smoke

If you're heading up to Kingston, New York, around 90 miles up from the city, stop by Uptown Cigar to light up a stick and relax for a while. I had the opportunity to catch up with Israel Markevitz, the store's manager, on a trip to Esteli, Nicaragua to tour Pepin Garcia's cigar factory, as well as the Drew Estate factory, which makes Acid, T59 and others. Israel is clearly plugged into the cigar business, as everyone from Jonathan Drew to Eddie Ortega to Pepin Garcia greeted him as a familiar face.

Israel explains that his shop is home to a great group of around a dozen regulars who are more than happy to welcome new guests into the shop. You can relax in his spacious lounge while puffing away and sipping a coffee, or you can time your visits to coincide with the various events he holds, including tastings, rolling events and book signings. Chess and backgammon boards are kept on hand, and you can always kick back and watch the game on one of Uptown's big-screen televisions.

Until last week, the closest I'd been to the cigar rolling process was to see on-site demonstrations at cigar shops. Even then, I understood that it wasn't easy, and that the speed with which the rollers worked was the result of years invested in their chosen career. My appreciation for this activity multiplied, however, when I stepped onto the rolling floor at Pepin Garcia's My Father Cigars factory in Esteli, Nicaragua and saw what felt like endless rows of cigar rollers, each taking a specific piece of the process: filler and binder, wrapper and cap. They worked quickly and quietly, each completing hundreds of cigars a day.

To see the operation at work was impressive, but to feel it was totally different. Even trying something as seemingly simple as wrapping and capping a cigar, I learned just how much craftsmanship goes into what we cut, light and smoke.

The leaf for the wrapper is delicate. Every cigar smoker knows this, but when it's waiting to be wound around the binder, the tobacco feels downright flimsy. I worried, appropriately, that the slightest stupid move would tear it and force me to start over. As I sat in the seat belonging to Jaime Garcia, Pepin's son, to roll a cigar, I was a little nervous. So many people around me were making it look so easy, and I knew that the reality, for me at least, would be far different.

Conquering the unknown is not easy. When it comes to spirits, restaurants, cities ... and cigars ... we all have our favorites, and trying something new is an unnecessary risk. I know what I like, after all, why would I stray from it?

Well, there are plenty of reasons to try something new, the best being that your next favorite may not be on your radar yet. I'm about as guilty as can be in the cigar shop. I have my favorites, and I tend to stick to them. But, on the rare occasions when I break out and try something new, I'm happy I did.

The hard part is deciding what to try. You may not realize it, but you're surrounded by a wealth of information at home and in the cigar shop. All you have to do is use it.

1. Talk to your tobacconist
This is the easiest and most effective way to get advice. Just ask the professional that you are bound to see when you go to buy a cigar. Most tobacconists – employees at larger, established specialty shops – know the product they carry well. Tell him what your tastes are, and you'll be surprised at the recommendations you receive.

Cigar Aficionado readers know that there are some great lounges in Manhattan, though I hope they didn't suffer through that absurd video shot to accompany the article. The article did hit the major attractions, but there are some other hidden gems that only the devout locals know about. If you're looking to sit down and enjoy a cigar in the city, you have plenty of choices – take advantage of them!

Even with the smoking ban, there are more cigar shops and lounges than even most New Yorkers realize. In addition to the major stores like De La Concha and Davidoff Madison Avenue, boutique hand-rollers dot the city, and they are worth a visit from time to time.

So, the next time you set out for the quintessential Manhattan smoke, mix it up. Hit the major shops, but also stop by the places that are off the beaten path. You'll enjoy the experience.

Cigar shops are a lot like any social environment. There are regulars and new guys, people new to the reason for gathering and seasoned veterans. In any situation like this, there are basic norms that should be respected in order to make the experience more enjoyable for you. I know I've covered this topic before, but the latest round of advice is new. Trust me, there's no shortage of breaches of etiquette in this world (just like the subway, the sidewalk and your local bar).

