(Posted June 1, 2005) NEXT ISSUE: Wednesday, July 6
*** IN THIS ISSUE ***
1. Feature Story: Must-have cigar books!
2. Survey Says: Do the cigar ratings in Cigar Aficionado influence your decision when buying cigars?
3. Smoker's Ed (Cigar Terms & Tips): The blend vs. the size of the cigar. What counts when rating it?
4. Rating Lunatic: La Aurora Preferidos Sapphire; Camacho Havana Toro; Perdomo Champagne R
5. Cigars in the News: But Did He Inhale? Anti-Castro Majority Leader Tom DeLay enjoys a fine Cuban cigar
6. Eyes on the Prize: Celebrity and Customer Cigar Sightings *** FEATURE STORY *** Must-have cigar books!
by Gary Korb
If you love learning about your cigars as much as you do smoking them, here's some great summer reading that will entertain and enlighten you.
Tobacco: A Cultural History of How an Exotic Plant Seduced Civilization, by Iain Gately
I first learned about this book from none other than Avo Uvezian who showed me his copy at the 2003 Retail Tobacco Dealers Association convention in Nashville. Having finally gotten my hands on a copy last year, thanks to Arthur, Tobacco inspired me to write this article and was one of the most absorbing reads I've had in a long time. Like a fine cigar, I savored this book, reading it slowly over several months, so I didn't miss one riveting word.
Tobacco: A Cultural History… is, in essence, the history of the world as told through the discovery, cultivation, use and exportation of tobacco, dating back to its origins in pre-Columbian America. Anyone who has developed an appreciation for, as its author Iain Gately affectionately calls it, “the weed,” will discover the sweeping cultural impact tobacco has had on society worldwide. The book is so rich in material, some of you may recall I have used several quotes from the book on our weekly email sale page. It may arguably be the best resource on the subject and even includes an Appendix on how to grow tobacco in the traditional Cuban method.
The origins of tobacco are believed to be in the Peruvian/Ecuadorian Andes. “Both Nicotiana rustica and Nicotiana tabacum are native only to the Americas, where mankind came across them about 18,000 years ago.”
Tobacco weaves a fascinating story starting with its early use by native South and North Americans Indians. It was used in rights of passage, painted on virgins prior to wedding ceremonies, used by shamans who believed it made them invisible, and was used to treat all sorts of ailments. Tobacco was not smoked at first, but inhaled through the nose as well as consumed in liquid form. Smoking came later and perhaps by accident as some anthropologists believe. We eventually get to its discovery by Columbus, followed by how the Spanish wiped out several Indian civilizations in search of gold. Tobacco winds its way through every major war and other significant world and cultural events, right up through the end of the 20th century. In retrospect, the world was actually built on tobacco.
The book touches on tobacco's influence not just with regard to major world events, but numerous others subjects including literature, movies, and advertising, and includes some wonderful passages from all of the above. Interesting tidbits include the theory that Shakespeare was not likely a tobacco user, since tobacco is not mentioned in any of his plays. But traces of marijuana were found in a pipe archeologists found at his residence in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Of course, pipes, cigars, snuff and chewing are covered in glorious, and sometimes grim detail. As the book passes its midpoint, cigarette use begins to emerge. Mr. Gately follows the growth of cigarettes from their handmade origins in Spain through modern times, showing how cigarettes were promoted by advertisers, their role in both World Wars as well as Vietnam and Desert Storm. Also included are many vital statistics provided by a wide range of cancer research that has been done over the years, both pro and con. Interestingly, the Nazis were the first to show a causal relationship between cigarettes and lung cancer. He also points out how the tobacco companies fought off lawsuits for years by their powerful attorneys. Much of the early evidence was simply dismissed, but eventually, they knew.
This book is so rich in material, I could go on ad infinitum. Suffice it to say that Mr. Gately leaves nary a stone unturned. Plus, as a British historian, he portrays world events from a unique perspective not found in American schoolbooks. Whether you smoke cigars, pipes, cigarettes, chew or just love reading about world history, you will have a newfound appreciation for tobacco.
