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Cigar Review: Casdagli Daughters of the Wind Pony Express

1 November 2024 by Ellie

Pony Express is the newest addition to the stables of the Daughters of the Wind Line. The main modification to the original Daughters of the Wind blend is the extra amount of the Dominican Oscuro Ligero filler that further enriches and strengthens the blend.

The other change to the Daughters of the Wind Line blend is that the Pony Express is embraced with two binder leaves, now including a Nicaraguan Esteli binder, along with the Costa Rican Puriscal. Pony Express is handcrafted in Costa Rica at the exclusive boutique factory IGM Cigars in San Jose.

About the Daughters of the Wind Pony Express Cigar

Owner: Casdagli
Factory: IGM Cigars
Origin: Costa Rica
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Costa Rica, Nicaragua
Filler: Peru, Dominican
Strength: Medium – Full
Size: Corona Gorda – 6 by 48 ring gauge

Reviewed by: Ross from the Windsor shop

The Beginning

Lots of smoke straight off the bat. Sweet oak flavour with hints of plum like fruit. There is a touch of salted nuts there too. Impressive start.

The Middle

Medium to full body remains the same. The nut flavour develops further and the plum turns more to cherry. Phenomenal smoke output, and I love the way it changes up and progresses in taste.

The End

The smoke diminishes a little and I’m getting a delightful caramel flavour. The fruity note isn’t there any more, as the oak flavour takes over.

Burn

I know not everyone is a fan of box pressed cigars but with a burn this consistent I think it could easily change your mind. The cigar is basically square, I didn’t have to touch it up at all. It also won’t roll off your table. Genius.

Draw

I love the resistance to the draw, perfectly balanced all the way down.

Overall

For me, this cigar is very special. It shows that New World offerings can change and develop in flavour as you smoke them. The complexity of this change keeps me more than interested and the fruity flavours combined with the salted nut reminds me of Cadbury’s fruit and nut bar. I am deeply impressed.

Ross Rating: 10/10

What alcoholic drink would I pair Daughters of the Wind Pony Express with?

Mikkeller Game Of Thrones Syrax Session IPA (44cl / 3.5%).

What soft drink would I pair Daughters of the Wind Pony Express with?

As I’m feeling scientific today I had a Dr Pepper. Crazy flavour combinations with this cigar.

Would I smoke Daughters of the Wind Pony Express again?

I will be making the most of this cigar as it was a small batch limited release so I will definitely be smoking a few of these.

Cigar Journal 2023 Cigar Trophy Awards

18 September 2023 by Ellie

Each year, Cigar Journal hosts the Cigar Trophy Awards – an award voted for by cigar consumers rather than those in the industry. Established in 1998, the Cigar Trophy Award has become a coveted prize in the cigar world and is the only one voted for by the public.

Smokers are encouraged to nominate candidates for categories such as Best Brand, Best Cigar, Best Value, Best Boutique Brand, Best Accessory, and Best Lounge. These nominees are then shortlisted, and cigar smokers are able to vote for the winner from the top five.

This year’s awards were held on Thursday, September 14 2023, and several of the winning smokes are actually stocked here at Havana House. If you want to try these award-winning cigars yourself, take a look at our cigar range and choose your own winner!

Best Brand of 2023 – Cigar Journal 2023 Cigar Trophy Awards

Best Cuban Cigar Brand 2023 – Partagás

Awarded the best Cuban brand of 2023, Partagás is a worthy winner. They have been making fantastic smokes for over 170 years and remain one of the best-selling cigar brands in the world. Partagas cigars are powerful, medium to full-bodied, with intense flavours of rich earthiness, dark coffee, and spice, making them perfect for more seasoned smokers who like a cigar that packs a punch.

If you’re looking for an intense smoking experience, then check out our range of Partagas cigars.

Best Honduran Cigar Brand 2023 – Leaf by Oscar Valladares

Oscar Valladares is a cigar brand from Honduras that has been creating exceptional smokes since 2012. The Leaf by Oscar line is a particularly exciting development by Oscar, created at his boutique factory. The thing that sets the Leaf line apart from all other brands is the fact that the cigars are covered with a rustic-looking tobacco leaf rather than a cellophane wrapper. It makes the cigar look intriguing and appealing and truly distinguishes Leaf by Oscar Valladares from every other brand on the market.

