Cigar Taster Events For 2024
Come and join us for some fun filled events enjoying some amazing cigars with like minded people
Thursday 26th December 2024 at Wolverhampton Racecourse Cigar Nights will have a trade stand with a wide range of hand rolled cigars and accessories for sale. Gates open 12.00pm First Race 2.00pm Last Race 5.30pm. Come and join us for a great day at the horse racing during the festivities.
Buy tickets at www.tickets.wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk
Friday 27th December 2024 at Wolverhampton Racecourse Cigar Nights will have a trade stand with a wide range of hand rolled cigars and accessories for sale. Gates open 1.30 pm First Race 3.30pm Last Race 7.00pm. Come and join us for a great day at the horse racing during the festivities.
Buy tickets at www.tickets.wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk
How cigars are made
Behind the Scenes: How Cigars Are Made
Steeped in tradition and enjoyed across the world, each cigar is a testament to the art of tobacco craftsmanship. From the careful selection of leaves to the final wrap, the cigar-making process is rich in history and complexity. In this post, we will explore the fascinating journey of how cigars are made, uncovering each step from the tobacco fields to the finished product. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or new to the world of cigars, understanding how cigars are crafted can greatly enhance your smoking experience.
The Process from Leaf to Lounge
Step 1: Cultivation of Tobacco
The first step in the making of a cigar is the cultivation of tobacco plants. The type of leaves used for cigars varies, with the most common being Nicotiana tabacum. The soil and climate of regions like Cuba, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic are ideal for growing different varieties of tobacco plants that ultimately define a cigar’s flavour profile.
Step 2: Harvesting
Tobacco leaves are harvested either by hand or using machinery, depending on the size of the plantation. Leaves are picked at precise times during the growing cycle to ensure optimal maturity and flavour. The bottom leaves (volado) are usually harvested first, followed by the middle (seco), and finally the top leaves (ligero), which receive the most sunlight and have a robust flavour.
Step 3: Curing
After harvesting, the leaves undergo curing, a process that involves air-drying the leaves in a controlled environment. This step is crucial as it reduces the leaf’s chlorophyll content and brings out natural sugars, influencing the colour and taste of the leaf. Leaves are hung in curing barns where the humidity and temperature are carefully controlled.
Step 4: Fermentation
Fermentation is a critical step that further develops the tobacco’s flavour. The cured leaves are moistened and stacked in bulks or piles. Heat builds up within the pile, fermenting the tobacco naturally. This process can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the type of tobacco and the desired end flavour.
Step 5: Aging
Once fermentation is complete, tobacco leaves are aged. During aging, the flavours mellow, and the harshness of the tobacco diminishes. Aging can last from two years to several decades. The duration of aging significantly affects the quality and flavour profile of the final cigar.
The role of cigars in literature and film
The role of cigars in literature and film
Renowned for their quality and long associated with power and money, cigars have been a strong part of popular culture for many years. From plot devices in films to being spotted between the lips of the elite, cigars have long had a place in the cultural spotlight.
While other methods of smoking, such as cigarettes, have taken a turn in popularity in recent years, with it often associated as a negative habit, cigars have retained their status on screen, and are commonly used to denote power.
We look at the role of the cigar in popular culture, and a few of the places you may have spotted these beloved smokes!
Power and Class
Cigars are often considered a high-class item. While cigarettes can be picked up at your local supermarket, to get a quality cigar you’ll be looking at visiting a dedicated cigar vendor, such as Cigar Nights. This feeling of exclusivity adds to the allure of the cigar.
With this comes a connection to power. Cigars are typically more expensive than other forms of smoking, and so in the past quality Cuban cigars would be associated with rich and powerful people.
As such, cigars have come to be used to signify power and wealth in films – which is why they are so often smoked by the likes of political figures, villains and crime bosses in the movies (and in real life!)
