When you smoke a cigar, one thing you’ll need to consider is where you’re going to stop smoking. Do you smoke until you reach the band? Or until it starts to burn your fingers? Or should you use a cigar pick to smoke all the way to the end?
It’s quite a hotly debated topic amongst cigar aficionados, and there’s no concrete answer, but here we’ll explore how far down you should smoke a cigar.
When Should You Stop Smoking a Cigar?
Many cigar smokers have their own ideas of when you should stop smoking a cigar. The most common arguments for where you stop smoking cigars include:
Stop smoking your stogie when it hits the cigar band.
Let your cigar burn out naturally once you reach three finger-widths left.
There are many different unwritten rules when it comes to your cigar; we have even heard from some aficionados that you shouldn’t smoke more than half of the cigar, which we think is downright wasteful!
When to Stop Smoking a Cigar
Ultimately, if you are smoking a cigar, then the decision on when you stop smoking will be up to you. You should take the line that you should stop smoking when the cigar stops being enjoyable. Here are some reasons you may wish to stop smoking a cigar:
Stop Smoking When the Cigar Gets Too Small to Hold
If it is getting uncomfortable to hold the cigar as it gets towards the end, then stop smoking it. Unlike a cigarette, there isn’t a filter at the end of a cigar to hold on to, so it is quite likely you’ll need to stop smoking the cigar once it gets to around an inch away from your mouth anyway.
However, if you would like to enjoy the cigar right down to the nub, then you can use a cigar holder or roach clip to get the most out of your smoke.
Stop Smoking If The Cigar Makes You Feel Unwell
Sometimes, smoking a cigar can make you feel unwell, bringing on feelings of dizziness or nausea. This can happen for a number of reasons but will typically be to do with choosing a cigar that is too strong for you to handle or smoking on an empty stomach.
Cigar smoking should be an enjoyable occasion, so if you begin to feel unwell, then you should put the cigar to rest.
Stop Smoking If The Flavours Become Less Enjoyable
As you smoke your cigar, the flavours are likely to develop throughout the experience. While a cigar should offer a pleasant experience, sometimes as you come near the end of the cigar’s smoke time, these flavours can start to become less enjoyable.
This could be to do with the cigar smoking too hot and causing bitter notes. To fix this, you caneither stop smoking or purge your cigar to keep smoking.
Think
of your cigar in three parts:
The first part is warming up the cigar, where you will be burning off any unwanted flavours from the match or butane torch, and the flavours will begin to develop.
The second third will normally be the best-tasting part of your smoke, where the draw will be at its optimum, and you will be picking up a variety of flavour profiles.
Finally, you will come to the final third, and this is when you may experience unwanted flavours which are normally caused by the build-up of oils and tars from the tobacco. This is when you can purge the cigar to see if the enjoyable flavours you experienced earlier will return.
To purge a cigar, you need to gently blow through the cigar, rather than puffing on it. This should help to clear out the cigar and remove some of the bitter oils that have built up.
Are There Rules To
Smoking Cigars?
If you’re amongst friends, then smoke your cigar however gives you the greatest enjoyment from it! But if you’re in a cigar club or around some serious aficionados, then you may need to consider “proper” cigar etiquette.
This isn’t always the case, but as with most things, if you are around experts in the field, then you should be prepared to act in the same manner.
When it comes to smoking a cigar, we think there would be a universal agreement that very few people would choose to spend their hard-earned money on something just to throw half of it away! The truth of the matter is there are no real rules per se; it just comes down to personal preference and the individual cigar you are smoking.
Where You Stop Smoking Depends on the Cigar
Some cigars will start to get hot and harsh well before you reach the nub – it’s those cigars you might want to abandon before you get even halfway. On the other hand, there are others that taste fantastic right to the very end, making it more than worth your while to perhaps burn your fingers and savour that last draw.
Through time, along with trial and error, you’ll know which cigars taste great to the very end and which ones are better to not smoke all the way through.
If you want to buy cigars online, we’re more than happy to help you here find the right choice for you here at Havana House, either online or in-store. We stock everything from cigar cutters to ashtrays, humidors and much more.