Some of these may seem obvious. They are. There's nothing in the list that should have to be said. Yet, life at the cigar shop has shown me that the simplest of courtesies tend to be overlooked.

Many thanks to the regulars at De La Concha in Manhattan for these tips. They've seen the worst of the worst and were only too happy to share their experiences. If you don't need these tips, forward them to someone who does: we all know somebody who could use a little bit of help.

Maybe, society has had enough. In Spokane, Washington, even non-smokers came to the defense of the cigar community when public golf courses tried to implement a ban. Other places are relying on creativity, such as tobacconist De La Concha's cigar dinners. In New Hampshire, the legislature is getting involved – a bill may legalize the sale of liquor in cigar bars.

In most places, it's tough to find a social setting where you can enjoy a cocktail and a cigar at the same time. The "live free or die" folks are looking to change that. If tobacconists are able to receive liquor licenses, the resulting store traffic could offset much of the damage being done by the financial crisis.

For Two Guys Smoke Shop in Salem, New Hampshire – where I used to go when I lived in northern Massachusetts – sales have fallen since the state banned smoking in restaurants two years ago, with particular effect in the winter. The ability to sell drinks would make the venue more enticing to customers, keep them in seats longer and likely result in an increase in sales.

There aren't many cigar venues left in New England or elsewhere in the country where you can smoke and drink at the same time. In Manhattan, we have a few spots, and Boston has Cigar Masters. Many cities have their hidden gems, but you have to find them. For the cigar smokers of New Hampshire, however, this could change. And, if you believe that Dixville Notch chooses the president every four years, expect to see similar laws pop up in other states.

The weather is getting warmer, and restaurants in cities across the United States are stretching out onto sidewalks. Why not bring a touch of Europe across the Atlantic and enjoy the fresh air? Well, for some, fresh air is what's at issue. Smokers, after spending a winter enduring the elements, are happy to enjoy a bit of comfort. With most cities passing smoking bans, outside has become the last option for a lot of us, and outdoor dining almost always leads to ill will.

I was out on my front stoop a few nights ago, cigar in hand – as I've done for the past two years at this location. Customers at Bistro Cassis, a few doors down, complained loudly and in shrill voices, "You can't do that! It's blowing right at us!" Well, I reminded her, it's a public place, and I can do what I want. I continued to enjoy my cigar, though I moved back a little bit, so the building would provide some cover. Routinely, staff at the restaurant has been unnecessarily rude, perhaps in an attempt to show some advocacy for guests. Routinely, the staff fails.

Had she asked nicely, of course, I would have gladly relocated to the benches on Central Park West, a block away. Most cigar smokers seem to share this attitude. Ask nicely, and we'll accommodate the best we can. Demands and rude tones tend not to yield the desired results.

Smoking bans are an easy target for cigar smokers (and, for that matter cigarette smokers), and I admit, our community gripes about them a bit too much. We're past the point of being productive, and dwelling on the injustice feels like a waste of time. The fight for outdoor spaces, however, is a very real outcome of the prohibition on indoor smoking. Without locations where we can partake of our chosen luxury, we're forced outside. Though the laws vary, most do not prohibit smoking on sidewalks. So, that's where we go, disrupting dining experiences as a result.

You know I have a soft spot for this issue ... I will do everything I can to put cigars between the fingers of soldiers who want them. So, when I saw this latest announcement, I was hooked.

"Cigars to the Troops" is hosting its First Annual Poker Run and Fundraiser. On Saturday, May 23, 2009, participants will stop at various locations in the Denver, Colorado area that celebrate those who have served: Fort Logan, American Legion, VFW and Armed Forces Tribute Garden (among others). The event will also include raffles, a sidewalk barbequeue and other entertainment ... including the Palma Posse Cigar Girls.

And, as you may have guessed, there will be some poker played. The best and worst hands will score a stay in Vail.

If you enter solo, the cost is $25, with couples paying $35. In addition to participating and eating, you'll get a t-shirt, cigar and raffle ticket. It's a small price to pay to have a bit of fun and support Cigars to the Troops.