Cigars on Screen
From being commonplace on screen in older films to being used as a symbol of celebration or power in more modern movies, there are many great examples of cigars being shown on screen:
- A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
- A Few Dollars More (1965)
- The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1966)
- Scarface (1983)
- Predator (1987)
- Independence Day (1996)
- Die Another Day (2002)
- Hellboy (2004)
- The Wolverine (2013)
- Darkest Hour (2017)
Cigars in Literature
Cigars offer characters moments of contemplation, self-assurance, or silent rebellion. In American crime novels, cigars frequently appear in the hands of characters who wield power or inspire fear. Mario Puzo’s The Godfather (1969) uses cigars as props for mafia dons, figures who command authority and respect. Through cigars, Puzo heightens the image of his characters, cementing them as symbols of influence, power, and the dark allure of organised crime.
Many of the writers who made cigars iconic in literature had a personal passion for them. Mark Twain was perhaps the most famous literary cigar smoker. Known to smoke up to 20 cigars daily, Twain once joked, “I smoke in moderation—only one cigar at a time.” His characters often reflect his fondness for cigars, associating them with a sense of freedom, independence, and a bit of mischief. In The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, cigars symbolise a playful defiance of norms, tying Twain’s rebellious spirit to his storytelling.
Ernest Hemingway, a lifelong devotee of Cuban cigars, frequently depicted characters with cigar habits that mirrored his rugged lifestyle. For Hemingway, cigars symbolised life’s richness, resilience, and even simplicity. In The Old Man and the Sea, the old fisherman Santiago enjoys cigars as a rare pleasure amid hardship, illustrating Hemingway’s belief in savouring life’s simple pleasures, even in adversity.
Arthur Conan Doyle also enjoyed cigars, particularly after achieving financial success with Sherlock Holmes. For Doyle, cigars signified intellectual leisure and were likely an inspiration for Holmes’s smoking habits. Although Holmes is known for his pipe, Doyle’s inclusion of cigars symbolised the cultivated taste of London’s elite, giving readers a window into Holmes’s upper-class lifestyle.
Cigars in Music Videos
Cigars have also been seen in many music videos, particularly those in the rap genre. For example, real-life cigar smoker JAY-Z is seen smoking a cigar in several of his videos, including ‘Show Me What You Got’ and ‘Big Pimpin’’. Likewise, Nas smokes a cigar throughout his video for ‘Can’t Forget About You’.
While often associated with men, there are many female cigar smokers too, including Shakira and Rihanna, who each enjoy a cigar in the music video for ‘Can’t Remember to Forget You’.
As a great example of cigars being used in popular culture to signify power, Taylor Swift ‘smokes’ a cigar while dressed as a businessman to establish dominance in her video for “The Man”.
There are plenty more examples of cigars being spotted in film, television and other forms of popular culture – is there a moment that springs to mind for you?
Cigar Nights will be exhibiting at four events at Wolverhampton Racecourse in Nov / Dec 2024
Cigar Nights are excited to announce they will be exhibiting at Wolverhampton Racecourse at four events this year, bringing a wide range of hand rolled cigars and accessories for customers to buy while enjoying a great day at the horse races. Dates will be at the races are
- Saturday 23rd November Evening Races Gates Open 3.00pm First Race 4.55pm Last Race 8.25pm
- Saturday 14th December Evening Races Gates Open 3.00pm First Race 5.00pm Last Race 8.30pm
- Thursday 26th December Daytime Races Gates Open 12.00pm First Race 2.00pm Last Race 5.30pm
- Friday 27th December Late Afternoon Races Gates Open 1.30pm First Race 3.30pm Last Race 7.00pm
Cigar Nights to host an extra Cigar Taster Evening at the Green Duck Beer Co, Stourbridge on Friday 29th November 2024
Cigar Nights will be hosting another event at the Green Duck Beer Company in Stourbridge on Friday 29th November 2024 from 7pm to 11pm Tickets are £45.00 each and we will be joined by George Frakes from 1573 Cigars and smoking two fabulous Cigars the Olmec Robusto and Highclere Castle Victorian Robusto book tickets now www.cigarnights.co.uk
Cigar Nights to attend Gents Day at Uttoxeter Racecourse Friday 18th October 2024
Cigar Nights are excited to announce we will have our full trade stand for “Gents Day” at Uttoxeter Racecourse on Friday 18th October 2024 from 12.15pm to 6.00pm. Come and have a fantastic day watching the horse racing dressed in your finest attire and enjoy on site casino, whisky, shoe shines and of course world class hand rolled cigars by Cigar Nights. for further info about this event and to purchase tickets please visit www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk We hope to see you there !!
