Preference for quality smoked cigars is a given and it is no mystery why people would prefer buying cigars as individual sticks rather than in bulk. The bundled or second cigars will still possess the same smoke and tobacco, but for the experts, identifying the difference can be determined in the taste that these cigars would have.

Cigars are usually tagged depending on their point of origin such as Nicaraguan Bundles, or brands such as National, Baitoa and La Floridita. Building brand awareness in the category of cigars takes time, ironically similar to smoking quality cigars which would preferably take 6 to 8 weeks of aging before they are offered for sale to the cigar enthusiasts today.

For the beginning cigar smoker, it would be best to try buying one piece instead of the usual box which would not be light on the pocket of any person. Brands have their say as far as cigars are concerned, but for beginning smokers, this is not yet important.

The essence of what people get from smoke that they have in their mouth is something that no one can really explain. Most people are simply for the acknowledging their curiosity while some are in it because of the things they hear around them.

In February of this year, the Cohiba Behike was launched in Havana, and the tag line “setting a new standard among smokers worldwide” was used. Naturally, the interest of cigar aficionados was caught, and the fact that supplies of the cigar will be limited has only helped fuel the flames. Law of supply and demand at work here!

Where there is smoke, there must be fire, right? While the cigar has not yet been released for sale, privileged people have already tried it. Mitchell Orchant is one example. He is a cigar merchant operating out of London, and he was one of the select individuals who was able to smoke a Cohiba Behike during its launch. He swears by the cigar, and is proud to declare that he as 1,000 people on his waiting list for the cigar.

What makes this particular cigar that great? Orchant says that “this is perfection in a Cuban cigar… the Cubans have got every aspect of this cigar right – the brand, the size, the taste. And of course it’s unique because a rare leaf is being used in its blend, the first time such a leaf has been used in a cigar.”

It will be for sale in June – I suggest you go find your source as early as now.

What is the response of the Cuban cigar industry? Adapt and target a new market! And surprisingly, they are now looking to the female of the species to save their product. Habanos S.A. have come up with a new cigar dubbed Julieta. It is smaller and milder as compared to the renowned Romeo y Julieta cigar. Obviously, the Julieta is targeting women as its main customers.

Reuters reports:

Women now make up only 5 to 10 percent of customers for Habanos, the worldwide distributor of Cuban cigars, marketing director Ana Lopez told a news conference kicking off the annual Habanos cigar festival.

The search for new markets is needed because even though Cuban cigars are considered the world’s finest, sales are slipping with the rise of anti-smoking laws around the world, said Habanos vice president Manuel Garcia.

I wonder if any man will find himself smoking a Julieta anytime soon…

Now what if I were to tell you that you have an alternative? I just heard of a new product from USACIG, Inc. and Hop-on, Inc. dubbed “The Electric Cuban Cigar(TM).” I am sure you’re heard of similar products before – we have even featured electric cigars in the past. The big difference that this new product offers is that it is supposed to taste just like Havana Hand Rolled Cigars.

To be honest, I am not quite convinced about that promise. It is hard enough to copy the authentic Cuban cigar experience with a “real” cigar – the one that you actually smoke till only ashes remain – how much more for an electric cigar? Still, the companies seem to be pretty confident. The president of Hop-on, Peter Michaels, says:

“We are working with a couple of sources in Latin America that who have access to the authentic plants used in the making of the famous Havana Cigars. These plants were taken on a boat out of Cuba to another foreign country, carried by mules over hundreds of miles through treacherous mountains and ended up in the fields where we have access to. We will use the natural nicotine from the tobacco plants and capture the flavors of the world famous cigars. Because the US has a trade embargo with Cuba, we are forced to take these steps in order to provide the most authentic flavors. The Electric Cuban Cigar will come in a collector’s wooden box with 5 Cuban flavored cartridges. Smokers can enjoy the real Cuban cigar taste!”

For $199, I am not sure I am willing to chance it and get disappointed. Would you give this a try?

Naturally, being a Montecristo, you already have an inkling of the high quality of the cigar. On the outside, the White Especial No. 1 is firm to the touch, without a doubt packaged excellently. But what about the flavor and the smoking experience itself?

The initial draw will give you a very light tobacco flavor. That’s about it, really. You do not get any hint of woodsy flavors or anything else. It’s pure tobacco, albeit very mild. As you continue smoking the cigar, you might find yourself expecting the flavor to develop or perhaps intensify. To be honest, though, the mild tobacco flavor stays consistent down to the last draw. Now this is not a bad thing if that is what you are looking for. However, if you want something stronger, then you might not be satisfied with this cigar. On the upside, the cigar burns very well all throughout.

