Cigar Review: Casdagli Basilica C #3 Petit Robusto
3 March 2022 by Ellie
The Casdagli Basilica C #3 Petit Robusto comes from the Casdagli line of cigars, which are exclusive to Havana House in the UK.
The Basilica blend was released back in 2016, and was created to honour Emmanuel Casdagli, the great patriarch of the Casdagli family, who established the family Egyptian cotton business. It is his portrait that adorns the Basilica Line’s cigar band.
Each month we smoke a cigar from our humidor at Havana House and review our experience with it! Maybe it will inspire you to try it too!
About the Casdagli Basilica C #3 Petit Robusto
Owner: Casdagli Factory: Kelner Boutique Factory Origin: Dominican Wrapper: Ecuador Corojo Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Dominican, Nicaragua Strength: Medium to Full Size: Petit Robusto (4 x 52)
The Beginning
The Casdagli Basilica C #3 Petit Robusto starts with a perfect medium roasted cup of espresso, with a light lemon danish pastry flavour combination. A great way to start a cigar, I must say.
The Middle
As you smoke it, the cigar keeps the same flavours from before, but now there is a pleasant creamy smooth feeling coating my tongue. Delicious.
The End
The flavour theme remains the same, but they all come to the forefront at different times. Each one stealing the limelight for a moment before the other comes in. When they all taste so good, I have no problem at all with this.
Burn
Burns pretty fast and sharp, some tiny corrections to start with but I was using matches. White and grey ash that holds all the way down to the band.
Draw
Average smoke time for a cigar this size, draw had just the right bite to it, and gave a decent deep white smoke output.
Overall
A very enjoyable medium to full bodied cigar. Perfect for an afternoon break or even a morning break if you’ve had a hearty breakfast. Deep flavour for a cigar this size with really nice progression on what it offers the palate.
Ross Rating: 9/10
What alcoholic drink would I pair the Casdagli Basilica C #3 with?
Rum goes well with this blend of tobacco. I cracked open a bottle of Ron Kong Rum. Amazing flavour and comes in a gorilla head!
What soft drink would I pair it with?
Cherry Coke, all the way.
Would I smoke this again?
After trying Casdagli we really wanted to get this brand in to the UK. Great blends across the board and we feel the Basilica No.3 is a real gem and fantastic value.
At the end of February 2022, the ProCigar Festival made a return in the Dominican Republic. The ProCigar Festival is one of three main cigar events in the premium cigar industry, and celebrates the handmade smokes and culture of the Dominican Republic.
As part of the festivities, the cigar factories in the Dominican Republic were opened to the public to offer an insight into the manufacture of cigars in the Dominican Republic.
During the ProCigar Festival, the days are filled with exciting trips to the tobacco fields and tours of cigar factories, while nights are packed with lively cigar dinners, where delicious Dominican smokes can be enjoyed in the presence of the cigarmakers.
ProCigar Festival 2022
The 2022 ProCigar Festival took place on February 22nd-25th, commencing in Santiago.
As well as tobacco field and cigar factory tours, guests of the festival were invited to insightful workshops and seminars to discover more about the cigar industry, while being lucky enough to try out some new and unreleased cigars.
Paresh Patel, the owner and Director of Havana House, was lucky enough to be in attendance of this year’s ProCigar Festival in the Dominican Republic.
Paresh states: “The ProCigar festival this year was an amazing chance for me to meet lots of different people in the industry, meeting old friends and making contacts with new faces that we will hopefully be working with in the future!”
ProCigar Gala Dinner
The ProCigar Fest hosts a gala dinner each year with an auction to raise money to support charities and organisations in the Dominican Republic. In 2022, all proceeds raised were donated to the Voluntariado Jesús con los Niños (A non-profit organisation for sick children), the Hospicio San Vicente de Paul (A retirement home for low-income elders) and A Home for my Family (ProCigar’s charitable initiative to provide housing for industry employees).
This year, nearly $350,000 was raised during the auction.
Smoking cigars on screen is nothing new, but it’s always a joy to know that those who enjoy a smoke on screen also enjoy one when the cameras aren’t rolling. That’s why in this edition of our Cigar Smoking Icon series, we’ll be looking at one of the biggest names of 1980s action films, Sylvester Stallone.
Who is Sylvester Stallone?
Stallone was born Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone on July 6th 1946, in a Hell’s Kitchen hospital in New York. He didn’t have the easiest upbringing, spending the first five years of his life in boarding care before living with his father in Maryland, before joining his mother in Philadelphia when he turned 15.
