From brand identity, material, printing and counterfeit protection – the spectrum of cigar bands is impressive; their utilization purposes multifaceted.
Nestor Plasencia Sr. Can’t Be Beaten. Comeback King.
Losing all its property in a revolution is enough to take most companies out of an industry. Nestor Plasencia has suffered this loss in both Cuba and Nicaragua. He is now in control of tobacco growing on perhaps the largest scale in Central America.
One Day in the Life of Francisca del Rosario González Aguirre
After 44 years of working almost every job available at Joya de Nicaragua, Francisca del Rosario González Aguirre is still learning.
Job: Test Smoker at Partagás
Cuban manufacturers rely on test smokers, called catadores, to perform quality control. We spoke with Gerardo Álamo Gómez, usually responsible for machines and electronics at Partagás and one of twelve Partagás test smokers, and we were able to take part in a tasting session.
Beautiful, Slim and Sexy: The Panetela
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.
