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 !!!
How to cut a cigar without a cutter?
How to cut a cigar without a cutter?
Cigars are known for their complex flavours and aromas that can be enjoyed through the smoking experience. One of the most important aspects of smoking cigars is the cutting process. Cutting a cigar correctly is essential to ensure the cigar draws smoothly and evenly, while a wrong cut can ruin the smoking experience.
However, circumstances may arise where a cigar cutter is not readily available. In such cases, knowing different ways to cut a cigar without a cutter and other options that can be used as makeshift cutters is crucial.
This blog will cover various methods for cutting a cigar without a cutter, including using your teeth, a sharp knife, or scissors.
One of the most common methods of cutting a cigar without a cutter is to use a pocketknife, sharp knife or sharp blade. The edge should be sharp enough to make a clean cut and must be strong enough to handle the thickness of the cigar. The cap end of the cigar should be sliced off with a single motion to ensure a clean and even cut.
Scissors are a common household item that can be used to cut a cigar. They provide a straight and clean cut that won’t damage the wrapper or tobacco. However, using scissors can be difficult if you’re not experienced, and the blades may need to be sharp enough for a clean cut.
Another option for cutting a cigar without a cutter is to pinch or bite the cap line. Although this method may not be the most sophisticated, it is still an effective way to cut a cigar in a pinch. However, ensuring that you only bite a little of the tobacco is essential, as this may ruin the cigar-smoking experience.
Some cigar smokers last resort is using their teeth to bite off the cap end of the cigar. While this option may be convenient, it can damage the wrapper and potentially expose the tobacco. Additionally, it’s not a sanitary method and may leave a bad taste in your mouth!
Ideally, invest in a quality cigar cutter. Go to www.cigarnights.co.uk for a range of cigar cutters to suit your needs.
How long does it take to smoke a cigar?
How long does it take to smoke a cigar?
A premium handmade cigar can burn from fifteen minutes to over two hours, but it all depends on the length and the thickness, or ring gauge. How fast you smoke also plays a role. Cigars are all about flavour, aroma, and relaxation. Fitting a Churchill into twenty minutes isn’t practical unless you’re planning to get sick from smoking too fast. There are many different types of cigars, and each one takes a different amount of time to smoke.
Here are the different types of cigars and their average time to smoke:
Petit Corona (4.5 inches, 40-42 ring gauge)
About 20-30 minutes. This is a great choice for taking a break to relax after work.
Robusto (5 inches, 50 ring gauge)
The Robusto cigar is a popular choice for many people because of its size and smoking time. It’s about 5 inches long and has a ring gauge of 50, which means it strikes a good balance between size and smoking duration. When you smoke a Robusto, you can expect it to last anywhere from about 30 minutes, depending on how you smoke. This makes it a great choice for enjoying a cigar during an after-dinner conversation.
Corona (5.25-6 inches, 42-44 ring gauge)
Corona typically takes 45 minutes to smoke. It’s ideal for a short escape into the world of tobacco.
Toro (6 inches, 50 ring gauge):
The Toro cigar is slightly larger than the Robusto. It’s 6 inches long and has the same 50-ring gauge. This extra length means you can enjoy the smoking experience for a bit more time, typically just over an hour, and sometimes it can stretch to 70 minutes. The Toro is a good choice when you want to have a longer and more leisurely smoking session, whether it’s for some contemplation or a social gathering with friends where you don’t have to worry about time constraints.
Panatela (6+ inches, 38 ring gauge):
The Panatela is a long and slender cigar, usually over 6 inches in length, but it’s much thinner, with a ring gauge of around 38. Despite its length, its narrower body means it’s smoked more quickly, typically taking anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to smoke. The Panatela is a good choice for those who prefer a longer smoking experience but not one that’s overly strong. It’s ideal for a leisurely break in the afternoon.
Churchill (7 inches, 47 ring gauge):
The Churchill cigar is named after Winston Churchill, a famous figure who was known for his love of cigars. It’s a large cigar, measuring about 7 inches in length with a ring gauge of 47. The Churchill cigar is designed for a long and leisurely smoking experience, often lasting an hour and a half or even longer. It’s best enjoyed when you have plenty of time to relax without interruptions, such as a cigar to celebrate a special occasion.
Double Corona (7.5 inches, 50 ring gauge):
The Double Corona is a significant cigar, both in size and smoking time. It measures 7.5 inches in length and has a ring gauge of 50. This cigar offers a lengthy and unhurried smoking experience that can extend up to two hours. It’s the kind of cigar that encourages you to set aside your other activities and fully immerse yourself in the smoking ritual. The Double Corona is perfect for times when you want to dedicate a long period to relaxation or when you’re in the company of good friends.
If you’re new to the cigar world, or just want to learn more about how long it takes to smoke a cigar, we’ve provided you with all the information you need to know to smoke a great cigar.