There are also other variations of the white cigar at Altadis USA. Check them out and tell me what you think.

Rocky Patel 24 Cigar Sampler (Honduras)
Strength: varies
Wrapper: varies
Filler & Binder: varies
Presentation: Pack of 24 cigars
Sampler Contents:
4 Conuco Robusto (5 x 50)
4 Olde World Reserve Robusto (5 1/2 x 54)
4 Rocky Patel American Market Selection Robusto (5 1/2 x 50)
4 Rocky Patel Edge Lite Robusto (5 x 50)
4 Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Robusto (5 1/2 x 50)
4 Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 Robusto (5 1/2 x 50)
Suggested Retail Price: $165.20
Weekend Deal: $79.95 plus a FREE 5-pack of Rocky Factory Selects Toro

The sale on runs till today so you should head on over to Famous Smoke to get your sampler. If you don’t make it in time, don’t despair. I’ll be posting more deals from time to time.

Strength/Wrapper/Filler/Binder: Varies
Presentation: (5) 5-packs – 25 cigars total
5 601 “Green” Habano Oscuro Tronco – 5 x 52
5 CAO Cx2 Rob – 5 x 52
5 Oliva Serie G Robusto – 4 1/2 x 50
5 Padrón Delicias – 4 7/8 x 46
5 Plasencia Reserva Organica Robusto – 4 3/4 x 52

The current SRP for the package is $100.99. If you avail of the promo from Famous Smoke, however, you only have to pay $79.95! That’s about $20 in savings and in this time of economic troubles, that is a considerable amount of money. More than the cigars, however, you can opt to add $20 to get a Capri Elegant humidor. Normally, this humidor costs $80. Now that is a good deal!

Some information on Nicaraguan cigars – they are certainly starting to take off. The quality of cigars from this country rival the best in the world. With the soil and climate being conducive to growing tobacco, there has always been a relatively strong cigar industry in the country. While they suffered a slump in the late 90s, the cigar manufacturers in Nicaragua have since then gotten back on their feet. And if you do not know much about Nicaraguan cigars, this Flight Sampler should be a good place to start. For less than $100, you can get a pretty good idea of what they have to offer! The sale is only till today so better hurry up and get your sampler.

If you are having problems finding the money to enjoy your favorite cigar, I have an alternative for you – Greek cigars. I actually read about these cigars from a report by the Associated Press, which talks about Domenico Cigars.

This company is based in Greece but their seeds are from Cuba. The people behind the company also have gotten their knowledge and other cigar making secrets from Cuba itself. As a result, their cigar quality is almost comparable to some of the best and most expensive cigars to be found these days.

Truth be told, the cigar industry in Greece is very young, a mere babe so to speak. The industry only started about 5 years ago in an area northwest of Athens. The climate in this area is hot and damp, making it similar to the Pinar del Rio region in Cuba. As such, it is not that surprising that the cigars produced in Domenico are garnering considerable attention.

Experts state that Domenico cigars do not really match the level of “real” Cubans. Despite the seeds being the same, the soil and weather conditions are not exactly alike. Still, people seem to like them and keep buying them. Maybe you should try one and see for yourself.

Owners Inez and Litto Gomez have partnered up with another couple, Isabel and Ruben Toledo. If the names sound familiar, Isabel Toledo is a renowned fashion designer. The purpose of the partnership is to create a special cigar, which will benefit El Museo del Barrio. This museum has the distinction of being the only Latin American museum in New York.

What is this special cigar? Dubbed the El Museo Limited Edition, the cigar is Churchill-sized, measuring in at 6 ¾ inches and has a 52 ring gauge. Cigar enthusiasts will be glad to know that the filler and binder both come from the manufacturer’s farm, La Flor de Palma, in the Dominican Republic. The wrapper, on the other hand, comes from another part of the country.

The owner describes the flavor of the cigar as being full-bodied and rich, while being smooth at the same time. He adds that the smoke has a taste of sweetness as well as a certain complexity. If that description is not enough to make you curious, I don’t know what will!

On top of this, the box containing the cigars is supposed to be quite beautiful, made of off-white lacquer, featuring the silhouette of a mambo dancer enjoying a cigar. It really is a pleasure to look at!