Add a few Leaf by Oscar Valladares cigars to your collection today by browsing our range at Havana House.

Best Nicaraguan Cigar Brand 2023 – Oliva Serie V

Winning the Best Cigar Brand from Nicaragua, Oliva has been in the cigar business since 1886, but it is their Serie V line that debuted in 2006 that continues to attract attention to this brand. Oliva Serie V is made with a complex blend of Nicaraguan long-filler tobacco by a small group of rollers.

If you’d like to try cigars from the Oliva Serie V line, check out our range of Oliva cigars online.

Best Cigar of 2023 – Cigar Journal 2023 Cigar Trophy Awards

Best Cuban Cigar 2023 – Partagás Serie E No.2

The Partagas Series E No.2 cigar presents a powerful puff with earthy, peppery flavours that cumulate into a strong finish. Measuring 5 1/2″ x 54, this cigar is a Duke vitola, which isn’t too common in the cigar world; however, this speaks to Partagas’ commitment to innovation.

As you smoke the Serie E No.2, you’ll experience a softer, less direct pace, but there will still be big flavours throughout the smoke.

Best Dominican Republic Cigar 2023 – Davidoff Signature No.1 Limited Edition

The Davidoff Signature No.1 Limited Edition is a call-back to an innovative and iconic cigar format from Davidoff’s past – the Panetela Larga – which features a pigtail top, which was a ground-breaking design in 1969 when the Classic No.1 was launched.

The Signature No.1 is a lovingly recrafted panatela larga cigar, measuring 7 ½” x 39. The flavours are subtle, and the construction is immaculate.

Want to try this cigar? You can find the Davidoff Signature No. 1 Limited Edition 2023 Cigar here at Havana House.

Best Honduran Cigar 2023 – Plasencia Cosecha 149 La Vega

The Plasencia Cosecha 149 showcases tobacco from Plasencia’s 149th harvest, which happened in 2014. Cosecha means ‘harvest’, so the name of the cigar celebrates the origins of the tobacco used. The tobacco was aged for seven years before being crafted into these fantastic medium-full-bodied smokes.

The Plasencia Cosecha 149 is blended with a wrapper from Olancho, San Agustín, a binder from Jamastran and a mix of filler tobaccos from Jamastran, Talanga and Olancho, making this a 100% Honduran tobacco.

Best Value Cigar 2023 – Cigar Journal 2023 Cigar Trophy Awards

Best Value Honduran Cigar 2023 – Rocky Patel Vintage 1990

The Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 series offers an ingenious blend of tobaccos from around the new world, bound by a 12-year-old Honduran Broadleaf wrapper. Over the years, the wrapper has dulled in strength, yet grown in complexity and flavour. The cigar is perhaps a lot milder than one would expect from a Rocky Patel cigar, and smokers will be treated to a nutty, caramel taste.

The Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 line is available in a few different formats, including:

Best Boutique Cigar Brand 2023

Best Boutique Cigar Brand Costa Rica 2023 – Casdagli Villa Casdagli

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Casdagli Cigars, a sub-brand was launched called Villa Casdagli. There are five vitolas in the original line and two in the Villa Casdagli Petit Exquisitos line. They each offer a rich smoke that perfectly celebrates the stunning Villa Casdagli.

Here at Havana House, we have the Villa Casdagli Nicarita Petit Exquisitos Cigar, a smaller format cigar measuring 4″ x 35, which offers a slow-burning 20-minute smoke packed with rich flavour, rounded strength and a warm, nutty aroma.

Want to try more top-rated cigars? Check out our own Havana House Top Ten Cuban Cigars!

Top 10 Cigars For New Cigar Smokers

31 August 2023 by Ellie

Like any new hobby, knowing where to begin when it comes to cigar smoking can sometimes be a little daunting. If you have decided you would like to join the wonderful world of cigar smoking, then one of the biggest hurdles can be deciding which cigar is the right one to make your first time enjoyable! As this is such an important yet difficult decision, we have put together our guide to the top ten cigars perfectly suited to new smokers.

As a newcomer, you probably won’t be fully aware of what makes a great starter cigar. It can be difficult to know what to look for when selecting what to begin with, and with so many brands, wrappers, colours, smells and sizes, trying to make a decision unaided can prove a little overwhelming. However, it is all of these factors that make a cigar so special and luxurious, and over time, you will learn not only to differentiate between them but also which ones are your favourites!

