The Basics of Cigar Etiquette

Where to Smoke
It is important for one to know where to smoke and where not to smoke. Common sense tells us we have the right to smoke on our own property. That really is not the issue, though. The real issue is where in PUBLIC can we appropriately smoke and where should we avoid smoking?

It is reasonable to conclude that any restaurant, café, or bar you visit in this society is more than likely not going to welcome your cigar smoke. Cigar smoking has become unpopular along with cigarette smoking in this culture. None of us like to face this, but the reality is that smoking of ANY kind is on the strong disapproval list of the politically correct movement and faux bovine health and wellness extremism.

It serves none of us to lose our cool over such prejudices. We all have choices to make here in a dignified manner. We can either cooperate with the pressure not to smoke, or we can leave and go to a cigar lounge or some private place where we are still allowed to enjoy our own freedom.

Resentment and protest are bad form unbecoming of true cigar etiquette. Be the better person and speak with action rather than axe grinding words (like they do.)

Cigar etiquette tells us to always ask our friends—even close friends—if it is ok to smoke at their place. This is the wise and decent thing to do even at a party where things are getting a bit wild. Most people will not mind if you are smoking a cigar outside. Most people WILL mind if you light up inside their home.

When to Ash
Knowing when to ash is another important aspect of cigar etiquette. It is actually considered acceptable to let the ash build up at the foot of the cigar. This cools the smoke and helps increase the flavor. Letting the ash get too long, however, can result in a mess. The rule of thumb to follow here is simple:

The more expensive the item UNDER your ash, the more often you should keep the foot of your cigar near a cigar ashtray.

Keep the Band On the Cigar
There are those that say that it is bad cigar etiquette to leave a band on a cigar. Where do they get that idea? Showing people what you are smoking is a great way to invite them (silently) to start a conversation on brands.

This is much better, in fact, than impolitely offering what might be an unwelcome comment about a particular brand, or asking someone else what they think of your choices. That could sound needy and uninformed.

Let people see, let people comment, respond graciously and congenially. THAT is cigar etiquette at its most refined form.

However, if you prefer to remove the cigar band, do so after the cigar has heated up. This loosens the glue that holds the band to the wrapper. Otherwise, you may actually damage the wrapper. Some Cuban and Montecristo cigars, in fact, have bands that simply do not want to come off.

This is another good reason why it is actually good—not bad—cigar etiquette to keep the band on.

Cigar Fillers

Cigar Filler is the tobacco at the heart of the cigar. 98 percent of the cigar is made from this portion of tobacco, and most of its flavor comes from it as well.

What makes cigar fillers different from cigarette fillers?With cigars, you have a leaf wrapper wrapped around leaf fillings. With cigarettes, you have finely cut tobacco that has paper wrapped around it.

Are different kinds of fillers used in making cigars?Many cigars, especially the world-famous brands, use different kinds of tobacco for cigar filler and the cigar wrapper. High quality cigars are often called long filler cigars, meaning that they use long leaves throughout.

They also use a third kind of tobacco leaf called a binder that lies between the filler and the outer wrapper. This layer allows the makers to make wrappers out of more delicate and attractive leaves. Such cigars almost always blend different types of tobacco. Even Cuban cigars will use tobacco grown on different parts of the island to blend multiple flavors.

Lower-grade, machine-made cigars will often rely upon chopped tobacco leaves for filler. Long leaves or even a paper-like substance made from tobacco pulp is used for the wrapper that keeps the cigar together. This causes these cigars to burn differently, and they are therefore less sought out than hand-rolled cigars.

How are cigar fillers prepared?Cigar fillers and binders are removed from tobacco leaf bales and inspected. If necessary, they are aired on racks to get rid of excess moisture. They are then stored in wooden barrels until they are ready to be used.

How is the cigar filler rolled? In a hand-rolled cigar, the filler will be made of several different blends of long tobacco leaves. In machine made cigars, short filler is used, and it contains chemicals and other substances along with remnants of tobacco leaves.

The cigar filler creates about half of the overall flavor. The cigar wrapper leaf of tobacco creates the rest of the flavor. The binder itself has little or no flavor at all.

Where is cigar fillers grown?Filler tobaccos are grown throughout the world. In Cuba, cigar manufacturers only use filler that is grown in Cuba. Other cigar manufacturers will use filler that comes from several different countries.

There are tobacco fields throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. A great deal of cigar filler tobacco is also grown in Mexico. Of course, the most famous and beloved leaf comes from the Vuelto Abajo region of Cuba. Its volcanic soil produces a tobacco that is rich, smooth, spicy, and sweet.

Jamaican cigar fillers are known for being light in body and sweet in taste.

Dominican fillers feature a wide range of flavors because The Dominican Republic has so many different climates, altitudes, and soil types.

Honduran filler has something of a coffee tone to it. Nicaraguan cigar fillers are known for spicy and earthy tones.

Mexican filler is strong, sweet, and spicy. Much of it, in fact, is often blended with Jamaican and Dominican tobacco.

Cigar Wrappers

Cigar wrappers make cigars taste great and look fantastic.

What makes cigar wrappers different from cigarette wrappers?
Cigars are made of three different types of tobacco leaves. The variation of these leaves determine the characteristics of the cigar.