With a history of expulsion from schools, Stallone was sent to a private school for troubled teens before finally attending the American College of Switzerland, where he was first introduced to acting. When he was a few credits short of graduating from the University of Miami, Stallone returned to New York and began his acting career with the adult film The Part at Kitty’s and Studs.
From there, his acting career took off, and Stallone wound up writing the script for the still critically acclaimed Rocky. After refusing to sell the script unless he could play the key role of Rocky Balboa, Stallone soon rose to stardom as Rocky became the highest-grossing film of 1976.
From there, his stardom only grew, making Stallone into the well-known actor, writer and director that he is today.
Early in his career, Stallone was known as an avid smoker. However, his taste leaned closer to those of cigarettes, with the actor being known to smoke between takes. However, after realising the adverse health effects of cigarettes, Stallone quit.
In 1977, while filming another iconic action film (F.I.S.T.), Stallone was introduced to the wonder of smoking cigars, and he’s never looked back! In fact, Stallone is such a huge fan of cigars that he has a humidor stocked with his favourite cigars in all of his homes. This was even noted in the Mar/Apr 98 issue of Cigar Aficionado.
Stallone believes that smoking is a private experience, and he likes to spend his evenings smoking a cigar either by himself or with his good friend and fellow cigar smoking icon Arnold Schwarzenegger.
What is Sylvester Stallone’s Favourite Cigar?
So, what cigars do famed action stars smoke? Well, Stallone has admitted that his personal favourite is the 1995 flagship cigar from the Arturo Fuente family, the Opus X. This particular cigar has been referred to as ‘cigar perfection’ and is entirely handmade. The unique blend of Fuente tobaccos offers a bold, smooth flavour with a sweet and lingering fullness from the Opus X wrapper. The Opus is truly the champion of cigars, and we’d expect nothing less from Rocky himself.
During the day, Stallone tends towards something a little smaller: the Partagas Serie D No.4 Cigar. This powerhouse cigar is strong and full-bodied, with rich aromas of spice and wood in a marvellous Colorado to Maduro wrapper.
From Cuban classics to one of the most unique cigars on the market, it’s safe to say that Stallone’s taste in cigars is nothing short of immaculate. But then, did you expect anything less?
If you’re looking to add a little Hollywood to your smoking experience, then why not check out our store? There you’ll find only the best in Cuban and Dominican cigars like those favoured by the Italian Stallion himself.
The Zino Nicarguan Robusto Cigar was awarded number 15 in Cigar Journal’s top 25 cigars of 2021. This special smoke is a Havana House Exclusive in the UK, so if you fancy sampling one of the best, you’ll only be able to find it here!
Each month we smoke a cigar from our humidor at Havana House and review our experience with it! Maybe it will inspire you to try it too!
About the Zino Robusto Cigar
Owner: Davidoff Factory: Diadema Cigars de Honduras S.A. Origin: Honduras Wrapper: Ecuador (Connecticut) Binder: Nicaragua (Semilla 56 Seco) Filler: Dominican Republic (San Vicente and San Vicente Mejorado Secos), Honduras (Olancho and Jamastran Visus) & Nicaragua (Ometepe Visus) Strength: Medium Size: Robusto 5″ x 54
Reviewed by: Ross from the Windsor shop
The New Zino Nicaragua is a medium-bodied cigar, perfectly suited for novice or occasional cigar smokers looking for a smooth flavourful profile.
A blend of aged tobaccos starting with a smooth creamy Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper covers this cigar, a Nicaraguan binder is used along with a rich array of tobaccos from Nicaragua, Honduras and the Dominican Republic. A Havana House exclusive.
The Beginning
The Zino Robusto starts off with a dry, toasty flavour that tingles the front half the tongue. There’s a bit of a hay like taste on the tongue as well, some occasional smokiness in the retrohale, and a lovely creamy body.
By the time the first part of ash comes off around the one-inch mark, the cigar is showing decent amounts of complexity.
The Middle
The cigar is an earthier, both on the palate and through the nose, a trend that continues throughout the middle of the smoke. The dry, woody/hay flavour does its best to stay in the mix, eventually losing its grip around the midpoint when the flavour shifts into something a bit heavier overall, with only fleeting notes of it and a hint of sweetness to be found after that mark.
Construction remains very good; all I have to do is give the cigar a regular puff and it burns well, keeping an even burn line. Flavour is a hearty medium, body is about the same, and strength still seems hesitant to cross into stronger medium territory.
The End
There are many of the same flavours from earlier, especially the middle of the cigar and they have settled well allowing each to shine showing how well things work together. I finally put the cigar down with around 1cm left. Extremely pleasant.
