In times when more and more Habanos are becoming shorter and thicker, Cigar Journal columnist James Suckling remains faithful to the elegant format. Panetelas seem to feel so right in his hand – moreover, they are packed with flavor due to the ratio of ligero to others in the blend.
Cool Storage for Cigars – Part 2
With more cigar lovers using wine coolers as humidors, we set out to explore the topic of cool storage in greater depth. As long as the cooled cigar storage area is hermetically sealed from the outside environment, stored cigars are in good shape.
Store Cigars in a Cool Place?
The instruction leaflets found in many cigar boxes contain the recommendation that cigars should be stored between 16 and 18°C. But what should you do as summer draws near?
It’s Hard to Top the History of Joya de Nicaragua
Dictator ownership, nationalization, worker control, brand success, market lows, trademark loss and official cigar supplier for the White House … It’s hard to top the history of the first and oldest commercial cigar producer in Nicaragua. This year the “Jewel of Nicaragua”, established by two Cuban exiles, is celebrating 45 years of social, political and managerial changes with an anniversary brand.
Regular is Extraordinary – Aged Classic vs. Limited Production Cigars
Cigar Aging. When offered the choice between an aged classic cigar or a limited production cigar Colin C. Ganley feels a moral call to choose the classic.
A. J. Fernandez – Discipline and Passion
In every profession there are exceptional talents. Among cigar makers, too, there are a few who do the term “genius” justice. One of them is Abdel J. Fernandez.
Meerapfel Tobacco Group: Excellent Wrappers from Cameroon
They are genuine enthusiasts and great adventurers. In the middle of the sub-Saharan jungle the brothers Meerapfel grow tobacco for premium wrappers.
Infiltrating a Male Bastion – Davidoff Ladies’ Masterclass
Delighted by their success in London, Davidoff is now planning Ladies’ Masterclasses in Paris, Vienna and Madrid. Exploring London’s Cigar Rooms, aficionadas are not only defying the smoking ban and the British weather, they are also infiltrating one of the last remaining male bastions and, armed with their new-found Masterclass know-how, they’re doing it with great confidence and style.
Doomed Heritage – The H. Upmann Factory
Rise and fall: the building, commonly known as “La Madama”, that once housed the manufacture of H. Upmann’s world-famous cigars was lost after the Hupmann family went bankrupt.
Keep Smiling, No Matter What!
Simon Chase is not sure about it – for one reason or another it has fallen to him to conduct the auction of humidors at the Gala Dinner on the last night of the Festival del Habano in Havana for 13 out of the last 14 years. If all goes well, by the time you read this article it will be 14 out of the last 15 years.
La Flor Dominicana holds the only Cigar Patent
Litto Gomez and his wife Ines Lorenzo Gomez made the bold move into the cigar business in 1994 – without any experience. Today La Flor Dominicana is one of the most highly regarded brands.
Ashes to Ashes
At first sight merely the waste after enjoyment, ash performs an important function and reveals a lot about the cigar. White or light grey ash for example is a sign for high potassium content in the soil and the ash’s structure reflects the quantity of tobacco used and the rolling technique.