Record numbers attend this years Cigar Nights River Cruise 2024 in Stourport on Severn.
I would like to say a massive thank you to all of our guest who attended this years Cigar River Cruise making it the biggest event in our 8 Year history with over 108 people onboard. Making it one of the biggest cigar taster events in the UK this year !! Thank you to the Nunns on the Run for all their support in arranging the Welsh Guardsmen and to all your team members, thank you to Ken Silverio from EP Carrillo, Alfonso from Tor- Imports, Hugh Dixon from Trident Military Cigars, Phil Matthews from Brightleaf, Chris Smith from Barkers of Harrogate, Hannah Boon from Distinct Distillers with their British Rum and to “Winstan” the official Winston Churchill Lookalike for being the icing on the cake with his speeches!! What a great time was had by all. Thank you for helping my dreams come true. Best wishes James Bird Managing Director Cigar Nights Ltd
Cuban V Non-Cuban – What’s the difference?
What are the differences between New World and Cuban cigars?
The most fundamental difference is the origins of the tobacco used in each type of cigar. Cuban cigars, as the name implies, are made using tobacco grown exclusively in Cuba. The unique microclimate and soil conditions in Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo region are what give Cuban tobacco its renowned flavour profile.
In contrast, New World cigars can be made with tobacco grown in a variety of regions outside of Cuba, including Nicaragua, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and others. These non-Cuban tobacco-growing regions also have their unique microclimates that impart distinct flavours to the tobacco.
Another key difference is the tobacco blends used. Cuban cigar makers traditionally use a combination of three main tobacco primings – the lower, middle, and upper leaves of the tobacco plant. This creates a very specific flavour and aroma.
New-world cigar makers have much more flexibility in the tobacco blends they can use, often combining tobaccos from multiple countries and primings to craft unique flavour profiles. This allows for a wider range of taste experiences with New World cigars compared to the more uniform Cuban cigar blends.
The production methods used for Cuban and New World cigars also differ in some important ways. Cuban cigar factories are known for their time-honoured, meticulous production techniques that have changed little over the decades.
Cigars are still rolled by hand by highly skilled torcedores (cigar rollers) in Cuban factories. The bunching, rolling, and finishing processes are all done manually using traditional methods. This results in a high degree of consistency from one Cuban cigar to the next.
However, the top New World cigar brands still place a heavy emphasis on craftsmanship and quality control, so the differences in production methods don’t necessarily equate to a difference in overall cigar quality.
The unique terroir of Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo region, combined with the traditional tobacco blending and production methods, creates a very consistent Cuban cigar flavour profile. While there can be some variability depending on the specific brand and vitola, Cuban cigars generally have a signature robust and balanced taste.
New-world cigars, on the other hand, can exhibit a much wider range of flavour profiles. This is due to the diversity of tobacco-growing regions, blending approaches, and production techniques used. New-world cigar flavours can range from bold and full-bodied to light and refined, with notes like nuts, citrus, chocolate, and honey.
In summary, the key differences between New World and Cuban cigars come down to their origins, tobacco blends, production methods, flavour profiles, and the ageing process. Both offer exceptional smoking experiences but with unique characteristics and appeal.