Cigar Review: Hiram & Solomon Traveling Man Robusto Cigar
30 November 2021 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!
Reviewed by: Ross from the Windsor shop
About the Hiram & Solomon Traveling Man Robusto Cigar
Owner: Hiram & Solomon Factory: Plasencia Cigars S.A. Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Indonesian Sumatra Binder: Indonesia / Brazil, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic Filler: Arapiraca, Habano Jalapa, Habano Ometepe, Dominican Strength: Medium Size: Robusto (5 x 52)
This medium body blend is masterfully encased in a silky Sumatran wrapper from the island of Indonesia. The thick smoke is rich in aroma with a hint of spice and coffee on the palate. The finish is soft and subtle as the creamy texture melds with notes of cocoa leather.
To start things off the cigar has a definitive citrus taste to it. The citrus slides into the background as the cigar develops a pleasant sweetness that dominates the palate. As we move toward the end of the first third, some cedar and floral pipe up.
The Middle
In the middle, the cedar bulks up. Around the halfway point some delightful brown sugar begins to develop on the aroma of the Traveling Man, with a touch of bbq thickness on the retrohale. As the second third comes to a close, the cedar pulls back a bit as it is joined by some floral notes.
The End
The final third has continued floral components. There is some cedar to round things out on this cigar that has a relatively short finish, very clean. The retrohale sees the addition of some subtle spices, but the cigar never goes beyond medium in strength. Extremely pleasant cigar.
Burn
A really steady burn throughout and this is down to great blend and construction. No touch ups needed.
Draw
Average smoke time for a cigar this size, draw had bite to it and gave a decent smoke output.
Overall
You don’t have to be in the Masonic brotherhood to enjoy this cigar. After all, the brotherhood of cigars trumps all.
Medium in strength and flavour the cigar is an enjoyable afternoon treat.
What soft drink would I pair it with? An ultra flavourful can of Mirinda Orange.
Would I smoke this again? Yes, I have been a fan of all of the Hiram & Solomon cigars so far. Really good blends and fantastic construction.
How to Prepare Your Cigar for Smoking
29 November 2021 by Ellie
Everyone needs to start somewhere. Even the most seasoned of cigar smokers were once beginners who needed to learn the ropes for storing, cutting and even lighting a cigar (Yes, there is a wrong way to do this).
While the process of lighting a cigar isn’t overly complicated, it’s often what puts beginners off from making cigar smoking a habit. Here, we’re going to go over the basics of how to prepare your cigar for smoking so you can get the best experience possible.
If you are completely new to cigar smoking, why not check out our ultimate guide to cigar smoking available for free on our blog?
Do Cigars Need Preparing?
In short, no matter what cigars you choose to smoke, they will require a little preparation before you start. Enjoying a cigar is all about the experience of tasting and revelling in the aromas. If you rush the preparation, then you may find yourself unsatisfied by the whole experience.
When is a Cigar Ready to be Smoked?
There are a couple of ways for you to test whether a cigar is ready to be smoked. A good cigar, like those you’ll find in cigar stores, such as with us at Havana House, will feel firm between the fingers on a gentle roll with no lumps or soft spots. If your first cigar doesn’t feel like this, best opt for another one.
If you find that all the cigars on offer share this not-right feel, then chances are they haven’t been stored properly. Cigars should typically be stored in a humidor where they can be kept at the correct relative humidity level of 65 to 72% RH. If you’re a complete cigar novice, chances are you won’t have a humidor to store your cigars in just yet, so until then, why not check out your other options for properly storing cigars?
How to Cut a Cigar
Unlike with cigarettes, most cigars will need to have their ends clipped before you can begin smoking. You may also want to remove the cigar’s label, however this can be left on for the entirety of the smoke if you prefer. Most cigar smokers tend to keep the label on until the heat of the smoke has loosened the adhesive so removing the label won’t damage the cigars wrapper.
Why You Should Cut Your Cigars
Removing the end of your cigar will allow for a smooth opening for the smoke without ruining the structure of the cigar. It’s recommended that you cut the cigar about one-sixteenth of an inch (2mm) from the end. This is usually where the curved end of the cigar meets the straight edge.
Alternatively, you can opt for making a V-shaped wedge cut that will expose more surface area and allow it for easy draw of smoke through the cigar. However, this can sometimes result in the cigar smoking too hot which can make it burn faster.
