All our advice on cigars (Page 2)

When you want to enjoy a cigar, an essential step is cutting the head of the cigar. If this cut is done poorly, it can ruin the entire tasting experience. Follow our tips to avoid common mistakes and fully enjoy your cigar. Which tool should you choose for cutting?The market offers many accessories dedicated to cutting cigars. Each tool has advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs and experience. Here is an overview of the available solutions. The double-blade guillotine One of the most popular tools is the double-blade guillotine. Simple to use and very effective, it ensures a clean and precise cut, ideal for preserving the integrity of your cigar. Single-blade cigar cutters Single-blade cigar cutters are another option. However, their use is more delicate. A single blade can crush the cigar head, which can damage the wrapper leaf and affect the draw quality. Note that these guillotines (single or double blade) are limited by the diameter of the cigar (called ring gauge). Cigar scissorsFor fans of large modules, cigar scissors are an excellent alternative. Their design allows for precise cutting even on cigars with a large diameter. However, be careful,... Learn more

How to Properly Light a Cigar for Optimal Tasting The way you light your cigar can significantly influence the quality of its burn and the initial notes of aroma it releases. Taking the time to light it is essential to fully enjoy each puff. An even burn allows you to make the most of the rich aromatic complexity of the brown tobacco. The Different Methods for Lighting a CigarThe choice of lighting method is crucial. There are several ways to proceed, each with its advantages and disadvantages. However, it is not recommended to use gasoline lighters or candles, as they can alter the taste of the cigar. Here are the most recommended options: Wooden matches: for a traditional lighting without any unwanted odor. Gas lighters: with a soft flame or torch, according to your preferences. Lighting your cigar with a gas lighter Gas lighters are very convenient and offer two types of flame: Soft flame: ideal for controlled lighting indoors. Torch lighter: perfect for outdoor use thanks to its wind-resistant flame. However, be careful not to "char" the foot of the cigar. To achieve even burning: Gently bring the flame to the foot of the cigar without touching it directly.... Learn more

The choice of a humidifier depends directly on the size of your cigar humidor and your specific needs. A good humidifier ensures optimal preservation of your cigars by maintaining a constant humidity level. Here are our recommendations for choosing well. Humidifiers for small cigar humidorsFor a humidor that can hold fewer than 30 cigars, a compact and efficient model is recommended. For example, the Credo Rondo Luxe gold humidifier is perfectly suited to this size. Humidifiers for large cigar humidors For humidors holding more than 50 cigars, it is necessary to use a larger and more efficient humidifier. Among the recommended models: Credo Epsilon chromeAdorini Luxe Silver Humidifier These models have a large capacity and practical features. The Credo Epsilon, for example, is equipped with a sliding grate allowing the humidity level to be easily regulated. Electronic humidifiers for more precisionTechnological advances now allow the use of electronic humidifiers, also called smart humidifiers. Among them, the most famous model is the CigarSpa, which offers precise and simplified electronic management. What type of material should be chosen for humidification? ... Learn more

Have you just acquired a new cigar humidor or one that has not been used for a long time? To ensure optimal storage of your cigars, it is essential to prepare your humidor by properly rehumidifying it. Here is a detailed guide to start your cigar humidor the right way. Why is it essential to properly start a cigar humidor?A poorly prepared cigar humidor can lead to inadequate storage, accelerating the deterioration of cigars. Cedar wood, used in most humidors, plays a crucial role in maintaining stable humidity. A well-started humidor protects your cigars from drying out or excessive humidity, thus preserving their aromas and quality. [[[Steps to easily prepare and start your cigar humidor1. Prepare the necessary materials A bottle of demineralized water (essential to avoid limescale deposits). A clean cloth or absorbent paper such as Sopalin. A humidifier suitable for your cigar humidor. 2. Rehumidify the inside of the humidor Slightly moisten the cloth or absorbent paper with demineralized water.Gently dab the six interior faces of the humidor until the cedar wood takes on a slightly pink hue. Caution: This method is not suitable for Elie Bleu humidors, which are ... Learn more

