Cigar Blog

Happiness is a good cigar

Hav-A-Tampa Wood Tipped Cigars

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It was over ten years ago when I tried and became fascinated with wood tipped cigars, specifically the Hav-A-Tampa which are machine made cigars made in Altadis USA, by the same makers of Phillies and Backwoods. This cheaper alternative to hand rolled cigars came in different variations?original, black and gold as well as sweet and vanilla. I would occasionally purchase all flavors, but I personally loved the black and gold and the sweet and vanilla ones. Back then they were widely distributed in the United States and were popular for their reasonable prices. Apart from the price, they had built-in wooden tips made of birchwood, made them more convenient and comfortable for non-cigar smokers. They were smooth and they tasted great too, which was a great value for the price. Hav-A-Tampa Jewels Sweet cigars were made from a distinct blend of Honduran and Dominican imported tobacco. It was aromatic and pleasing too because of its unique design. Eventually it became the world?s most famous wood-tipped cigar outselling other brands due to its price and great quality when it comes to flavor. It was great for any occasion and it was very convenient to take whenever I would go out and have drinks with friends. These light cigars came with a binder and filler.

Unfortunately, due to new laws and the decline in economy, they had to close their factory in Settner in 2009 despite their many efforts to keep the company alive. ?The said factory had operated for more than 50 years since 1902. Back then, SEITA which was the French tobacco monopoly and Tabacalera, the former Spanish Tobacoo giant formed Altadis, a multinational company which manufactured cigarettes, tobaccos and cigars. Later on it was bought by the Imperial Tobacco company in February 2008 before it closed down. Nowadays, Black and Mild Wood Tip Wine Cigars and Swisher Wood Tips are available alternatives.

Image from Cigars.com

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How to Store Cigars

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Storing cigars properly is important because it may compromise its taste and quality. Once it is left in the open, it will dry up just like a flower. Mishandled cigars may burn unevenly or faster than usual. They can have a strong bitter taste and even broken wrappers. Molds and insects also pose a problem. Prevent these by keeping cigars below the maximum temperature of 73F (23C) and within 68%-74% humidity. The ideal environment would be 70F (21C) and 70% humidity. Cigars that are not stored in a humidor must be kept in a sealed plastic bag with a damp towel. ?They often last a week or two, depending on the weather. Do not store them in the refrigerator, because they will lose their moisture. Although in some cases, it is acceptable to freeze them to avoid insect infestations.

Preferably cigars should be placed in a humidor, a sealed container which has a humidifying device that maintains its internal humidity and temperature by controlling the amount of air that flows in. They simulate the conditions of the tropics where the tobacco was cultivated, fermented and rolled. There are many types of humidors to choose from. It is best to invest in one with a lock or heavy lid that keeps it sealed. The size will depend on how much cigars you plan to keep and where you will place it. If you have a collection of cigars or are planning to collect then it is wise to purchase a large box. Small humidors and travel sizes are also available. Image from Brandt Kurowski

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Kinds of Cigar Wrappers

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Cigar wrappers affect their taste and overall experience. Finding the right one depends on your taste and preference. They differ in color and each give off a distinct taste ad flavor making them unique.

Here is a list of the different cigar wrappers available in the market:

Claro

This type of wrapper is grown under a net. It is harvested before it matures and it is dried quickly. The Claro produces a mild taste and is light tan in color.

Double Claro

It used to be the most popular type of wrapper. It is light green with a slightly sweet taste. Its color comes from the fact that it was dried quickly with the use of heat.

Maduro

The Maduro goes through a fermentation process, giving it a dark brown or almost black color. It has a smooth and rich taste.

Oscuro

This wrapper is very dark and almost black. The tobacco leaf used is found at the very top of the tobacco plant and it is usually the last part to be harvested. It gives the wrapper a distinct and strong taste which may seem too strong for some smokers.

Colorado

It is shade-grown and it gives a touch of spice. It is medium brown in color with a reddish hue.

Colorado Claro

This wrapper is usually grown under the sun and it has a smooth, medium taste. It is medium brown in color.

Colorado Maduro

It is considered a cross between a Colorado and a Maduro.

Image from r_lins

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