Burn
Great burn on the cigar, even burn line all the way down. No need for touchups or relighting.
Draw
Construction is good so the draw was on point. If you are a fast smoker it won’t overheat. I take things slowly so the cigar can showcase all of its flavour.
Overall
This is certainly a cigar worth trying and one you should add to your humidor for an easy choice when you want a cigar or for when you want something flavourful and enjoyable for a guest. The cigar definitely delivers for new smokers or experienced.
Ross Rating: 7/10
What alcoholic drink would I pair the Zino Robusto with?
I feel this cigar would go very well with a sparkling wine.
What soft drink would I pair it with?
7up or Sprite.
Would I smoke this again?
As an exclusive to Havana House I’m sure I will be revisiting this cigar on a regular basis.
Havana House is excited to be the exclusive stockist for ADVentura Cigars in the UK. To celebrate this partnership, we thought we’d share some more about the brand and the incredible cigars they have created.
“We are extremely excited to introduce ADVentura to the UK Market! We have been keen to get these fantastic cigars into all of our shops and give all of our customers the chance to try the brilliantly unique blends that ADVentura has to offer!”
Paresh Patel, Owner and Director of Havana House.
ADVentura Cigars were founded in 2016 in the Dominican Republic and are now available across Europe and the Americas. The brand is a collaboration between Henderson Ventura and Marcel Knobel. Henderson Ventura is a master blender and son of former Davidoff Master Blender, William Ventura. Marcel Knobel is a Swiss sommelier, retailer and coffee producer. Together they have united their expertise to craft a range of highly sought after smokes.
“In a long awaited debut into the United Kingdom, both Havana House and ADVentura have patiently and strategically procured a partnership… We do our best to align ourselves with those that value each step from soil to soul, and the art of premium cigar production.”
Marcel Knobel, co-founder at ADV & McKay Cigars Co. S.R.L.
“We are very serious about being a boutique brand and upholding the standards with each one-hundred fifty two (152) steps it takes to create a single cigar. With ADV pillars of consumer education on what they are smoking, and why, we are grateful for each partner that believes in what we do and why, to create the perfect smoke.”
Henderson Ventura, co-founder at ADV.
ADVentura cigars come highly rated, with Cigar Lover Magazine rating the ADVentura Royal Return King’s Gold Robusto the Number 1 Dominican Republic cigar of 2020, while Halfwheel named the ADVentura Royal Return The Queen’s Pearls Corona Number 3 on their top 25 cigars of 2020.
ADVentura cigars are renowned for their complex blends and exciting flavours. The brand now has a variety of collections to enjoy, including The Explorer, The Navigator, The Conqueror and The Royal Return.
ADVentura Cigars at Havana House
In the spirit of adventure, the ADVentura cigars embrace fun and treat their cigars like the treasure that they are! As part of the brand’s identity, ADVentura tells the story of two fictional 15th century explorers who set out on a quest to discover “the unknown pleasures of the world”, with tobacco being one of them. That’s why their boxes are so special – reflecting the adventurous feel the brand has to offer.
ADVentura The Explorer Robusto Grande
We love the ADVentura The Explorer Robusto Grande, which is available as a single cigar and in a treasure chest shaped box of 19. This smoke offers medium strength and is constructed with 5-7 year aged Dominican and Ecuadorian filler tobacco, Ecuadorian Sumatra binder and wrapped in Ecuadorian Habano. The cigar is brought together at the Tabacalera William Ventura factory in the Dominican Republic. This cultivated blend brings sweet notes of chocolate and spice.
The first cigar released by the ADVentura brand, it is certainly a great starting point for those interested in the brand.
ADVentura The Conqueror Marinero Cigar
You won’t find anything more unique than the ADVentura The Conqueror Marinero Cigar, which is available in a boat shaped box and as a single cigar!
Crafted at the Tabacalera William Ventura factory, these medium strength smokes feature Nicaraguan and Dominican long-filler tobacco, Ecuadorian Sumatra binder, and an Ecuadorian H200 wrapper. When brought together in this Marinero cigar, The Conqueror offers chocolate, nut and cedar notes.
ADVentura The Royal Return King’s Gold Robusto
Continuing the theme of treasure, The Royal Return King’s Gold Robusto is available in a box that resembles a crate filled with the ‘King’s Gold’. Instead of shiny coins, this special box is filled with 20 King’s Gold Robusto, which are made with tobacco that has been aged for five years.
Once rolled, the cigars are left to age for a further four months, ensuring the flavours of the tobacco marry together for the perfect smoking experience. It works so well, that we’ve named this cigar one of our Top 10 from Havana House!