This passage found at the very end of the book seems to best sums up Gately's ongoing question of "why smoke?": “to the 1.2 billion smokers of the world, tobacco is not just a killer, but a pleasure, a comforter and a friend. For over five centuries, tobacco has been integrated into cultures as diverse as mankind itself, each of which has evolved justifications for using the weed, some ancient, others original…Many great men and women have left elegant testimonies to their tobacco habits, which will be joined, I believe, with others made in centuries to come.”
The following are some other good books that will more specifically help boost your appreciation for fine cigars:
Perelman's Pocket Cyclopedia of Cigars 2005 Edition, edited by Richard Perelman
I call this book the cigar smoker's bible. If you smoke premium imported cigars on a regular basis and love to try new brands, you must have a copy of Perelman's Pocket Cyclopedia of Cigars on top of your humidor. The current, 2005 edition profiles 1,091 brands comprising over 5000 frontmarks. This little gem of a book is so comprehensive, I use it when writing for the catalog and the website just to make sure I get things right. Note, this book is not collection of cigar reviews, but concise information on the origin and blend of each brand. (FYI - Richard Perelman also publishes a Cyclopedia dedicated solely to Cuban cigars.) For more information on both books. plus even more cigar information and news, you can visit CigarCyclopedia.com.
The Ultimate Cigar Book - 10th Anniversary Edition, by Richard Carleton Hacker
This is one of the best primers on cigar smoking you can read, especially if you're new to cigars. Richard Carleton Hacker is considered by many to be the consummate cigar aficionado, and this 10th Anniversary, Third edition of The Ultimate Cigar Book, clearly shows why. I've had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Hacker each year at the Retail Tobacco Dealers Association convention. He's a charming, avuncular gentleman who not only knows his way around a cigar, but is quite an aficionado on pipes, too. The Ultimate Cigar Book will take you from the discovery of tobacco to how it's grown and processed, right through recommendations on what to drink with a particular cigar. Additionally, Mr. Hacker includes a section on celebrity cigar smokers, lots of useful information on Cuban cigars, and a helpful dictionary of cigar and tobacco terms.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cigars, by Ted Gage
This is probably the most fun book to read on cigar smoking by the former publisher of The Compleat Smoker. It's similar to Richard Carleton Hacker's book, in that, it provides a background and history of the weed, the growing and curing process and how to differentiate between wrapper shades, etc., but it's a much quicker read in terms of how the material is presented. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cigars also provides valuable tips about the best size, shape, and brand for the new cigar smoker. What makes this book so entertaining is Mr. Gage's breezy and concise writing style, and sections like "The Least You Need to Know." Mr. Gage gets right to the heart of the matter in each chapter and includes delightful little tidbits in the margins such as "Cigar Speak," "Blowing Smoke," "Hot Tip" and "Cigar Esoterica" that cover all kinds of nifty cigar factoids. Although more intended for the newly initiated, this book can also be enjoyed by the more experienced cigar smoker.
Cigar Aficionado's Cigar Companion, by Marvin Shanken
If you already consider yourself a "cigar aficionado", then you might want to pick up this other wealth of cigar information: Cigar Aficionado's Cigar Companion by Marvin Shanken, publisher of Cigar Aficionado magazine, which revolutionized the art and enjoyment of cigar smoking. The latest edition is an easy-to-use, full-color guide with ratings and tasting notes on over 200 premium cigars, organized by brand. As in the other books, you'll find an exploration of the history and production of cigars, plus expert advice on buying, storage, preparation, and lest we not forget - smoking etiquette. Told only as the experts at Cigar Aficionado can do, this is an essential reference for both connoisseurs and those of you just beginning to appreciate the pleasure of imported premium cigars.
Happy reading! ¶
*** SURVEY SAYS DEPT. *** I can't tell you how wowed I was to see that since implementing our automated survey, the response rate has increased exponentially. Last month's question, What cigar strength do you most prefer?, brought in over 1200 votes!! Below are the results and some of the many comments we also received.
Last time you said...
If you were made aware of one of the following during the order process, which would most likely cause you to add more items to your cart?
Some comments from last month's survey:
"I like them so strong that after the first puff I sit down and wonder if I've made a serious mistake." - Tony
"just wanted to say, that while I voted Med-Full, my preference will change depending on many factors. There are times I want a very mild cigar (Sunday morning with a cup of coffee), and others when I want a very full cigar (Friday night with a drink). I do own cigars in all parts of the scale." - Mike H.
