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The Women of Famous Smoke Shop Part 2
Vintage Cigars; Winter Smoking
(Posted January 6, 2004)
Next issue: February 3, 2004
*** IN THIS ISSUE ***
1.
Feature Story: The Women of Famous Smoke Shop Part 2
2. Survey Says: Have you tried any of the new cigars?
3. Smoker's Ed (Cigar Terms & Tips): Vintage Cigars; Winter Smoking; More on The TSA and Cigar Lighters
4. Rating Lunatic: Andros Corona; Value Line 100N Corona; Bayamo Superiores Robusto; Flor De Oliva 8x52; Zino Platinum Scepter Chubby
5. Cigars in the News: "Dying" for a Cigar
6. Eyes on the Prize: Celebrity and Customer Cigar Sightings
*** FEATURE STORY ***
The Women Of Famous Smoke Shop - Part 2
This month we cover three more women cigar smokers. I'm also happy to
report that since the reaction on this topic has been very positive,
I'm planning on including more profiles on women smokers in future issues.
Connie Reeves
In my younger years I always enjoyed the aroma of cigars and pipes
that my elder male relatives smoked. I would always try to be in
close proximity to them so that I could enjoy the smell. When I was
in high school, I decided to try the small, packaged cigars. Not
surprisingly, really enjoyed them. My classmates, of course, thought
I was pretty weird. (They thought I was strange anyway, this just
added to their thoughts.)
Eventually, curiosity got the best of me, and I had to experiment with
the larger cigars. I liked the way they fit in my hand - just felt right.
I love the taste, the smell, the fit - it's marvelous. All I need to
complete the setting is a glass of Woodford Reserve.
I prefer cigars with some oomph to them. I like full bodied flavor. Take
the Joya De Nicaragua Antaño 1970, for example. Now, that's a smoke that
will knock you on your behind! But it is oh so nice. Some of my other
favorite cigars are Macanudo Maduro, Cohiba, Romeo y Julieta, Davidoff,
Zino, Padron - I'm not hard to please. I like variety, but the good stuff.
I smoke two to three cigars a week. I smoke anywhere it’s allowed and I
am very comfortable with it. Men seem to be more receptive to a woman
smoking cigars than are women. The majority of the women I encounter
think it is bazaar. I tell them, "Don't knock it 'til you've tried it."
When I lived in Phoenix, AZ, there was a smoke shop in Scottsdale that
had an outside veranda where you could sit, enjoy your smoke and the
sites. Since the weather was always just right in Phoenix, I could sit
there virtually any time of the year and truly relax.
I was at a business seminar a few years ago in St. Louis. In the lobby
of the hotel was a cigar room. I entered with a male cohort. We sat and
lit our cigars. I was the only woman there and received some very odd
glances. Was it me or St. Louis? I think it was St. Louis.
Since I've been smoking cigars since the 70's, I believe it's too late
for me to stop now. Plus it is so pleasurable to me to my senses, and I do
believe in satisfying those.
==============================
Leslie Ann Perlman
I started smoking cigars when one day I was sitting on our patio one
beautiful January here in northern California and noticed that my
husband was enjoying his cigar, so I asked to taste it and he offered,
and I've been smoking ever since for about eight years.
What I like most about cigars are the flavors and aromas. As far as how
many cigars I smoke a week, it varies because I smoke corona sizes and
small cigars. Of the coronas, I smoke one a day and for the small cigars,
2 to 3 a day. Brands I enjoy in the Corona's and small cigar sizes are
Puros Indios, The Griffins and my husband's Cuban Montecristos. I also
like the Hoyo De Monterrey and Cuban Partagas in the small sizes.
My husband and I travel to Paris twice a year. During those visits my
small cigar smoking doubles! I just love the Cuban Partagas Miniatures
which you can buy from any Tabac and many Cafe's throughout Paris. What
a concept! When I'm not in Paris, I smoke mostly on my patio and in the
back yard. Living in California, the PC police are everywhere, so I smoke
just at my house. In Paris, they don't have that problem, so I can always
smoke a small cigar at a Café without hassle.
As far as the men are concerned, they seem to like my cigar smoking. My
women friends are all PC so I don't smoke in their company. It really is
a shame to deny yourself of one of life's simple pleasures.
In March 2003, my husband and I were in Paris the day that the bombing
started in Iraq. There were very large demonstrations especially along
the Boulevard St. Germain, one of Paris’ smaller districts. While a
massive demonstration was taking place, my husband and I crossed the
street to the Havana cigar store, an "official" Cuban government outlet.