The outer leaves of the cigar are the cigar wrapper. They come from the broadest part of the plant. The wrapper adds much to the character and flavor of the cigar. It also defines the color of the cigar as a whole.

A cigarette is distinguished from a cigar by its smaller size, use of processed leaf, and paper wrapping, which is usually white, though other colors are available. Cigars are typically composed entirely of whole-leaf tobacco.

How are cigar wrappers made?
A cigar's outermost leaves, or wrapper, come from the widest part of the plant. The wrapper determines much of the cigar's character and flavor, and as such its color is often used to describe the cigar as a whole. Colors are designated as follows, from lightest to darkest.

How is the cigar wrapper prepared?
After tobacco leaves have aged, they are sorted out to be used as fillers or wrappers. Quality and appearance determine which leaves will become wrappers. Leaves are moistening and handled very carefully to ensure the integrity of every leaf.

Leaves are bailed, then inspected, then unbaled, then reinspected, then baled over again as they continue to mature. At the height of their maturity, leaves are then used to make cigars.

Where are cigar wrappers grown?
The tobacco that is used to make cigar wrappers is grown in the Latin American Countries of Brazil, Cuba, The Dominican Republic, and Honduras. In Asia, it is grown in Indonesia, Sumatra, and the Philippines.

Some of the more notable cigar wrappers are grown in the West African country of Cameroon, and some cigar tobacco is grown in the Eastern United States.

Why are so many cigar wrappers grown in these other countries?
It has a lot to do with soil content and climate. The best environment for tobacco to grow is in ground that is rich and loamy. The optimal climate conditions are those where it is moist and mild throughout the year. Such conditions not only contribute to the health and vitality of the plants, but they also contribute to how tobacco tastes.

In fact, if you take a seed from tobacco in say, Cameroon, and grow it in Brazil or Kentucky, the product you produce will taste differently than the Cameroon parent plants.

Because of this, you will always see on our site a strong emphasis on cigar wrapper and the country of origin. This is both to help the new cigar smoker learn more about their new passion, and to also give experienced smokers a very vital piece of information to the art and lifestyle of smoking cigars.

Cigar Tobacco

What makes cigar tobacco different from cigarette tobacco?
This is one of the first questions that former cigarette smokers new to the world cigars often ask us.

It is a legitimate questions as well that deserves a careful and intelligent response.

What makes cigar tobacco different from cigarette tobacco?
Because a cigar can be shaped very differently than a cigarette, and because it can measure up to 7 inches in length, it can contain between 5 and 17 grams of tobacco. This is enormous compared to the typical 1 gram of tobacco found in a cigarette.

What types of cigar tobacco are there?
There are many different types of tobacco, but only a single kind is used to make cigars. This is known as air-cured or dried burley tobacco.

Are you saying there is only one kind of tobacco used in cigar manufacturing?
No. Type means how it is prepared. Kind means blend or cultivars. Many different varieties of cigar tobacco are grown to create different blends for different brands.

How does cigar tobacco burn compared to cigarette tobacco?
Forget about having a quick smoke with most cigar brands. The very large ones can take 1 to 2 hours to smoke. The average cigarette is gone in less than 10 minutes.

How is cigar tobacco chosen?
The task of selecting the blends for each brand according to its own recipe starts well before the bales reached the factory.

How is cigar tobacco prepared?
It is never rushed, and it consists of a series of specific steps to ensure maximum quality flavor and draw.

1. The leaves are harvested.
2. Leaves are hung in special barns that are both shady and hot.
3. This lowers the sugar and water content in the leaves, but it does not allow the leaves to dry without rotting.
4. This takes 24-25 days to complete.
5. Cigar tobacco is then fermented by allowing it to die slowly under strict control of temperature and humidity
6. This process develops the aroma, burn, and flavor of cigar tobacco.
7. After the leaves have aged, they are then separated per intended use, which will be either as filler or wrapper.
8. Quality and appearance determines which leaves become fillers and which become wrappers.
9. Tobacco leaves are moistened during this process to make sure each leaf is used for its best purpose.
10. It is also continually baled and inspected until it reaches the desired maturity.
11. At this point, human cigar rollers use special knives to cut the wrappers and fillers.
12. They then roll the cigars by hand. A good roller can make hundreds of nearly identical cigars in a day.

After then being allowed to dry in wooden forms, cigars are cut at the uncapped ends to be all one length. They are now ready to be stored in humidors, which can keep them fresh for decades at temperatures around 70 degrees and 70 percent humidity.

Cigars

What are cigars?
By definition, a cigar is a tight roll of cured, fermented tobacco leaves that can be ignited and smoked. The intention of smoking a cigar is to draw the smoke into the mouth only (not the lungs) so the flavor of the tobacco can be tasted and savored.

How are they different from cigarettes?
A cigar is different from a cigarette. Cigarettes are made of finely cut tobacco rolled up in thin pieces of paper. Cigars are made entirely from tobacco leaves (wrapper) and filler.

Cigarette tobacco contains all types of additives and is intended to be inhaled into the lungs as a stimulant.

Smoking a cigar is more like being a wine taster. You are after the palate—not the effect.

