Nearly all good cigars on the market today represent the handywork of artisans of either Caribbean or South American descent, following in the footsteps of their fathers before them. A few decades ago, the majority of the workforce was male, but today more women are mastering the field.
These cigar rollers literally roll your favorite cigars into the many shapes and sizes— and, of course, the better cigars are the work of the better rollers. Reputable cigar “factories” operate under the premise that it takes not only skill, but adequate time to turn out the best products. So they give their tobacco fillers, binders and wrappers, as well as their rollers, the time they need to reach their peak.
Then the men and women who craft our cigars are given a quota with instructions NOT to exceed that quota. This is one of their strictest rules, recognizing that hurriedly made cigars simply won’t measure up to the high standards demanded by dedicated smokers.
ETIQUETTE TIPS:
If you notice your cigar is emitting smoke perhaps offending others, please do NOT grind it out in the ashtray. Doing so will release MORE odors into the air. It’s best to let it self-extinguish, which happens rapidly, when left alone.
Do NOT light a friend’s cigar. Rather, offer the use of your lighter. It’s quicker and easier to light one’s own cigar. Difficulty in achieving a quick light can be bad for both cigars.
Featured Countries of Origin from your Favorite Cigar of the Month Club:
HONDURAS, THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC & NICARAGUA
SN# 31246: 601 La BOMBA NAPALM 20 / $100.00
Nationality: Nicaraguan Appearance: FULL bodied, 5.0; 52 ring; Dressed in a dark, oily Nicaraguan Habano wrapper
Personality: Not for the timid, this is one of 601’s strongest. Extra fermented; super feisty with red pepper, leather, cocoa, nuts.
SN# 31247: GRAN HABANO #1 CONNECTICUT GRANDIOSO 20 / $80.00
Nationality: Honduran Appearance: MILD-MEDIUM bodied, 7.0; 70 ring; Decked out in a silky Ecuadorian CT wrapper
Personality: This big smoke delivers delicate, smooth flavors; mild, but packs lots of flavor. Smoke Magazine gave it a big 4.3!
SN# 31248: TORANO HOGSHEAD TORPEDO 20 / $60.00
Nationality: Nicaraguan Appearance: MEDIUM-FULL bodied, 6.5; 54 ring; In a thick Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper leaf
Personality: The hearty dense core plus that thick wrapper delivers a complex, rich, slightly spicy slice of Old School charm.
SN# 31249: VILLIGER ELITE CHURCHILL 20 / $65.00
Nationality: Dominican Appearance: MEDIUM-FULL bodied, 7.0; 50 ring; A beauty in a red/brown Dominican Habano wrap
Personality: You’ll fall in love with her finely crafted, well-aged blend of Corojo and Criollo ’98 long-fillers; complex; elegant.
SN# 31250: PETRUS ETIQUETTE ROUGE CORONA 20 / $40.00
Nationality: Dominican Appearance: MILD bodied, 5.5; 43 ring; Milky-smooth & mild, thanks to the elite Ecuador wrapper
Personality: A high-end special blend at a fantastic price. This heady smoke is bold and satisfying, but light in character.