Once inside the store, my husband asked the sales clerk in French and
Spanish what he thinks of the demonstration. Without a hesitation, he
says in perfect English, "It's f’ing up business." Spoken like any true
capitalist, I’d say!
==============================
Janice Hamilton
I started smoking cigars when I was about 20 (in the late 70's). I
started smoking cigars, because I got no satisfaction from the few
cigarettes I tried. They just did not taste "natural" to me.
The primary attraction for me is, I like the feel of a nice cigar in
my fingers. I like the flavor of a small flavored cigar (favorites
being chocolate, honey and rum). I like different cigars for different
reasons, too. I might not have the time to smoke a good cigar, so a
cheap "quickie" has to do. That’s when I go with the flavored varieties.
I generally smoke about 15 cigars a week. Since I don't like a ring size
larger than 42 (and prefer even smaller than that), brands and shapes for
me are VERY limited. For "quickies" I like Swisher "Outlaws" and for
nicer smokes I have settled into Hamiltons Reserve, mostly because of
the ring size. I like a milder cigar so generally I like a Connecticut
wrapper as opposed to maduro or Indonesian.
I generally smoke outside or in my truck and sometimes on my motorcycle.
My spouse does not like the smell of cigars in the house. Even when I
mask it with one of those smoke-eating candles. Bars are out, because
most of them won't let you light up. The place can be one solid shield
of grey and white cigarette smoke, but try and light a cigar and the
bartender will ask you to put it away or leave. Restaurants aren't much
better. Again, even the few places that let you smoke indoors will not
let pipes or cigars smoke inside the building.
Most of the reactions I’ve had from men have been polite stares, from women
it is either ignore ya’ or they turn their noses up (even from those who
smoke cigarettes!) I have been sort of an "outcast" all my life, so I am
kind of used to going my own way, and it really doesn’t bother me. ¶
Are you a woman who's serious about cigars? Send me a line and I'll get your story into an upcoming issue. Email me at
and put "Lady Smoker" in the subject field.
Shop Talk Is Moving To Once-A-Month
Beginning with this issue, "Shop Talk" will be emailed and posted on the
first Tuesday of the month. The next issue is scheduled for Tuesday,
February 3, 2004.
*** SURVEY SAYS DEPT. ***
Have you tried any of the new cigars?
A lot of new cigars debuted at last year's RTDA tobacco dealers' show.
As 2004 gets underway I was wondering if you tried any of the new cigars?
If yes, how much did you like the new cigars? In case you forgot, some
of the releases were the Kahlúa cigars, Punch Gran Puro, Partagas Spanish
Rosado, La Flor Dominicana Chisel, Hoyo De Monterrey Cigar Seleccion Del
Arto, Excalibur 1066 Dark Knight, CAO MX2, La Vieja Habana Early Years, Romeo
Y Julieta Reserve Maduro, Montecristo White Label and Davidoff Exquisitos,
to name a few. If you tried these or any others, let us know.
Send an email to: and in the SUBJECT field,
type or copy & paste "New Cigars" and please add your opinion on any
new cigars you've had in the message section.
Survey Results for December 23th: What do you think about women smoking cigars?
The results for this survey were overwhelmingly in favor of women cigar
smokers. Just about every email said "Bring em on!" and that women cigar
smokers were most definitely "sexy." In fact, there wasn't one message
opposed. So, just like the world of music and professional sports, if
you love cigars, your race, creed, sex or politics are irrelevant.
Here are some excerpts:
"I believe Belinda is right in saying there are many more women out
there who do smoke them - we just need to find them so we can hang
out with them too! No sense in keeping a good thing away from them.
This goes for "men only" smoking clubs as well. We are not always rude
and disgusting when we men get together, and I think having some women
around would help make that whole scene a little nicer."
- Ken Downey
"Absolutely, bring 'em on! A good looking lady with a stogie IS sexy,"
- Dave Jocham
"I love it when my wife wants to smoke a cigar with me."
- Brandon Farris
"I think a woman smoking a cigar is one of the sexiest things she can do.
Women cigar smokers seem more uninhibited and adventurous."
- Kris Geren
"Well, as a woman who enjoys cigars as one of life's finer pleasures, I
don't see why the guys should be the only ones to light up!"
