Tips on Lighting a Cigar

Lighting a Cigar: First and foremost is your selection of a low sulfur match or butane lighter. It has been discussed, that a liquid fuel lighter is somewhat suspect, due to the odor that will enter the cigar, and, so is not suggested for use.

The best method to lighting a cigar is to hold the cigar and rotate it while holding the flame about one-half inch, just so the foot of the cigar begins to char.

Next you may begin a slow draw on the cigar while holding the flame to the foot, just slightly. Now you have ignited the cigar, and an ash begins. While enjoying the taste and aroma, an ash begins to build. It is not necessary to tap the ash off. It will fall into your ashtray if tapped gently.

If you are unable to finish the cigar, and allow it to self-extinguish, it can be re-lit, but by the same process as described. However, the taste may change due it being partially enjoyed, and resting for an extended period.

You may be better satisfied, if knowing there is a time constraint, to a smaller cigar, enjoy it fully, then when time allows, select your favorite length cigar.

By Al Remp, product specialist and trainer, Thompson Cigar.

Cigar, Cigars, Thompson Cigar, Cigar Advice

Reader Question - Boy/Girl Cigars, when did this tradition start?

Dear Al:

My son in law, Mark, & I wonder if you can answer a question for us . . . Where, how & when . . . the great *custom* of new father's handing out cigars came from??

Any info = would be of help . . . Thanks in advance . . .

Doug Miles, Malvern, Pennsylvania . . .

Dear Doug and Mark,

To give a date for the creation of the custom of giving a cigar to a new dad is dificult, but it has its roots within the celebration and the sharing of a cigar.

If history serves me - 46 years in the industry - Boy/Girl cigars were a stock item for all retailers and as consumer demands increased, most cigar makers printed the cello sleeve and were very successful. To this day, the boy/girl cigars remain a stock item.

I will search the archives of cigar memorbilia and write back if and when a date/time comes up.

This is a great question. Do any of our other readers have some input?

By Al Remp, product specialist and trainer, Thompson Cigar.


Cigar, Cigars, Thompson Cigar, Cigar Advice

Small cigars are becoming popular

Those of 4 x 26 or smaller ring gauge are becoming very popular, and manufacturers are creating many more. The basic reason they were considered, is simply to provide a complete taste. Utilizing tobacco fillers, binders, and wrappers of their brands, knowing that forty-five minutes to enjoy a full size cigar was not available, and a small cigar would satisfy, if only for ten to fifteen minutes.

What is now appearing on the market, are small cigars that fulfill that niche. They are well-made, great care given to appearance, a taste that is exceptional, and all manufacturers afford the same attention to the small cigar entry as they do their parent brands.

Some new entries are a little pricey, however they are literally perfect, and well worth the cost. If you have not tried this new/old category, and time constraints are a small problem, the selection available mimics the quality of large cigars on the market, choose one from the selection. Dominican Republic, Honduras, or Nicaragua all have taste scales for your preference.

By Al Remp, product specialist and trainer, Thompson Cigar.


Cigar, Cigars, Thompson Cigar, Cigar Advice

Cigar Cutters

Cutters: This category, of which there are a variety of instruments available, is very important and a personal choice for “opening” the head of your cigar. Most importantly, with any type of cutter is that it is sharp. A dull instrument will tear the delicate wrapper, rather than a clean cut.

Guillotine or Double Blade: is considered the most common cutter. They are usually self-sharpening, and guarantees a cut that when placed on the head of all ring sizes; will perform the task very well. A suggestion, only an eighth of an inch will be optimum of the opening.

Punch Cutters: This type will open the head of the cigar with a circular cut, and as a suggestion it must be self-cleaning, which most claim.

Scissors: This instrument performs an action similar to the guillotine, and this cutting, needs care to not tear the wrapper.

Since your cigar of preference is selected for smoking pleasure, it is suggested that your cutter be of very good quality, which will be sharp for years, and be an extension of your “collection” of cigars and humidor.

By Al Remp, product specialist and trainer, Thompson Cigar.


Cigar, Cigars, Thompson Cigar, Cigar Advice

Meet Jose Dominguez, Master Blender, Victor Sinclair Cigars

Don't Miss Out On This One Day Event!
Friday, June 9th. From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Come Meet Jose Dominguez, Master Blender at the Thompson Outlet Store

Waiting to Store - humidor and cigars as presents

A question from one of our readers:

Nicki writes:

Hello. I had just bought a humidor and some cigars for my husband for our
anniversary, which is on June 18th. I was wondering if the cigars I bought will be ok in the shipping box until the 18th, or is that something I should give him now so he can stet up the humidor and get the cigars in there asap?
Thanks

Answer from Al Remp:

First, the cigars will be fine and remain fresh until June 18 in the box.

Second, the gifts, if I were to receive them, should be packaged together. If you want to do this, the humidor needs to be prepared before the cigars are placed in it.

A) With distilled water, lightly rub the interior twice, so that the wood is cured.
B) Check the guages to read 70 70, then the cigars can be put in so they remain firm, not soft or hard.

Cigar, Cigars, Thompson Cigar, Cigar Advice