Any soldier knows the importance of the small comforts that make a difficult situation easier. If you haven't served, just trust me on this one. Every cigar that winds up in the hand of a soldier who wants one will definitely appreciate it.

Cigar company C.A.O. International is partnering with custom motorcycle builder Sucker Punch Sally's to put a lucky cigar smoker on the back of a new bike. The ride, which hasn't been created yet, will be inspired by C.A.O. cigars and should be a dream for anyone with a passion for sticks and speed. The design reaches back to the 1950s, with a minimalist approach and a shortened rear fender – from which the appellation "bobber" is derived.

So, which cigar inspired what will undoubtedly be a monument to manliness and power?

The C.A.O. America cigar is the culprit. It's a full-bodied smoke that is best consumed after you've had a meal (even if you normally enjoy heavier cigars. It's made in Honduras with two wrapper leaves: one's Connecticut shade, and the other is a chocolate brown broadleaf.

Before a lucky winner receives the motorcycle, it will be taken around the United States – to both bike rallies and cigar shops. If you're in Henderson, Nevada on June 4, look for it at the Tobacco Leaf. Finally, next spring, the bike will be given to a randomly selected winner at a party to be held at C.A.O. headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.

If you are looking for value, it's hard to beat anything from Camacho. For an extremely reasonable price, you'll smoke a well-constructed cigar that has both plenty of flavor and a complexity that will hold your attention until the cigar is nothing but ash. The Camacho Select exemplifies the high quality-to-cost ratio of the Camacho brand.

There are certain basics you assume when you cut and light a Camacho. A rich, bold flavor is the norm, along with an easy, voluminous draw. In these regards, the Camacho Select does not disappoint. With every pull, you'll experience a mouthful of smoke with a texture found only among the top-shelf brands in any respectable cigar shop. The scrunched-up faces desperately pulling for even the slightest taste ... they do not have Camacho Select cigars in their mouths.

Cigar smoking is a lifestyle commitment ... and investment. Unless you're smoking low-end cigars, your daily spend is at least $5 and could reasonably reach $10. If you truly go upscale, you're looking at $20 a day or more, with boxes starting at $450. It becomes expensive quickly, and today, people are reconsidering how they use their "fun money." Unsurprisingly, pipes are gaining popularity as a cost-effective smoking alternative without forcing you into the nasty world of cigarettes.

At first, pipe smoking appears to be pricey. To enter the world of briar, you could lay out hundreds of dollars – even thousands. And, since you can't buy just one pipe, the cost multiplies. Once you get past the initial purchase, though, pipe smoking is quite affordable. Top pipe tobacco brands cost less than $15 a tin ... roughly the cost of a cigar.

Like cigars, pipes range from garbage to entry level to high-end. Generally, quality follows price. A $5 corn cob is what you would expect, and hand-crafted Dunhills – which can sell for more than $1,000 – may be a bit much for someone testing the waters.

All you cigar rookies, stand back! La Flor Dominicana Salamones is a big, hefty, full-bodied cigar that should be enjoyed on a full stomach in the evening while sitting in a comfortable chair with a rare bottle of port by your side. At more than $25 a stick, it's meant to be enjoyed, and the cigar delivers on even the highest of expectations.

This cigar by La Flor Dominicana is part of the recent wave of Salamones-style cigars that has come to market. This shape is quite difficult to create, especially with its large size. The perk, though, is that you get to watch an ash form that mirror's the cigar's original appearance, as a rich brown gives way to light gray.

The narrow foot results in a slight tightness of draw at first; the shape doesn't allow as much air to pass through. Over the first two or three minutes, you'll feel the Salamones open up, with greater volumes of smoke entering your mouth until you're enjoying the substantial mouthful's yielded by this delightful creation.

Nothing equates to having a cigar of this magnitude in your hand. It is enormous (roughly as big as a double corona), emits an amazing aroma and has a beautiful, oily wrapper. The ash holds easily for two inches before showing any signs of wanting to fall.