Casdagli Cigars Now Available in the UK at Havana House
14 January 2022 by Ellie
We’re excited to announce the official launch of Casdagli Cigars in the United Kingdom. Casdagli Cigars is a Havana House exclusive, and we’re so pleased to be the selected distributor for this incredible brand in the United Kingdom.
Casdagli Cigars originate from the Dominican Republic, and are now available in 31 countries around the world. The Casdagli range is primarily produced at the Kelner Boutique Factory in the Dominican Republic.
“I’m very excited about the launch in the UK market because, after all, this is my homeland, and this is where my cigar journey began,” says Jeremy Casdagli, the owner of Casdagli Cigars.
The introduction of Casdagli Cigars to the United Kingdom is part of a wider expansion of the brand into the European market, with the collection now available in Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Serbia, Sweden and the UK.
As the exclusive distributor for Casdagli Cigars in the UK, Havana House will be the only retailer offering these incredible smokes in the country! To start with, we’re offering a handpicked selection of some of the finest Casdagli Cigars at Havana House.
Our range of Casdagli Cigars comes in both boxed and single formats, allowing you to sample the delights of these smokes or enjoy experiencing them develop over time as you age them.
You can find the Casdagli Basilica Line, Casdagli Club Mareva Line, Casdagli Cabinet Selection Line and Casdagli Traditional Line, including the Casdagli Grand Cafe Cigar, here at Havana House.
The Definitive Guide to Cigar Humidors and Humidification
12 January 2022 by Ellie
Whether you’re growing your cigar collection, investing in a box to age, or like to buy several cigars at once, you’ll need proper protection and storage for the smokes you’re not ready to puff on yet.
Premium smokes and collectables, like Cuban cigars, vintage batches and limited editions require proper humidification to keep them safe. Cigars certainly aren’t the cheapest thing in the world, so if you want to save a smoke for a special day, it’s a good idea to invest in a decent humidor.
The humidification process can be quite complicated, and plenty of enthusiasts don’t know how to properly store their precious cigars. Fear not, though; we have gathered our resident experts at Havana House to produce an extensive guide to cigar humidification.
Why do Cigars Need to be Kept in a Humidor?
Tobacco for cigars is grown and rolled in places like Cuba and the Dominican Republic, where temperature and humidity are considerably different from places like the UK. A humidor is needed to keep cigars at the optimum humidity level to smoke perfectly.
If a cigar is left in a place that is too humid, it will become damp. This damaging effect will make the cigar hard to draw smoke through and can impact the burn, causing a tunnelling effect and an excess of smoke.
On the other hand, if it is in too dry conditions, a cigar will lose its flavourful oils and have burn issues that cause it to smoke too fast and hot.
How to Choose a Good Humidor
When it comes to good cigar humidification, the first step is choosing a good humidor. Other than being functional, humidors are often used as ornaments and become the centrepiece of a room.
For this reason, you may want to choose a real spectacle of a humidor such as those hand-crafted and inlaid with marquetry. In addition to their beauty, humidors vary in function, depending on the components used to produce them.
Parts of a Humidor
A humidor is made of a number of parts, including the exterior wood, interior wood, humidification system and hygrometer.
Inner Lining of the Humidor
The inner lining of a humidor is the part that will be in closest contact with the cigars. Despite being an important part of the humidor, the wood lining is not always integral to the humidor you buy, as it can be replaced.
Often, aficionados will replace the innards of a humidor. Primarily, three types of wood are used for the humidor’s inner lining: Spanish Cedar, Red Cedar and Honduran Mahogany.
Spanish Cedar for Humidors
Spanish Cedar is commonly used for humidors as it has many benefits. This wood type can absorb a high level of humidity, ensuring that the climate inside the humidor is kept stable and free from mould development.
Spanish cedar has a distinct fragrance, which helps to keep away tobacco worms and protect the cigars in the humidor. It is also a great wood for supporting the ageing process of cigars, and its scent has a positive effect on flavour.
Red Cedar for Humidors
When it comes to humidity absorption, Red Cedar is an inferior material to Spanish Cedar. Some humidor manufacturers use this wood as it is less expensive and easier to acquire.
Red Cedar exudes a more intense aroma than Spanish Cedar, which can be both a pro and con. When storing cigars for long periods of time, a strong woody flavour can be imparted onto the cigars, so choosing Red Cedar will depend on if this is something you’d like for your ageing cigars.
Honduran Mahogany for Humidors
Honduran Mahogany has a humidity absorption rate comparable to that of Spanish Cedar, yet at the same time, the wood has a less intense odour.