Cigar Cutting Method
The best and more recommended way to cut your cigar is by using a cigar cutter. These handy tools are available at more cigar stores and make cutting your cigar far easier!
The most popular (and cheapest) option is the guillotine which uses one or two blades to easily snip the end off your cigar. Try and make your snip as quick as possible to avoid any tearing and ultimate create a smoother, more pleasant smoke.
While we recognise Wolverine is incredibly cool, it’s recommended that you don’t bite the end off of your cigar. Not only is it an unpleasant option, it’s also not beneficial to your cigar.
Best Cigar Cutters
When selecting a cutter, a double-bladed cigar cutter is the best option for those new to cigar smoking like the Colibri Quasar Cigar Cutter. Using a double-bladed cutter will ensure that there is a cut from both sides simultaneously, with less chance of the wrapper being torn. However, if you’d rather use a single bladed cutter, then the Xikar X875 Cigar Cutter will also do the trick!
To cut, rest the cigar on the blade before pushing the cutter shut in one smooth and quick process.
How to Light a Cigar
Another part of the preparation that goes seriously under-explained is how you light a cigar. Unlike cigarettes, there is a method for how you properly light a cigar. The most recommended way is to use a torch lighter like the Colibri Apex Single-Jet Flame Lighter. You can even buy cigar lighter and cutter combos if you’d like a matching set!
How NOT to Light a Cigar
When it comes to lighting cigars, it’s much easier for us to lay out what you shouldn’t do first.
Firstly, we’d recommend that beginners stay away from wooden matches. While they will technically work, they can be difficult to keep burning for the long period it takes to actually light the cigar.
You should also avoid using ordinary cigarette lighters as the lighter fluid used to keep the flame going can affect the flavour of the tobacco.
Cigar Lighting Method
Once you’ve got your lighter, it’s time to get lighting!
Hold the cigar in your hands and place the tip just above the flame. If you stick the cigar directly into the flame, it can dramatically affect the flavour. Allow the cigar to burn slightly to prime the tobacco before taking your first puffs.
We would recommend twirling the cigar in the light to make sure the cigar achieves an even burn. The end of the cigar will have a light orange glow from the embers; this is when you will know that the cigar is ready to smoke.
Now there’s nothing left to do but sit back, relax and enjoy the smoky aromas of your chosen cigar. Preparation is everything when it comes to smoking cigars, but once you’ve got that nailed, you can begin to truly experience the wonders and variety of everything cigars have to offer.
If you’re looking to build up your cigar collection, why not browse our range of authentic Cuban cigarsavailable now from our store?
The Art of Pairing Food with Cigars
19 November 2021 by Ellie
Some like cigars with whiskey, some like them with wine. And then there’s some who enjoy pairing their cigars with food flavours.
While the idea of pairing food with cigars has caused something of a divide between aficionados, we think it’s something that every cigar enthusiast should try at least once! And we’re here to help you along this new and delicious journey with a few helpful tips to get you started.
How to Pair Food With Cigars
When it comes to pairing, the goal is to enhance the flavours of both your cigar and your dinner. This is why the key tip you need to remember when pairing food and cigars is like for like – you need to match the cigar and food flavours. You wouldn’t drink red wine with a salad, after all.
Many cigars can leave strong flavours behind on the tongue that can linger for hours and affect your palate. Therefore, it’s essential to match these smoky tones with a complimentary taste.
Where to Start When Pairing Cigars and Food
An important thing to remember when you begin your pairing journey is to start small. If you dive right into the deep end, you may find it a bit overwhelming and ruin the entire experience.
Most aficionados enjoy a smoke between dinner courses, so if you are dining out, go for a smaller cigar or cigarillo once you’ve had your starter.
Smaller bites, particularly Mediterranean inspired antipasti platters involving olives, cheese and smoked meats, are the perfect place to start your pairing journey. The salty and smokey flavours already present in these foods mix wonderfully with that of Petit Corona’s and other cigars with a neutral and natural flavour of tobacco or earth. This will bring out the zestiness of the vibrant vegetables that accompany such dishes.
Cigars and Lighter Bites
The last thing you want to do is overpower the flavours of either your cigar or your food. For lighter or creamier dishes such as chicken, fish or pasta, you’re better off having a smaller and mellower smoke. Mini cigars such as the Romeo y Julieta Mini or Davidoff Demi Tasse work particularly well with these types of dishes.
