shouldn’t cut or light another man’s’ Cigar. It is acceptable to light a woman’s Cigar for her if she wishes.
WOMEN
Ah, women. Most things men do are either in pursuit of them, or to make them happy. Don’t fight it. I understand the social connotations that Cigars bring with them. Cigar smoking men are often mischaracterized as neanderthals, who can only grunt for what they want. Like most people, if women aren’t guided through a new experience, they can miss the positives, zero in on the negative(s), and make their mind up that it’s not for them. Big Ronnie is not perfect, but thankfully learns from his mistakes. Learn from Big Ronnie.
When it comes to women and cigars, I have been fortunate. I have always had accepting, encouraging women in my life who embraced my hobby/passion/lifestyle/obsession (call it what you will). If you aren’t as fortunate, or need to improve your courtship rituals, I’ve laid out some easy tips that have never gotten me in trouble. Simple things to remember that will help your women enjoy being around you while you enjoy a Cigar. Here are some general tips about what to do when smoking with the fairer sex:
Teach – If possible (and unless asked), try not to cut or light a woman’s cigar if it’s her first time. Simply assure her she can handle it if she’s nervous, and take her through the lighting process, slowly. When it comes to cigars and women, do not rush. Encourage her to ask questions, and make sure you answer them.
Teach More – If possible, try a sampling of cigars with her. Choose several small ring gauge sticks progressing from Mild to Full. Smoke only half of each while tasting, discussing the tasting notes you both have. Compare previous notes as you move on.
Wine – Cigars are a large topic, with many varieties and types. Relate them to wine, if possible, if she is a wine connoisseur. Especially if she is not a cigar smoker, she will understand the regional differences in climate and how they affect the grape – I mean tobacco leaf – is affected by them.
Learn Together – Ask questions you don’t know the answers to in front of her. No woman wants to think that they are either with a man who knows it all, or who can’t take advice. Maybe try some cigars that are new to you as well, so that you can review them together.
Relax – You don’t need to know everything. She will not expect you too. Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know, let’s find out”.
There you have it, Big Ronnie’s list of recommendations for maintaining and increasing your sexiness. The rest is up to you.
As always, please send me your feedback on this article or requests for the next one to rparisella@gmail.com. Thanks and have a great day all!
It took me three years as a New York City cigar smoker before I took the time to drop by Club Macanudo for a smoke and a drink. I had heard many good (and some bad) things about the cigar bar, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. My experience at Club Macanudo turned out to be exceptional (except for the “cons” listed below).
The decor of “Club Mac” is a sort of modern, luxurious take on a Native American style. Carved wood, paintings, and bright, warm light fill the large floor space of the lounge. Seating is plentiful, so if you’re dropping by for a smoke with a friend, or settling down for a cigar and dinner with a group of co-workers, this could be your spot.
The bar
Before I let the Macanudo website do some detailing on the decor of the lounge, let me just say that what I found to be most impressive with this lounge was the ventilation. That’s right, when FineTobaccoNYC sponsored a small event of maybe 10-15 at Club Macanudo on a crowded weeknight, there were many smokers in the room, but mysteriously the air remained clear. I couldn’t help but make a mental note that Club Macanudo is the place to go when you want to smoke a cigar in mixed company without worrying about someone coughing or leaving with their clothes smelling like they just escaped a forest fire.
“Club Macanudo is an elegant oasis nestled in the heart of New York’s Upper East Side. It has been highlighted by the Food Network, USA Today, and Time Out New York, among others.
Outfitted with rich mahogany furniture, buttery-soft leather chairs and comfortable sofas, Club Macanudo is the ideal place to conduct business, enjoy a romantic evening for two, or catch up during a stylishly casual night out with friends. Complete with a state-of-the-art ventilation system, Club Macanudo offers the perfect environment for smokers and non-smokers.
Club Macanudo consistently offers you a warm, welcoming atmosphere, an attentive staff and a connoisseur’s selection of food, drink and cigars.
Dress Code: Club Macanudo requires gentlemen to wear collared shirts. Tee shirts, athletic attire/sneakers, shorts and flip flops are strictly prohibited. The staff of Club Macanudo reserves the right to deny entrance to any patron who does not meet the requirements of our dress code.”
Club Macanudo Member Humidors
Now that we’ve looked at the shiny side of Club Macanudo, what are some of the cons?
Cigars are overpriced: bring your own cigar and pay the $10 cutting fee. You just can’t buy a cigar at Club Mac for under $20 (unless you’re itching for a cigarillo), and what you are getting for $20-$50 isn’t legendary. Imagine paying $25 for one CAO LX2.
The service isn’t always great: Some smokers complain of rude staff-members intent on scrutinizing dress and slow service – but this, of course, could simply be because Club Mac has high standards. If you are looking for a mom & pop style cigar shop service, this isn’t the place.
So there are cons. But don’t let those two cons stop you from visiting this gorgeous cigar lounge. It is certainly worth the effort to get to 63rd and Madison.
It is really hard to hate a cigar lounge. From the beginning of the experience (saying hello and picking out a cigar) to the final puff and the stroll back outside, the experience is meant to help us relax and enjoy the art and elegance of the leaf. That doesn’t mean that this thoughtfully designed experience is always a sanctuary from stress. Most veteran cigar smokers have seen the experience soiled by loud and idiotic patrons, rude shop owners, and a whole slew of other distractions. So, what exactly is it that pisses us off?
