Camacho Powerband Available Now

The all-new Camacho Powerband is available now at Regency Cigar.  Featuring a dark Habano 2000 wrapper, Powerband is Bold, yet remains consistantly smooth.  Notes of Pepper, Oak, Figs, Plums, Anise, and Mineral please the smoker who enjoys an earthy flavor profile.  A solid medium bodied stick that commands attention. 

 

Camacho Powerband is available in three sizes:
Robusto (5 x 50)
Toro (6 x 50)
Gordo (6 x 60)

Try a Powerband today at RegencyCigar.com

What Makes an Exceptional Blend Exceptioinal?

With thousands of cigars on the market it can be difficult to differentiate blends, the combination of different tobaccos used to create the flavor in a cigar. Some cigars taste dull, some taste similar to other brands, and some are exceptional and stand out on their own.  Today I will be shedding light on what I think makes for a well blended cigar. 

When I smoke a cigar, I am looking for a few things, however, Flavor profile is my priority.  Typically, there is an initial burst of flavor that diminishes into what I refer to as Flavor Body.  The most common Flavor Bodies I come across are of Cedar, Pepper, Nuts, Sweetness, or Earth and last through the whole cigar.  From here, I pick out notes of what I taste.  This can be challenging when you are first starting out.  A lot of people tell me they can’t really taste a difference between cigars.  Fear not, the more effort you put into searching for it, the easier it will come.  Keep in mind that these notes aren’t exact. It’s more about what you’re tasting reminds you of and then build upon it.  For example, if I say a cigar is Sweet, I try to differentiate whether the sweetness taste like Sugar, Fruit, Chocolate, Caramel, Vanilla, etc.  For Spice, is it Cedar, Hot Pepper Heat, a Bright Oaky Bite, a Brandy-like alcohol fume, Mint Coolness that radiates? These flavors will come and go, as a cigar changes while your smoking it.  The components layered into the blend are spread differently in each blend.

All that being said, Complexity, Subtlety, and Nuance is what makes for an exceptional blend.  The tougher it is for me to describe, the more excited I get.  Complexity as in the Range of flavors and how they work together, Subtlety as in how much of a flavor I taste and how long does it last, and Nuance as in have I tasted these combinations before.  Some of the more recent cigars with exceptional blends have been the Ashton Symmetry, Davidoff Yamasa, Avo Fogata, God of Fire, Davidoff Colorado Claro, and Padron 50 Years.  Hand me any one of those cigars unbanded and I’ll tell you exactlywhat it is.  These cigars are all unique with a flavor profile that is like a fingerprint.  If you’ve never had any of these, please, give one a try. 

Macanudo: America's Favorite Cigar?

Macanudo was once considered America's Favorite Cigar.  A Mild cigar with a Connecticut Shade wrapper and offering a Smooth and Crisp taste.  You may be thinking, "How can that be, me and my friends much rather prefer _______".  Today I will explain Macanudo's place in the Cigar Market.

In 1992, the Cigar Boom started to come into play. During the Cigar Boom, demand for Cigars soared way above supply of readily available tobacco.  Because of this, Cigar Manufacturers started selling out of their premium cigars leaving the market with inferior quality products.  This meant factory seconds, prematurely aged tobacco, short filler, and pressed tobacco, just to name a few of the issues.  Not to mention, dozens if not hundreds of cigar manufacturers would start up everyday, competing for their stake in the Boom.

Unfortunately, Premium Cigars had become lost in a sea of inferior product.  While there were a few companies that kept up with their consistency, Macanudo stood out as the White Knight.  People all across the United States were seeking out Macanudo as the only acceptable option.  At one time, yes, they were the best cigar in America.  They had built a brand on consistency, and they are still very popular today.

Where does that leave us?  Today, we find that more people are smoking Ashton, Arturo Fuente, and Davidoff brands (Avo, Camacho, Griffin).  Each of these cigars offers it's own flavor profile while remaining smooth, readily available, and consistent.  With the typical cigar smoker enjoying more of a variety and tobacco blending becoming more of an art form, people just want to try different things and explore what's out there.

While we still sell Macanudo, Try an Ashton, Arturo Fuente, or Davidoff.  See what else is out there, it could be your next favorite.

San Cristobal Quintessence Coming Soon

A new line of San Cristobal Cigars will make it's debut this summer at the ICPCR, a convention for tobacco retailers.  San Cristobal Quintessence will feature an Ecuadorian Habano Wrapper over Nicaraguan Binders and Fillers.  There will be four cigars in the line, but they have not been disclosed yet.  Produced and blended by My Father Cigars, we're sure they'll be a hit.  We'll let you know when they're available.