Surprisingly, fish is actually a great food choice with many cigars; there’s a reason some people like it smoked, so bringing in the smoky flavours of your choice can enhance the overall taste.
Pairing Cigars With Meat
For full-bodied cigars, think meat! The intense flavours balance out well with heavy tastes and textures that come from steak or lamb; perfect when done slow-roasted and served with rich and creamy potatoes.
Remember the like with like rule; if you are choosing a top quality steak, pair it with a premium cigar. You don’t want to spoil the intricate flavourings of one with an inferior partner. We recommend the Punch Punch Tubos and the Bolivar Royal Corona, which go amazingly with steak.
Take your pairing to the next level by taking the alcohol you would normally pair your cigar with and incorporate it into your food. Add red wine to gravy and sauces, or glaze your meat with bourbon.
Barbecue Meats and Cigars
Barbequed meats are another match made in heaven for cigars, as these meats are meant to be smokey. The bold flavours of char-grilled sausages or brisket will overwhelm milder aromas, so heftier cigars with spicy tones are what you’re after here.
While actual barbeques are almost exclusively reserved for the summer months, these meat types are desirable in the colder seasons too, as they prove quite filling.
Cigars and Desserts
Traditionally used as a replacement for dessert, cigars alongside dessert may not be well matched. The smokiness of the cigar may not mix well with the sweetness of most desserts.
But that doesn’t mean you have to forsake one for the other! There are still some combinations of cigars with desserts that work well. For example, many aficionados enjoy a cigar with dark chocolate since the bitter taste of the chocolate can complement the flavours found in the cigar. Nutty chocolates or snacks, like almonds, can also blend well with a smokey undertone.
This is also the prime opportunity to go for that triple-pairing, with whiskey cake being a great way of bringing together all three elements for you to enjoy. Demonstrating a sweet flavour itself, the Cohiba Maduro Secretos would be the ideal cigar to try pairing with a dessert.
If you would rather just have a cigar for dessert, then why not check out our recommendations for dessert cigars?
When it comes to pairing cigars, there are no set rules. Ultimately, everything will come down to personal preference much like with cigars and food separately. Just try to follow the same guiding principles as you would when pairing cigars with whiskey or wine.
If you’re looking to find out which cigars go best with your favourite meals, visit Havana House to buy cigars online and get experimenting!
Cigar History : Montecristo Cigars
by Ellie
When compared to some other Cuban brands, Montecristo is not particularly old. But what they lack in years, they more than make up for in history!
In the summer of 1935, Alonso Menendez purchased the Cuban Particulares factory from the makers of the popular Particulares cigar brand. Following a trend set by the manager at Romeo y Julieta, Menendez decided to rename the cigar brand to match the cigar rolling Torcedor’s favourite book – The Count of Monte Cristo.
The tale of personal revenge also inspired the Montecristo logo designed by John Hunter Morris which consists of a triangle made of six swords surrounding a flower.
Montecristo and the Cuban Revolution
Following the rising success of the Montecristo brand, Menendez bought the H.Upmann factory a year later and moved production to the site.
During the Cuban revolution, Montecristo was nationalised, and the brand continued production at the H. Upmann factory. Like most private cigar entrepreneurs at the time, Menendez fled to the Canary islands to try to re-establish the brand. He was backed by British investors but unfortunately, production could not resume abroad because of a lost legal battle with Cubatabaco.
Following the Cuban Embargo, Menendez re-established Montecristo in the Dominican Republic so that he could resume shipping to the U.S. This new brand was owned by Altadis SA, though it was not as successful or as well made as the original Cuban made Montecristo brand.
Montecristo Cigars Today
During the 70s and 80s, Montecrsto (now under the leadership of the Cuban government) continued to rise in popularity and quality. The brand was able to entrench itself as one of Cuba’s top lines and is now one of the most popular Cuban cigar brands in the world with a quarter of the market share.
In addition to that, some Montecristo cigars are heralded as the best in the world with the Montecristo No.4 being the best selling cigar across the globe as well as the No.2 being considered the gold standard cigar by many aficionados.
What are Montecristo Cigars Like?
As we’ve already mentioned, Montecristo cigars are widely considered to be some of the best cigars in the business, but what does it mean to be a Montecristo cigar?