I'd heard about Corona Cigar Co. from several people before I took my trip down to Orlando, FL. A few weeks ago, a visitor to New York from Florida overheard me discussing my then upcoming trip and interjected with some great advice, "Check out Corona." There are three locations; I chose the spot in downtown Orlando (no, not the same thing as Downtown Disney).

The description I was given back home in New York was enough to get me interested, but it failed to capture the enormity of the experience. The South Orange Ave. location offers countless cigars from nearly every manufacturer you could imagine. I took advantage of the lower cigar tax relative to home to pick up an Avo Campanero at what felt like a discount and headed for the large in-store lounge. Sponsored by Diamond Crown, it seats more than 60 people without forcing them to bump elbows. There's also outside seating at both four-top tables and wooden rocking chairs.

Every table has a six-page cocktail menu, so there's a pretty good chance you'll find the right concoction to pair with your preferred cigar. Of course, the fact that the bartender is nothing short of stunning improves both the drink and the smoke.

Light does not have to lack flavor. The Gurkha Elegance does not overwhelm, as its light wrapper would suggest, but it is an enjoyable smoke from start to finish. The Elegance consists of a Connecticut wrapper, Connecticut binder and Dominican filler. The cigar has a ring gauge of 50 and measures 7 inches long. Only 800 boxes are being made, so few will be able to enjoy this intentionally rare treat.

As with any other Gurkha experience, the Elegance begins with the box. The light wood, hihgly polished masterpiece invites you to open it and extract your first (or next) stick simply through its appearance. This is a cigar box you'd be happy to leave on your desk, and I'm sure someone in your family will steal it from you as soon as it's empty.

The Elegance is quite well-constructed. In the comfort of a controlled environment, it burns evenly from start to finish, even if it is lit by unskilled hands. Of course, this could be said for most cigars. The real test was during my morning walk to the office. Varying temperatures and swift, brutal Manhattan winds were unable disrupt the consistent burn for the entire hour I enjoyed the cigar. The Gurkha Elegance was unbeatable under adverse conditions.

For me, the Elegance was a bit light. I do prefer bolder, heavier cigars, and this one is on the softer side of medium. If you enjoy a milder stick, though, this one is a winner. The first inch is uneventful, but the cigar seems to be gathering momentum, which materializes quickly and persists through the majority of the smoke. The taste is smooth and consistent, which makes it an ideal breakfast cigar for me but may serve other smokers better in the evening.

The Gurkha Elegance is certainly an upscale cigar – it's certainly not entry level. For the smoker who prefers mild but demands taste, it's a great place to start.

If you're in New York, join me at the Gurkha in-store event at De La Concha, my neighborhood haunt. It's on April 23, 2009 from noon to 6 PM.

A commenter on Hey, Bargain-Hunters: Cigar Prices already Hiked raised an interesting (and valid) question: why do cigar smokers care about a tax on cigars? After all, he continues, "Aren't cigar smokers supposed to be, you know, big swinging dicks? Tough uber-capitalists, showing off their success?" It's a reasonable question because few outside our community understand who we are and what we do.

Walk into any cigar shop in the country, and you'll probably be surprised by the population sitting around tables, leaning on counters or sitting in luxurious leather chairs – depending on the store, of course. Yes, a handful will sport smartly-cut suits, Windsor knots in their ties and auras of financial invincibility, even in today's harsh economic climate. The stereotype exists for a reason, in urban areas, especially. But, it's not representative of the majority.

When you turn your gaze from the newly-less-wealthy asset manager to the rest of the shop, you'll find a little bit of everyone. The regulars at my local shop include artists, construction workers, teachers, soldiers and accountants. A lowly blogger even shows up from time to time. We get a bit of everything. And, I saw the same trends in cigar shops in Boston, Washington, DC, Augusta, GA, Orlando and Seoul. There is no cigar smoker archetype.