Unfortunately, the deterrent effect on insects is greatly reduced, and the desired flavouring of the cigars is not as good as with Spanish Cedar.
Which Wood Is Best For Humidors?
At Havana House, we suggest that you choose a humidor lined with Spanish Cedar. The thickness of the lining you use is essential. Basically, the thicker, the better. A lining less than 2mm in depth will not take advantage of the beneficial characteristics that the wood provides.
Should You Choose a Veneer or Solid Wood Humidor?
Essentially, there are two different options when constructing the exterior of the humidor. MDF, which stands for medium-density fiberboard or solid wood.
MDF consists of a veneer of some type of hardwood. Solid wood humidors will see the entire humidor crafted (often by hand) from a solid hardwood, such as Sycamore.
Is MDF or Solid Wood Better for Humidors?
Contrary to popular belief, solid wood humidors are not necessarily superior to veneer humidors. While solid wood humidors are thought of as heirloom-worthy and come across as more physically imposing, the construction of veneer humidors can actually prove more beneficial for the storage of cigars.
It all comes down to the strain of timber used to craft the humidor. MDF humidors are made to withstand changes in humidity. Since the moisture inside the humidor will be much higher than the external humidity, the internal wood tends to expand and crack parts of the structure. Timber gathered from trees that are suited to a humid, tropical environment are often immune to this.
Which Wood to Choose for a Humidor Box?
Examples of wood that is resistant to warping and cracking as a result of the change in humidity are – Mahogany, Ebony, Zebrawood, Bubinga and Rosewood.
Of course, there are plenty of woods that could be used, so it is important that you do your research beforehand. In addition to this factor, humidor wood should also be impermeable to help prevent insects laying their eggs inside and to give some added protection to splashes.
It is also an advantage for humidor wood to be hard and resistant to dents to extend the cigar box’s shelf life.
Characteristics of a Good Humidor
More things to inspect when looking for a humidor include:
Hinges – Should be durable and ensure low-friction functioning for many years to come.
Quality of lacquer application – A smooth and even application is key.
Airtight seal – Humidors should close so well that a constant level of internal humidity can be maintained.
Humidifiers for Cigars
Every humidor needs a humidifier of some sort. This is the element that keeps the humidity levels correct within the humidor.
What is the Optimum Humidity Level for Cigars?
Inside the humidor, cigars should be stored at a relative humidity of approximately 65-70% humidity.
In such an environment, the cigar should absorb the ideal rate of humidity of 14% of its weight. Typically, it is thought that the best flavours of a cigar can evolve in such a climate.
If you intend to store your cigars for a number of years, 65% is recommended. If you frequently smoke (every day), then 70% is optimal for taste.
Humidity Issues for Cigars
It should be noted that if one allows the humidity level to exceed 80%, then their cigars will begin to mould and rot.
If cigars become too dry, they become fragile and burn rather quickly. This not only causes a shorter smoke but allows the cigar to take on an aggressive and slightly bitter taste. On the other hand, a cigar that is too damp will burn unevenly and take on a heavy and acidic flavour.
Should You Use a Sponge or Crystal Humidifier for Cigars?
Until recently, all humidifiers employed the same simple mechanism. They were all equipped with a plastic or metal case containing a sponge as a humidifier.
Sponge Humidifier
Sponge humidifiers are soaked in water or a solution; Propylene Glycol 50/50 is recommended. The sponge is then placed in a plastic container and uses capillary action to bring the liquid to the surface and release it over time. Sponge humidifiers will need to be refilled every two weeks, or more if your cigars are feeling dry. The sponge itself is likely to need replacing yearly.
Overall, the simple sponge based humidification system provides sufficient humidification performance.
Crystal Humidifier
In more recent years, crystal humidification systems have become more popular. While humidors aren’t typically made with these systems yet, you can purchase crystal humidifiers as an extra that can be popped into the humidor instead of the sponge. These have been made popular by the brand Xikar.
The advantage of these systems is that they work constantly and only need to be refilled monthly as opposed to weekly. The release is slow and steady, maintaining consistent humidity levels by both emitting and absorbing moisture to keep the humidity at 70%, whereas humidity levels tend to fluctuate more when using a sponge.
Xikar’s crystal humidifiers can simply be recharged using the Propylene Glycol solution when needed.
Humidification Packs
Another option is Boveda humidor packs, which contain salt and purified water that is slowly released through reverse osmosis to provide perfect humidity. They can be purchased in a range of humidity levels (62, 65, 69, 75 and 84 percent), so you can pick the pack that best suits the needs of your cigar collection.