Where is cigar tobacco grown?
The tobacco used to make cigars is grown primarily in Latin America in countries such as Brazil, Cuba, The Dominican Republic, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. It is also grown in other parts of the world as well in nations such as Sumatra, The Philippines, Indonesia, and Cameroon.

Some cigar tobacco is also grown in the Easter portion of the United States.

What makes a good cigar?
Aficionados agree that the tobacco and the method of construction make a great cigar great.

First and foremost, it has to be handmade.

Next, it has to have the right amount of filler. Fewer leaves in the filler means it will burn more quickly and it will smoke faster. This may or may not be good depending on the point of view of the smoker. If it is under filled, that means it probably has too many air pockets in the filler and simply burns too quickly.

On the other hand, if the filler is overfilled, then it will be much harder to draw smoke. This is why a balanced amount of filler really needs to be carefully placed in each and every roll. This will ensure that when the cigar is let, it will burn evenly at the anticipated rate.

If there is an uneven burn, then the rolling process was probably not done correctly.

What are some other qualities of fine cigars?
Believe it or not, another sign of quality is the ash. There is nothing more annoying than ash falling off at inconvenient and unpredictable times. Instead, you should be able to move the cigar about without ashing all over your clothes or the floor.

The texture of a fine cigar feels both springy and firm to the touch. It also feels smooth and has only one shade of leaves in the wrapper.

What does cigar tobacco taste like?
It should be smooth and flavorful. It should never be harsh or burn the mouth. The flavor of the cigar is determined by a number of factors, such as the aging and curing of tobacco, and what is done to ferment it. Fermenting tobacco improves the flavor and also preserves it.

Additional flavors can also be added to the tobacco, as you can see by simply scrolling through the many brands advertised here on Serious Cigars.

Ashton Cigars

Ashton Cigars are one of the world’s most respected premium brands. They are available in five different and distinct bends of cigar leafs and aging periods. Every Ashton cigar undergoes a rigorous set of quality control inspections at the Fuente factory. No other manufacturer has quality control standards as high or as thorough. The resulting lines of Ashton Cigars are consequently some of the most sought after in the world, and the Ashton brand is so famous now that many accessories, like cigar ashtrays that bear the Ashton brand, are rising in popularity as a result.

Ashton Maduro
The strength of the Ashton Maduro can be described as both full and sweet. It comes in a complex Connecticut wrapper. Both the binder and the filler are Dominican in origin.

A long and arduous process of fermentation is needed to create this dark, sweet cigar. Only the oiliest and silkiest Connecticut Shade grown wrappers are used to give the Maduro its distinctive taste. Some customers report tasting a hint of caramel and cedar in the even burn and excellent draw this cigar offers. Many smoke the Maduro with a cup of coffee because of the consistency of flavor that lasts all the way to the end.

Ashton Benchmade
The Benchmade line of Ashton Cigars is a medium strength line that comes in a Nicaraguan wrapper and is made with Nicaraguan filler. The Benchmade line is made in the Pepin factory in Nicaragua, and each cigar is made in the Cuban Sandwich style with medium filler.

These are great smokes for the price.

Ashton Cabinet Selection
The Cabinet Selection line of Ashton cigars is a medium, rich, and complex strength. Wrapped in a Connecticut wrapper, it comes in a Dominican binder and has a Dominican filler. Flavors of peppers and nuts and a touch of cream characterize this carefully-made cigar.

Ashton Classic
The broadest line by Ashton cigars is the Classic line. Both medium and spicy in strength, it comes in a Connecticut wrapper and has a Dominican filler. Niine sizes are available in this hand-rolled line that is renowned throughout the cigar world for its long-lasting, consistent tates. Described by some as having the perfect burn, it is the favorite of many aficionados around the world.

Heritage Puro Sol
This line of Ashton cigars arises out of the blend of two traditions of two legendary cigar families. The Fuentes and the Meerapfels. Its history is a very unique story in and of itself. The name “Puro Sol” means “Pure Sun” in Spanish. It refers to the fact that every bit of the cigar, from the wrapper to the binder to the filler itself—are made of 100% sun grown tobaccos.

This is the first time ever that a Cameroon wrapper has surrounded an Ashton blend. This marriage of Fuente Family blending and African Cameroon wrappers hand-selected by Richard Meerapfel, the Heritage Puro Sol is sure to go down in cigar history.

Arturo Fuente Cigars

Arturo Fuente cigars are among the world’s most coveted cigars. Every line is famous and highly sought after, including the Don Carlos, Opus X, Hemingway, and Grand Reserva lines. Arturo Fuente cigars are made by hand using only the very best vintage tobaccos. There is a private family reserve in the Dominican Republic set aside exclusively for the cultivation of this tobacco.

There are several lines from which you can choose if you want to experience a full range of flavors and impeccable blends.

Arturo Fuente Don Carlos
For medium blend strength in a Cameroon wrapper, try a Don Carlos cigar. With Dominican filler, this is Carlos Fuentes’s personal favorite. Known for its spicy smoke and flawless construction in a Colorado wrapper, it has been rated very highly for its excellent flavor and even burn.

The Don Carlos No. 2 has been rated very highly for its dark, oily wrapper, spicy taste, and earthy overtones with an excellent draw. Aficionados have praised it for having lots of smoke and a solid, medium body.