In the meantime, check out San Cristobal, Elegancia, and Revelation to hold you over at RegencyCigar.com

Avo Syncro Fogata Now Available

Avo has just released the Syncro Fogata, there second cigar to use Nicaraguan tobacco, following the Syncro.  This time, Avo uses more Nicaraguan tobacco, while also sneaking in tobacco from Mexico and the Dominican Republic.  The result is a Medium to Full bodied cigar with a lot of flavor. Expect notes of Cream, Spice, Wood, and Honey.

Avo Syncro Fogata is available in four Sizes;
Avo Fogata Robusto (5 x 50)
Avo Fogata Short Torpedo (4 1/2 x 52)
Avo Fogata Special Toro (6 x 60)
Avo Fogata Toro (6 x 54)

Available Today at RegencyCigar.com

Davidoff Yamasa Coming Soon

Davidoff will be debuting their new Yamasa line of cigars next month at the ICPCR.  Yamasa will be the third release in Davidoff's Discovery series and carries it's signature black band.  Medium to full in body, these cigars are Sweet, Peppery, Oaky, and Spicy.  This level of complexity can be attributed to the Yamasa wrapper and binder. 

Available in 4 Sizes:
Robusto (5 x 50)
Toro (6 x 52)
Piramides (6 1/8 x 52)
Petit Churchill (4 x 48)

Yamasa is a region of the Dominican Republic that had not been suitable to produce tobacco until recently.  For the last 20 years, Davidoff has worked tirelessly fertilizing and prepping the soil.  Their determination has paid off with the Yamasa. 

Preorder the Davidoff Yamasa Today at RegencyCigar.com

Triple Cap Cigars

Ever hear of a triple capped cigar, but never quite understood what it is exactly?  Fear not, we've got your back.

A triple cap refers to the style at the head of a cigar (where you make a cut).  A cap is the piece of tobacco that rests over the head.  Traditionally, Cubans would put three caps on their cigars as a mark of quality and craftsmanship, as seen in the seams in the photo above.  Some say it helps hold the wrapper together better, it is more likely an aesthetic feature,as it does look impressive.  Although other countries have been using for years now, it still is a fun tidbit to point out and impress your friends with.

Next time you light up a Tatuaje, Davidoff, La Flor Dominicana, or Ashton, keep an eye out for that Triple Cap.

ST Dupont's Slim 7 Lighter

The ST Dupont Slim 7 is the Hottest lighter on the market.  Expertly designed to catch eyes, the Slim 7 features a thin body profile, a flat-style flame, and is available in several finishes.  Whether you choose Chinese Lacquer or their Brushed Metal designs, you will be sure to turn some heads.

ST Dupont is known for Quality and stand behind their products with a 2 year warranty.  If you've been looking for a lighter that is Sleek, Sexy, and Stunning, look no further.  Slim 7 is for you.

Order your ST Dupont Slim 7 Today at RegencyCigar.com

Liga Privada Serie Unico

Every so often, a cigar manufacturer creates something super special but unfortunately can't produce on a retail level; there's just not enough of a specific tobacco.  However, the folks at Drew Estate were lucky enough to release a few of these, what should have been, one-offs in the Liga Privada Serie Unico.

Each Size in the Serie Unico features it's own blend. That means that no two cigars in the series will taste the same.  Drew Estates uses the choicest tobacco for this series, and you can definitely taste it.  These cigars are Rich, Bold, and Intense. They are super limited and do not last very long.

Order a box of Liga Privada Serie Unico Today at RegencyCigar.com

Davidoff Regency Exclusive Edition

If you haven't tried it yet, Now is the time.  Davidoff's Regency Exclusive Edition is selling out fast.   Blended in collaboration with Regency Cigar for our 20th Anniversary in business, it is sure to please all of our customers.  There is literally something for everyone in this cigar.  Rated 90/100 on Halfwheel, and a production of only 300 boxes of 10 being produced for us exclusively, you will never find this cigar ever again.

The Regency Exclusive Edition is a Medium to Full bodied cigar, with notes of Pepper, Cashews, Honey, and a slight Spice.  Ultra Smooth from start to finish.  A Connecticut Ecuadorian Rojiza wrapper, the same used on Davidoff's WC line, along with Dominican binder and fillers Harmonize to create unprecedented balance that will Satisfy your palate.

Order you Davidoff Regency Exclusive Edition Today at RegencyCigar.com

Colibri and Xikar's Lifetime Guarantee

Did you know that Colibri and Xikar offer a Lifetime Guarantee on all of their Lighters, Cutters, and Smoking Accessories?  It's true, and you really can't beat that.  With dozens of models to choose from, and all kinds of color options, Colibri and Xikar definitely has something for you.

