You asked, and once again we’ve answered: it’s the return of Fan Mail!
Questions about everything cigars have been piling-up, so the Advisors have picked 4 more from the mailbag for this next round of Cigar Q&A.
It’s like the old adage, work smarter, not harder – except here, we replace the word “work” with “smoke.” We take the questions we’ve been sent by Cigar Advisor readers and answer them out in the open, so that everyone can benefit from a tip, trick or knowledge drop, and get a little bit more enjoyment out of their next smoke. If you have a cigar-related question you’d like answered, or maybe just a different perspective – send ‘em our way via Facebook (or other social media), email, or even by leaving a comment below.
Of course, we appreciate you sharing these videos with your fellow cigar smokers – and if you think this advice might help someone you know, by all means pay it forward. Especially if they want to know a trick for cutting cigars, what the color of a cigar’s ash means, and more…check out these videos:
By Gary Korb
Although there is a question as to the popularity of “the Dickman cut” among cigar smokers, we’ve received a number of emails asking about it, and the questions essentially boil down to the following:
“When using the Dickman cut, it’s supposed to direct the smoke right onto the palate. But while turning the cigar as you smoke it, the cut directs the smoke in different directions. Does that make a difference in the flavors you taste? And secondly, have you ever had any unraveling issues with it?”
Watch my video now for a demonstration of the Dickman cut, and my answer to those questions – along with some pros and cons you need to know.
By Fred Lunt
How a cigar burns is highly regarded as the best way to judge its quality: an even burn, its ability to stay lit, the solidness of the ash, and the lack of any issues – like canoeing or tunneling – are all signs of a well-made premium. But, does the ash color really reflect a better-quality cigar? The question has crossed the minds of BOTL’s for years, and the answer may surprise you – watch my video now for the insights.
By Tommy Zman
Can’t keep your cigar lit? Neither can Jimmy in Delaware, who wrote us to say his cigars seem to go out a lot while he’s smoking them – and he wants to know why that could be happening, and how he can keep ’em lit. Well, there are a few possible scenarios that I came up with – watch my video now, because this is seriously good information for any level of cigar lover to know!
By John Pullo
While the answer would seem obvious, there’s much more to learn once we scratch the surface of this question from Jeff in Keene, NH. Yes, premiums are made by hand, and machine-mades are generally cheaper – but the types of filler tobaccos, the use of a binder leaf and what goes into the choice of wrapper tobacco and more, all make a significant difference in distinguishing your Blunts from your Baccarats. Watch my video now, as we get into the meat of it – you actually might be a little surprised about what you learn about your premiums, too.
Haven’t had your cigar question answered yet? More Fan Mail help is on the way – keep an eye out for our next round of cigar Q&A with the Advisors!
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The Cigar Advisor Staff is comprised of three good-humored, yet dangerously unpredictable writers who share over 60 years of premium cigar smoking experience. Traversing the tobacco landscape like smoke-shrouded Avengers, they wander (mostly because the fat one ate the map) in search of new leaf adventures armed with nothing but torch lighters and runcible spoons as their weapons. Each is equally knowledgeable on the matters and pursuits of the cigar lifestyle, with his own unique and capricious insights on various luxury, sports, automobiles and entertainment affairs - all served with good counsel for your reading pleasure.
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Reading Time: 5 minutes Some might say we’re crazy…but really, we’re just smoking Lunatics. In this cigar panel review, we’re taking on the JFR Lunatic by Aganorsa Leaf in a whopping 6” x 54 format. Click now to see what we thought of its flavor and complexity!
Reading Time: 2 minutes This month, Cigar Advisor Fan Mail is tackling questions on inhaling cigars, which water is best to use in your humidor, and more. Click now to see the video answers!
Reading Time: 3 minutes The Gran Habano Cigars 20th Aniversario selection celebrates the brand’s 20 years of success in a limited edition, three vitola release. In this video Gary smokes the 5”x52 El Sueño (“The Dream”). See what other Gran Habano cigar it also reminded him of.
Reading Time: 5 minutes Gary offers this review of a well-deserving value class cigar, the Havana Q Double Toro. Related to J.C. Newman’s top selling Quorum, Havana Q sports a specially grown and aged Ecuador Havana seed wrapper – so does this everyday smoke deliver a “promise of Cuba” as advertised?
When I smoke (outside in a fire area) I am careful to put my cigars out in an ashtray with water. The next morning the water is a muddy, murky color. I can’t help wondering why? What is it about the cigar tobacco that causes that?
Hi Dennis – looks like my previous reply might have been deleted when we switched to a new commenting system. The funk in your ashtray water is a combo of the slurry that is created when the burned part of the cigar is left to soak, as well as the oils in the tobacco. Probably smells pretty rank, too – which is from the wet ash and char, much like a campfire that was dowsed by water.