If you are interested in trying out different cigars, check out www.cigarnights.co.uk a one-stop-shop for all cigars and accessories.
Are Cuban Cigars illegal?
Cuban cigars are not illegal in the UK. There is no ban on cuban cigars in the UK like in the USA. The USA imposed an embargo ban on the selling and purchasing of Cuban Cigars.
But why?
There are deep historical, political, and legal reasons behind the ban that keeps Cubans out of the hands of American aficionados but in short, Cuban cigars are illegal in the United States due to the longstanding embargo against Cuba, which was initiated in the early 1960s by President John F. Kennedy.
The embargo was a response to the Cuban government’s nationalization of American-owned assets and its alignment with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. As part of this embargo, the U.S. government prohibits the importation of Cuban products, including cigars, as a means of economically isolating the Cuban regime and pressuring it to adopt democratic reforms.
The embargo had a profound impact on the Cuban cigar industry, once renowned for its excellence worldwide. With the United States being a significant market for Cuban cigars, the trade restrictions dealt a severe blow to Cuba’s economy and its iconic tobacco industry. Despite this setback, Cuban cigars retained their allure, becoming a symbol of defiance and resilience in the face of adversity.
Over the years, there have been numerous efforts to lift the embargo and normalize relations between the United States and Cuba. Negotiations and policy changes have all been explored in the pursuit of thawing the icy relations between the two nations. However, despite some progress, the embargo remains largely intact, casting a shadow over the possibility of Cuban cigars once again gracing the shelves of American cigar shops. If you want to purchase any Cuban hand rolled cigars please visit Cigar Nights on line store www.cigarnights.co.uk or book an appointment to visit our showroom in Brierley Hill, West Midlands U.K.
Cigar Nights to Exhibit at The Hanbury Countryside Show Saturday 6th July
Cigar Nights are excited to announce we will be exhibiting at the Hanbury Countryside Show on Saturday 6th July 2024. This is the 77th annual show and has been running since 1947 it is a fantastic summer outing for the whole family. Open from 9am to 6pm the show is a wonderful and exciting day out with plenty of displays, entertainment and local food. With more than 700 exhibitions, 200 trade stands and over 300 competitions, activities and displays.
For those who have never attended the show before, Hanbury Countryside Show is a showcase event for farming, the countryside and rural life. The one day event brings together the very best of rural Worcestershire with fantastic display of horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horticulture and much much more. To book tickets visit www.hanburyshow.co.uk As always Cigar Nights will have a large selection of the finest hand rolled cigars and accessories available for sale on the day. We hope you can come and join us. Handbury Countryside Show address Park Hall Farm, Hanbury, Redditch, Worcestershire B96 6RD
Why don’t you inhale cigars?
This is a topic that often sparks debate among seasoned smokers and beginners alike. So, let’s explore this topic together.
When it comes to enjoying a fine cigar, the consensus is that you shouldn’t inhale the smoke. Unlike cigarettes, where inhaling is the norm, cigar smoking is more about savouring the flavours and aromas without taking the smoke into your lungs.
If you do inhale cigar smoke, it can pack quite a punch. Cigar smoke is much thicker and stronger than cigarette smoke, which can lead to a harsh experience if it goes down the wrong pipe. Plus, inhaling cigar smoke increases the risk of nicotine absorption and potential health issues, especially if done regularly.
Cigar smoking is all about the puffing technique. Instead of inhaling, focus on drawing the smoke into your mouth, swirling it around to savour the flavours, and then gently exhaling. This allows you to enjoy the full-bodied richness of the cigar without overwhelming your senses.
Now, let’s break it down into a step-by-step guide:
- Choose Your Cigar: Select a cigar that suits your taste preferences and occasion – there’s a cigar out there for everyone.
- Cut the Cigar: Use a cigar cutter to make a clean, precise cut at the head of the cigar, just above the cap. Avoid cutting too much, as this can cause the wrapper to unravel.
- Toast the Foot / Light the cigar: Hold the flame of your cigar lighter just below the foot of the cigar, rotating it slowly to ensure an even burn. This process helps to warm up the tobacco and prepare it for smoking. The goal is to create an even cherry at the foot of the cigar for a smooth, consistent burn.
- Puff, Don’t Inhale: As you take each puff, draw the smoke into your mouth and hold it for a moment to savour the flavours. Then, gently exhale the smoke without inhaling it into your lungs. Repeat this process with each puff, taking your time to enjoy the experience.
- Rotate the Cigar: Rotate the cigar occasionally as you smoke. This helps to distribute the heat and maintain a steady draw.
- Enjoy! Sit back, relax, and take your time to enjoy the complexities of your cigar. Whether you’re sipping a fine whiskey or catching up with friends, cigar smoking is all about the experience.