Xikar is known for their industry leading designs and quality.  With an unprecedented Lifetime Guarantee program, they have certainly gained many lifelong customers.  Their designs are innovative and timeless.

Colibri have come back into favor within the cigar industry.  After years of trial and error, they have truly dialed in their quality and craftsmanship, offering some of the sleekest models on the market.  These accessories are stunning and affordable.

If you are in the market for a new Lighter or Cutter, Browse our selection at RegencyCigar.com

Have You Experienced Davidoff Escurio?

Almost a full year after it's initial release, and people are still raving about the Davidoff Escurio.  These cigars utilize a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper, giving up a bit of Sweetness and Spice interwoven into a Bolder body.  This juxtaposition truly makes Escurio a winner for Davidoff

Escurio is Currently Available in three sizes, with two Brand New Sizes coming this Summer.
Gran Toro (5 1/2 x 58)
Petit Robusto (3 1/4 x 50)
Robusto Tubo (4 1/2 x 54)
Gran Perfecto (5 x 61) **New for 2016**
Corona Gorda (6 x 46) **New for 2016**

Order Your Davidoff Escurio Today at RegencyCigar.com

Tatuaje's Cojonu Releases

Over the years, Tatuaje has had a few releases in what they call the Cojonu Series.  Although these cigars are all considered part of the Cojonu family, they are all actually blended a little differently.  Today, I will walk you through some of those differences. 

First off, each Cojonu is an offshoot blend of the Tatuaje Brown Label Line.  Where those are considered medium body, Cojonus typically run a bit on the stronger side.  Let's explore.

Tatuaje Cojonu 2003
The Tatuaje Cojonu 2003 is fuller bodied, with quite a bit of Hot Pepper Flake heat and a nice Cedar Spice. It is Big, Bold, and Intense with flavors such as Earth, Nuts, Pepper, Oak, and Leather.  Tatuaje’s Masterpiece. 

Tatuaje Cojonu 2006
The Tatuaje Cojonu 2006 is fuller in body also, with Bolder flavors.  Pepper and wood Dominate while softer flavors like Cinnamon, Cashews, and Cedar come in and out of play.  It is a great example of a Full Flavored, Full Bodied cigar. 

Tatuaje Cojonu 2009
The Tatuaje Cojonu 2009 is sweeter than the other Cojonus. This cigar is medium bodied with notes of Berries, Cherries, Pepper, Chocolate, and Cedar.  If you are looking to try a Cojonu, but don’t want to jump into anything too strong, this is the one for you!

Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 Reserva
For their 2012 release, Tatuaje has chosen to offer this one size available with three different wrappers.  The Reserva features a dark Broadleaf wrapper that delivers refined Pepper notes, with dominate Leather and Oaky undertones.  Full bodied and Intense.

Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 Capa Especial
The Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 Capa Especial features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, which offers a very Sweet component to an otherwise Spicy cigar.  This interplay of Sweet and Spicy pays off in a big way.  Complex, Creamy, and Smooth.

Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 Habano
The Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 Habano features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper which delivers Rich and Bright flavors like Cedar, Earth, Brine, and other Spices.  Full Flavored and Intense. 

Tatuaje Gran Cojonu LTD
The Tatuaje Gran Cojonu LTD is blended after the Cojonu 2003, switching out the Ecuadorian Habano wrapper for Connecticut Broadleaf.  This cigar is Bold.  Leather, Pepper, Espresso, Chocolate, and Oak dominate the cigar throughout.  It is a Full bodied force to be reckoned with. 

Try These Tatuajes Today, Order from RegencyCigar.com

Celebrate Father's Day with a My Father Cigar

My Father Cigars are acclaimed for their Consistency, Complexity, and Balance.  A truly exceptional cigar blended by the Garcia family in Nicaragua. These cigars are medium bodied, and are crafted to give you a broad spectrum of flavor from Sweet to Spicy.

As the story goes, Don Pepin Garcia, a blending legend, had been teaching his son, Jaime Garcia, the family tradition of making fine cigars.  Unbeknownst to Don Pepin, one day Jaime decided to blend a cigar on his own.  When his project was finished, Don Pepin was presented with his son's effort and was immediately taken back by how great these cigars were.  He then asked his son what he would name the cigar.  Jaime responded that he would name this cigar My Father, as a tribute to Don Pepin. He was immediately overcome with emotion and broke down in tears. And that's how My Father Cigars came to be.