"I just can't get enough of a great cigar. Smoking anything less that a full flavored cigar, is like; washing your feet with your socks on...Have yourself good 'puff's' & long lashes." - Steve Cohen
Cigar Terms & Tips(Collect and trade em'!) Amatista - A glass jar containing 50 cigars (occasionally 25), sealed to be sold "factory fresh."
The blend vs. the size of the cigar. What counts when rating it? Q:What is the difference between the Excalibur #1, #2, #3 etc., besides the actual size. If the blend is the same, why do the ratings vary so much. Just curious.
Thanks,
Tim M.
A: The same tobacco blend is used in each cigar line, regardless of the brand. Size plays a critical role in the flavor of a cigar, because you have more or less tobacco in the cigar. But this is only one part of the reason ratings vary.
The other, and perhaps even more important part is, subjectivity. You, me, and a half a dozen other people could smoke the same cigar and come up with completely different opinions. Or, we could smoke different size cigars and have similar opinions. That's why I usually try to avoid mentioning "flavors" in the cigar descriptions I write unless I've personally experienced them myself - and more than once. Even then, it doesn't mean that someone else will taste those same flavors.
My advice is to try various sizes within a particular brand or brand extension until you find the one that tastes best to you. For one brand a Robusto may be the best. For another, a Lonsdale, a Torpedo, or a Churchill. For example, I prefer the Avo Maduro No. 2, because, for me, that size has been the most flavorful and consistent. I like the Flor de Oliva Sumatra Robusto, and the Davidoff Millennium Petit Corona for the same reasons. Three completely different blends, three different sizes.
Some experts say that if you really want to experience the blend as the Master Blender intended, try a Corona (usually 5½" x 42) or a Toro (usually 6" x 50). Coronas are often used for testing in the factory, but the main reason for trying these two sizes is that they are proportional with regard to length vs. width, and therefore best suited to express the desired flavor, texture and aroma of the smoke.
So keep experimenting. Your humidor should be filled with all sorts of sizes and shapes. That's what enjoying premium cigars is all about. - G.K.
Got a good cigar tip of your own? Send it in and share it with our readers by
sending an email to . Please be sure to put "Cigar Tip" in the subject line.
*** SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION DEPT.*** Free Advice!
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.
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*** RATING LUNATIC DEPT.***
Recent cigar reviews from Famous Smoke Shop customers. (Reviews are selected at random and may be edited for length, grammar, spelling, etc., not content.)
La Aurora Preferidos Sapphire (Dom. Rep.)
Size/Strength: 5" x 54 Double Perfecto / Medium - Full
Wrapper: 7 yr-aged Connecticut Shade
Fillers: Dominican Cuban-seed Ligero
Usually I am a sweet cigar person, but I was amazed at the Sapphire. It was extremely smooth, great draw, and the taste was far superior to many of the other cigars I have had, and I have smokes some of up to $100. This is a 10 out of 10 cigar. The only drawback is that I can't afford them all of the time, but the wait is well worth it. - Jonathan Wolf in Lakeland, FL Camacho Havana Toro (Honduras)
Size/Strength: 6" x 50 / Full
Wrapper: Honduran-grown Criollo
Fillers: Honduran
This is a great cigar. Full of flavor, but smooth. Draw is excellent. Construction is excellent; a good looking cigar, too. The low price for a box is the cherry on top. Again, thank you Famous-Smoke for your great prices. - Jose Espinoza in sunny California
Perdomo Champagne R (Nicaragua)
Size/Strength: 5" x 54 / Medium
Wrapper: 6 yr-aged Connecticut Shade
Fillers: Nicaraguan Cuban seed
This was the first Perdomo I ever smoked and it won't be my last. This smoke was very well made; it had very good flavor and taste, and really impressed me. From the beginning it drew well, and the flavor and taste were consistent to the end. A definite must try! - Garrett in Massachusetts
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 and write a review. You might even get your quote re-printed in our monthly mailorder catalog! What you say can help others make a more informed decision, even you!
*** CIGARS IN THE NEWS *** I found this most interesting article from time.com posted by ZeroZed on Herfer's Paradise.
But Did He Inhale?
