For several years, my cigars have rested patiently in a humidor that I made from lining an old Penfolds Grange box. This humidor was functional, something I was proud of, and a good conversation starter. It was unique. The cigars locked inside, however, are hand crafted treasures made to the highest standards by traditional, professional cigar manufacturers. A humidor of more noble character was in order. Not necessarily just one with improved aesthetics; there should be some accompanying improvements in functionality. Good ventilation inside the humidor and stable humidification  were …

I would argue that smoking a cigar solo is the best way to unwind and spend time collecting one’s thoughts, gaining an inner calm while the cigar entertains your physical senses.  However, when it comes to delving into the depths and nuances of a particular cigar, as well as enjoying the great conversation that cigars bring, smoking with others is a superb way to spend time.  Normally, when smoking with colleagues, we will each pull a cigar or two from our own, or eachother’s humidors, comparing and contrasting our choices …

Being able to kick back with a cigar and relax is nice.  Even better is when you find a buddy who enjoys close to everything you do and can share a smoke with.  Two gentlemen, sitting back, talking about similar interests, and enjoying a cigar and drink together. Generally, just having a friend around who enjoys the same hobbies and interests makes for a good time.  However, a good time can be made better with a few things.  A comfortable spot with a relaxing atmosphere, drinks, and entertainment will make quite …

Home to tech giants, baseball Giants, and generally one of the nicest places in America to live, San Francisco is also home to some of the country’s strictest anti-smoking laws.  Thankfully for cigar smokers, however, lawmakers decided to included a clause in the now 6-year-old smoking ban to allow owner-operated establishments existing prior to the ban to maintain their smoking status.  While such establishments are exceedingly rare, fortunately one such place existed — the Occidental Cigar Club.
At first glance I suspected that the Club would be a bonafide members only …

While smoking a cigar in your own back yard is one of the best ways to unwind after a long day, the enjoyment of a cigar can increase immensely when enjoyed on a vacation.  Whether you’re going camping for a weekend or spending 10 days on the French Riviera, the fundamental practicalities of traveling with cigars remain the same. Traveling is notoriously hard on cigars:  Tightly packed suitcases crush and crack delicate wrappers, overzealous TSA staff seize your precious cutter, and cheap corner-store matches fail to light in the strong …

Romeo y Julieta is one of the oldest cigar makers, dating back to 1875 by Inocencio Alvarez and Mannin Garcia.  The brand is named after Shakespear’s famous play, though the brand itself and its cigars are most definitely not a tragedy.  The brand took off in the early 1900s when Jose “Pepin” Rodriguez Fernandez took over the brand and started promoting it worldwide.  Interestingly, he used his racehorse, Julieta, to help garner name recognition and fame for the name, and strangely enough it worked well.  The brand became very popular …