Enjoy a cigar with Dad this Father's Day.  Try My Father Cigars at RegencyCigar.com

Exploring The Lost City Opus X

The Lost City Opus X is a very Limited Production offshoot of the highly sought-after Opus X.  As part of Fuente's Aged Selection, the wrapper leaf is aged 5 years in order to deliver Rich Notes of Pepper and Spice, as well as to create a truly balanced cigar.

While it is relatively lighter than the very full bodied Opus X, The Lost City still boasts an incredible amount of flavor.  Pepper, Cedar Spice, Coffee, Cherries, Jasmine, and Clove shine through in a complex, yet refined, flavor profile.

The Lost City got it's name from a movie directed by Andy Garcia shot in Fuente's famous Chateau de la Fuente, where they grow their tobacco.  The wrapper leaf used on the Lost City was grown specifically to be shot in the movie.  Fuente had set this harvest aside for the 5 years and discovered that it was actually exceptional, worthy enough to carry to Opus X name.

The Lost City Opus X is Available Now at RegencyCigar.com

Avo: A Brand Overview

Avo Cigars are one of the most overlooked cigars in our humidor.  Puff for Puff, the best value for your money.  They are consistent, complex, and well-balanced.  With 5 regular production lines ranging from Mild to Full Bodied and steady Limited Edition releases, they've got something for Everyone.

Avo Classic
Smooth and creamy with notes of pepper, AVO Classic is incomparably balanced and approachable. Its delicious, mild to medium taste is crafted from an impressive blend of Dominican fillers and binders in a stunning, Ecuadorian wrapper. Intended for authentic and joyful moments that lead to everlasting memories.

Avo XO
A remarkably smooth, yet richly complex, medium-bodied composition balanced with notes of wood, spice, and dry sweet fruit.  AVO XO has an easy draw that epitomizes the experience of lighting one up. Complex, but not complicated. Sweet and creamy with hints of nut and pepper.

Avo Domain
Avo’s most personal blend, specially crafted for the connoisseur. Composed of highly aromatic tobacco harvested from Avo’s private estate, this medium-to-full-bodied blend resonates with exceptionally rich character delivering flavors of butter and spice with subtle nuttiness. There are floral notes and other earthy flavors that help to round out the complexity of this extremely enjoyable cigar. There is also a surprisingly sweet cocoa note that is noticeable on the finish, adding personality to the perfection of this memorable blend.

Avo Heritage
This full-bodied blend offers rich, toasted notes of cocoa and spice with an unforgettably creamy finish. Crafted as homage to our farmers, blenders and rollers, AVO Heritage offers a satisfying range of complex flavors delivered in a smooth, balanced fashion. With a touch of sweet cedar and an almost apple-like sweetness, this member of our Classic Series is truly a smoke to be remembered.

Avo Syncro
Avo has captured sweet and spicy flavors from the rich, volcanic soil of Nicaragua, blending them with the soft, creamy notes of the finest Dominican leaves, resulting in a smooth and balanced box-pressed cigar with unexpected depth and complexity.

Browse Avo Cigars Today at RegencyCigar.com

Enjoying a Cup of Coffee with Your Cigar

People often ask me what kind of spirits I enjoy with a cigar, and I'm more than happy to share my experiences with them.  Personally, however, I truly enjoy a nice cup of coffee to accompany my cigar.  Medium-Dark Roasts or even Espresso, there's just something about the pair that sends me to the moon.  Perhaps it's just a caffeine and nicotine thing for me, but it's worth a try. Next time you're in the mood for a Tatuaje Brown Label, Padron 1926, or the new Davidoff Nicaragua Box Pressed Toro, pick yourself up a cup and enjoy. I think you'll be surprised quite how nicely the two pair.

Not Willing to Commit to a Full Box

Are you a smoker who doesn't like to commit to a box before sampling the blend?  You're not alone.  Many of our customers here at Regency Cigar Emporium enjoy the variety of our Extraordinary selection a few cigars at a time. How does this benefit you?

Regency Cigar offers Small Packs of some of our Best Sellers.  We offer these Small Packs from brands such as Padron, Davidoff, Ashton, La Flor Dominicana, and Liga Privada.  These Cigars are typically hard to come by locally, and we have the Freshest Stock in the North East. 
It is THE PERFECT option if you want to sample a new brand WITHOUT COMMITTING to a full box purchase. 

EXPLORE OUR SMALL PACKS TODAY AT REGENCYCIGAR.COM

Review: Padron 1964 Hermosa Maduro

The Brand New Padron 1964 Anniversary Hermoso is the newest cigar in the 1964 Series since the No. 4 back in 2012.  The Hermoso is a 4 x 56 Short Robusto.  Blended wth the same components as it's 1964 counterparts, I'm interested to see how this 56 ring gauge stacks up.