Anti-Castro Majority Leader Tom DeLay enjoys a fine Cuban cigar
By Karen Tumulty/Time Magazine online
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. And sometimes, according to House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, a cigar is an economic prop to a brutal totalitarian regime. Arguing against loosening sanctions against Cuba last year, DeLay warned that Fidel Castro "will take the money. Every dime that finds its way into Cuba first finds its way into Fidel Castro's blood-thirsty hands.... American consumers will get their fine cigars and their cheap sugar, but at the cost of our national honor."
DeLay has long been one of Congress' most vocal critics of what he calls Castro's "thugocracy," which is why some sharp-eyed TIME readers were surprised last week to see a photo of the Majority Leader smoking one of Cuba's best-a Hoyo de Monterrey double corona, which generally costs about $25 when purchased overseas and is not available in this country. The cigar's label clearly states that it was made in "Habana." The photo was taken in Jerusalem on July 28, 2003, during a meeting between DeLay and the Republican Jewish Coalition at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem.
"Generally, the Hoyo de Monterrey is considered a very good cigar, especially in those oversizes," says Gregory Mottola, tasting coordinator for Cigar Aficionado magazine. A review of the Hoyo de Monterrey double corona on the website www.topcubans.com raves: "Love at first sight. The beauty of the stick, is matched by it's (sic) paradisiacal even roundness in the smoke. The Hoyo sweet tastes (crushed cacao/coffee, Moroccan leather), give this cigar a childish naughtiness character. This is a smoke full of prestige and smooth class."
DeLay's smoke may have run afoul of his principles, but it did not violate U.S. regulations at the time. However, it would now. Last September, the Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control tightened its prohibitions against U.S. citizens importing or consuming Cuban cigars. Even Americans licensed to bring back up to $100 worth of Cuban goods are no longer allowed to include tobacco products in what they carry. The regulation also noted that Americans are barred not only from purchasing Cuban goods in foreign countries, but also from consuming them in those countries.
Asked about the Majority Leader's consumption of a Cuban cigar, his spokesman Dan Allen replied there has been "no change in our Cuban policy." ¶
*** GIVE THAT MAN A CIGAR! DEPT.***
If you live in or near the verdant Lehigh Valley of PA, stop by our
retail store at 1100 Conroy Place in Easton, PA for one of our cigar tasting events. For details and more information call 610-559-8800.
The 2nd Annual Famous Smoke Shop Clambake & Herf
Date/Time: Saturday, June 25, 12:00 to 4:00 PM Location: Famous Smoke Shop - 1100 Conroy Place, Easton, PA Tickets: $75/person
Join us for our 2nd Annual Clambake and Herf! You'll receive at least 20 FREE major brand cigars and all the food you can eat. Plus Blue Mountain Vineyards wine tasting, roll your own cigar, discounts on cigars and accessories, raffles, music and more!
To order tickets by phone call, 1-800-672-5544
To register online click here.
For more information call, 610-559-8800
It’s Like eBay® for Cigar Lovers!
Now you can get the cigars YOU want at the prices you want to pay by logging on to CigarAuctioneer.com. It's FUN, it's FAST and the ACTION is great! You'll not only find RARE cigars, closeouts, and discontinued cigar brands, but now you can bid on humidors, cigar lighters and more! (“eBay” is the registered trademark of eBay, Inc. Famous Smoke Shop-PA, Inc. is not associated or affiliated with eBay in any manner.)
Avelino Lara (Cohiba, Graycliff) and me in the Bahamas the day after I proposed to my wife. Met him at the Atlantis resort and casino. - Paul Santilli in California
Me with Aylin Ozgener from CAO Cigars at the Cigar Aficionado “Big Smoke” in Atlantic City. - Joe Montgomery
Other Famous Cigar Smokers Caught “Infumare Delecto”
Three Famous Smoke cigar customers in Jeffrey's Garage in Virginia Beach, Va., which we've dubbed, "Man's Land", enjoying a couple of Famous cigars. - Fred Large, Largo, FL
L to R: Jeffrey, Fred (Dad) and Michael Large
WANTED! Cigar-smoking photos of you and your friends 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 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 .JPG) per email.
That's all folks. Until our next issue on Wednesday, July 6, Happy Smokes!
Gary
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Shop Talk graphic at top of page by Robert Ingram.
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