Montecristo cigars are typically medium bodied that are able to satisfy that taste of both novice and veteran cigar smokers, not to mention everyone in between.
While the specific flavours vary between each individual line, Montecristo cigars tend to share the same natural woody flavour with a spiced or bitter-sweet tang that makes Montecristo such a distinguished player in the cigar industry.
The Best Montecristo Cigars
If you’re looking to try a Montecristo cigar for the first time, then why not check out one of our favourites.
Montecristo No.4
Not only is this the best-selling cigar in the world, but it’s also a perfect first cigar for novice smokers. With a stout figure and that classic tang that Montecristo is known for, this cigar offers a nice, medium-bodied smoke that every cigar enthusiast has to try at least once!
Montecristo No. 3
Nestled nicely between the No.4 and the No.2 you have the Montecristo No.3. With flavours of smoked wood and the bitter-tang of mocha coffee beans, this cigar offers a lovely medium-bodied smoke.
Montecristo No.2
Arguably one of the best cigars in the entire world, the Montecristo No.2 received a whopping 96 points out of 100 in the Cigar Aficionado blind taste test. This torpedo has defined what it means to be a Montecristo cigar. With tantalising flavours of wood and spice blended wonderfully with the bitterness of coffee beans, this full-bodied smoke is one that every cigar lover should have in their collection.
If you want to try a cigar from one of the best brands in the industry, then why not browse our full range of Montecristo cigars here.
Cigar Wrapper Guide: Candela
18 November 2021 by Ellie
Once upon a time, candela cigars were the most smoked cigars in the U.S. In fact, they were so popular in the States, that they were named as American Market Selection and were even smoked by the likes of JFK.
In recent years, the candela has had something of a comeback with top quality brands such as Illusione, La Flor Dominicana and Arturo Fuente having their own candela’s. With their comeback on the rise, we’ve chosen the candela wrapper as the next focus for our Cigar Wrapper Guide series.
What Are Candela Cigar Wrappers?
When you think of a classic cigar, you likely imagine something like the Montecristo No.4 Cigar with a brown tobacco leaf wrapper and filler tobacco. This is where the candelas really stand out because a candela cigar is green.
Yes. Green.
Between the 1950’s and 70’s, billions of cigars were smoked across the U.S. and at that time, the vast majority of them would have been candelas. In fact, they were so popular that the term ‘American Market Selection’ (AMS) was coined by major importers of Cuban cigars to designate green or candela wrappers.
Why Are Candela Wrappers Green?
In order to maintain the gorgeous green of a candela wrapper, the usually long process of curing is cut down to as little as three days. During this heat-curing process, the chlorophyll in the leaves is fixed in place, giving the wrapper that lovely green shade.
Where Do Candela Wrappers Come From?
Candela cigars (also called Double claro) originated in Cuba in the 1940s in response to the demand for milder cigars from the U.S. In order to meet this demand, tobacco manufacturers would free the lighter tobacco in order to keep it green. This was followed by a quick fire-cure that would make the leaf even greener.
This quicker curing process means that candela cigars are particularly popular with cigar manufacturers, since the cigars make it to their customers far quicker.
How Are Candela Cigars Made?
The typical tobacco used in cigar making is hung in a curing barn for 30 to 45 days (or more depending on the desired finish) to dry. In this time, the leaf turns from green to the recognisable brown we see in most cigars. For candelas, the curing process needs to be sped up in order to lock in that green colouring.
This is done by sealing the barn and cranking up the heat far hotter than usual. The temperature in a barn curing candela wrappers can reach highs of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. By exposing the leaf to such extreme heat, the dried leaf becomes crispy and fragile. The leaves then need to be carefully rehydrated in order to make them supple enough to use as wrappers.
What Do Candela Cigars Taste Like?
It was originally said that those first candela cigars were far milder than darker leaves and also sweet, tasting like pineapple. Following the Cuban Embargo, cigar makers tried to make candelas with Dominican tobacco instead, but they were said to taste sour.
Nowadays, candela cigars are still mild and are said to taste herbal, grassy and even creamy to smoke.
What Are The Best Candela Cigars?
