For that extra-special celebration.

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Many people wonder if a cigar guide is truly necessary for a smoker to find what they are looking for. Necessity is not the issue here; expediency is. A guide of any kind makes a search of any kind easier to pursue, and more likely to pay off in the end.

In this case, a cigar guide provides cigar smokers with all kinds of information that pertains to both cigars themselves and the general world of cigar smoking as a whole. Things such as local bans on smoking, information on humidors, new and exciting cigar packs as gift items, cigar accessories you may not have thought of, and cigar etiquette for cigar lounge aficionados are all explained in sufficient detail to make good decisions and to act appropriately.

Much needed advice for beginning smokers is almost always included. After all, we were all once beginners, and none of us would have stuck with it had there been someone or something to give us the basics of brand and etiquette. New smokers will also gain from these publications (both print and online) a wealth of information about cigar products like humidors, cigar cutters, how to prepare and install humidifiers, and helpful tips about health and legal issues that relate to cigars.

A cigar guide is a resource for the inquisitive, but somewhat shy, new smoker who does not want to risk embarrassment by asking too many questions at a cigar lounge.

Much to their surprise, the average beginner tends to be a little shocked at how truly different smoking a cigar is in comparison to a cigarette. For instance, a cigar has to be cut a certain way before it is smoked in order for a person to draw smoke from the end. This is not necessary with a cigarette. Another difference is the way a person has to light a cigar. The end must be lit deliberately and evenly, otherwise, the cigar will not burn evenly. Perhaps the greatest difference, however, is the way a person actually smokes a cigar. Cigar smoke is drawn into the mouth and tasted, but it is never inhaled like cigarette smoke.

Making these mistakes in a cigar lounge can be so embarrassing a person tries a cigar once and never tries one again. That is, unless he or she learns NOT to make them by reading a cigar guide first. With a little bit of motivated self-study, one soon learns that the world of cigars is not about being an elitist, but rather being confident and classy in a way that silently communicates that you know what you are doing no matter what you are doing or where.

This is also the best place to find information on how individual brands of cigars are made. Most seasoned smokers prefer to smoke hand-rolled cigars. Machine-rolled cigars are considered cheap. The cigar connoisseur needs to know up front what he or she is buying before money is actually put on the table.

Cigar aficionados also care a great deal about cigar country of origin. Nations like Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic are world famous for their cigar quality. A cigar guide can and should give as much information on where a particular manufacturer grows the tobacco used in its cigar fillers and wrappers.

Cigar guides will often publish news on the latest developments in the cigar world, also providing information on what is happening in the worlds top cigar companies.

A fine cigar is one of life’s luxuries. Just open a fine mahogany humidor, select a fragrant private-stock cigar, and light up. The experience is one that is memorable and enduring. The reason for this is because our sense of smell is the sense that is closest related to memory in the human brain, and the aroma of a fine cigar will be just that.

In a time when we must reflect on what we can do with what we have and what we have to offer, it is a luxury that can be truly appreciated and enjoyed. There’s a reason behind the saying, “A fine cigar gets you through every major life event.”

Selecting cigars to give as gifts for the holiday season is also a way to show that you have every expectation that the future will be bright. There are many ways to buy cigars to give as holiday gifts:

1.Purchase from online companies that enjoy great reputations and will deliver at a discounted rate. Make sure you will be given notice as to the conditions of delivery, so that the cigars arrive fresh and are not dried out or damp.

2.Go to a local tobacconist. Enter their walk-in humidors and purchase some fine cigars that way. Reputable dealers will be happy to supply you with information regarding the type, size and style or cigar for your budget.

3.Going to a newspaper stand or a drugstore to purchase cigars is not a bad idea. There are some very reputable brands that are carried by such sellers; however, you must make sure that your purchase is fresh and offers a good quality cigar. These will not be the locations to find premium or super-premium cigars.

The persons who will appreciate such a gift are:

1.Professionals who have done a great job like your broker and your lawyer.

2.The postman, gardener, janitor or mailman in your building. You must make sure they smoke cigars, and if they do, they will treasure and appreciate the gift. Cigars will go much further than cookies or fruitcake in this regard.

3.The people in your life who matter and who might enjoy support. Enclose a note that says “Times are tough, but you’re tougher.”

4.Musician and artist friends who appreciate the challenges of unstable economic times. These types of people are often without funds to purchase fine cigars and will be appreciative of the luxury of a fine cigar.

Whatever the reason for giving cigars as a gift, your budget can include either one cigar or a box of 10 or 20 or more. The gift is consumable and biodegradable because cigar tobacco is the finest and most chemically pure of all tobaccos.

There is nothing like knowing that you are giving the best, and a fine cigar is an outstanding way to keep friends, clients or sponsors well appointed toward you and all your endeavors.