The Arturo Fuentes, Don Carlos No. 4 has been called a small cigar with a BIG flavor. It has been rated very highly for its aged leaf and its perfect roll. Our customers have also noted that it’s well worth paying a little extra money for because of the top quality taste and appearance of the Cameroon wrapper.

The Don Carlos Presidente has been called by some of our customers the best of all Arturo Fuentes cigars. It is known for being first class in every respect, including its even burn, its excellent construction, and its perfect draw with a medium body. It has a rich taste with a semi-sweet finish.

Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva
The Gran Reserva is the flagship line for Arturo Fuente. These cigars are all medium bodied and very smooth.

It is a medium strength cigar that is available in either a Cameroon or Connecticut wrapper. With a Dominican filler and binder, it offers reliable, consistent amounts of flavor and lots of smoke. The newest addition to this line is the Chateau Cuban Belicoso. It has a filler and binder from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Brazil, and it has a Cameroon wrapper. It is a great smoke for the daytime or for the evening.

Arturo Fuente Hemingway
Cigar smokers around the world love the Hemingway line of Arturo Fuente Cigars. People simply cannot go wrong with Hemingway’s. The strength of these cigars ranges from Medium to Spicy to Complex. The Colorado wrapper is oily smooth.

The Hemingway line of Arturo Fuente Cigars is a line that cigarette smokers can enjoy as an introduction to the world of cigars. It is pure relaxation, kicked back, distressed, and long, continuous draws of contentment.

Aficionados compliment the Hemingway line for its dark Cameroon wrapper that is firmly rolled and burns with a nice white ash. Many report that this has a unique blend of a mild leather and coffee taste and call it a good hour smoke. It is also a great Arturo Fuente cigar for first time smokers.

Alec Bradley Cigars

Alec Bradley Tempus Brand Cigars
To the Romans, TEMPUS meant TIME.
This name signifies to us the importance of TIME in the making a fine Alec Bradley Cigar. Nothing is rushed. Everything is done right. Time is crucial to everything in this process. It takes time for the tobacco to mature in the fields. It takes time for fermentation to reach its perfection. It takes time for aging, and time for the rich tobacco flavors to meld into one.

It has been our experience that in this industry, and in these lives that we live, that time is the one thing we always strive to master, and seem to desire to have more.

Alec Bradley Tempus was created to help us all make the most of what we seem to have the least of: TIME.

Alecy Bradley Tempus is made in Honduras. The company chooses only 20% of the cigar rollers to be used in the making of the Tempus brand. Select tobacco, that comes from a farm in the Trojes region of the country (located just north of the border of Nicaragua), is some of the finest tobacco that comes out of Jalapa, Nicaragua.

Every cigar is rolled in the traditional Cuban style. Filler tobacco is used for the tubing, and a triple cap finishes the wrapper. There are five Cuban sizes that are packed in boxes of 20 each. There is also a new unique shaped called Magistri.

Alec Bradley's Family Blend
The Bradley Family Blend Cigars are made just for the fathers of the company’s three principal owners, Alan Rubin (President), Ralph Montero (Vice President), and George Sosa (National Sales Director). It is available only in one size. Each cigar is rolled into a 50 x 5 ½ Robusto shape capped with a classic Cuban pigtail at the head. It is presented in a handsome chest of 50 cigars that bear the signatures of the owners. This blend produces a medium-bodied, creamy-smooth, and very full-flavored aroma.

Alec Bradley Maxx cigars are very large. Either ring or length, get set for a great smoking experience. These cigars are full bodied but also taste great.

Alec Bradley's Select Cabinet Reserve
The Cabinet Reserve is created from mid and upper priming tobaccos that are handpicked to create a rich and balanced SCR line. The Alec Bradley's Select Cabinet Reserve offers you smooth, bold flavors that come from the fertile farms of Honduras and Nicaragua. Its limited yield and dark caramel colored wrapper, adorns a skillful choice of premium leaves from the valleys of Central America, resulting in a perfect union of balance and flavor.

Al Capone Cigars

What type of cigar are they?
Al Capone cigars are actually cigarillos. They are named after the notorious Chicago gangster of the 1920s. They are said to be short on stature, but very long on flavor. Al Capone’s also give the smoker on the go the best bang for a buck. They are quick, inexpensive, and sweet to the taste. Serious Cigars offers both filtered and non-filtered versions.

What are they made from?Al Capone cigars are made from Nicaraguan and Brazilian short filler leaves. The filler comes from the Condega, Jalapa and Estelí regions of Nicaragua. The end result is a full bodied smoke with a slightly sweet but smooth flavor. These leaves are afterward wrapped in sweetened Bahia wrappers. The Bahia wrapper produces a very distinct aroma and lends the Capone a very special flavor.

Where are they made?
Al Capone cigars were originally made in Germany. Today’s brand is a 1996 extension of the German original. Today’s Al Capone’s are handmade in Estelí Nicaragua.

What flavors does Serious Cigars carry?
There are two basic flavors you can choose from: rum and Cognac. Rum and Cognac Al Capone’s have been dipped in the respective liquors indicative of their names. Both are available in filtered (slims) and non-filtered versions, and both can be purchased either as slims or as sweets. The non-filters offer an extra bit of flavor for those looking for a quick smoke on the go. Filtered equivalents are renowned for their mild taste.