- Khaos WolfKat
"I say smoke 'em if you've got 'em. However, she has to be comfortable
in her own skin. Women who are doing it just to impress 'someone' or
prove something are annoying to have around and negatively impact on
my own pleasurable experience. Others who do it to reinforce their
dykish lifestyle are equally annoying. But someone who is smoking a cigar
because she enjoys it and handles herself like a woman while partaking
can be incredibly sensuous and wonderful to watch."
-Bill Moth
"Women cigar smokers? Great! It takes some thought and confidence to be
a little different and stand out in a crowd, and there's nothing sexier,
male or female, than quiet self-confidence."
- Doug Brem
"I think it's great that women have discovered cigars! It's about
the only good thing that I can think of that came out of the Clinton
presidency."
- JR
Cigar Terms & Tips (Collect and trade em'!)
Cigar Box - There are several traditional styles:
Cabinet Selection refers to wood boxes with a sliding top, designed
to hold 25 or 50 cigars. (Cabinet selection cigars are also often
packaged without cellophane wrappers.)
8-9-8 refers to an often round-sided box specifically designed to
accommodate three rows of cigars - eight on top, nine in the middle,
eight on the bottom.
Flat Top (or 13-topper) is the flat rectangular box most popular today
with 13 cigars on top and 12 on the bottom, divided by a spacer.
“Vintage” Cigars
I have been hearing a lot lately about vintage cigars. Can you please
give me more information on this. I am very familiar to vintage wine,
but I have never seen or heard anything about ratings on vintage years
of tobacco harvest. I have never noticed a "year" on a box of cigars
like I see the year on a bottle of wine. How do I know if I'm buying
a good year of tobacco harvest? - Vince Giacomin, Chicago, IL
Like "vintage" wine, in which the grapes are harvested during a "good
year," the same applies to vintage cigars. As you already know, wines
are vintage by default as noted on every bottle with some vintages being
better than others. And like wine, "vintage" refers to the year the
tobacco was harvested, NOT the year they were rolled. Some of the more
up-market cigars in this category, like the Macanudo Vintage 1997 and
Dunhill Aged show the vintage years on the packaging, but others may not,
although they may include it in their promotion materials and advertising.
Two of the more recent releases are the Vintage by Rocky Patel 1990 and
1992 cigars with a '90 Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper and a '92 Connecticut
broadleaf Maduro respectively. There’s also the Davidoff Panatela Extra
Ltd. 2003 made with a "vintage" Dominican wrapper from one of their
farm’s 2000 harvests. Another thing to note is that the quality of the
tobacco varies from plantation to plantation. Just because Macanudo had
a fantastic Connecticut harvest in 1997 and Davidoff, the DR in 2000,
doesn’t mean every plantation in those regions got the same results. So
any year can turn out to be "vintage" depending on how well the plants
responded to the weather, fertilization and the curing process.
Winter Smoking
Here's a topic we've touched upon in the past and since it's January
here in Easton, PA, I thought these two emails would be apropos.
Your recommendation to avoid smoking a cigar in very cold temperatures
is right on, at least for a thin-wrapper cigar. I learned the hard way
one winter when I refused to let Old Man Winter keep me inside without
firing up a beauty. After lighting and savoring a few precious draws
(cold air really opens up the airways), the poor cigar literally split
from the lit end to about half-way back. I salvaged what I could with
a few puffs, then re-cut the injured stick where the split ended - the
second half was more successful -- probably because it had dried out
somewhat and wasn't such a difference in moisture. My recommendation,
go for it in the cold, but keep the expensive sticks inside for warmer
temps and smoke cheaper ones outside. Really looking forward to insulating and heating the garage - the cable and phone lines have already
been installed! - Randall Stuckey, Saint Peter, MN
I don't smoke in my house or car but that doesn't stop me from enjoying
my cigars. I have a small porch that is protected on two sides and also
screened in. In the evenings after dinner I grab the local paper, a large
comforter, and a well deserved cigar. I have a lounge that I cocoon myself
to with the comforter, light up my cigar and enjoy, even when it is 25
degrees or less. Sometimes I have to get out the gloves and a hat but the
cigar smoking goes on. I will have to admit that I skipped a few nights
when it dipped down to zero. - P.M. in Joplin, MO
More on The TSA and Flying with Cigar Lighters
If you are still receiving personal accounts of TSA/airline problems
with cigar lighters, here is one that is a tad humorous:
At the TSA checkpoint in Portland, Or, en route to Denver, I put a $65
Prometheus torch lighter in my carry-on bag. TSA pulled it out of my
bag, and told me it could not go on the airplane unless it was emptied
of fuel. They suggested I go back outside and do so, and said I could
then carry it on.