Cigars have long been associated with the rich and powerful, with relaxation and rich flavor. Cigar aficionados have created a culture around the art of smoking, assembling various theories and accessories to debate and facilitate smoking. Much like wine tasting, cigar smoking has been seen as a diversion of the upper echelons of society.

It is believed that cigars were probably first produced in Spain, and then quickly caught on in other European countries. Although many different countries manufacture cigars, Cuban cigars have long been highly regarded as one of the most flavorful and rich of all cigars. This is due to regional microclimates that are said to produce the highest quality tobacco, as well as the skill of the country’s cigar makers. Other countries that produce significant amounts of tobacco and cigars include Brazil, Mexico, Honduras, Ecuador, Cameroon, Dominican Republic, Indonesia, and the United States. Why have cigars long caught the attention of so many? Many speculate that the cigar’s main attraction is in the way it is manufactured. High quality cigars are always wrapped by hand. Unlike cigarettes, cigars undergo a lengthy process of fermentation and aging (much like wine), resulting in subtle flavors and textures. They are highly individual and the best cigars will provide no smoky aftertaste at all.

The taste of cigars is much more complex than cigarettes. The majority of all cigars are created by wrapping three different layers of tobacco leaves together. High quality cigars usually contain long leaves of nicotine as the filler, although they may also contain a combination of scraps. This results in subtle variations, different textures, and complex flavors. Cigarettes, on the other hand, are mass-produced and generally only contain one type of tobacco. Cigars also come in an incredible variety of flavors. The dedicated cigar aficionado can find chocolate, vanilla, apple, and even coffee-flavored cigars!

Although cigars have long been lauded for their smooth and complex flavors, they can also pose a great health risk. All tobacco contains nicotine. We’ve all heard about the negative health risks of nicotine, but what does it do exactly? Nicotine is a stimulant that produces a sense of euphoria. Even the casual smoker cannot escape the fact that nicotine is highly addictive and contains various toxins, carcinogens, and irritants. Although most connoisseurs of cigars will avoid inhaling the smoke, they are still at risk of developing various types of oral and larynx cancers.

Selecting your first cigar might be as difficult as choosing a particular ice cream from the large number of varieties available in the shop. I did not face this problem, being accompanied by a cigar smoker who gave me proper guidance. He thoughtfully explained to me the qualities of various cigars and their main characteristics. Similarly, I would prefer to guide you correctly so that you could make the right choice and enjoy cigar smoking

It is advisable not to place order for cigar online until you gain full knowledge about it. You should actually select an exclusive shop that stocks only cigars, Briar and pipe tobacco. It would be nice to have a few friends who could join you in enjoying cigar smoking.

Cigars vary from being mild to strong. You should start smoking a cigar which is hand rolled and mild.

Royal Jamaica, Romeoy Julieta and Macanudo are the known cigars which are mild. Good quality cigars cost between and .

While selecting a cigar you should first look at their length and shapes. Caronas length is 5 and is mild. Double Carona is twice its length. Robusto is a cigar which is thick and short. These are the famous brands. Carona could be your first choice. You should get the cigar cut at the shop itself or procure a Guillotine cutter costing .

Unless you are familiar with the method of lighting a cigar, it could be complicated. Wooden match stick should be used for lighting of cigar. After putting the cigar in the mouth rotate it slowly in such a way that just the tip of cigar touches flame. After taking slow puff for a few seconds rotate the cigar and see that complete surface becomes radiant red. If some parts are not bright red, the process should be repeated.

Cigar should not be kept between the teeth. It should be kept between the lips. Sip gently as in the case of a glass of wine. Have long draws slowly and permit the smoke to stimulate the taste buds. You should not breathe in smoke. Smoking is not done in a hurry. Gap of 45 seconds is given between puffs to make it enjoyable. This makes the smoke in the mouth smooth and cool. Cigar should be allowed to settle for a few minutes, if it gets heated up close to fingers.

Cigars last for three to five minutes. It should not be lit after a gap of 25 to 45 seconds. It is likely to cause bitter taste. Cigar ash should not tapped on the ashtray till it builds to .5. When tapping your cigar, you should only tap ever so slightly so as not to disrupt the taste.

If you follow the given instructions you would certainly relish the delicate fragrance of cigar. You should taste various types of cigar and try and compare them to understand their worth. Just make sure that you always preserve your cigars with appropriate preservation techniques such as a quality humidor or at the very least with some form of cedar trays.

Is there some connotation to a torpedo cigar? or is it more just preference?

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Al Remp of Thompson Cigar has been smoking cigars for over 50 years, and here he fully explains his tried and true method of smoking mild cigars in the morning, medium-bodied cigars in the afternoon, and full-bodied cigars in the evening. Learn why this is the best way to prepare your palate for the flavors and strengths of the cigars youre about to enjoy.

