On a visit to Havana last spring, I noticed that the cigar culture, environment, and production techniques were subtly different than I had seen portrayed in films and documentaries.  I was delighted, therefore, to learn of a new documentary focused on Cuban cigars released just last week.  Created by American wine and cigar critic James Suckling and filmmaker James Orr, the video shows footage of factories in Havana and around Cuba, and explores not only the production but also the lifestyle surrounding cigars on the island of Cuba.  Check out a …

Tabacos Baez is a cigar made by Don Pepin Garcia.  His cigars are quite well known throughout the cigar community and have developed a reputation for being on the full bodied side with a kick of spice and a Cuban method of construction.  Tabacos Baez is named after Pepin’s birthplace — Baez, Cuba.  The line continues with Pepin’s reputation for using Nicaraguan tobacco, trying to emulate Cuban cigars in construction and flavor.  The wrapper is Connecticut Shade leaf, with different sources claiming either U.S. or Ecuadorian seed tobacco, and the …

In the commodity world of Wine and Cigars, there are two products which set the standards of style and price. French wine, in particular Bordeaux and Burgundy, bears a striking resemblance to Cuban cigars in both the way it is made and the way it is enjoyed. They are the entry points for the beginner who is looking to discover the benchmark products in their field, and they can become obsessions for the passionate connoisseur. Following these products is a sure way to enjoy a lifetime of fine drinks and fine smokes, even though the …

Flipping through a back-issue of Esquire (Jan 2010) recently, I came across an article with quotes from the Kennedy brothers (John (Jack), Robert (Bobby), and Ted (Edward)).  A stunning picture of JFK in shirt and tie with cufflinks smoking a cigar caught my eye, and the article’s quotations didn’t disappoint.  From the man who ordered his press secretary to find him 1000+ H. Upmann Petit Upmann Cuban cigars before signing the Cuban trade embargo, you can expect some interesting quotations.  Here are a few I thought The Aspiring Gentleman readership …

So you traveled to Cuba and bought a few boxes of cigars.  Or maybe you splurged on a 5-pack at your local B&M.  Your humidor is full, but there is so little variety, and you’d love to try some different cigars instead of always grabbing from the same few boxes.  What to do?  Go to your B&M and spend an arm and a leg on overpriced singles?  Buy a sampler pack online?

I can vividly recall walking into City Cigar in Vancouver for the first time – the sights, the smells, the people. I remember being hesitant, not because I was fearful, but because I wasn’t sure of the norms in a cigar shop or lounge.  While I’ve made more than a few visits to cigar stores since, it still can be a bit tricky to feel out the vibe in a given place.  Add to that difficulties with some states and provinces allowing smoking in cigar lounges and others not.  …