As many New York Cigar smokers know, recent years have seen a huge shift of popularity towards cigars with big ring gauges. My Uzi Weighs a Ton – enough said. BestCigarPrices.com recently took some time on their blog to ask essentially “what accounts for the trend toward larger ring gauge cigars?” The company released a June 18th press release titled “Best Cigar Prices Explores the ‘Big Ring’ Trend in Cigars.”
The release actually just links to a post on the company blog, but I thought it was a pretty fascinating explanation. From the release came three basic reasons for the shift towards large ring gauges:
“Complex flavor: Cigars with a larger ring gauge tend to have a more complex and fuller flavor. This is due to the fact that there is more room to blend together different types of tobacco.
Cooler burn: Thicker cigars burn slower than thinner cigars causing the burn to feel cooler in the mouth. This is because there is more filler exposed to the air. For this reason, a cigar smoker with a heavy draw would benefit from smoking a cigar with a wider ring gauge.
Weight and feel: Some smokers prefer the heavier weight and feel of the larger cigars. Also, smoking a big fat cigar has often been interpreted as a symbol of power or status.”
Do you agree with their assessment? I found it a bit interesting that they didn’t point towards what seems to me at least to be the most obvious reason: fashion. Cigars are often thought of as hyper-masculine products, and what is more masculine – a large ring gauge cigar or a lancero? I find a bit more truth in that line of thinking than the reasoning above, but I could be wrong.
One thing I won’t budge on, however, is the closer of the post:
“One thing is for certain, you do get more bang for your buck with these behemoth cigars.”
I guess it really depends on how you define “bang”, but in my book, the amount or length of smoke really isn’t what it’s about. It is about flavor, and as David Alicea could explain to you, smaller ring gauge cigars actually offer a tremendous amount of flavor. And in the long run, I think they’ll be rediscovered, and that the big ring trend will prove to be fleeting.
Anyone that knows me, knows that I could (and do) talk at length about the amazing camaraderie and generosity of the cigar industry. I say it often, I’ve never met a jerk who was a cigar guy.
The first questions I am often asked by new or novice cigar enthusiasts in regards to humidors and cigar care are:
Will they stay fresh?
How long do cigars stay fresh/last?
What is the best way to keep cigars fresh?
I answer in a series of questions that will help me pick the right storage method for this particular person:
How often do you enjoy a cigar?
How many cigars do you anticipate storing at once?
Do you plan on storing boxes?
Do you plan on ordering cigars by mail?
A cigar humidor is a product that can be bought easily, but in order to get the best out of the cigars you plan to keep in it, you really should cater the humidor to the intended use. If a person is looking for a humidor for home and plans to enjoy a cigar about once per week, a small (25-75 cigar capacity) humidor will be perfect. That person won’t smoke frequently enough to need to keep a selection and supply on hand, so why by a humidor that is too large? Additionally, maintaining a humidor that is too large for your anticipated inventory is difficult and inconsistent.
Another person might be looking for a humidor for his/her office and likes to light up several times per week, and they share. I would recommend a medium sized humidor with a capacity between 100 and 200. This way, you could store 10 cigars in 20 different varieties if you like. More than enough room for someone who occasionally buys or is gifted boxes, and can handle adding a dozen sticks at a time or more.
If you do not currently own a humidor, that may be the best investment in your hobby. Humidors will last for decades if cared for. Small, quality desktop models with capacities starting at about 25 cigars could be had for as low as $50. Larger humidor capacities carry larger price tags. High end, premium humidors can cost $5K or more.
What to remember when buying a humidor: Choose function over style. Choose quality over size/capacity. A smaller humidor will be easier to maintain than a larger one. Most casual smokers will be served by a humidor with a capacity of 100 or less – Built-in hygrometers are rarely good. Do not get suckered in by a nice one. Choose the humidor for where it will be kept, match decor if possible
Why are they made of wood? All quality wood humidors are made using a specific type of wood. Spanish Cedar is universally recognized as the best wood to store, maintain and age cigars. Spanish Cedar’s natural properties have special significance to cigars; the wood retains a high amount of moisture, while releasing little to no aroma. Cigars absorb the aromas of their surroundings and can then impart that ingredient into the taste of the cigar.
How long will cigars last if kept in a maintained humidor? Indefinitely. On a recent trip to Camp Camacho in Jamastran, Honduras (Central America), I had the opportunity to speak (through an interpreter) with Sandra Ochoa, General Manager for Camacho Cigars and one of the most knowledgable women I have ever met in the industry. Sandra stated that through using the traditional (2+ centuries old) tobacco process, the majority of impurities are removed from the tobacco leaf. Impurities are what cause a tobacco leaf to become stale and lose it’s flavor/potency. Sandra stated that if a premium hand rolled cigar ever gets dry or becomes brittle, it can be revived to it’s former glory by keeping it in a humidor until it’s moisture & sponginess returns. Needless to say, it may take some time to revive a dry cigar, but it all starts with the right environment.