To help you get started on your stogie journey, we have put together what we consider to be the top ten cigars for smokers new to the cigar world!

Made solely from tobacco, cigars tend to be significantly stronger than what you may be used to from cigarettes or pipes. Rather than jumping straight into the deep end, it is important to start off with a light and mild yet flavourful stogie, which is perfect for beginners, such as the ones below.

Cohiba Siglo I Cigar

The Cohiba Siglo I Cigar was introduced in 1992 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Colombus’ discovery of the New World!

The Cohiba Siglo I cigar itself is a tiny Corona and is very similar in taste to the other coronas in the Siglo line. The Siglo I’s flavour profile consists of a creamy sweetness, to begin with, followed by coffee bean and mocha flavours with a medium tobacco taste.

Montecristo No.3 Cigar

Montecristo is a premium cigar brand with some truly exceptional cigars on offer in its collection. The No.2 is often considered to be the world’s best cigar, and the No. 4 is a best seller around the world, so the Montecristo No. 3 is certainly in good company.

While Montecristo is generally more tailored to the experienced cigar fan, the Montecristo #3 is one of the milder stogies in their range. These cigars guarantee a good draw and burns evenly, making it an uncomplicated smoke, with great coffee flavours.

La Invicta Nicaraguan Shorts Cigar

When you’re first starting out with cigars, all of the tools and techniques for enjoying your smoke can be overwhelming to get your head around. This is why a machine-made cigar can be a good choice, as they come pre-cut and ready to be lit.

The La Invicta Nicaraguan Shorts Cigar is a fantastic choice if you’re after a convenient pre-cut smoke. It offers a robust yet mellow aroma, a trait associated with the La Invicta brand. The Nicaraguan Shorts can be enjoyed in around 15-20 minutes, making this a short smoke ideal for newcomers as well as time-restricted seasoned pros.

Juliany Corojo Corona Cigar

A budget-friendly option for those who don’t want to splash out when trying cigars for the first time, the Juliany Corojo Corona Cigar is a fantastic choice for both novice smokers and aficionados alike. With a short smoke time, mild strength, and fresh taste, these are ideal for new cigar smokers.

Drew Estate Acid Blondie Cigar

While there are a lot of flavour profiles across the cigar world, cigars usually offer tastes that fall within the categories of spicy, bitter, earthy or nutty. The Drew Estate Acid Blondie Cigar is super sweet and smooth, which isn’t a typical flavour for cigars but may be appreciated by some newbies to cigar smoking.

Partagas Petit Corona Especiales Cigar

The Partagas Petit Corona Especiales packs a mighty punch and a delicious flavour profile that is a great cigar to light up in the early evening with a good cup of coffee.

Partagas are loved the world over, as not only does the brand produce an exquisite range of well-blended and complex cigars, but the founder, Jaime Partagas, is responsible for developing the maturation method of tobacco that has been adopted by most Cuban cigar brands today!

H. Upmann Half Corona Cigar

When you’re just starting out with cigars, you probably don’t want to be dedicating hours of your time to a smoke – you want something short and sweet to test the waters!

The H. Upmann Half Corona is the perfect one for this, taking only around 30 minutes to smoke from start to finish. Within this shorter cigar is a well-balanced and flavourful smoke.

You’ll start with sweet, floral notes that offer creamy hints, which develop into coffee notes as you smoke it. It is complex, with a great draw, making it a fantastic smoke for new and experienced smokers alike.

Montecristo Open J Cigar

A fresh, light and gentle cigar, the Montecristo Open J Cigar is a fine option for those seeking a beginner’s smoke from one of the best Cuban cigar brands. Montecristo is typically known for punchier, bold and strong smokes, so this medium-strength option offers a gentler experience for novice smokers. Measuring only 4 3/8″ x 38, this will be a quicker smoke, which can be appreciated by newer smokers.

Punch Petit Coronations Tubos Cigar

The Punch Petit Coronations cigar is mild in flavour and strength, with woody and fruity notes present throughout. It is a delightful smoke for all experiences, but its mildness makes it perfectly suited to beginners.