When I got outside I spent several minutes trying to burn off the full
reservoir of fuel, but the lighter got too hot to hold. Not having any
sharp objects handy, I pulled out a rolling ball pen and used the point
to depress the discharge valve. The fuel acted as a solvent and in an
instant I had blue ink all over both hands. I grabbed my handkerchief
and continued to drain the lighter, until it was finally empty, then
successfully got past the same TSA inspector.
I received many polite stares for the next few days until I figured out
how to remove the ink, using alcohol and a scotch pad. I packed the
lighter in my suitcase for the return from Denver, and the lighter was
not removed.
Later, I found that the ink had damaged the valve, and the lighter would
not retain fuel. Prometheus charges too much for its repairs, takes too
long to return them, and a few dealers I have spoken to do not like to
stock them due to poor customer service. I had already returned this
lighter once for repair, so this time I took a great deal of pleasure
smashing it to pieces with a large hammer. - Dan Gerges, Battle Ground WA
Hi Gary,
I am one of those dreaded feds at the airport and a cigar lover. I really
love Creme De Jamaicas. but back to the reason for the letter. The new
guidelines for TSA may permit some torch lighters. I am a supervisor for
TSA [in Pennsylvania] and I got lucky enough to see the next SOP (standard
operating procedures) and unless its edited again before they release it,
Colibri lighters, even the torch lighters will be permitted. so as a cigar
lover we can keep our fingers crossed. Thank you.
(Name withheld by request)
*** SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION DEPT.***
Have a question about the care and feeding of your cigars or another
cigar-related topic? Send your questions and comments to me at: . I will try to respond as quickly as possible, but some replies may take a few days.
Subcribe To Famous Smoke Shop-Talk
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“Shop-Talk” Archives
Want to catch up on your Famous Smoke "Shop Talk" reading or reference an article, tip, or other bit of information that appeared in a past issue? Go to our Famous Smoke “Shop Talk” archives page.
*** RATING LUNATIC DEPT.***
Andros Corona (Dom. Rep.)
Mild-Med / 5½" x 46 / Maduro
Great everyday. I ordered the Corona for an everyday cigar. The even
burn was amazing. I didn't worry about rotating it at all and it burned
perfectly. It had an easy draw. It is definitely a little more rustic
looking, as advertised, and a little soft when squeezed. It seemed to
generate a bit more smoke than I am used to (which is fine by me). The
taste is medium and quite enjoyable. For a $1 cigar it was great. Better
than many premiums I've purchased.
- Jay (January 2, 2004)
Famous Value Line 100N Corona (Nicaragua)
Med-Full/ 5½" x 44 / Natural
I ordered a bundle for an employee for Christmas and was very happy with
the appearance, so I ordered a bundle for myself. Wow, what a great cigar.
From the construction to the burn to the flavor, this is a great cigar
for the money. I have smoked cigars at double the cost that have given
half the flavor and value this cigar offers. I will order this again,
and have made a permanent home in my humidor for Value Line.
- M. Page, Twin Lakes, WI (December 30, 2003)
Bayamo Superiores Robusto (Honduras)
Mild-Med / 5½" x 50 / Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade
Got this in a sampler. Didn't expect much but was pleasantly surprised.
Tasty smoke. Burned well almost to the end. Nice even draw. This is not
a big powerful smoke but flavorful. Enjoyable, nonetheless.
- Spanky, Los Angeles, CA (December 28, 2003)
Flor De Oliva 8x52 (Nicaragua)
Med / 8" x 52 / Sumatra Natural
I don't know why I waited until now to comment on this cigar - I bought
them from Famous over a year ago. I thought that they were an honest
smoke right out of the cellophane (and a VERY nice price too). I love to
age cigars, and now that my sticks are over a year in my humidor, they're
starting to get kind of creamy (or creamier than they originally were).
I greatly look forward to an 18 month tasting, and a 2 year tasting!
Actually, it's been such a while since I had one straight out of the
cellophane. My 14 month old Flor de Olivas have been aging "naked". This
cigar may not be for you - on the other hand, you may be delighted with
a "new find". Either way, I think it's a value that's definitely worth
trying.
- Al Cohen, Allentown, PA (January 1, 2004)
Zino Platinum Scepter Chubby (Dom. Rep.)