What is the ideal environment to store cigars? Almost generally, the 70/70 rule applies for storing and aging premium hand rolled tobacco. 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 70% relative humidity are ideal for tobacco. There is of course some preference to this rule, you can adjust the RH% up to 5% either way, same as the temperature, vor varying results.
Tobacco Aging? What are you talking about? Tobacco is a natural product that lives, breathes and ages. Cigars are loaded with natural sugars and oils that supply the cigar with flavor, strength, character and the foundation to improve with age. Freshly rolled cigars are not a delicacy, a 20yo cigar is. This is due to the marriage of ingredients that improve the taste and complexity of the smoke. An important item to understand about tobacco and tobacco care is that the leaf is naturally “hygroscopic” meaning it has the ability to readily draw in and release moisture from it’s environment. This traditionally has made cigars difficult to maintain.
OK, Big Ronnie, we get the broad strokes, but what do you rock? Big Ronnie’s “Babies”
Cigar Caddy – 5 Cigar (Portable) Cigar Caddy – 18 Cigar (Portable) Cigar Caddy – 40 Cigar (Portable)
Glass Top – 100 Cigar (Office) Boveda – 150 Cigar (Home)
Boveda – 150 Cigar (Home)I also have the 10 and 15 cigar sizes from Cigar Caddy somewhere, but I can’t find them. Ha.
My Portable Humidors I use my portable humidors whenever I travel, the 18ct fits nicely in my preferred carry-on bag, and the 5 stick I roll with on the daily. It fits nicely in my briefcase. The 40ct big boy is reserved for car trips when you want to bring enough to share.Typically, only the cigar obsessed will go the portable route, but once you have one, you’ll use it. You won’t feel bad about leaving the 5ct in your golf bag or glove compartment knowing that it’s humidified and your cigars inside are fine.
My Desktop Humidors I have had 3 desktop humidors since I began enjoying cigars. My first was a gift from a former business partner. I wound up over seasoning it, and it warped. Sad face. My 2 current humidors pictured below are a common glass-top humidor, and a premium desktop model made by Boveda.
Great, now I’ve a selected a humidor, but it’s dry. How do you season it and get it to the correct relative humidity (RH%)? There are at least a dozen reputable ways to keep humidors properly humidified. I have tried many over the years and despite the proliferation of propylene glycol beads, I still believe the best way to “manage” this process is with the products made by Boveda. They are small, liquid-filled packs that you simply place inside your humidor. Produced in different RH% levels of 65%, 69%, 72%, 75% and 84% (for seasoning). These packs will last at least 4-5 months in a properly seasoned humidor. They cost about $4/each and you will need between 2 and 5 for your humidor, based on capacity. You start with 1 pack for the humidor and add an additional pack for every 50 cigars your humidor holds. (i.e. 100 cigar humidor would use 3 packs). These packs are dry on the outside, and can be placed directly on your cigars, saving valuable real estate inside your humidor.
What is seasoning? The goal of your humidor isn’t only to keep your cigars fresh for smoking, but also to create an environment for aging, so you ensure that your investment in premium cigars gets even better with age. Again, there are many ways to season a humidor, but the method I prefer is also from Boveda. They make 85% RH seasoning packs specifically for preparing a humidor for cigars and humidification. The same metrics for humidification packs above apply here, except for seasoning, you need to leave the packs in your closed humidor for 2 weeks. Do not open it during this time. Once complete, load your favorite cigars and preferred RH humidification packs and you are all set.
Now I know how to buy a nice humidor, and which seasoning/humidification packs to pick, but what about cigars? That is completely up to you. The premium hand rolled cigar industry is filled with dozens of manufacturers who have wide ranges of cigars appealing to all taste palates. I would say, wander into your local cigar shop and ask anyone in there what they like. Most cigar lovers, especially ones in shops can’t wait to talk about cigars with anyone, especially women. You will be a rare commodity in a cigar shop, don’t let that stop you, guaranteed you will get personal attention.
Lame answer Ronnie, give me some recommendations! Fine fine fine, here are some of my favorite lines. I didn’t include any Cubans. Sizes are up to you.
Ashton Maduro
Camacho Liberty
Camacho Triple Maduro
Arturo Fuente Natural
Arturo Fuente Sun Grown
Padron 1926
Padron 1964
Nub Connecticut
Davidoff Colorado Claro
Drew Estate Kuba Deluxe
Drew Estate Acid Maduro
Nub Connecticut
Nub Habano
Room 101 San Andreas
OK, OK, OK, not bad (for a first article), but what’s next? In the next edition of Big Ronnie’s Cigar 101 we’ll be talking accessories! Cutters & lighters & cedar spills oh my! With BBQ season right around the corner, there will be many cigar-appropriate occasions.
I’ll be covering how to prepare and we’ll review some do’s and don’ts.