Camacho Machitos Orange Connecticut Cigar

This beautiful little cigar is the perfect smoke for when time is of the essence, featuring a Connecticut wrapper and a blend of Dominican and Honduran long-fillers that give way to flavours of spice, cedar and vanilla.

The Camacho Machitos Orange Connecticut Cigars have the exact blends as their larger counterparts and are available in Connecticut, Corojo, and Criollo. Pick up a pack and take them on your next weekend away – we personally take them on our camping trips, and as the weather warms up, there’s no excuse for you not to do the same!

All of these smokes for beginners are available for you to buy cigars online here at Havana House!

Clay Pigeon Shooting and Cigar Event

11 August 2023 by Ellie

Last week we held our inaugural Clay Pigeon Shooting and Cigar Event at EJ Churchill Shooting Ground in High Wycombe. Although the British weather was against us, we had a fantastic time, smoked some incredible cigars and shot a lot of clays.

We split into three groups to have our introduction to shooting by the incredible instructors from EJ Churchill, followed by a coffee and cigar break and then onto the big competition! With 40 shots each, we embarked on a masterclass of clay pigeon shooting, with Steve, Ross and James winning the individual prizes from each team. Then we finished the day off with a delicious lunch put on by the Team at EJ Churchill!

A thoroughly good day was had by all, thanks to the fantastic hospitality of EJ Churchill; this will definitely become an annual Havana House Event from now on!

Cigars to Enjoy While Clay Pigeon Shooting

Of course, no Havana House event would be complete without cigars, and we had some fantastic smokes to enjoy on the day – the Cavalier Black Label Toro from Honduras and The Partagas Serie D No.4 – a Cuban Classic!

Cavalier Black Label Toro

The ​​Cavalier Black Label Toro offers a rich, complex and spicy flavour profile with a solid medium-bodied strength. As we smoked the Toro, notes of red pepper, chestnuts, wood, and dark chocolate became noticeable. The robust flavours of this cigar top out at a flawless medium-bodied experience.

As a Toro format, the cigar measures 6″ x 54. It originates from Honduras and is wrapped in a Mexican San Andres wrapper.

Partagas Serie D No.4

The Partagas Serie D No.4 is both powerful and popular. The D No.4 Robusto is one of the top-selling Cuban cigars – strong and full-bodied, presenting aromas of wood and spice in equal doses.

As a Robusto format, the cigar measures 4 7/8″ x 50. It is a true Cuban classic with a Corojo wrapper.

If you’re looking for cigar smoking events in the UK, check out our upcoming events and join us for fantastic smoking and drinking experiences with fellow cigar enthusiasts.

Beginner’s Guide to Smoking a Pipe

27 June 2023 by Ellie

Smoking a pipe can be an enjoyable and relaxing hobby. Pipe smoking has a rich history dating back centuries, with tobacco pipes being enjoyed by smokers around the world.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pipe enthusiast who wants to brush up on their skills, this guide will provide you with all the essential information about smoking tobacco pipes.

How to Choose a Tobacco Pipe

Pipes come in all shapes, sizes and materials. Whether it be the Billiard, Apple or Calabash, it allows for a comfortable hang from the mouth; whilst the contemporary classic, the Poker, has acquired a cult following due to its intriguing, rigid shaping.

Tobacco pipes have been made from such materials as corn cobs, clay and Meerschaum over the years, but the most common material would be the root from the Briar wood, an evergreen shrub found in the Mediterranean. The root is chosen because of its natural heat-resisting and moisture absorption properties and after curing, its inability to taint the flavour of the pipe tobacco.

Briar pipes are recommended for beginners due to their durability and heat-resistant qualities.

Take a look at our guide to tobacco pipes to uncover the style of pipe that appeals to you most.

Best Pipe Tobacco for Beginners UK

There are countless pipe tobacco blends to choose from, each offering a different flavour and aroma. As a beginner, it’s best to start with a mild and straightforward blend.

Virginia tobacco is one of the most popular types for pipe smokers, and it is great for beginners, as it is so mild. It also contains the highest level of natural sugars of all blending tobacco types, which gives it a slightly sweet taste, which can be appreciated by novice smokers.

Try:

What Kit Do You Need to Smoke a Tobacco Pipe?