What types of flavors do they offer?
The flavor of an Al Capone Cigar leaves little else to be desired. It is characterized by a medium-bodied flavor that is just right for a quick smoke. At the same time, there is always a slightly sweet taste to any Al Capone. The Sweets line adds an additional bit of flavor beyond this for those seeking pure pleasure in a quality cigarillo.

What is the cost of these cigarillos?
They are very affordable. Prices are less than 50 dollars for 10 packs of 10.

When is the best time of day to smoke them?
Because of their rather quick burn time and relatively short size, Al Capone cigars are best enjoyed on short breaks, travel from place to place, or at the end of a meeting before you return to the office. Think of them as daytime moments of pure enjoyment and rich flavor anytime you have just a little too much time on your hands, but only so much time to enjoy a cigar.

Adrian's Cigars

Adrian’s Cigars was founded an American student who attended University of Costa Rica in the late 1990s. While living in Costa Rica, he toured several tobacco plantations and fell in love with Costa Rican tobacco.

Several blends were later created, and he launched the company in 2008. Adrian’s cigars are all handmade in Costa Rica, and they are sold in the United States through a chain of retail stores in Central, Texas.

Adrian’s Costa Rican Puros are made from carefully selected tobacco that has been aged over 7 years. They are hand-rolled at just the right moment in order to capture the very best character and flavor. They have been specifically engineered with a compact ash that burns evenly, so relighting is never necessary.

The tobacco used to make Adrian’s cigars is grown in two different areas of Costa Rica. One of these areas is the Mountains of Pursical. The other is in the Southern Zone of the country known as Perez Zeledon.

These cigars have a great taste to them. One of the more noticeable qualities you will see in them if you look at them closely is a minimal number of veins in the wrappers compared to those of other hand-rolled cigars. This makes for a much stronger aroma and helps to form smooth, even burn lines.

The wrappers are not grown in Nicaragua, however. They are grown in the shade fields of Ecuador, which is an ideal part of the world for growing the very best wrapper leaves. Ecuadorian tobacco leaves are known both for their elasticity and special aroma.

There are a number of specialized blends that Adrian’s Cigars makes. There are several blends we would like you to take a good look at. Each one should be smoked by the serious cigar aficionado looking to expand his or her smoking experience.

The Connecticut shade wrapper makes for a cool, slow, and very easy draw with crisp ashes. It has a mild to medium flavor. It is a great cigar for afternoon or a smoke before dinner. Very aromatic as well, it is also a good way to unwind into evening time.

The Havana 2000 (Criollo) Wrapper tastes somewhat sweet when first lit. It has a medium to full-bodied flavor. The interesting thing about this Adrian’s cigar is that it gets stronger as it burns without becoming too strong.

The Maduro Wrapper has been called our sexy, dark and robust blend. It features the strongest blend in both flavor and strength. This is a favored after dinner or late night cigar. With an extra ligero that has been aged to five years for an added punch, the rich flavor and taste may become your personal favorite very quickly.

Every Adrian’s cigar is visually inspected, measured, and weighed for quality assurance. No cigar ships if it does not meet the strict QA requirements of Adrian’s Cigars.

ACID Cigars

ACID cigars are made in Nicaragua. They are made by hand by Drew Estate, who insists on using natural materials only. Every cigar has its own unique flavor and distinct aroma. ACID cigars are made to please the sense, palate, and spirit of any occasion. They are loved the world over for those who seek that curious blend of relaxation and the refinement of the truly Good Life.

ACID BLUE
This is the most extensive and popular ACID line that includes Kuba Kuba, Blondie, 1440cc, Kong, and Wafe. ACID Blues are known for their rich, mellow flavors and captivating aromas. The unique flavor they are renowned for comes from a combination of mild cigar tobaccos that is deliciously infused with all-natural herbs, essential oils, and floral botanicals.

ACID Blondie
The Acid Blondie is a powerhouse for its size. It starts with a sweet beginning, and it burns to a knockout finish. These 4 inches of Connecticutt shade provide 30-45 minutes of smoke. This is a great acid cigar to convert cigarette smokers to cigar smokers.

ACID Kuba Kuba
This acid cigar is not too strong or too light. It is a Chubby 54 gauge robusto that is highly popular in the United States and is a sell out in many other countries.

ACID Red
This potent concoction of ripe black tobaccos has been called the most intense acid cigar smoking experience. Its unbridled infusion recipes are designed to push the senses past their normal limits. It is definitely NOT a cigar for the timid.

ACID Gold
This distinct blend of fine cigar tobaccos is touched by secret herbal infusions to give the Epicurean in you a true taste of the fine life—and a great ACID cigar.

ACID ONE
This is a truly rich cigar made from tobaccos cured in a slurry of five fine red wines that are made in Chile, Italy, France, California, and Nicaragua. Wrapped in Cameroon leaf cured for over 90 days, it is sold only through retailers like Serious Cigars who buy the entire ACID product line. Some say it is perfect to smoke after a big juicy, delicious steak or while driving a fancy car.