Walking through Paris in search of new tips and hot-spots for readers of paris-eiffel-tower-news.com, I realized I’d neglected one its most classic locations, despite the fact that I often take time to skulk around the “bouquinistes” (second-hand booksellers) of the banks of the river Seine.

Stretching out for over a mile in the center of Paris with the Cathedral of Notre Dame as a backdrop, and with the famous narrow streets and restaurants of the Quartier Latin a stone’s throw away, this has to rank amongst the top of any list of classic Parisian experiences.

Relics of a Bygone Age

To me, nothing embodies Paris’s essence more than the Seine’s bouquinistes, who have been “part of the furniture” for hundreds of years now. They are completely unique to Paris: I know of no other city in the world which can boast such an array of book traders.

The first bouquinistes appeared as early as the mid-16th Century, when they would trade their goods from carts, more often than not surreptitiously, as they would sell illegal Protestant pamphlets during the Crusades.

It was after the French Revolution, however, that the bouquinistes of the Seine really began to prosper: they had access to entire libraries confiscated from the rich, although it was not until the end of the 19th Century that they were granted the right to permanently bolt their stall boxes on the stone wall of the river banks.

After 1952, the size of the boxes and even their color became officially regulated.

From Current Publications to Priceless Antiques

Today you’ll find the bouquinistes’ stalls stretching out for over a mile along both sides of the Seine around the Ile de la Cite, from the Pont Marie to the Quai du Louvre on the right, and from the Quai de la Tournelle to the Quai Malaquais on the left.

In this idyllic setting and with Notre Dame as the backdrop, you can dig up all sorts: antique prints and engravings, old issues of Paris Match (a major national news magazine), maps, old books, very old books, rare books, comic books, posters, postcards, souvenirs and other odds and ends.

The stalls themselves essentially consist of boxes bolted to the stone wall of the river bank, which are locked up at night. Although some of their goods nowadays are strictly for tourists, there are still plenty of rare and priceless items for the serious connoisseur.

You never know what you’ll come across whilst rifling through the bouquinistes’ collections, and if they don’t have what you want, some even say they’ll find it for you; it is their trade that keeps treasures in circulation that might otherwise perish.

There is even a well-know anecdote told in Alexander Wollcott’s While Rome Burns, recounting the time when novelist Anne Parrish found a copy of Jack Frost And Other Stories at a bouquiniste. It was her favorite childhood book back in her days at a Colorado Springs nursery, but she’d not managed to see a copy of it until then. The tale goes that, whenshe showed her finding to her husband, he opened it to find inscribed on the flyleaf, “Anne Parrish, 209 N. Weber Street, Colorado Springs”.

Today the bouquinistes of the Seine number around 250, and their trade is well regulated: they must be open for business a minimum of four days a week no matter the weather or foot traffic, and no more than one box out of four is permitted to contain “souvenirs” – the rest must be literary material.

Interview with a bouquiniste

Some of the bouquinistes are chatty, others less so, but I always manage to land on one who likes chin-wagging as much as I do. I was lucky to strike up a conversation with 64-year old Allain Ferlich, a veteran of 30 years on the Quais.

Smoking a Dominican mini cigar and leafing through an old copy of La Gazette (the first weekly magazine ever printed in France, back in the 1600s) as if it was this week’s Paris Match, he seems to know every other person walking past his stall. “There are no set hours,” he tells me, “and I’m not afraid of the heat or the cold. I love to read, I’m talkative and I’m curious. So this is perfect for me.”

Chez Ferlich, the definition of “old” seems a little different than at the average bookseller’s. I see him flip through a book printed in 1943 which doesn’t even make the cut. Most of his books are works of art in themselves: beautiful, gold-lettered, leather-bound volumes written by authors such as Gustave Flaubert and Emile Zola.

Sadly, Ferlich is on the point of retiring. Once he is gone, it will be up to the City to decide who gets his spot. “They have a waiting list of one or two hundred people waiting to do this,” he tells me.

An Endangered Species?

Just like the Panda, bouquinistes are a race in threat of extinction. For one thing, the underground tour bus park under the Carousel, next to the Louvre, has reduced foot traffic along the Quais quite considerably.

Then there is the internet, the biggest bookstore with which none can compete, encroaching on their revenue. This has forced some of the booksellers to turn to the more remunerative sale of tourist souvenirs, miniatures and trinkets.

But for those with a passion for books and who value the hunt as well as the book’s “pedigree”, the bouquinistes will always be irreplaceable – so don’t forget to drop by and keep one of Paris’s oldest pieces of heritage alive (and free from tacky tourist trinkets).