In order to come up with the list below, I took to our social networks, particularly our Facebook page, and asked our audience what their biggest lounge pet peeves are. I also dropped by Twitter and the Reddit cigar community (r/cigars) and was given some great insight.
If you are a new cigar smoker heading to a lounge or just hoping to get through the cigar bar experience without alienating your boss and his heavy-hitting friends, this might be a helpful list of things NOT to do next time you are out at a lounge.
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13 Ways to Make Everyone at a Cigar Lounge Hate You
1. Lick the wrapper of your cigar before having it cut.
This tradition of licking the wrapper before lighting is really a vestige of a forgotten past when cigars were not humidified properly by importers and shops. 99% of the cigars you see, touch, and smoke in a shop are humidified perfectly, so go easy on the slobber – it really won’t make you look like an aficionado.
2. Criticize or belittle someone’s cigar choice.
Don’t do it. It doesn’t matter if their cigar costs $2 or $25. If it isn’t your flavor profile, don’t ruin it for someone else (yes, complaining about a cigar will taint their perception of it even if it’s a great stick).
3. Tell everyone how that Cuban you had the other day was better than every other cigarever.
This is the other side of the cigar criticism coin. No one gives a damn if you smoked a Cuban. You don’t sound cool by repeating that you did. And yet every 5 minutes someone on this planet has the urge to affirm themselves by touting their Cuban cigar experience.
Want to know the likely truth? That Cuban you had in Puerto Rico on your business trip was probably a fake. It was probably made of some generic Dominican tobaccos and given a fake Cohiba wrapper.
And even if it was a real Cuban, this is typically how the conversation goes, and this is how dumb you will likely sound:
Cigar smoker 1: “Dude yeah I love cigars. I was smoking this cuban the other day it was so good.”
Cigar smoker 2: “Yeah? What was it?”
Cigar smoker 1: “A Cuban, it was so good, so much better than anything here.”
Cigar smoker 2: “I heard you. I asked which Cuban.”
Cigar smoker 1: “Uh a churchill I think. It was so good.”
Be prepared to receive an annoyed expression.
4. Interject into another conversation and quickly begin talking about yourself and your opinions.
This really is common sense, but it deserves repeating because of the way that cigars tend to bring out the egos of those who only smoke to stroke their ego: stop talking about yourself so much. Chances are, you are much less interesting than you think you are, and you might just find that those around you are interesting themselves.
5. Start a heated debate on politics and religion.
As much as you might love talking about the importance of metaphysical realism to the development of Western rights theory, or your most hated politicians, etc., there are just some topics that, unless you really know the person you are speaking to (one on one), you should avoid.
Cigars draw all sorts of individuals together, and that means people with wildly varying political and religious sensibilities. So before you go bashing Obama as a Muslim socialist or talking about how dumb you think conservatives are, take a moment to check yourself, and perhaps instead ask your friends if they have any special plans for the season or what their favorite spirit to pair is.
6. Blow smoke in someone’s face.
I’ll admit, I’ve done this a few times back when I first started smoking. But the truth is, it really isn’t funny. Enjoy your own cigar and let your fellow cigar smokers enjoy theirs.
7. Light up a cigarette.
How would you like it if I poured some kool-aid into that nice $40 bottle of wine you are drinking? Oh, you wouldn’t? Then please don’t pollute everyone’s smoking experience by blowing cigarette smoke everywhere, because it is the same thing. Aroma makes up 80% of the taste for many cigar smokers (myself included), and I can smell cigarette smoke immediately, even across the room.
It will ruin everyone’s smoking experience, and you will not be making any friends.
8. Puff another person’s cigar.
Don’t do it. As Aguilar7 on r/cigars put it, “It’s like asking to kiss someone’s spouse, to see what it’s like; get your own.”
9. Mooch cigars off of other cigar smokers.
When you’re sitting down, relaxing with a nice cigar, the last thing you want to hear is someone all-too-politely beating around the bush about how much they want to try the cigar that you just bought five of. Even if you know that there is a particularly generous cigar smoker that might bless you with a free stick, don’t be a cigar bum. Save your own money, buy your own cigars.
If you really want to, ask another BOTL if he’ll trade some cigars with you so it is a fair deal.
10. Give yourself generous amounts of other people’s liquor without supplying any.
Cigar smokers are some of the most consistently generous people you will ever meet. But don’t take advantage of that fact. If someone brings a bottle to share and offers you some, accept it graciously. But if you didn’t bring any to share, be polite and forgo pouring yourself more glasses of their hard-earned money.
11. Walk away with someone else’s cutter or lighter.
I can’t even count the amount of torch lighters and cutters I’ve lost because I let some forgetful person borrow them only to have my tools vanish. It’s normal to borrow cutters or a lighter – just be sure you don’t walk off and enter a deep conversation while your friend is forced to now borrow another cutter or lighter.
12. Stamp out your cigar when you’re finished with it.
Cigars are not cigarettes – don’t treat them the same. It is considered bad manners to smash a cigar against an ash tray when you are done smoking.
13. Get drunk and smoke too many cigars – throw up everywhere.
Yeah, this happens. No, your boss won’t be impressed. But your friends will laugh – at you. Not only that, you’ll smell like cigar smoke and puke. And that’s disgusting.
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Head spinning from so many rules? Well, don’t be discouraged. The common thread running through all of these rules is common sense, civility, and thoughtfulness. Don’t show off – just show up prepared to relax and enjoy the company of others.
If you live in the New York City area, don’t forget to sign up for invitations to exclusive FineTobaccoNYC cigar and whiskey events. To sign up, click here.
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