Look
The Hermoso looks small.  Despite it being a 56 ring gauge, it just feels really small in your hands.  This might be perfect for smokers who only have 20-25 minutes of smoke time. Wrapper is leathery and rustic like all other Padrons.

Draw
Just like any other Padron, the draw is FLAWLESS.  Not too tight, not to loose.  Just Perfect.

Taste
The first few puffs are filled with refined pepper notes, which quickly settles into a gentle floral characteristic.  The smoke feels cooler in your mouth, as opposed to other Padrons.  It is super mellow.  Leather, Earth, Toast, Black Coffee, and Oak.  Medium bodied, Full of Flavor.  The burn is crooked, but it hasn't affected the way the cigar smokes.  I think this is a hit for Padron.

All in all, the Hermoso was a quick smoke.  Once again, perfect for those who only have about 25 minutes a day set aside to enjoy a smoke.  It tastes like a Padron, although somewhat mellower.  If you like the 1964 Anniversary Series, you'll enjoy this.  A+

ORDER YOUR PADRON HERMOSOS TODAY AT REGENCYCIGAR.COM

Avo Classic Cover Volume 3, 90th Anniversary Edition

The newest Avo Limited Edition is here, and wow, what a treat! Blended as a slightly fuller bodied Avo XO, The Classic Covers Volume 3 does not disappoint.  It lures you in with it's sweet flavor profile, followed by a mild and refined pepperiness.  A medium bodied cigar with a lot to offer.  This release also doubles as Avo Uvezian's official 90th Birthday Celebration cigar.

Only 3000 boxes of 18 cigars were produced, be sure to grab yours today at RegencyCigar.com

Exploring Davidoff's Mild Offerings

Davidoff offers a wide range of cigars in different bodies, sizes, and flavor profiles.  It can be daunting to choose one to go with if you've never tried them all before.  Today, I will walk you through Davidoff's Mild range.

For a milder smoke, Davidoff offers The Classic, Mille, and Grand Cru Series. The Classic Series is subtle, with an exceptional aroma.  It's mild, woody, and earthy.  Mille, or Thousand Series, features tobacco that showcases notes of coffee, earth, and wood.  Grand Cru appeals those who enjoy nutty, spicy, and sweet.  These complex cigars are truly enjoyable for any occasion.  

Try A Davidoff Today From RegencyCigar.com

Have you Tried the Davidoff Golf Scorecard 2016?

Every so often, Davidoff produces a cigar to be enjoyed specifically for a round of Golf.  The Davidoff Golf Scorecard 2016 is THE PERFECT cigar for a round on the course among friends.  A Generous Grand Toro format ensures that your cigar will last you a full round, and opens the door for EXCEPTIONAL flavor. Coffee, Oak, Sweet Honey, and Almond are all present in this release.

Available in packages of 5 to accommodate your foursome, with an extra Golden Banded cigar for the winner.

ENJOY THE DAVIDOFF GOLF SCORECARD TODAY

Exploring the Oliva Serie V Melanio

Although it has been on the shelf for a few years now, the Oliva Serie V Melanio definitely lived up to the hype.  If you're not familiar with it, it is Oliva's flagship blend.  Medium to full in body, the Melanio offers a bit of spice without sacrificing smoothness.  It also demonstrates notes of pepper, cream soda sweetness, dried red fruit, and cedar.  You will notice that it is box pressed, an attribute that usually alludes to a great drawing cigar.  The cigar itself is comprised of an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, with a Nicaraguan binder and ligero fillers from the Jalapa region. It is rich, elegant, and refined.

The Melanio is available in 6 sizes;
Double Toro (6 x 60)
Churchill (7 x 50)
Petit Corona (4 1/2 x 46)
Figurado (6 1/2 x 52)
Robusto (5 x 52)
Torpedo (6 1/2 x 52)

See why it Cigar Aficionado rated it the 2014 Cigar of the Year and order online at RegencyCigar.com

Brand Highlight: Camacho American Barrel Age

Today I will be highlighting one of our more popular Camacho cigars; The Camacho American Barrel Aged.  Currently available in three sizes (Robusto, Toro, and Gordo), the ABA offers a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper and binder with Pennsylvanian Maduro, Connecticut broadleaf, and Barrel Aged Corojo fillers.  The result is a medium bodied cigar with a lot of sweetness.

What makes this cigar so special is the Barrel Aged Corojo fillers.  These fillers leaves were rotated daily for five months in ex bourbon barrels in order to obtain the rich sweetness of the residual bourbon and oak.