Candela cigars may not be to everyone’s taste; Ernesto Perez-Carrillo has even admitted when he was 18 having lit up his first candela only for the cigar to make him sick. That said, if you’re looking to see if the grass really is greener on the other side, why not check out our top picks for candela cigars.
2012 by Oscar Toro Barber Pole Cigar
This cigar can’t technically be called a full candela cigar, but we’ve decided to allow it on account of its magnificent appearance. The 2012 by Oscar Barber Pole features a barber pole wrapper made of both a candela and maduro wrapper combined.
This cigar offers smooth tasting notes of caramel, coffee and even red pepper thanks to the unique blend of binder and filler beneath it’s eye-catching wrapper.
Rocky Patel The Edge Candela
Rocky Patel is a big name when it comes to premium cigars, so we shouldn’t be surprised that they’ve made an addition to their already popular line, The Edge, with a candela option. The Rocky Patel The Edge Candela cigar offers a distinct but sweet profile with tasting notes of green tea, hay, and a lovely buttery finish.
Alec Bradley Black Market Filthy Hooligan Shamrock
2021 marks the third year that the Shamrock has been released and with only 1500 boxes available, cigar aficionados across the world are chomping at the bit to get their hands on a box of these beauties.
While they may not be to everyone’s liking, there’s no denying that a candela cigar would make a striking addition to any cigar lover’s collection. If you’re looking to buy premium Cuban cigars online, then why not browse our range here?
What is the Best Cigar in the World?
9 November 2021 by Ellie
If you’re like us here at Havana House, then you love a good premium cigar. And while there’s plenty of big name brands out there, it still begs the question: what is the best cigar in the world?
In this article, we’re going to look at what we at Havana House believe to be the best cigar in the world along with some honourable mentions.
Montecristo No.4
Anyone who has dipped their toe into the cigar world has heard of the iconic Montecristo No.4 cigar. Not only is the No.4 the perfect cigar for newbie smokers, but this petit corona is also the number one best selling cigar in the whole world!
The No.4 encompasses everything it means to be a Montecristo cigar. With the classic tang that the brand has become famous for as well as offering a medium yet intense smoking experience, it’s no wonder that we’ve picked the Montecristo No.4 as our best cigar in the world.
Honourable Mentions
While we’ve thrown ourselves into Montecristo’s corner, that doesn’t mean it was an easy decision for us to make! Here are some of the runner-ups that we also considered for the title of best cigar in the world.
Davidoff Signature No. 2 Cigar
Davidoff have consistently been one of the best premium cigar brands in the business, so it’s no wonder that one of their cigars was considered for best cigar in the world.
The Davidoff Signature No.2 cigar offers a fantastically balanced taste that is much milder than some of their other lines. With an even-toned Connecticut wrapper and a marvellous blend of Dominican tobacco, this cigar will go down in history as one of the best.
Bolivar Belicosos Finos Cigar
Named one of Cigar Aficionado’s Top Cigars of 2020, the Bolivar Belicosos Finos cigar was definitely in the running for our pick of best cigar in the world! This cigar offers a brilliantly complex smoke with flavours of wood, fruit and spices that are almost reminiscent of Middle Eastern cooking.
Cohiba Robusto Cigar
The Cohiba Robusto Cigar was also given the title of one of the top cigars in the world by Cigar Aficionado in 2019. This cigar has since become one of the most demanded cigars on the market today! So, it shouldn’t be a shock that we considered it to be one of the best cigars in the world.
There’s no shortage of fine cigars on the market today, but we hope we have given you a hand when it comes to finding the very best.
If you’re looking to buy cigars online, then why not check out our store where we stock some of the best brands in the world, including Montecristo and Davidoff.
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!
Reviewed by: Ross from the Windsor shop
About the E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel Robusto Cigar
Factory: Tabacalera La Alianza S.A. Origin: Dominican Republic Wrapper: U.S.A./Conn. Habano Binder: Ecuador Filler: Nicaragua Strength: Medium Size: 5″ by 50 ring gauge (Robusto)
TheE.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel may look like just another dark, box-pressed cigar but there’s a story behind this incredible smoke that started in 2014 when Ernesto Perez-Carrillo released another brand called La Historia. It was a tribute to his family and one the finest cigars he’d released up to that point.