These packs are single-use and need replacing every three months or so; however, they are an affordable option, with packs starting from 85p each.
Hygrometers for Humidors
Hygrometers are small instruments that allow you to gauge the humidity of your humidor. Before use, hygrometers must be calibrated, and it is recommended that they are recalibrated around once a year to maintain their accuracy.
There are three types of hygrometers.
Metal Spring Hygrometers
This type of hygrometer is used in the majority of all humidors. They are less expensive but of limited accuracy.
Natural Hair Hygrometers
These hygrometers are much more accurate. Unfortunately, substantial maintenance work is required to maintain the accuracy of these humidors.
Synthetic Hair Hygrometers
These hygrometers are approximately as accurate as natural hair hygrometers; however, they do not require any maintenance on the part of the user.
How to Calibrate a Hygrometer
After purchasing a hygrometer, or a humidor with one built-in, some simple preparatory steps need to be carried out before using the instrument. There are two methods of calibration.
Hygrometer Calibration: Method 1
The recommended and most accurate calibration method is to place the hygrometer and a salt solution together in a small plastic box. You can make the salt solution by adding a few drops of water to a small cup of salt. The salt should not dissolve, only be damp.
Place the hygrometer and the salt solution in a well-sealed plastic box and wait. After about 8 hours, the humidity within the box should have reached 75% precisely. Adjust the hygrometer to this value.
Hygrometer Calibration: Method 2
A slightly easier but potentially less accurate way of calibrating your humidor is to wrap the humidor in a thoroughly wet cloth. After about an hour, adjust the hygrometer to 96%.
How to Prepare Your Humidor
Filling the Humidifier
Place the humidifier on a plate and moisten it with Propylene Glycol solution. Leave the humidifier in the solution for as long as it takes to absorb a sufficient amount of liquid (usually 5 minutes). Dry the humidifier with a cloth and place it in the humidor.
Moistening the Humidor
It is a common misconception that the walls of a humidor should be wiped with a damp cloth. Here at Havana House, we do not use this method and do not recommend it to anyone.
The best way to prepare a humidor is to leave a glass filled with distilled water in a humidor for three days with the lid closed. The water will slowly evaporate, and the inner walls of the humidor should have absorbed a sufficient amount of moisture.
After this, place your humidifier inside the humidor, again with the lid closed, and allow the humidity to stabilise. This will also take around 2-3 days. After this process is completed, your humidor is ready to keep your cigars!
How to Store Cigars in a Humidor
There are many different variables to take into account when storing cigars. The most common question is ‘do humidors need fresh air?’ The answer is yes.
The atmosphere inside a cigar box can become stale if left, as air does not easily escape and enter a good humidor. At least once every two weeks, humidors should be refreshed with new air.
What is the Best Temperature for Cigar Storage?
A temperature of around 18-21 degrees Celsius is considered ideal for storing cigars. At lower temperatures, the desired ageing process of the cigars is impaired.
Therefore, chilly wine cellars are only suitable for cigar storage to a limited extent. High temperatures are even worse. Over 24 degrees Celsius, is the best heat for tobacco worm infestation and cigar rotting. For this reason, humidors should not be exposed directly to sunlight. In addition, sunlight can bleach the hue out of humidors, which you may want to avoid if using it for ornamental purposes.
How Long Should Cigars Be Kept in a Humidor?
It is often said that time is a cigar’s best friend. Generally speaking, cigars can be stored for an unlimited period of time as long as the humidity remains around 65-70% and a regular supply of fresh air is maintained.
High-quality cigars, notably Cuban cigars but also some premium non-Cuban brands, develop a special flavour after many years of storage. In the UK, there is a long tradition of storing cigars for the optimum unfurling of the flavours.
In fact, before premium cigars are shipped to tobacconists, they are usually ripened for about six months. Due to increased demand, the ripening period has become increasingly shorter over the past few years.
Therefore we would urge you to store your cigars for an additional 3-6 months before they are smoked. In the end, it is up to the preference of the smoker as to how long to store his cigars for. It is a good idea to purchase a bundle of 50 cigars and smoke once a week to observe the changes in flavour and smoothness.
How to Marry Cigars
Cigars absorb aromas from their environment. Over time, aromas and taste infuse. If you were to store your cigars in a bread bin, they would have a grainy, wheat-like taste.
The same goes if you were to store your cigars in a meat locker or a laundry basket (none of which are advised). One of our customers reportedly stores his cigars in his garden shed as he adores the aroma of freshly cut grass and woodiness.
