Why Cuban Cigars Are Prized Above All Others

Cuban cigars set the standard for all cigars worldwide. Their inimitable rich flavor and unexcelled craftsmanship makes them pricey, but stogie aficionados believe them to be worth every penny. In this article, we'll distinguish between the different types of Cuban cigars available and find out how the cheaper brands compare.

Each cigar brand has its own specialized blend of tobacco that makes it famous, but the reputation of Cuban cigars is beyond compare. Also known as Havanas, this type has a very strong flavor and aroma. The body and strength of Cuban cigars vary among the many brands and range from lighter colored to medium-bodied cigars to the high end popular brands for which Cuba is famous.

The mild Guantanamera brand is popular among inexperienced stogie smokers because of its light body and moderate price. Other mild favorites include the extremely popular Jose L. Piedra brand and. These flavorful, mild to medium cigars are machine bunched, hand finished and are very competitively priced.

The Montecristo No. 4 is the most popular cigar in the world and is the standard by which other Cuban cigars are judged. They have a unique spicy flavor and cost about $13 US each. It's more expensive cousin, the Montecristo 'A', is a very high end variety that sells for about $48 US. The Hoyo de Monterey line comes in a variety of sizes and has a very unique flavor. The most popular are the mild and nutty Churchill, The Corona, Le Hoyo des Dieux and Le Hoyo du Prince.

Partagas is another top brand available in a number of shapes and sizes. Most of the larger cigars are quite full-flavored and mimic the characteristics of Partagas coffee and chocolate. Romeo y Julieta's are one of the most famous and delicious Cuban cigars and feature many different shapes, sizes and blends. These cigars are handmade but are very inexpensive. Comparable in taste and price is the Rafael Gonzalez Panatela Extra. Another inexpensive but good choice is the Los Statos De Luxe Selectos. Individually wrapped in cedar, these cigars have their own unique blend of toast and light spice flavors. One retails for about $6.50 US.

Cuban cigars are costly, but they're expensive for a number of reasons. The Cuban cigar industry has flourished since the fifteenth century when Spaniards landed on the island. Growing locations, soil conditions, processing practices, regions and blending techniques all contribute to the flavor. Each brand has its own characteristics and trademark flavors that can be distinguished by experienced cigar smokers.

Growing techniques are strictly controlled and traditional methods that have been used for hundreds of years, like organic crop production and hand tilling the earth, are still used by growers today. Cheap knock offs of Cuban cigars are available but they fall significantly short of the real thing. Although these imitations are made from Cuban tobacco, they lack the quality and craftsmanship of the major brands.

Peek into the humidor of a discriminating aficionado and you're sure to find a Cuban cigar. Regardless of the brand, Havanas set the standards for flavor and craftsmanship for manufacturers worldwide. No other can compare to the tradition and craftsmanship that goes into every Havana. Despite the competitive market, Cuban cigars continue to be the top choice.

The Art Of Smoking Cigars

Smoking cigars is in vogue once again, and aficionados will tell you that there is nothing better than a well aged stogie. However, there are etiquettes to be followed when smoking one and in this article, we'll burn through the basics of smoking a cigar properly.

Once you've selected a well crafted, perhaps hand rolled cigar, the next step is to light it. The tip of it should be lit using a wooden match or a lighter. Try not to use candles, paper matches or lighters that use lighter fluid because the chemicals and odors can affect the taste of the tobacco. The best tool for lighting a cigar is a butane lighter. If you're using a match, wait until the sulfur burns off before lighting up. Start the lighting procedure by holding it at a 45 degree angle over the flame. Without allowing the flame to actually touch the end, gently roll the edges close to the flame until it is lit. While never letting the flame touch the cigar, slowly puff and rotate it around the flame. Take a look at the foot and make sure it is burning evenly.

Now it's time to slowly enjoy your cigar. Draw the smoke into your mouth and savor its flavor. Take long draws instead of short puffs. This will help ensure that the cigar burns evenly from end to end. Rolling it in your fingers as you smoke is another way to help ensure a smooth and even burn. Most premium handmade cigars will hold a very long ash before falling off. The ash on cheaper cigars tends to flake easily and fall off more frequently. It's always wise, as you see the ash starting to gain length, to gently tap it off.

Perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of smoking cigars is re-igniting one that has gone out. Cigars that aren't puffed on every few minutes tend to go out, so re-lighting is commonplace. However, try to avoid re-igniting a cigar that hasn't been smoked in more than two hours. When re-lighting, hold the flame in front of the foot and blow out to help expel any old gases or ash that may have become trapped and then follow standard lighting procedures. It's also important to put it out properly. To extinguish, just let it go out by itself in an ashtray. Stubbing one out produces an unpleasant stale odor that can linger in a room.

Whether you've invested big bucks into a deliciously spicy Cuban cigar or picked up a stogie at a newspaper stand, it is best enjoyed slowly. Take the time to taste the blend of the leaves and take deep breaths to appreciate the aroma. You deserve an occasional treat and smoking cigars truly is one of life's great pleasures.