Please be sure to let me know if you have any specific questions. I’d be happy to help you pick something you or your man will like. Reach out at rparisella@gmail.com.
Earlier in March I had the pleasure of visiting Greenville, SC (the American South) for the first time in my life. I took a plane from LGA to Charlotte, then down to Spartanberg International in South Carolina for a three day stay. I knew I was in for a bit of culture shock, but I had no idea how beautiful the South actually is, how nice the weather and people are, or (and I enjoyed this), how prevalent advertisements for cigars are, even at the airport.
Needless to say, I arrived at my hotel room fully briefed on the local cigar shops in Greenville. I dropped off my bags, took a walk down Main St., and made my first of what would be four visits to The Cigar Boxx, located a block off of Main. Walking in the door, I was immediately greeted by Paolo, the shop owner. Paolo showed me his selection in the walk-in humidor and recommended the Casa Fernandez Miami Reserva (a great cigar, by the way). He also told me a bit about the shop itself, which has been open more than ten years now.
Casa Fernandez Miami Reserva - a fantastic smoke
Inside the humidor
The Cigar Boxx is a one-of-a-kind lounge, with a unique layout. The shop has a walk-in humidor, a wall racked with an impressive selection of wines, a large storefront lounge area with plenty of natural light, member humidor wall, and a dark and cozy den area that is decked out in southern style and complete with a large flat screen TV.
The wine selection
Member boxes
The den
But, back to the humidor. With a large, street facing window, the walk-in humidor is more than visually inviting. It sports an extensive selection of premium and boutique cigars, and of course at price points well below what we find in New York City. I picked up a King Havano Black Knight, a stick which easily sells for $18+ in the city, for just $10. Other stand-out cigars in the collection included Berger & Argenti Entubar, Casa Magna Colorado, SWAG, Alec Bradley, and more.
Paolo: Owner, Host, Aficionado
The real heart of Cigar Boxx, though, is Paolo (above). During my visits, I found Paolo to be incredibly knowledgeable about cigars and the industry. He was also incredibly hospitable, offering excellent cut and light service, making delicious coffee for customers, and introducing new customers to the true cigar experience.
In any case, it goes without saying that I highly recommend this shop to anyone. It has a great vibe, good selection of excellent cigars, and great management. And, it sounds like there are even more good things coming in the future. Paolo also mentioned that he is planning on opening a new location across the street, complete with food and full bar service. If the new location rivals the original Cigar Boxx, Greenville residents should consider themselves lucky.
Launched in August of 2009 Berger & Argenti as a collaboration between Don Kiki Berger of Cuban Crafters and Albert and Michael Argenti of Cuban Imports, Inc. The Entubar is their flag ship cigar and it is rolled in the traditional method of entubar, which it gets it name from. According to Berger & Argenti this cigar is “a tribute to the time-honored Cuban cigar making technique.” The process is carried out by “creating delicate ‘scrolls’ of rich, flavorful tobacco” and bunching them within the binder and wrapper. On this cigar there is a 1/4″ roll of tobacco extending from the foot. This is all of the Ligero tobacco used in this cigar. There is also a footband that warns against not toasting the foot enough before you light it. Now, on to the cigar.
Berger & Argenti Entubar Robusto
Size: 5″ x 50
Wrapper: Deflorado Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan and Dominican
Pre-Light: The Ecuadorian Connecticut Wrapper on this cigar is beautiful. It isn’t that oily and in fact has a slight dryness to the touch. When I smell the wrapper I didn’t pick up anything discernible. Obviously the most obvious feature while inspecting this cigar is the 1/4″ roll of tobacco that is protruding from the foot. When I smell the foot I pick up a little chocolate and not much else. The cigar seems well put together and it is just begging to be smoked.
Smoking Characteristics: After thoroughly toasting the foot at the advisory warning on the foot band instructed me to I took my first puffs two things came to mind: 1) The draw is impeccable and 2) the medium-bodied smoke that filled my mouth was very tasty.
Flavor: This cigar is like a three-act play, with definite distinctions and changes as the cigar progresses. The first “act” started out creamy and smooth with notes of roasted nuts and a little grassiness. About halfway through the cigar there was a distinct shift from the creamy and smooth to a little more spicy. The roasted nuts was still there but a cayenne pepper type spice began to appear. The smoke seemed to not be as creamy, instead it had a velvety quality to it that coated my palette. And finally with an inch and a half to go the Berger & Argenti Entubar became very full bodied and picked up the intensity another notch. The spiciness came to the forefront of the flavors and was very bold and in your face. This was a nice way for the cigar to finish. With only a little bit left to smoke you don’t have to put up with the bold spiciness for very long if you don’t want to.
Overall Impression: This is the second size of this cigar that I have tried and I have loved every second of both of them. You don’t come across a cigar very often that has extremely distinctive changes, but this one did. I am definitely going to be picking more of these up for my humidor very soon and I highly recommend them to anybody. They can be a little hard to find but if you can don’t waste any time in picking up at least one.
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