One particular size, the E-III, came very close to making Cigar of the Year and was ranked the No. 2 smoke of 2014. At the time, we didn’t know that La Historia was part one in what came to be a trilogy.
In his 50-year career, Perez-Carrillo has owned factories big and small, worked for a major corporation, and has been making cigars on his own terms for the last decade. Now a two-time Cigar of the Year recipient, the man who’s done it all in the cigar business has done it again.
The Beginning
The start of the E.P. Carrillo Prequel erupts with a bang, large amounts of black pepper and spice on the retrohale threaten to overwhelm any flavours that might be present.
Thankfully, both die down very quickly, leaving behind a dominant creamy cedar followed by notes of coffee. There is also a noticeable caramel sweetness on the retrohale.
The Middle
As I get to the middle of the E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel the caramel sweetness on the finish begins to fade into the background.
In terms of construction, both the burn and draw continue to impress, while the smoke production continues to be both copious and dense. I found the cigar to be mild to start with, but it’s definitely medium strength now.
The End
There are a few major changes to the profile during the final third of the E.P. Carrillo Pledge, the familiar combination of creamy cedar and coffee is ever present. The caramel sweetness on the retrohale seems to be increasing.
In addition, both the spice and the black pepper on the retrohale seem to have gained a new life. Finally, while I am not surprised when the strength easily passes the medium mark early in the final third, it seems to stall just past that point, ultimately failing to increase even to the very last draw on the cigar.
Burn
This cigar burns for a deceptively long time. The compact shape extends past an hour before a creamy cedar, lingering finish falls into place. E.P. Carrillo Pledge is a dark and uniform cigar. It tastes the way it looks: substantial. But its profile doesn’t vary tremendously.
Draw
E.P. Carrillo Pledge is a dense cigar. Its compressed shape mirrors a mars bar. The construction is impeccable. A stark white ash develops with no indication it will flake or fall off early. You light the cigar up and you know that no touch ups are needed, the draw has a slight resistance to it, and it feels so good.
Overall
After a somewhat surprising start of aggressive spice and pepper, the E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel dialled its profile back enough to show off just how good the blend is.
While the resulting profile was a bit more linear than I would like, both the coffee and creamy cedar notes that dominate the profile combine so well with the caramel sweetness that is also present. Throw in the construction that was just short of amazing. This is a must try cigar.
Ross Rating: 9 out of 10
Cigar Pairing Idea
What alcoholic drink would I pair it with? To make this experience even more special I cracked open a bottle of Dalmore cigar malt, the deep depth of this whisky really added to the cigar profile.
What soft drink would I pair it with? Something sweet, something special. Regular Coca-Cola in a glass bottle.
Would I smoke this again? I have smoked almost an entire box of these cigars so I would most definitely have another.
Cigar History: My Father Cigars
29 October 2021 by Ellie
Cigars have been enjoyed across the world for centuries. It’s thought that the first recorded depiction of cigar smoking was found painted on a ceramic pot in Guatemala that dates all the way back to the 10th century.
So, it comes as no shock that a great many of the big-name brands we talk about date back well over fifty years, at least.
In this continuation of our cigar history series, we’re going to be talking about one of the younger names in the industry that managed to take the cigar world by storm.
We are of course talking about My Father Cigars.
My Father Cigars Early History
Jose Pepin Garcia was born in Cuba in 1950 and was already rolling his first cigar by the age of 11. This sparked a lifelong passion that Pepin carried with him as he stepped into the world of cigar making.
In 2003, Pepin and his family bought a small cigar factory in Little Havana where he could make his dream a reality. Here, the My Father Cigar brand was born.
In 2009, My Father Cigar had already grown to the point they were able to open My Father Cigars in Nicaragua. The complex was seven acres and had a fully installed production process which allowed the company to harvest, package, and ship their products to retailers all from one spot.
Now almost 20 years since their humble beginnings, My Father Cigars is still a fully operational and family run business.
Don Pepin Garcia, who was named America’s Hottest Cigar Maker by Cigar Aficionado, works with his son Jaime to develop countless blends for My Father Cigars as well as some of the most prestigious companies in the industry.
Even command of the company headquarters in Doral remains within the family, with Pepin’s daughter, Janny Garcia, leading the charge.
By following the tradition lived and learned by the family in Cuba, My Father Cigars now has two factories, one of which is staffed by a team of twelve expert cigar rollers trained and appointed by Don Pepin himself.
