Only Days till the Cigarette Restriction

December 29th, 2009

So, St. Louis has approved a smoking ban for all restaurants and bars, with only a short list exceptions. I’m so sick and tired of my human rights dwindling down, I’m fed up. I can’t understand why non-smokers have such a stong judgement on what us smokers do. I comprehend that smoking is damaging, but I made a conscience choice when I took up smoking, observant of the fact it was not good. Just because non-smokers want me to stop, won’t mean that it will happen. Smoking in restaurants has been a freedom, but most restaurants have a special smoking room. If you do not want to inhale the smoke, don’t sit down in the smoking room, you are not unwilling made to sit in that section. And as well as the jobholers of these bars that argue they are affected by second hand smoke, prove it. I held jobs in the hospitality industry for over 10 years, and I know that almost all of thefellow workers were smokers.  Doing business with the public, if anything, initiates you to puff.  Personally, I have never overheard one non-smoking co-worker ever whine about second hand smoke while working in the smoking room. Putting a smoking ban in restaurants and bars, ultimately will only save me money, for I will not eat out after the January 1st.

All I need for the holiday: Smokes!

December 18th, 2009

I have choose this holiday to beg for easy presents that my wife can pick out comfortably for me. My number one gift, as always, is my well-beloved cigar from Madurocigars.net. She won’t even have to leave the apartment, she can go on the web (I have all my favorites sites saved) and make out the order there. As far as other gifts, she can head over to the local shop and choose a gift. She debates every Christmas that I am the most difficult guy to shop for. But we have been together for over 15 years! And if she doesn’t understand the things I like by now, I give up. I always say every Christmas, “I want smokes”, I enjoy 1 or 2 in a day, and that adds up. I bought a humidor for holding my smokes, “what’s that for?” she inquires. Well my sweetheart, it’s to keep my stogies crisp. So, if you get me stogies for December I can hold them in that for a few months and pull a cigar when I am wishing to savor one. Although I have to say, I was blessed last year, she bought me a lighter that was ingraved with my initials. The year before, she bought me a fishing pole, because I said I would like to go fishing again someday. Well, I went fishing once since then, but guess what, I still puff 1-2 smokes a day. Well what do I want for my present this year? I want Smokes, and whatever else would just be an secondary enjoyment.

Cigar: Facts for the typical stogie smoker

November 18th, 2009

The simplest method of categorizing cigars is by the method in which they are made. Cigars are either rolled by hand, or manufactured by machines. The newer smoker may be tempted to start by trying those machine made brands sold in Drug Stores, such as Parodi. However, the Novice Smoker should consider spending a few more pennies and moving up to hand rolled cigars, which are sold on the internet or at a local tobacconist.

Aficiando Vs Connoisseurs
TypicalIndividual cigar smokers have their own specific tastes, and have their own individual budget. Those who enjoy smoking multiple cigars per day may need an “everyday” cigar that is less expensive. Therefore, the taste and cost of machine made cigars can be very attractive to some smokers. However, to the aspiring or experienced connoisseurs, the ones who enjoy an occasional cigar as a special treat, the hand rolled cigar is worth every penny.

Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (VSG) Review

August 20th, 2009

Fire in the fire pit

A couple years ago my wife got me a copper firepit for having a fire outside on the porch. One of the best birthday presents ever! So above you can see it in use, while below you see me, by the light of the fire, sampling an Ashton VSG.

Eric enjoying an Ashton VSG

When the Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (VSG) line was released in 1999, it was instantly called a success. Cigar Insider even went so far as to say that “connoisseurs are seeking out the Ashton Virgin Sun Grown with a fervor not seen in the industry for years…”

This particular 5 1/2 inch by 50 ring gauge robusto puts the Ashton VSG’s rich flavors in a classic size. The cigar has a rustic, deep brown wrapper and a slight box press. The press – which isn’t as extreme as a Padrón 1926 (a cigar that the Ashton VSG is often compared to) – lets the cigar sit comfortably in your hand.

Prior to being lit, the cigar had rich roasted mocha notes with a fantastic aroma of vanilla flavors. The band’s classic white, black, and gold with a crown give it an almost royal appearance.

Fortunately, when lit, the flavors remained just as impressive. Almost immediately rich earth and mocha flavors were apparent. Over time that was complimented by deep roasted notes.

Overall, the Ashton VSG offers dark, luscious flavors without sacrificing its smooth balance, everything you would expect from a cigar developed for Ashton by Carlos Fuente.

The construction was also notable with a medium draw. And while initially the burn was a bit temperamental, it quickly evened out until it was straight by the midway point.

Earlier in the review I mentioned that the Ashton VSG line was often compared to the Padron Anniversary line. I must say that the comparison has merit, as both cigars are known for pairing full flavor with smoothness in a way that is uncommon, even for the best handmade cigars in the $8 and up price range.

This cigar is currently available at Top Hat Tobacco for $10.40 each, worth every penny.

Also, check out our Backwoods Cigars products.