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Cigar 101

Cigar Shapes and Sizes Reference Guide

Cigar size names originally specified the exact physical size and shape of cigars, but after a dozen decades of manufacturer individualizing, these original standards are long gone. Only Cuban manufacturers have stayed with these original standard shapes and sizes. The two main categories of cigars are parejos and figurados. Parejos are the traditional premium cigar [...]

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Cigar Wrapper Shades Reference Guide

Cigar wrappers are the outermost leaf on the cigar and is a single tobacco leaf that is wrapped around the filler and binder of a cigar. Cigar wrappers are usually the most expensive component of the cigar and a good cigar’s wrapper should be perfect: no wrinkles, spots, veins or tears should be evident. Along [...]

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Cigar Ring Gauge Size Guide

Cigars come in many different shapes and sizes. The diameter of a cigar is measured in increments of 64ths on an inch which is termed its “ring gauge.” Ring Size is the width of your cigar. You can get an idea of how thick your cigar is by taking the ring size and dividing it [...]

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How to Choose a Cigar

Since cigars have gained a resurgence in popularity, the market has been flooded. Older, more prominent family brands now share their shelf space with newer brands hoping to lure away smokers from some of the more established favorites. With so many choices it may seem daunting and yet it does not have to be. So, [...]

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How To Cut and Light a Cigar

CUTTING A CIGAR Once you have selected your cigar, you will need to cut the closed end. All Havanas have a double cap over the head end – this end goes in your mouth. If you attempt to smoke a cigar the other way around, you will find that half way through it will unravel [...]

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How To Season and Maintain Your Humidor

WHAT IS A HUMIDOR A humidor is a storage container designed to allow controlled air flow and equipped with a device that maintains the relative humidity (RH) at its optimal level. Cigars should be stored at room temperature (about 70 degrees) with a RH level of 68 to 72 percent. If you have a new [...]

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