To smoke a tobacco pipe, you will need a few essential items. Here’s a list of the basic kit for smoking a tobacco pipe:

How to Pack a Tobacco Pipe

Packing a tobacco pipe involves a specific technique to ensure an even burn and enjoyable smoking experience.

Prepare the Pipe

Ensure that your pipe is clean and free from any remnants of previous smokes. Use a pipe cleaner to clear any debris or moisture from the stem and shank.

Three Layer Method

There are various packing methods, but the most common one is the three-layer method. It involves the following steps:

  1. Take a small pinch of loose pipe tobacco and add it to the pipe’s chamber. Ensuring it is loose and not too densely packed in, fill around half of the chamber with tobacco.
  2. Add in another pinch of tobacco to the chamber, until it is around three-quarters full, before gently pressing down on the tobacco with a pipe tamper or your finger. Ensure you only gently remove the gaps, rather than crush the tobacco down.
  3. Add another pinch of loose tobacco into the chamber until it reaches the rim of the chamber. Again press down on the tobacco, pushing the tobacco together to pack it again, avoiding compacting all of the tobacco. It should remain evenly against the rim of the chamber or slightly below it.

How to Light a Tobacco Pipe

Lighting your tobacco pipe usually comes in a couple of stages:

The First Light or Charring Light

Using your pipe lighter, hold the flame above the tobacco and move it in a circular motion. Take a couple of draws while lighting the pipe. The tobacco will become charred, not fully lit, and the first light almost always goes out – this stage is known as the charring light.

The charring light will go out, usually within less than a minute. Use a tamper to pack the tobacco down again, as this helps embers to form in the chamber of the bowl.

The True Light

Once the first light is out, you will need to light the pipe again. Take a couple of draws after the pipe has been lit to ensure it lights evenly. Try not to overdraw, as this can negatively affect the taste of the tobacco.

If your pipe was packed properly, it should remain lit throughout the duration of your smoke. You can occasionally pack the tobacco to keep the embers going.

Keeping the Pipe Lit

Sometimes, no matter how perfectly you’ve packed the bowl, the tobacco just struggles to stay lit. If you’re having that problem, you need to cover the bowl with your fingers, but leave a little hole for air to pass through. Take a few, quick, sharp puffs and then uncover the bowl – this is referred to as stoking the pipe.

To keep the pipe lit, you’ll need to puff routinely. Puffing too much can make the pipe get too hot, which can cause tongue bite. If the bowl of your pipe feels too hot to touch, you need to slow down the speed at which you are puffing.

Fixing Common Pipe Smoking Problems

Tobacco pipes, like any other smoking devices, can encounter a few common problems. Here are some potential issues you may face with tobacco pipes and suggestions for how to address them:

Clogged Tobacco Pipe Bowl

Over time, tobacco residue can accumulate in the bowl, leading to clogging. To fix this, try using a pipe tool or a pipe cleaner to gently scrape away the debris and clear the airway. Be cautious not to damage the pipe bowl in the process.

Moisture Buildup in Tobacco Pipes

Moisture can collect inside the stem and bowl, resulting in gurgling sounds and decreased smoking quality. To resolve this, consider using a pipe cleaner to remove any excess moisture and allow the pipe to dry thoroughly before using it again. Additionally, you may want to use a moisture trap or filter to absorb excess moisture during smoking.

Burnout or Cracks in Tobacco Pipes

Pipes made of low-quality materials or those exposed to excessive heat can develop burnout or cracks in the bowl. Unfortunately, this issue is challenging to fix, and the best solution is to replace the pipe. To prevent burnout or cracks, ensure you don’t overheat the pipe while smoking and choose pipes made of durable materials such as briar wood or meerschaum.

How to Stop Tongue Bite When Smoking a Pipe

Tongue bite refers to a burning sensation on the tongue caused by excessive heat or improper smoking technique. To alleviate this issue, slow down your smoking pace, ensure the tobacco is properly packed in the bowl, and use a filter or a cooling mouthpiece if necessary. Additionally, choosing milder tobacco blends or adjusting your packing technique can help reduce tongue bite.

Ghosting or Flavour Taint When Smoking a Pipe

Ghosting occurs when the taste of a previously smoked tobacco blend lingers in the pipe and affects subsequent smoking sessions. To address this, you can clean your pipe thoroughly using a pipe cleaner, alcohol-soaked cotton swabs, or pipe cleaning solutions. Regular cleaning and rotation between different tobacco blends can help prevent ghosting.