The Book Comprehensive presentation of the cigar. First, on its cultivation, which is part of the history of Central America and the Caribbean and still plays an essential economic role there. Then, understanding its production is a first step toward refined tasting. Finally, the book teaches how to recognize cigars and taste them as one does with wine by offering a simple and original method based on the five senses. In short, readers are provided with tools to help them develop their enjoyment of cigar tasting.The author Didier Houvenaghel is a young agricultural engineer, specialized in tropical crops during a third cycle at the University of Pinar del Rio in Cuba. He now runs his own manufacturing and distribution company for cigars, to Europe, Russia, and the United States of America. He knows perfectly well the plantations and productions of Cuba and Central America. He is a competent cigar specialist – from cultivation – of which he is a passionate and refined connoisseur – in the art. The Market The book is aimed at "fine palates" and the voluptuous. At all those for whom pleasure is not monolithic and standardized and who want to combine sensations in a bouquet of ... Learn more

What is Lasioderma? The Lasioderma serricorne, commonly called cigarette beetle or "tobacco worm," is a small insect about 2 to 3 mm long. Recognizable by its humped thorax and smooth elytra, this insect often goes unnoticed. The larvae of the lasioderma closely resemble those of the drugstore beetle, another pest insect. Their life cycle is fast, about 25 days at a temperature of 30 to 35°C, but they do not survive below 17°C.This insect is very mobile, capable of flying and infesting various products such as tobacco, cereals, dried fruits, or even spices. If you notice small perfectly round holes, similar to pinheads, on your cigars, this may be a sign of an infestation by the cigarette beetle. Infestation by the cigarette beetle in your cigar humidorThe cigarette beetle is a formidable enemy for cigar enthusiasts. Indeed, the insect devours the cigar from the inside, making the first signs of infection difficult to detect. If nothing is done, the infection can spread quickly throughout your humidor, reducing your precious cigars to dust. It is, without a doubt, one of the worst threats to a cigar collection. How to prevent and treat a cigarette beetle infestation Steps for ... Learn more

Lighting a Havana begins with an apparently barbaric practice that requires skill and refinement: decapitation. The way the head is cut — which is almost always closed — has consequences for what follows. A good cut depends on a good accessory: the cigar cutter is very important. How to cut your cigar perfectly? Three steps are necessary to achieve this, although it only takes a few seconds to stub a cigar: First, you need to find the mark (about 2 mm after the head) to know where to cut. The second step requires aligning the cut. For this, use a guillotine (with one or two blades). The two-blade version offers a cleaner cut, while keeping the cigar perfectly straight during the operation. If it moves, the cut could be slanted…Finally, the third step is the cutting itself. If the previous two steps are carried out meticulously, the cut should be a simple formality. It is not uncommon to miss a few cuts when starting out. The art of smoking a cigar is acquired much like any habit: with time! What to doThere are many ways to cut the head off a cigar: with your teeth (yes, some people still do it this way), with scissors, or with a guillotine, which remains the most ... Learn more

To enjoy a cigar under the best conditions, it is essential to understand the principles of storage. Proper management of humidity and temperature is indispensable to preserve its flavors and avoid inconveniences such as drying out or excessive moisture. In this article, discover all the methods to store your cigars according to your needs and become an expert on the subject. Why is humidity essential for storing a cigar?The management of humidity plays a crucial role in the preservation of cigars: Cigar too dry: risk of wrapper tearing, fast burning, harsh and sharp taste. Cigar too humid: slow burning, risk of mold, altered aromas. For optimal storage, maintain a relative humidity around 70% and a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Avoid exceeding 20°C to prevent the appearance of pests. Various methods to store your cigars There are several solutions depending on your frequency of consumption: If you are a regular smokerRegular cigar enthusiasts should opt for a cigar cabinet (or humidor). This system allows you to store a large number of cigars while maintaining the ideal preservation conditions. You will need the following accessories: A hygrometer to check the ... Learn more

5 essential tips for building the perfect cigar humidor Building a quality cigar humidor requires following a few fundamental rules. Whether you are a beginner or an enthusiast, these tips will help you avoid common mistakes and optimize the storage and enjoyment of your cigars. Discover our tips to become a true connoisseur! 1. Get your supplies from specialized tobacconistsFavor purchases from tobacconists equipped with humidified cabinets. These specialized shops guarantee optimal preservation of their cigars thanks to perfectly controlled humidity and temperature conditions. In addition, the tobacconist professionals can advise you on: Choosing cigars according to your tastes. The best practices to store them in your humidor. The optimal arrangement of cigars in your humidor. To learn more, discover our guide on cigar storage. 2. Buy your cigars in pairs When making a purchase, consider buying your cigars in pairs. Why? The second cigar confirms your sensations. It allows you to validate or not your initial appreciation, as perception can vary from one tasting to another. We also advise you to: Record your impressions in a dedicated notebook.Create a tasting ... Learn more