New World or Cuban – the choice is yours. For al full range of Cuban & Non Cuban hand rolled cigars please visit www.cigarnights.co.uk
Different Types of Cigar Wrappers
A premium cigar has three distinct parts: the filler, the binder leaf and the wrapper leaf. In this blog we will uncover the outermost part of the cigar (the wrapper). The cigar wrapper is the main visible tobacco leaf and is the first thing a cigar customer will see, providing a ‘preview’ of the cigar’s flavours, taste and texture.
Cigar wrappers are shaped by their environment, aging process and curing and fermentation methods. This gives each wrapper its own signature character, colour and flavour. Some unique cigar wrappers have a leafy green or black appearance, but most sit on the brown colour spectrum.
Each colour shade is linked to a type and usually bears the name of the region where the tobacco plant originated. Here are some of the most popular cigar wrapper leaves you’re likely to encounter on your cigar journey.
CONNECTICUT SHADE CIGAR WRAPPER
Sourced from the Connecticut River Valley, the Connecticut Shade wrapper is known for its light tan and golden honey colour. It tends to have an approachable, creamy flavour profile and offers a smooth and rich texture in each drag. This makes cigars with Connecticut Shade wrappers especially popular with beginners.
COROJO CIGAR WRAPPER
The Corojo wrapper leaf is now predominately harvested in the Jamastran region of Honduras. It is a slightly darker hue than the Connecticut Shade and is noted for its peppery, spicy tones with a zesty scent.
HABANO CIGAR WRAPPER
The Habano wrapper is primarily grown in Nicaragua. It receives a traditional Cuban-style fermentation to give its dark tan with reddish hints, and strong, spicy flavour with a dash of coffee.
MADURO CIGAR WRAPPER
The term Maduro translates to “mature” (or “ripe”). The tobacco leaves are allowed to ripen longer on the plant, giving the wrapper its signature dark colours that range from dark brown to jet black. Only the thickest and largest leaves are selected to withstand the aging required, carrying rich, more complex flavours along with a natural sweetness.
CANDELA CIGAR WRAPPER
Candela wrappers are characterized by their green hue, achieved through a rapid drying process that locks in the leaf’s chlorophyll. These wrappers impart a light, grassy flavour with a touch of sweetness.
Essentially speaking these are all perfect cigar wrappers to choose from. The one you choose really depends on personal preferences whilst smoking. Still unsure of which type of cigar wrapper to choose from? Reach out to www.cigarnights.co.uk for help and guidance.
How long does a cigar last?
The short answer is, premium cigars will last sometime between “a day or a week or two” and “forever.” If properly stored, a cigar can last decades and still be ready to light and enjoy. If not, a cigar could go bad and be unsmokable in as little as 7 days.
Cigars are not perishable like fruits or vegetables. Premium, handcrafted cigars will remain fresh, or at least smokable, indefinitely, if they are stored correctly. Cigars can be aged like wine. As a cigar ages, its flavour can improve, peak, mellow out, or even dissipate. “Stale cigars,” however, are usually the result of too little or too much humidity.
Whether you plan to store your cigars for eight days or eight years, they will stay fresh, burn perfectly, and taste great if you keep them humidified. A cigar collection is an investment, so invest in a humidor – available at www.cigarnights.co.uk
E P Carrillo to Join Cigar River Cruise Friday 26th July 2024
We are very excited to announce that brand ambassador Ken Silverio from E P Carrillo Cigar will be join us onboard our Cigar Nights Cigar River Cruise on Friday 26th July Sailing from Stourport on Severn in Worcestershire. Giving us chance to smoke one of their fine cigars and talk with Ken about how they are made. E P Carrillo are one of the finest cigar manufacturers in the world with multiple award winning cigar accolades, with roots originally from Cuba the family was forced to move to Miami during the Cuban revolution and got back to what the family did best, making fine hand rolled cigars. Now made in the Dominican Republic using tobaccos from Nicaragua, Honduras and Dominican Republic. We only have a hand full of tickets for our biggest event of the year so don’t miss out order your tickets now through our web-site today !!!
