I am a Huuuge advocate for cigar lounges, also known as Brick and Morter shops. These shops are where the magic happens, where cigar lovers can meet with other lovers of the leaf and enjoy events and meet the faces behind the brands. These shops are the backbone of the community, they keep our cigar dreams alive. Basically, they are bad ass superhero's. Not all hero's wear capes, but they for damn sure smoke cigars.
A Cigar is made up of 100% tobacco. When a cigar is made, there is nothing else added to the cigar other than tobacco leaves, no fibrous fillers, tar or any other products. A cigar is made up of the different leaves of the tobacco plant and each leaf serves a different purpose inside the cigar. Let's discuss the main parts to a cigar. There are 3 main parts, a wrapper, a binder and a filler along with a cap.
As with most establishments, there is a certain etiquette and decorum that should be followed when you visit a cigar lounge. Here is a basic list of rules to follow:
One of the best methods I have found to choosing that first cigar that will kick start your journey, is figuring out your palate profile and using that to select the right cigar. Every person has their own unique preference of taste. For example, are you a sweets lover? Do you crave flavors more on the spicy side of life? This is important to understand because the cigars you are most likely to enjoy are directly related to your palate.
I want to be the first to congratulate and welcome you to the finest community of people you will ever have the pleasure of knowing: Cigar smokers! Cigars have a deep history, dating back thousands of years and it is no surprise it is still an ongoing tradition. A cigar is so much more than just a cigar, it is a conscious action you are taking in giving yourself undisturbed moments of your day, exclusively for you. In these moments of smoking your cigar, you can expect to have many sensations and feelings from the time you light the cigar to the time you take that last puff. I consider it living a life within a life. Those moments while smoking a cigar are separate from the rest of the minutes of your day, the minutes that are filled with duties, responsibilities and concerns. You will find what cigars mean to you along this new journey, and you can best believe there is a whole community of cigar smokers that will be walking that journey right beside you. Let the journey begin!
I am stoked to announce that I am now a territory manager for the badass cigar company, VALOR CIGARS!
Their candela wrapped banger made my top 20 list for last year and I've been hooked on the entire line of cigars ever since. You can currently find our cigars in select lounges in Texas, but our entire line of cigars will be available online and a B&M near you very soon so be on the lookout!
In the meantime, I'll rock your world with some pictures and reviews of each cigar, just to get you all wound up, because the hype is real!
If you're passionate about all things Seed to Smoke, Grain to Glass, and Mead, this is a must-read. They dive deep into the world of pairings, reviews, and so much more. Trust me, you'll want to savor every page. -Ash Red
Welcome to TabaccoGStix.com where everyone can feel like a cigar afficionado. Come and explore new cigars and stay on top of cigar news. Learn about pairings, Cigar etiquette and even find budget friendly cigars from top cigar companies like Drew Estate, Partagas, My Father's, Espinosa and so many more.
The Great Cigar & Pipe Smoke is about fine things that come from the time-honored traditions of smoking well-crafted tobacco. Come join us in our lively discussions as we explore all things tobacco, from pipes to cigars and even spirits (alcohol)!!!
Discords and Lives and Podcasts, oh my!
I have had the pleasure of gracing some great podcasts with my shenanigans recently, and they are so welcome! Ha! But in actuality, I was the honored one. There are so many great groups out there getting together and sharing a cigar and conversation, it a great way to meet fellow enthusiasts! Check these out, you'll thank me later.
Oliver Hartman
Interest in becoming a sponsor or having your kick ass product featured? Send me a message and we'll chat!