When storing cigars in a humidor, it is important to remember that cigars not only absorb flavour from the wood lining but from the cigars around them. Dividers are used in humidors to minimize this phenomenon. Some aficionados, however, appreciate the mixture of flavours and intentionally store different lines of cigars together for several months. This is called cigar marriage.
Rotating Cigars in a Humidor
A common issue with humidors is uneven and varying humidity levels. This problem is especially common in humidors that are filled close to maximum capacity. The solution to this issue is to rotate cigars between humidors. Cigars that are stored for long periods of time may be rotated every 1-3 months.
Worried about your cigar collection while you wait for a new humidor to be delivered or need a simple storage solution for a couple of cigars? Take a look at our guide to storing cigars without a humidor for a short-term solution!
If you have any further questions about the storage of your cigars and how to use humidors, please get in touch! We’re more than happy to help you keep your cigar collection safe and in the best condition.
Cigar Review: Partagas Serie D No.4
6 January 2022 by Ellie
Looking for a cigar to buy, but don’t know which to choose? Each month we smoke a cigar from our humidor at Havana House and review our experience with it! Maybe it will inspire you to try it too!
About the Partagas Serie D No.4
Owner: Habanos S.A. Factory: Habanos S.A. Origin: Cuba Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Filler: Cuba Strength: Medium to Full Size: Robusto (Parejo) 4 7/8″ by 50 ring gauge
The Partagas Serie D No.4 is a cigar that needs no introduction among fans of Cuban cigars. It is a true ambassador of everything a cigar should offer you and every year this cigar delivers.
The Beginning
You can immediately tell this will be a good cigar. Things can change, but the starting flavours are a deep caramel sweetness. A rich nuttiness backs it up and cream begins to unfold on the draw.
The cigar is ultra smooth. The aroma is sweet and borderline intoxicating… D no.4 you’ve charmed me.
The Middle
A lovely floral note has arrived and it’s most present on the retrohale. Still getting plenty of cream, some sweet tobacco, toasted nuts, cedar, and now a little coffee as well. The body remains at a solid medium with layers of strength.
It’s a delicious smoke and I don’t want to put it down. Phone on airplane mode.
The End
The floral notes have stepped up substantially. The cigar fills the room with rich smoke. The sweetness has dialled back. Still getting nuttiness, cedar and coffee tones. How much longer can I hold this cigar without burning my fingers!
Burn
After the original lighting, it was such a steady burn. Beautiful and even, an equilibrium of tobacco blending.
Draw
You do have to be careful picking a Cuban cigar out the box, most are perfectly good but you do get the odd cigar that isn’t up to the high standards that we all have as cigar smokers.
I picked this cigar out of a box of 25 and it was all good, we do the same for anyone that orders on our website or in-store. The draw had the perfect restriction on it so that you know you’re smoking a cigar. I approve!
Overall
This is a beautiful beast of a cigar. The first third is excellent, and immediately signals that you are in for a treat, and the rest of the cigar does not disappoint.
The cigar has a lovely almost linear flavour profile that provides variations on a Cuban theme. The rich, dark flavour with hints of sweetness sit so well on the palate. A complete box ticker of a cigar. I’d like another one please.
Ross Rating: 9 out of 10
Cigar Pairing Idea
What alcoholic drink would I pair it with? I think that the Partagas Serie D No.4 goes perfectly with the Dalmore Cigar Malt the complexity of the Scotch resonates with the cigar and they bring out the best in each other.
What soft drink would I pair it with? A & W Root beer
Would I smoke this again? I smoke around a box a year of the D No.4 and I can’t see that changing.
Cigar Smoking Icons: Michael Jordan
22 December 2021 by Ellie
From TV personalities to top tier comedians, we’ve covered a lot in our Cigar Smoking Icon series, and now it’s time for something a little different.
Everyone knows who Michael Jordan is, but were you aware of his love for Cuban cigars? In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the life of Michael Jordan as well as what cigars he smokes and when.
If you’ve missed the rest of our Cigar Icon Series, you can find them all over on our blog.
Who is Michael Jordan?
Michael Jordan was born February 17th 1963 in Brooklyn, New York. Now he is widely regarded as being one of the greatest basketball players of all time. During his career, Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six National Basketball Association (NBA) championships between 1991 and 1998.
As well as being a star at the NBA’s, Jordan also led the U.S. basketball team to win gold at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and again during the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.
Jordan was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) five times in 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996 and 1998 and also earned the nickname “Air Jordan” for his extraordinary leaping ability and acrobatic manoeuvres.
