CIGAR and FOOD PAIRING

For those that are just now experiencing CIGARS, here is another way to enjoy them – with Food.

The pairing is close to how you would pair wine with a meal. A meal that is heavy on the meat and carbs will usually go well with a more robust cigar that has a full to medium body and full flavor.

On the other hand, shell fish, poultry, and salads go well with a Connecticut wrap cigar.

Simple isn't it BUT, and yes there is a big but (which is not mine), it all comes down to what the smoker enjoys. That is going to be the one truth about everything dealing with cigar smoking.

It all comes down to what you, the smoker, enjoys.

So try some combinations and let us know what you come up.

Until then may you have long ashes.

Cigar for Coffee Break

 

Short cigars are just as full of flavor as any big ring smokes.  An example is the   Nestor Miranda Coffee Break, which I just had the pleasure of smoking.  

 

The cigar has a nice wrap, not loose, not too tight, just perfect. There is some weight to the stick, which is nice.  It has a nice balanced feel in your hand and between your fingers.  

The first light was flavorful but not over powering. It held the promise of great taste and it delivered. There was a taste of leather, and some spice all the way throughout. About half way through, some almond began to appear. 

No pepper flavor in this smoke.  Pepper is good in the right blend but not here.  Thank goodness, the blender is Jose Pepin Garcia who knows how to put together a great cigar.  This cigar was smooth throughout - and yes - delicious.

All the flavors blended well and actually reminded me of a really well made butternut squash soup. WHAT? You may say. But yeah, it was that smooth and creamy. The burn was even throughout and the ash was firm and long. The entire smoke was very pleasant.  It is one that I look forward to enjoying again in the future.

The size also makes it perfect for when you do not have two hours or more to sit and enjoy a cigar but want to enjoy a good smoke. It actually took me a little over an hour to finish the stick and that is without putting it down. So, if you do enjoy it during a coffee break – better plan on longer than fifteen minutes. 

This cigar size is 4.5 x 50

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic

Strength: Medium

 

Cigars Body vs Flavor

 

Cigars: Full Body vs Full Flavor

One thing I have learned over the past six years of smoking cigars is that there are a lot of opinions and options out there in cigar land. Some will impress and some will disappoint.

One topic that people are confused about is the difference between body and flavor.  

So what the heck does 'the body of a cigar' or 'the flavor of a cigar' mean and how does it differ?

Now, this is one of the few things I DO know but I was wondering what information is on the Internet. I did a search and found that lo-and-behold there is a lot of misinformation (also known as 'wrong') out there. I decided then that explaining the difference between body and flavor was going to be the topic for the next blog.

Here it is in simple terms.

The best way I can think of the difference is this. Full bodied cigars will basically 'kick your ass'. You end up with a swagger or stagger in your step. You probably start smiling at everyone around and if anyone asks you a question, you usually take a long time before answering. This is all from smoking legal, in all fifty states, tobacco.

Now a full bodied or 'strong' smoke does not mean the taste will be harsh, have too much of a pepper flavor, or taste like you are sucking on ash. I guess one can compare it to 20proof, 40proof, or 60proof alcohol. The flavor can be the same in a lower proof drink, (mild to medium body smoke), as it is a higher proof drink (full bodied cigar).

Flavor is pretty easy to understand. The smoke should present an array of flavors. Some the these are nuts, cedar wood, fruits, or spices. A cigar can also have dark chocolate, coffee, leather, or sweetness as part of its bouquet. It all depends on how the tobacco was blended at the factory.

When introducing someone to cigar smoking, suggest a mild bodied stick with medium to full flavor. That way they can enjoy the 'taste' experience that is cigar smoking. After showing them how to cut the cap and light up, give them a chance to take a few puffs then ask what are they tasting. I prefer to NOT tell them what flavors to expect because everyone has a different experience – and – it is just more fun that way.

Any questions? Just ask and I will do my best to answer.

Until next time my friends, may you always have long ashes!

New to smoking Cigars

New to Smoking Cigars

Being a female who enjoys cigars has brought me some laughs. Like when the 'older than me' lady said she wanted to just watch me smoke because she had never seen a lady smoking a cigar. As she watched me in awe, I wasn't sure if she was watching me smoke the cigar or having some sort of fantasy about it. Either way it was weird but then I laughed about it.

When I had my first cigar, the gentleman who made the sticks and sold me my first, was helpful and showed me how to cut and light. Important stuff. Then he offered me a cup of Cuban coffee and challenged me to a game of chess. He treated me in the same fashion he was treating the two other men in his shop. Very nice experience.

It has not always been this entertaining or comfortable. When living in New Mexico, at the first cigar shop I found, the regulars sitting in front of the television, made it very clear that female company was not wanted. I felt intimidated on the first few visits then decided to sit on the couch and smoke with them anyway. If they didn't like it they could leave. They did not and the shop owner stood behind the counter and giggled.

Since then I have been fortunate enough to not care what the men thought and found that as a rule, they have been thrilled to have a female smoke with them. We sit around, talk about cigars, sports, hunting, (I listen mainly on that topic) and business. We also talk about our kids and grandchildren, local politics, and anything else we want to talk about.  Men tell my husband his is 'lucky' because his wife smokes cigars also.  

So to anyone that wants to smoke cigars or is new to it, never feel like you do not fit in or are not wanted.  Ask for a mild smoke and let people know you are new, most people are happy to help, make recommendations, and teach the nuances.

So until next time,

Long ashes!