Due to the ABAs well reception, Camacho has decided to introduce three new sizes this coming summer.  They are the Torpedo Corto (4 1/2 x 52), Perfecto Gordo (5 15/16 x 54 x 50), and Torpedo Largo (7 x 54 x 36).

The Camacho American Barrel Aged is now available at RegencyCigar.com

Tips for Smoking in Your Car

We've all been there.  That time when you just want to light up a nice cigar and enjoy your ride.  Then you start thinking about the potential ashy mess and odor that will linger in your car for weeks and get discouraged.  Here are some tips to make your cigar smoking car ride more enjoyable and clean.

Before we get started, look into purchasing a Xikar Ashcan.  These portable ashtrays fit into the cup holder of your car, and collect ash. This eliminates the ash from flying back into the car when you try to flick it out of your window.  There is also a cigar holder in there that will prevent your cigar from flying around in the car if you need to take a call.  They are easy to clean too, just shake the ash out when you're done.

First, cut and light the cigar before you start driving.  It is a lot safer than driving with your knees and being distracted.  If it's windy, light the cigar with the windows up, then open them immediately.  Your windows do not have to be all the way down on both sides.  About a quarter of the way down should be sufficient to keep that ashtray smell out of your car.  Also, keep your AC or heat on low, facing towards the open windows.

If you don't have an ashcan, but have to ash your cigar, slow down slightly if it safe to do so.  Introduce the cigar towards the side mirror and ash downwards.  This should keep ash from re-entering the vehicle.

When you are done with your cigar, chuck it out the window if it is legal to do so.  If not, let the cigar go out and get rid of it when you're done driving.  Remember to take the cigar with you when you're ready to leave your vehicle.  If you leave it overnight, your car will smell like an ashtray.

Also, invest in an aerosol air purifier.  Ozium works the best for smoke.  Spray the seats, dash, and steering wheel.  The quicker you get to it, the better. You don't want the smoke to seep into the fabric.

How to Make Your Cigar Taste Better

One thing most cigar smokers overlook before enjoying a cigar is that they have residue that has built up during the day in their mouth.  This could be from food, beverages, a prior cigar, etc.  Unfortunately, these residual flavors are actually negatively skewing your palate, affecting how you taste your cigar.

Fortunately, there are a few ways you can cleanse your palate in order to really get a truer taste for the tobacco that you're smoking.  Let's take a look.

Dark Chocolate is the most enjoyable palate cleanser, the higher the cacao, the better.  Start off by breaking a little square off of a bar and just let it melt in your mouth.  Some of you are probably thinking "wouldn't that just skew your palate even more?"  The answer is no.  The cacao actually gets rid of the other flavors.  Another great way to cleanse your palate is by green apple fruit.  Avoid eating the skin, but green apples cut through and really get your palate clean.  Lastly, unsalted almonds can really add to your smoking experience.  They do a good job of cleansing your palate as well.

Lastly, brushing your teeth does not cleanse your palate.  The chemicals in the toothpaste and mouthwash will actually leave a bad taste in your mouth while you smoke your cigar.  It can make the flavors seem sour and metallic.  You don't want that to happen with your expensive Padrons or Davidoffs.  Let us know how these work for you.  Can you taste the difference.

Tatuaje Verocu No. 6 is Now Available

The Tatuaje Verocu No. 6 is now available at Regency Cigar.  This 6 1/8 x 52 torpedo is the first new size in the Verocu line since they made their debut last summer.  For now, they are available in a limited edition 10 count box, with a full release in boxes of 25 coming this summer.

Tatuaje's Verocu is a full bodied blend recognized for their earthiness and overall pepperiness.  Originally available in 2 sizes as East and West Coast exclusive limited editions, they were highly sought after.  Tatuaje's decision to make these a year round offering also inspired them to make the exclusive Black Label a regular production line as well.

Also, look forward to Tatuaje's Skinny Monster release, as well as the Tatuaje K222.  These cigars are very limited and will surely sell out quickly.

Cellophane Vs. Tubos Vs. Naked

Every cigar smoker has wondered why is it that some cigars are either unwrapped, wrapped in cellophane, or stored in aluminum tubes out of the box.  Today, I will shed some light on why that is, as well as the benefits to each.  What it comes down to is levels of protection.  

Cellophaned cigars keep your cigars nice and tightly pressed to retain form and prevent moisture from coming in contact with tobacco.  They can also withstand a little pressure in your pocket if you don’t plan to smoke it right away.  Customers often prefer this level of protection for their cigars.  Turn to brands like Ashton, La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero, and Davidoff, as most of their cigars come cellophaned.  