ACID FIVE
This extremely limited edition of the original ACID cigar blend is handcrafted in Estelí, Nicaragua, it is aged to a full five years. It was first released in 2000 on ACID’s fifth anniversary. Only a handful of these are released to the public each year.

ACID Krush Classic
These are petite, handmade cigars available in blue, gold, purple, and red. They are great for the smoker on the go.

ACID Liquid
The very rich taste of the ACID Liquid brand gives you a mild to medium-bodied smoke with hints of cashew nut flavor. The Connecticut Shade wrapped Robusto lends a very rich taste to this exceptional smoke.

Agio Cigars

Agio Cigars is one of the largest cigar exporters in all of Western Europe. Their history reaches back into the 19th century. Many people do not know that the very first cigar factory was built in the Netherlands in 1826. The cigar industry very quickly spread over Europe, but remained prominent in the Dutch province of Brabant.

There are many product lines of Agio cigars. They are made from some of the best tobacco from Indonesia, Brazil, and Cuba. These are very short cigars that burn relatively quickly. Quite possibly, the most popular brand of is the Mehari, which is smoked in over 100 countries around the world.

Some Mehari brands go best with fine wine or stouter liqueurs. If you like vodka, try the original Mehari Java, famous throughout the world since 1976. Java tobacco is often used to wrap Dutch cigars. It is unique because it is not grown on plantations. It is grown on small tracts of land owned by independent Indonesian farmers. This is also a good flavor for those who prefer not to drink alcohol, being an ideal compliment to cold espresso or Chinese tea.

Others Agio Cigars, such as the Mehari’s Equador are better with beer or light wines. Its light-colored wrapper offers a very distinctive, yet also very mild flavor. It is grown under cheesecloth to prevent exposure to direct sunlight.

Still others prefer a more exotic flavor with a strong aroma. Mehari’s Brazil, for instance, is an exotic Agio Cigar whose plants are grown in the open air and the high sun. To give it its unique, exotic flavor, the tobacco is fermented for 3 to 8 months to give it a more aromatic taste and dark color. Smoke this with your favorite brandy, cherry liqueur, or firm red wine.

In recent years, aromatic Agio Cigars have become a very popular trend. People who are new to cigar smoking tend to favor them because they like the smell. Both nonfilter and filter versions exist—the latter being something unique in the cigar world.

These cigars also are a good flavor to mix with teas and sweet liqueurs, or with any vodka drink. The Sweet Orient line is made with a Java wrapper that makes it fragrant and delicious. It has a noticeable, yet mild flavor for the beginning smoker who has just started down the road toward being an aficionado.

If you want a more robust flavor, then mini Mehari’s Mocca combines the flavor or Arabica and Robusto coffee. The harmonious balance between the two ingredients gives this Agio Cigar a very distinct taste that is the favorite of many coffee and Ameretto drinkers.

If you love the Caribbean dreams brought on by rum and tequila, you might want to get a box of Mini Mehari’s Dominicans. These are specially cultivated from Dominican Olor tobacco that has been carefully selected for its rich, aromatic blend.

601 Cigars

The 601 line of cigars by United Brands is characterized by some of the finest tobaccos in the world and is a favorite of cigar aficionados around the globe. A few of the more favored brands are featured in today’s blog. More brands can be purchased through Serious Cigars through our online store.

601 Red
The 601 Red features an exquisite blend of aged Nicaraguan tobaccos wrapped in a "beautifully oily Nicaraguan Habano Natural." It has a superb aroma and flavor that lasts until the very end. This 601 Cigar is not for the faint of heart. It is for experienced smokers only, and it has been highly rated by both Cigar Aficionado and Cigar Insider.

601 Blue
This 601 cigar series is slightly box pressed to create the perfect smoke. It is characterized by a full-bodied flavor that has been perfectly blended for superb taste, flavor and aroma. If you prefer flavor over strength, you will love this brand. Flavors range from medium to full in a Nicaragua filler and binder.

601 Green
This is the latest edition in the 601 cigar series. With tobaccos wrapped in a "exquisite oily Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro," this full-bodied 601 cigar is by far the fullest and strongest of the series. It has been perfectly blended for superb taste, flavor and aroma while maintaining strength.

601 Black
Wrapped in a rich and oily Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, the rich Nicaraguan fillers and binders make this 601 cigar far richer and fuller bodied than any Connecticut wrapper cigar you have ever smoked
Flavor ranges from medium to full bodied, depending on the vitola.

The CUBAO
Manufactured in Estelí, Nicaragua, it is made exclusively for United Tobacco by Pepin Garcia
This latest addition to line of premium cigars comes in an Ecuador Oscuro Sumatra wrapper.

Mi Barrio
This limited edition 601 cigar is seasonally released only four times a year. Featuring a Nicaragua Habano Wrapper, it comes in wooden boxes of 20 decorated with artwork that pays tribute to Pepin Garcia and Orestes Espinosa, Sr., who was Erik Espinosa’s father and a lifelong cigar aficionado.

EO
EO 601 cigars are handmade in Nicaragua. This is an excellent choice if you are looking for everyday long filler at an affordable price. The mild blend of Nicaraguan, Honduran, and Panamanian tobaccos
The mild taste comes from a blend of Nicaraguan, Honduran and Panamanian tobaccos in an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. The EO is sold in bundles of 21.