From these two factories, the family continues to produce their twelve traditional company-owned brands that are known by cigar aficionados across the world.
What Are My Father Cigars Like?
The blends used in My Father Cigars are known to be uncompromisingly robust and aromatic and are adored worldwide for their combination of strength, richness and spicy aroma.
Each cigar that comes out of the Jose Pepin Garcia legacy is meticulously handcrafted to give a beautifully wrapped cigar with a traditional triple-cap finish. Since their inception, My Father Cigars had gone on to create an array of award-winning smokes including their Flor de Las Antillas which was named Best Cigar of the Year in 2021.
My Father Cigars has carved its place in the world of premium cigar making and will no doubt continue to produce some of the best traditionally made cigars on the market. The only question left to ask is what this family business will achieve next?
Here at Havana House, we off a wide range of New World Cigars so you can buy My Father Cigars online with free standard delivery on all orders over £50.
Image Credits: My Father Cigars
Cigarillos vs Cigars | What’s the Difference?
26 October 2021 by Ellie
There’s one question that every new aficionado asks when they first begin their dive into the world of cigars: what is the difference between cigars and cigarillos?
In this article, we’re going to be exploring the key difference between these two smokes, from how they look, how they’re made, and how they’re smoked.
If you’re looking to buy cigarillos online, then why not browse our range available online now?
What is a Cigarillo?
A cigarillo is a petite and often machine-made smoke that is made and sold in tins or packs of between 5 and 50.
The majority of cigarillos are manufactured in Europe where they have been a popular smoking option for generations. While there is demand for cigarillos in the US, it is nothing compared to that of European countries.
The tobacco used in cigarillos is often dry-cured meaning that a cigarillo will burn much faster and hotter than your typical cigar.
What Are The Differences Between Cigars and Cigarillos?
While cigars and cigarillos do share some common characteristics, there are also a great number of ways that they differ.
Size
The most notable difference between these two smokes is their size. The average cigarillo is approximately 75 – 100 millimetres in length which is considerably shorter than the typical Robusto cigar which measures around 127 millimetres.
Cigarillos are also a lot slimmer than cigars and tend to have a ring gauge of around 20 – 30 whereas most cigars have a ring gauge of 40 or above.
Construction
When looking at the overall construction of both cigars and cigarillos, the key difference is that cigarillos tend to be machine-made with dry-cured (non-humidified) tobacco leaves, meaning they burn faster and hotter than a typical cigar.
Despite their difference in size, cigarillos can still be made of the same tobacco blend as some of their larger counterparts. However, cigarillos tend to be made with a replacement wrapper rather than a pure tobacco leaf.
Unlike most cigars, cigarillos also tend to have filters although there are some unfiltered options available.
Price
Another significant difference between cigars and cigarillos is their price. Due to their size and the fact they can be made by machine, it’s far easier for cigarillos to be mass-produced. This drags their cost down quite drastically.
In this article, we’re going to be exploring the key difference between these two smokes, from how they look, how they’re made, and how they’re smoked.
If you’re looking to buy cigarillos online, then why not browse our range available online now?
How Do You Smoke a Cigarillo?
While either a cigar or a cigarillo can provide a great smoking experience, most aficionados tend to enjoy them both in very different contexts.
Cigars take far longer to smoke and so are often enjoyed in more relaxed smoking sessions where the smoker can sit back, relax, and bask in the flavour and aromas the smoke offers. Because of this, most cigar smokers have to set time aside in their day or week to truly enjoy their cigars uninterrupted.
Cigarillos, however, are able to be smoked when time is of the essence. If you’re looking for a quick smoke break during work hours or you want a go-to smoke alongside a coffee with friends, then a cigarillo can be a perfect option. Thanks to their size, cigarillos are also a lot easier to carry around on a regular basis so they work especially well for impromptu smokes as and when required.
Cigarillos offer a great alternative for those who don’t have time to devote to sitting down and enjoying a premium, hand-crafted cigar. While they can’t compare to cigars in terms of flavour and aroma, they are a much more practical option for those who want a classic smoke in a smaller chunk of time.
At Havana House, we have a wide range of cigarillos available from top brands such as Davidoff and Royal Dutch.
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