Tubes, or tubos, offer the most protection while making for an elegant presentation.  Tubes can withstand a night out and a bit of pressure without cracking the cigar.  A lot of the time, people will often gift these because of the presentation.  Most brands offer at least one size of a line in a tubo format.  

Unwrapped cigars are most susceptible to damage.  Realistically, these cigars are fine to enjoy immediately or for storage in a humidor.  You just have to be a little more careful if you’re carrying them in your coat pocket, as they can crack.  Look at Padron Anniversary Series and Tatuaje’s Brown Label for uncelloed cigars.  

Unfortunately, these three options are set by the manufacturer.  We have no say as to order them cellophaned or not.  If you would like to know how a particular cigar is shipped, feel free to contact us at RegencyCigar.com.

Why Are Most Cigars Stored in Cedar Boxes?

A question we get asked often is why are cigars stored in cedar.  Whether it’s the box from the manufacturer, the lining of a humidor, or a few strips in a box, cedar holds two properties that really help in keeping tobacco fresh.  

First, cedar is naturally absorbent to moisture.  In a humidor, the cedar lining will swell up, creating a good seal preventing humidity from leaking out and drying your cigars up.  The same goes for cigars in a cedar box.  The wood will actually absorb the excess moisture, preventing the cigars from developing a mildewy taste, which leads us in to the second benefit.  

Cedar has a distinct aroma that is typically pleasing to us, but irritates bugs and pests.  This is beneficial because you do not want your cigars to become susceptible to tobacco beetles.  Tobacco beetles will chew through your cigars and easily ruin your entire collection which can become costly to replace.  This aroma can also share its flavor with tobacco, offering a pleasant  touch of spice to your cigars over time.  

Make sure you have plenty of cedar in your humidor, ask your tobacconist for a few strips next time you’re in.  Shop with us at RegencyCigar.com and ask for cedar strips when you check out.  We are more than happy to stock you up.  

How to Set Up and Season a Humidor

If you have just bought your first humidor or need to re-season as part of your regular cigar maintenance, this guide will walk you through the process to get your humidor working optimally.  

First, remove all the cigars from your humidor.  For short term storage, tupperware containers actually do a really good job of maintaining the humidity of your cigars.  

Next, pick up a brand new sponge and a bottle of distilled water.  It is very important that the sponge is new and that the water is distilled, as these are measures to prevent bacteria such as mold from growing in your humidor and ruining all of your expensive cigars.  Put a bit of the distilled water on the sponge and wipe down the cedar interior of your humidor.  Do not drench it, but be thorough.  The most important area is the lip around the perimeter of the humidor.  You really want to get that wood swollen to ensure a good seal.  

Now that you’ve wiped down the inside, set down a small sandwich bag at the bottom of the humidor and put the sponge on top of it so the wood doesn’t warp from the moisture.  It will also help to fill your humidifier with either the distilled water or your pre-mixed glycol solution and put that in the humidor as well.  Close the lid and let sit for 12 hours.  You are going to want to repeat the wiping down process 4 to 6 times, with the sponge sitting inside the humidor when you’re done.  

After you wipe down the cedar for the last time, do not put the sponge back inside the humidor.  Just close the lid and let it sit for 24 hours.  Take your hygrometer, set it back in the humidor, and you should be close to 68-72% relative humidity.  If it’s not at least 68% rh, repeat the process.  If the rh is where it’s supposed to be and the cedar interior of your humidor seems dry, put your cigars back in.  

This process should be repeated every other year or as needed.  Just be sure to add either distilled water or the glycol solution as needed to keep your cigars humid.  Also, consider buying some Boveda Humidipaks.  They replace your standard humidifier bar and are inexpensive and easy.  Just take them out of the cellophane, throw them anywhere in the humidor, and don’t worry about the humidity for months.  They are guaranteed to keep your cigars right where they need to be.  

If you’re thinking of buying your first humidor or are looking to upgrade, be sure to check out our beautiful selection of humidors at RegencyCigar.com

Pairing Whiskey With Cigars

People tend to enjoy their cigars with a nice scotch or whiskey.  However, there are some do’s and don’ts as to how you should pair the two.  Today, I will be sharing some tips on making the right pairing choices to enhance your smoking experience.  

To get the most from pairing, you want opposing flavors from your cigar and drink.  For example,  you do not want to pair a full bodied cigar with a strong bourbon with a bite.  Since the two are spicy, it will come across as bland and ruin the experience.  The key here is balance.  Instead, Let’s take that spicy bourbon and pair it with a nice and sweet mild to medium bodied cigar.  The back and forth from sweet to spicy is sure to guarantee a great pairing.  On the other end of the spectrum, take a full bodied cigar and pair it with a mellow and aged single malt.  As you can see, there are a lot of possibilities for you to explore.  