Panama Red, blend #5
This magnificent 601 cigar is handmade in Estelí, Nicaragua and is made only from the finest tobaccos that are grown in the region. This blend of many fine Nicaraguan tobaccos, with just the right amount of Panamanian Ligero, is topped off with Nicaraguan Habano wrapper. This sandwich is cigar made with finest medium filler tobaccos available and is sold in self-standing POS boxes of 25 cigars. Flavors range from medium to full.

Cigar Humidors

What is a cigar humidor?
It is a box or a room that maintains constant humidity and is used to store cigars, cigarettes, and pipe tobacco.

What is a humidor made from?
Cigar humidors are made from three types of wood.

1. Spanish cedar
2. American red cedar
3. Honduran Mahogany

Spanish cedar does not come from Spain. It comes from the Rain Forests of Brazil and Central America. As a rain forest species it has a number of remarkable qualities. It holds humidity more than other types of wood and has a scent that repels beetles—including tobacco beetles. It also does not warp like other types of wood do. Because it is a species of cedar, it has that same wonderful smell that other cedar species have which imparts an additional hint of aroma to cigars.

How is a humidor designed?
Some humidors are made from a case that is made out of solid wood. The interior is lined by with Spanish cedar. Some humidors are made entirely of Spanish cedar and require not interior lining. Other humidors are based on what is called an MDF (medium density fiberboard) design. The exterior is a veneer made from a species of hardwood, such as cherry, and the interior is lined with a veneer of Spanish cedar.

How does a cigar humidor work?
Within the humidor there is a humidification system consisting of 1:1 ratio of distilled water and Propylene Glycol. The PG keeps the relative humidity balanced. All cigar humidors use a hygrometer to keep track of humidity levels. The hygrometer measures RH to make certain the interior of the cigar humidor maintains the correct humidity level. Correct calibration of the hygrometer is a must to ensure proper operation of the humidification system.

What benefit does a humidor offer?
A cigar humidor is necessary to keep the flavor and burn rate of the cigar at an optimal level. When a cigar is too dry, it is fragile and burns too fast. When it is too damp, it burns unevenly and has a heavy, acidic taste. In order to burn at just the right rate, and in order for it to taste as intended, the cigar must absorb humidity at 14% of its own rate. To achieve this rate of absorption, the interior of the humidor must have a relative humidity of 68%-74%.

What types of cigar humidors are there?
There are four different types of humidors, listed as follows:
1. Table humidor- This type of humidor is common in cigar stores and remains in one place. It can hold up to a few thousand cigars
2. Travel humidor- This is the smallest type of humidor. It is portable and can hold 10-40 cigars
3. Personal humidor- This type is slightly larger than the travel size, holds 30-100 cigars, and is kept in the home or in the office.
4. Room humidor- This is an entire room that has been converted into a humidor and is found in larger cigar stores and cigar smoking bars.

Fifty One E Cigarette E Cigarette

Electronic cigarettes were invented in China in 2004. As with anything good, the American media has been all over them ever since claiming that they do not help people quit smoking and that they might be hazardous to human help. After all, what are reporters going to put on the early morning show if it isn’t something negative about something positive?

Here are some facts to consider before you go believing people with nothing better to do than criticize innovation and genius.

Fact Number One: The only thing that is going to make you quit smoking is YOU.
Fact Number Two: Nothing you inhale other than OXYGEN is ever 100 PERCENT healthy for you.
Fact Number Three: Most of the hassles we smokers face come from non-smokers who complain. Electronic cigarettes give them less to complain about (unless they are journalists).
Fact Number Four: As far as we know, physical life has a 100 percent mortality rate, anyway, period.

Now that we have put the critics in their proper place (that of being ignored), we can get on with discussing the revolutionary technology of electronic cigarettes. They look and taste just like real cigarettes, because they contain nicotine. However, they do not burn tobacco and create tar in the lungs. It uses a battery and an LED light instead. A disposable cartridge holds dissolved nicotine that is dissolved in a chemical called propylene glycol. Taking a puff off an e-cigarette releases a pressure sensor that vaporizes the nicotine chemical compound.

Cartridges vary in strength, with the strongest model containing the same amount of nicotine as a full-strength cigarette. It lasts much longer though. The typical cigarette will last only for about 15 puffs, whereas an electronic cigarette will last for up to 300 puffs. The intention here is to get people used to puffing on these cartridges rather than smoking real cigarettes. Over time, they can phase the strength down to a model that contains no nicotine whatsoever, but only tobacco flavor or some other flavor they enjoy.

Serious Cigars supports the idea of an alternative to cigarette addiction. It is not that we are joining the anti-smoking lobby by any means. Rather, we want to give smokers more options when it comes to going out in public and enjoying themselves. Cigarette smoking has now been banned on many outdoor patios and many bars in cities like Los Angeles, Austin, and Houston. Electronic cigarettes, because they are smokeless, do not produce the second hand smoke that provokes others sitting around you to start coughing uncontrollably to make you feel guilty for enjoying yourself.