Remember, proper pipe maintenance and care are essential for enjoying a tobacco pipe to its fullest potential. Regular cleaning, avoiding excessive heat, and using quality tobacco and accessories can help minimise many of the common problems associated with pipe smoking.

First CSWC Time Chase of the Season Begins at Havana House

20 April 2023 by Ellie

The Cigar Smoking World Championship (CSWC) 2023 season is off to a fantastic start, with the first Time Chase event of the season starting at Havana House Hove.

Jobey Ashcroft won the Havana House UK 2023 Time Chase in Hove, providing the first official time of the CSWC 2023 season, with a smoke time of 1 hour, 7 minutes and 32 seconds. Jobey is a novice to the competition, making this an even more impressive feat!

The first Time Chase of the season was a nail-biter, and it foreshadows what we may anticipate this season: high stakes. While Jobey was able to smoke the cigar for 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 32 seconds, the runner-up, Josh Packham, had a time of 1 hour, 7 minutes and 19 seconds, making this an incredibly close race! Sarah Saunders, CSWC’s official judge, provided a terrific competition.

The CSWC Top 20 list is now open and will be published soon to reveal who will be going through to the final of the Cigar Smoking World Championship, where the 2023 winner will be determined.

Speaking of the event, CSWC Founder Marko Bilic said: 

“The United Kingdom has risen to the top of the CSWC rankings. Sarah Saunders performed a miracle there by promoting the CSWC and the idea behind it. She was successful in conveying the thrill of the CSWC to UK cigar enthusiasts, who enthusiastically welcomed the notion of the slow smoking challenge.”

The Cigar Smoking World Championship is an international competition in the “slow smoking” of cigars.

What is the CSWC?

Competitors compete in how slow they can smoke their cigar, with time penalties given for such things as breaking their ash or burning the competition ring (cigar band).

Since 2019, the official competition cigar is the CSWC Rocky Patel Mareva, which is 5 ⅛ inches long, with a 42 ring gauge.

CSWC Events at Havana House

Josh Cotton from Havana House says: “We are always so excited to support Sarah and the CSWC. Hove’s event was a fantastic start to our CSWC season, and everyone did fantastically, especially as they were all first-timers to the competition! Well done, Jobey, on the win.”

CSWC Qualifying Event at Havana House Windsor

We are hosting another CSWC qualifying event at our Havana House Windsor Store on the 3rd of May 2023. We will again be joined by Sarah Saunders (Official CSWC UK Judge and Founder of the Women’s International Cigar Club), who will be guiding us through the competition.

The ticket to the event includes the Rocky Patel CSWC Mareva Championship cigar, as well as a choice of either the Rocky Patel Quarter Century Robusto or La Galera Imperial Jade Robusto. There will also be a sampling of Brugal Rums from The Dominican Republic, including the Brugal Añejo Superior and Brugal 1888 Double-Aged Rum.

How to Buy a Cigar as a Gift

7 November 2022 by Ellie

Choosing a cigar as a gift can be a daunting task, to say the least. Similar to trying to pick out the perfect bottle of wine for a loved one, choosing a cigar may require the knowledge of the smoker’s preferences when it comes to strength and flavour.

But thanks to our insightful guide, you don’t have to endure this experience alone, so you can make an informed purchase that is sure to be the best cigar gift the recipient will ever receive.

When to Buy a Cigar as a Gift

Giving a cigar as a gift originates from Native American culture, where they were used to mark important occasions, particularly when a baby was born. Now it is customary to gift a cigar for a range of events, such as the birth of a new child, weddings and graduation, as well as for annual events like birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas. 

Christmas Cigars

How to Choose a Cigar as a Gift

While some cigar smokers will be happy with any cigar gift, others have more concrete preferences around brand, size, strength and tasting notes. We share a few ways to find the ideal gift for the cigar lovers in your life.

Look at the Cigars They Love

If you’re buying for someone who loves their cigars, you can take a look at the ones they buy themselves for inspiration. Take a look at the bands to discover the brands they prefer – this can give you a good starting place and can help narrow down whether they prefer Cuban or New World cigars.

