At Cape Smoke Shop the entire staff is committed to supplying their customers with the Freshest Tobacco Products Possible. They stock over 130 different Cigars, Major and Discounted Brands of Cigarettes, RYO Tobacco and Accessories, to a Wide Selection of Humidors, Pipes, Lighters and Novitiates. Along with all the electronic products, right from France.
One of the more fascinating things about cigar making is that its basic art of construction has not changed in well over one hundred years. That is why a hand-rolled cigar is the perfect complement for those of us who appreciate the artistry of hand craftsmanship.
Wrapper – In many ways, the wrapper is the most important part of a cigar, not just because it provides 30% to 60% of the flavor, but also because it is the embodiment of the cigar’s total character. A few of the most popular wrappers include: Maduro, Cameroon, Sumatra and Connecticut.
Cigar sizes can be confusing if you only think of the name and don’t equate it to ring size and length, as the shape, names can change from brand to brand.
In America, all cigars are measured in inches for the length, and by a unit of measurement called a ring for the diameter of the cigar.
One ring is 1/64 of an inch. Therefore, a cigar that is a 5 x 34 would be five inches long by 34/64 of an inch.
Ring size and length definitely have an influence on how a cigar will taste.
Assuming you are smoking a cigar with the exact same filler-binder-wrapper tobaccos, the bigger the ring gauge, the fuller the taste.
The longer the length, the cooler the smoke.
The two fundamental parts of a cigar are the cap and the foot. Simply put, the cap is the end that is cut in order to smoke a cigar; the foot is the end that is lit. There are four distinct types of cuts that are used to cut a cigar:
1) The Guillotine cut, in which a straight across slice is taken off of the head.
2) The Punch cut, in which a round sharpened metal tube is rotated into the head and a plug of tobacco is plucked out.
3) The “V” cut, wherein a “v” shaped wedge is cut into the head.
4) The Pierce, where a hole is punched through the center of the head.
One of the most popular methods, and certainly the most practical for virtually all of today’s cigars is the guillotine cut, which like the V, exposes an ample surface for easy draw and full flavor. It is also a much easier cut to execute, assuming the blade is sharp.
Only a wooden match or butane lighter should be used when properly lighting a cigar. A cardboard match is impregnated with chemicals, and the flame from a lighter fluid soaked wick leaves a residue; both of these devices will taint the taste of the tobacco.
To properly light a cigar, the foot should never be allowed to touch the flame. Instead, it should be held at a 45-degree angle directly over the tip of the flame, which is the hottest part.
Then, slowly rotate the cigar, gently toasting the tuck and drying out the filler so that it will be more receptive to the flame. Next, with the foot of the cigar warm and perhaps just starting to give forth with a few wisps of smoke, place the cigar to your lips and hold it directly above the tip of the flame. As you gently puff, rotate the cigar, gradually lighting the entire circumference of the foot.
The best way to store cigars is in a humidor.
Always use distilled water in your humidifying agent.
Tap water tends to cause mold and has additives that can destroy the effectiveness of some humidifiers over a period of time and can even alter the flavor of your cigars.
Cigars should always be stored at 65% to 70% humidity and at a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
To properly care for your cigar collection you will need a humidor. Ideally, the humidor will be made of cedar wood and will close tightly. Along with your humidor you will need to purchase a hygrometer. This device measures the humidity level inside of the humidor. Finally, you will need a humidifier.
– John Black
CEO & Inspirer of Ideas
To cold? Yes, I've heard people suggest that keeping cigars in a refrigerator or freezer is the best place for a cigar. It is not! Cold air robs the cigar of its moisture, besides, do you want your cigar to taste like last nights dinner?
White spots on your cigar? These are known as blooms. They are the result of long term storage. They are harmless and can easily be removed.
Cigar dried out? - You can restore a dried our cigar but it takes time. If it's an expensive cigar see your tobacconist. You can usually restore a cigar by exposing it to moisture in a partially opened box. Every few days, you should rotate the cigar so that all of the wrapper is exposed to the humidity. Repeat this process for a month.