Our product line features the Fifty-one electronic cigarette that comes with a rechargeable battery and a disposable cartridge. It also has a nicotine pad and atomizing mechanism. After the disposable cartridge has worn out, you can replace it. The atomizer never needs replacing. You will not experience nicotine build-up, clogging, or tar residue. While the vapor that is produced by the E-cigarette is visible to the naked eye, it is not categorized as smoke and therefore cannot be persecuted under anti-smoking pogroms.

Cigar Lighters

Cigar Lighters of all kind can be found in our online store. Choose from small, Zippo lighters to blazing table top lighters. Torch Flame and circular flame lighters offer a windproof light; while elegant designs and craftsmanship make a statement of class and sophistication anytime you light your cigar.

Our cigar lighters are made by leading cigar makers from all around the world and carry the logos of your favorite brands. A few of our brands include, but are not limited to, the following:

Atoll
Atoll intends to make the best hand –made cigar lighters in the world. Fine Italian leathers and rare exotic hardwoods make these lighters truly superb in performance and elegant in form.


Blazer Zplus
If you have an old Zippo, do not throw it away. The Blazer Zplus fits right where the old insert was and turns your throwaway into a brand new cigar lighter.

Dupont
X·tend Dupont cigar lighters are some of the most sought after cigar lighters. They burn with a laser flame that comes out of the top.

Lotus
Lotus lighters feature a sportive European design and state of the art manufacturing.

Porsche
The Porsche cigar lighter shows us that form truly follows function designs a lighter where form follows function. You can choose from any number of Porsche styles on our website.

Prometheus
The Prometheus circular flame uses 23 merged flames for a windproof light. The Torch Flame Prometheus opens and closes automatically when you press and release the ignition button.

Rocky Patel
Table top cigar lighters by Rocky Patel are some of the best you can buy. Click here to see what we have to offer.

Tatuaje
The triple torch, table top cigar lighter by Tatuaje is a huge, single-action ignition lighter that opens the protective burner cylinder housing and ignites the flame at a perfect angle. The modern architectonic design makes it truly one of a kind.

The Burner
Another fine, high quality table top cigar lighter is the burner. Make it your new best friend. Unlike most torch lighters that char the end of the cigar, the Burner has a quick flash light that lights the cigar without charring the end. The butane canister can hold enough fluid to last for two full hours of continuous burn time, which is equivalent to an entire box of cigars.

The Govner
This unique micro-torch lighter burns with a sharp flame that is truly fantastic. It holds enough gas to burn for a full hour.

Xikar
Xikar lighters are intended to combine functionality with class and reliable use. Backed by a lifetime warranty, every Xikar lighter offers the serious cigar smoker exactly what is needed at home, in the boardroom, or in the cigar lounge. These elegant and affordable cigar lighters are truly fire reinvented and refined with true sense and sensibility.

Cigar Cutters

Cigar cutters either remove or put a hole in the cap of a cigar before you smoke it. There are three ways you can cut a cigar. One is the simple straight cut, which simply slices the end off of the cigar cap. The other is the wedge or V cut, which leaves a portion of the cap in place with a wedge cut out of the middle of it. The third type of cut is the hole punch. This actually puts a hole in the center of the cap and allows you to draw smoke through the hole. You have to be very precise in choosing the size of the hole you punch. If you punch a hole too small, you will have tar buildup around the edges of the hole that will affect the flavor of the cigar.

Straight cuts are normally made by single-blade or double-blade cigar cutters that look like little guillotines. V-cutters are designed to make an even cut from both sides, and they cut deeper than double and single blade cigar cutters. Serious smokers often argue they are much better for smoking heavier gauge cigars for this reason.

All type of debate rages over which type of cut is better than the rest, and which type of cigar cutter works better than all the other cigar cutters in the world. At the end of the day it all boils down to two things, really, however. One is the size of the cigar you are smoking, and the other is how much fast you want your cigar to burn. Most of you have been smoking cigars for years and know your own personal preferences in these matters and can make your own intelligent decision about which cigar cutter works best for you.

Serious Cigars wants to provide you with options without taking an official stance on which type of cut—or which cigar cutters—work better than others.

The single blade cutter is the most basic type of cigar cutter. Our Sure Cut single-blade disposables feature a back plat that prevents you from accidentally cutting off the cap of the cigar. One precision slice lops off just a smidge for a great, long, satisfying draw. The avoidance of a mis-cut prevents the wrapper from unraveling as well. You can also use the Sure Cut to cut Torpedo Shapes with 2-3 quick cuts.

Many smokers prefer a double-blade cigar cutter because it makes a much cleaner cut. Serious Cigars has many different double blades that you can choose from. We carry Davidoff, Savoy, and Sure Cut brands in both styles. The Savoy Double Blade cigar cutter is the sharpest we sell and comes with a leather pouch and a lifetime guarantee. It makes a great gift as well as addition to your own smoking repertoire. The Sure Cut can also be used to cut Torpedo Shapes if this is your preference. We also have cigar scissors, V-cutters, various punches made by Xikar and Craftsman’s Bench, and the famous Davidoff Cigar Knife, which is built like a pocketknife but features a blade with raised, sharp circles you can use as cigar punches.

Visit our site now to see all the cigar cutters we have to offer, and think of all the many different ways you can cut your favorite brands for the most satisfying draw imaginable.