Look at the colour of the wrapper – the outermost leaf of the cigar – as well as the length and width of the cigar to have more of an idea of what they like. You could even snap a few pictures of their cigar collection if you are able to get access.

Take this information to your local cigar shop, or get in touch online, and the cigar vendor should be able to point you in the direction of the perfect cigar for the person you are buying for.

Explore Cigar Selection Packs

When shopping for a present, a cigar selection pack can be an ideal gift, as it will include a handful of different cigars. Chances are at least a couple will go down a treat for your recipient!

Here at Havana House, we have a wide range of cigar selections to choose from, including brand collections, starter packs, bestsellers, and pairing gift sets.

Top Cigars

Another way to choose a gift is to look at the top-rated cigars – there’s a good reason why they’ve been so well-reviewed! Cigar Aficionado and Cigar Journal both offer annual rankings for the top 25 cigars of each year, while here at Havana House, we recommend our own Havana House Top 10 Cigars.

Tips For Buying Cigars

There are a few things to keep in mind when buying a cigar.

Choose a Trusted Vendor

Make sure you are purchasing cigars from a trusted seller. Cigars need to be kept in the right conditions, which an experienced cigar retailer like Havana House will be able to ensure, but a seller on eBay might not. A legitimate retailer will also check to ensure that the cigars imported into the UK are genuine, well-constructed and suitable for smoking.

Feel the Cigar

When buying a cigar in a shop or after purchasing online, it is always worth checking the cigar. While Havana House will always offer a premium service, we urge people to inspect the cigar they are considering purchasing.

Pick up the cigar and give it a gentle pinch up and down. This is to carry out a routine check that can help discover any imperfections or small tears that may have occurred. And while this is uncommon, we feel it’s best to carry out the checks anyway; after all, you don’t want the receiver of your beautiful gift to have any problems smoking your present once lit.

You may also want to feel over the cigar for the feeling of an irregular dip. While this may well be even more uncommon than the aforementioned imperfections, it has the potential to affect the way in which the cigar smokes in terms of its evenness. You are best off feeling a few and opting for the one that feels best to you.

Our Quality Guarantee

At Havana House, we want to make sure that the cigars you receive are in the best possible condition. We open and check every humidor, box, pack and tubos to check that the cigar is to our very high standards. If the cigar passes inspection, we are proud to apply our seal of approval.

Havana House Windsor Cigar Cruise

24 June 2022 by Ellie

Havana House was excited to host the Windsor Cigar Cruise again after two years without being able to join together for this celebration of cigars. The Havana House Cigar Cruise is an annual tradition for cigar lovers in the UK to meet and enjoy great smokes, drinks, and time with fellow aficionados, and we are thrilled to be able to hold this event again in 2022.

We have held the Havana House Windsor Cigar Cruise for 15 years, and each year hundreds of cigar lovers join us for a cruise down the River Thames for a night of cigar smoking, drink sampling, tasty canapes and live music.

As we entered the boat, guests were provided with a welcome cocktail before heading to the open top deck to enjoy a great smoke with like-minded aficionados. Below the deck, you could find our mobile cigar shop and have the chance to sample drinks from brand ambassadors.

On the cruise we enjoyed some incredible smokes from Rocky Patel – Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Petit Belicoso Cigar, Rocky Patel Disciple Robusto and Sixty by Rocky Patel Toro.  

Sad you missed out? Don’t worry! We’re having another cigar cruise on Friday 19th August, so join us if you didn’t make our June cruise or want to go again. 

For guests with a Cigar Ticket, the evening will come with two specially selected cigars – one from Cuba and one from the New World – which have a value of over £55, making this a great value occasion for cigar lovers. 

Speaking of the cruise, Josh Cotton, our Brand Development Manager, said:

“We were so excited to welcome our wonderful customers back on the Cigar Cruise after 2 years. The Havana House Cigar Cruise is always an outstanding event, and this year was no exception. The weather was perfect, we smoked some fantastic Rocky Patel Cigars, and we can’t wait to see more familiar faces and hopefully some new faces at our next cruise on the 19th of August!”

ADVentura Cigars Now Available in the UK

21 January 2022 by Ellie

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!

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. 

A cut cigar on top of a cigar box next to a drink and cigar cutter

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 cigars available now from our store?

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