Full / 4 15/16" x 54 / One-year-aged Ecuadorian Natural
One word: WOW! I saw it on your catalog, but haven't ordered it (yet).
Tried one in Vegas and truly it's a little known wonder. I've had other
Davidoff cigars in the past, but this one, on top of tasting great, even
makes you look great!!
- Leopoldo Leal, McAllen, TX (December 26, 2003)
Customer reviews are selected at random and may be edited for length, not content.
AGREE/DISAGREE? Your opinion may be similar or completely different and is also appreciated, so don't be shy. Rate the cigars you smoke on our web
site. What you say can help others make a more informed decision, even you!
*** CIGARS IN THE NEWS ***
Cubans' Cachet Goes Up In Smoke
By Nancy Moffett (The Chicago Sun Times)
Cuban cigars have long since met their match.
"Anybody who thinks they can only smoke a cigar from Cuba is wrong,"
said Diana Silvius, who has sold cigars in Chicago for more than 40
years. The great ones don't come from Cuba any more, she said, and
those that do are a disappointing government-produced lot. "It's like
if The Four Seasons gets rid of their chefs and gets the government
running it -- it's no good," Silvius said.
If you want a great smoke, light up a cigar expertly rolled in the
Dominican Republic. "They're all the old Cubans. They know how to do
it," said Silvius, who runs Up Down Tobacco at 1550 N. Wells. The best
makers were guys born into the business and to families that started
maybe 200 years ago, she said.
Today, vintage cigars from the '40s and '50s go for thousands of dollars
for a box at auction, she said. "They are so good you can't believe it."
*** GIVE THAT MAN A CIGAR! DEPT.***
Cigar tasting events in our retail store at 1100 Conroy Place, Easton, PA
Please call 610-559-8800 for more info and the special offers associated with these events.
COMING SOON!
* Punch Photo Shoot - Star in your own Punch cigar ad
* Appointed Davidoff Merchant Grand Opening
* Cigar rolling
*** EYES ON THE PRIZE DEPT.***
Cigar Sightings
Photo by Doug Curran, © 2003 Paramount Pictures Corporation and
Dreamworks Productions LLC.
All rights reserved.
Paycheck (2003) - Both main stars [Ben Affleck & Uma Thurman]
puff away
in an office scene. - Steven Burk, Seattle, WA
(I couldn't find the exact shot, but as you can see in this photo,
there's plenty of smoke! - G.K.)
Other Famous Cigar Smokers Caught “Infumare Delecto”
One of my buds at a poker game. Drew a 4" ash on that Natural
Pimp
Stix. - Ken Munnerlyn, Spring, TX
Here's a shot a fellow rider got of me on a Sunday afternoon ride.
Fresh air, blue skies, twisty roads, and a Partagas Purito, it just
don't get any better. Perfect size to enjoy while riding. You guys
do a GREAT job. Keep up the good work.
- Eric Jackson (aka SNAFU), Texas
My wife and I cruising through the Panama canal while smoking an
Arturo Fuente Churchill with a claro wrapper.
- John Talisman
Taken on a recent cruise. As the Carnival’s "Imagination" breaks
into
open water after setting sail from the Port of Miami, I cannot in
good
conscience light my fine The Griffin's cigar until I aid the captain
in navigating our fabulous vessel. When did Carnival hire Captain
Hazelwood?! This guy is pointing the ship to Grand Cayman. If he’d
follow
my directions we’d wind up in Havana. Isn’t this a cigar run?!
Damn, I’m
on the wrong boat! All the Best in ’04!
- Scott James, Program Director
Sunny 97.9 (KQLF-FM in Northern CO)
And here are two of our featured “cigar aficionadas.”
Connie Reeves enjoying a good cigar al fresco.
Janice Hamilton herfing on her Harley.
WANTED! Cigar-smoking photos of you and/or your friends. (See next paragraph for details.)
Have You Made A Cigar Sighting Recently?
It can be from a movie, TV show or a celebrity you've seen elsewhere or in-person puffing on a primo. If you can name the brand of the cigar, even better! Or send in a herfing photo of you and your friends to me at
and please put "Cigar Sightings" in the subject line. Limit: 1 sighting or photo (preferably, a JPEG) per email.
That's all folks. Until our next issue on February 3, Happy Smokes!
Gary
(_{@}_______{{{
Copyright © 2004 Famous Smoke Shop - PA, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Portions or all of this information may be reprinted freely, provided this
link, http://www.famous-smoke.com, remains intact.
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