Michael Jordan swinging a bat in the Bulls locker room while smoking a cigar and dunking on his opponents is the most Michael Jordan thing ever#TheLastDancepic.twitter.com/jO1qNOcbCV
After his permanent retirement in 2003, Jordan has had plenty of time to spend on the other loves in his life. This includes his love for quality Cubans.
Having been an avid cigar smoker since 1993, there is now no limit to where this NBA star will enjoy a smoke, including on the golf course, while fishing and even while sitting in a locker room. Jordan has even admitted that since his retirement, he’s smoked as many as six cigars in a day!
During his hour-long interview with the editor of Cigar Aficionado, Marvin Shanken, Jordan said he “Started smoking a cigar going to the games. In 1993. It became a ritual for every home game.” He continued by saying “It became such a relaxing thing to do… each and every day for a home game. I smoke a cigar. I wanted that feeling of success and relaxation. It’s the most relaxing thing.”
What Cigars Does Michael Jordan Smoke?
It’s safe to say that Michael Jordan has expensive taste when it comes to his cigars and nothing but the best will do. Jordan has said in an interview with Cigar Aficionado that his favourite cigars are the classic and iconic Partagas Lusitania. However, he also said that he appreciates having a variety and isn’t opposed to smoking a smaller cigar.
There is a lot to respect about Michael Jordan, and his immaculate taste in cigars is just the start. If you want to smoke like the basketball legend himself, you can browse our range of quality Cuban cigars available in our store now. Feature Image credit: Cigar Aficionado
Best Cigars Under £20
21 December 2021 by Ellie
Cigar smoking is an experience that we at Havana House believe everyone should be able to partake in, no matter their budget. That’s why we’ve pooled our resources to come up with this list of the best cigars available from us all for under £20!
Celebrate in style this holiday season with a classic smoking experience without breaking the bank with one of our budget favourites!
Montecristo No.4 Cigar
You’ve probably had enough of us boasting about this cigar by now, but would you believe that the number one best-selling cigar in the world is less than £20? That’s right, the iconic Montecristo No.4 is available for just £15.75 from us at Havana House. So, why not try the one cigar no aficionado can pass up and still have cash left over for a good scotch as well?
Partagas Shorts
Partagas are a brand that creates cigars just as complex as their company history. Since their beginnings, the founder has been murdered, they’ve been sold multiple times, and they are also responsible for a number of innovations that have since been adopted by major Cuban cigar brands.
What the Partagas Shorts lacks in size, it more than makes up for in personality! With a spicy and creamy start, this cigar offers a sweet and earthy flavour that’s easy to enjoy in a quick 30-40 minute window. And at only £14.50, how can any aficionado refuse?
EP Carrillo Pledge Prequel Robusto
We’re really skirting the border with this one, but the EP Carrillo Pledge Prequel Robusto is not to be missed! This cigar was the third release in the Perez-Carillo series and perfectly encapsulates the evolution of Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s skills in blending.
This cigar is box-pressed and consists of a Connecticut Havana seed wrapper, Ecuadorian binder and Nicaraguan fillers. What’s more, you can enjoy this peppery delight for £19.55 each from our store.
2012 Corojo Toro by Oscar
If you’re looking for a solid yet complex smoke for under £20, then look no further! The 2012 by Oscar Corojo Toro Cigar delivers a brilliant, medium bodied smoke with the complex flavours of coffee, black pepper and cinnamon along with layers of chocolate and salted caramel.
Featuring filler tobacco from Honduras and Nicaragua bunched inside a Nicaraguan binder and a stunning reddish-brown Honduran Sun Grown Corojo wrapper, these box-pressed cigars are available to buy for only £19.40!
Rocky Patel Grand Reserve Toro
The next cigar on our list is not only great value for money, but it’s also exclusively available in Europe. The Grand Reserve Toro cigar was first presented in April 2018 as part of the Mountain on Fire event in the Austrian Alps and is made of a secret blend of some of Rocky Patel’s oldest tobaccos.
This creamy cigar offers delicately sweet flavours of dried fruit and chocolate and is available to buy for only £19.55 each!
Zino Nicaragua Toro
All Zino cigars are made to suit the sense of discovery and spirit to match that of Zino Davidoff and all those who celebrate a lifestyle of experience, open-mindedness and curiosity.
And for just £18.95 each, you can follow that same ethos! The Zino Nicaragua Toro consists of an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and a Seminal 56 seco binder grown in Nicaragua. This cigar offers a smoke bursting with the aromas of cedar wood, coffee and fresh spices.
With so many brilliant options available for such a great price, there’s never been a better time to start your cigar journey. Plus, we offer free standard delivery on all orders over £50 in our store as well as a click and collect service.
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