Here’s three of my personal favorite pairings:

Davidoff Special R and Blantons Single Barrel

Padron 1926 #2 Maduro and Balvenie 14 Carretean Cask

Avo Classic Piramide and Angel’s Envy Bourbon

When in doubt, I find that any size in the Tatuaje Brown Label will pair well with anything.  Have fun experimenting, and be sure to let us know what your favorite pairings are.  

Cigar Aging 101

Today I’ll be sharing some tips on aging cigars.  First off, you should know that aging a cigar will impact the flavor, sometimes dramatically.  If you like the way a cigar tastes straight from the box, please enjoy them as they are.  

To properly age a cigar, you must first make sure that you a have a humidor and that it is monitored weekly.  The humidity should be with 68-72% rh with a temperature range between 68-72° F as well.  If it’s running a little low in humidity, it might be time to refill your humidifier with distilled water or make the switch to Boveda Humidipaks.  These humidipaks are inexpensive and do all of the work for you.  The regulate the humidity in your humidor without having to add water.  Throw 8 of them in your humidor and you won't have to worry about maintaining it for 6 months.  If your humidor is running a little cooler temperature wise, consider moving your humidor to a warmer part of the house.  Cigars can be good for decades if your humidor is running optimally.  

Next, decide which cigars you want to age.  Cigars get milder the longer you age them.  You can most likely age a strong and spicy cigar for a year and return to find it medium bodied with a little sweetness and peppery earth. Alternatively, you might age a sweet cigar and come to find that it is oaky and leathery. I personally like holding on to limited edition cigars, like the the new Avo Classic Covers Volume 3 90th Anniversary.  While I enjoy the flavors it offers now, I am anticipating great things one year, two years, maybe three years down the road.  Another cigar I like to age from time to time is La Flor Dominicana's Double Ligero line.  Out of the box, these cigars are full bodied powerhouses with a lot of hot pepper flake and pepper.  With a few years of aging, these cigars develop a beautiful sweetness and nuttiness that can rival any medium bodied cigar on the market.  That is also why it’s a good idea to age at least a half box of the same cigar at a time.  

The key to appreciating an aged cigar is trying a few during the aging process.  Every six months or so, smoke a couple and gauge where the flavor changed.  Do you enjoy it more or less? What new flavors have you picked up on now that the tobacco has successfully matured and mellowed out?  Give it a try and let us know how you make out.  

How To Choose Your First (Or Any) Cigar

Choosing your first cigars from a humidor can be daunting if you don’t know what you’re looking for.  Here, I will share some tips that will build your confidence when purchasing your first cigar.  

There are several factors that go into choosing a cigar.  A combination of strength, time, flavor profile, and budget all have an important role when making your selections.  

Strength is a determining factor when choosing a cigar.  There are 3 main levels of strength; mild, medium, and full.  Mild cigars are low in strength and are considered a good place to start.  While they are low in strength, that can have a lot of flavor to offer.  Medium bodied cigars are a little more robust, but don’t necessarily overpower you with strength.  Full bodied cigars are considered the strongest and should only be smoked after building up a nicotine tolerance.  Smoking a full bodied cigar before you’re ready can lead to a headache, dry heaving, and overall discomfort.  

Time plays an important factor into choosing a cigar.  I’ll often ask customers how much time they have set aside to smoke.  If you have set aside a half hour to smoke, you really don’t want anything too large.  Generally speaking, there are common sizes across all brands that will keep you in the ballpark in regards to how much time you have. Look at the list below to determine which size is best for you.

Corona 25 Minutes

Robusto  30-40 Minutes

Toro 45-55 Minutes

Churchill 1 Hour to 1 Hour and 15 Minutes

Flavor profiles are the most interesting part of choosing your cigar.  Would you like to try something sweet, earthy, or perhaps spicy?  These three common flavors are broad but when you’re first starting out, they are a good guideline to keep you engaged and interested in enjoying what flavors cigars have to offer.  

Stick within your budget when you’re selecting a cigar.  The average price of a cigar in my store is around $8.  That being said, you don’t have to spend over that to get a great cigar.  More exclusive brands like Padron, Davidoff, and Ashton have value lines that can be significantly less expensive than their counterparts without sacrificing quality.  Turn to the Padron Traditional Series, Avo, Camacho, La Aroma de Cuba, and San Cristobal to get the best bang for your buck.  

After taking all this information into consideration, decide what you think you would like to try.  Visit your local tobacconist and say, for example, I’m looking for a mild churchill on the sweeter side, for around $10.  What do you recommend?  Any good tobacconist should be able to give you a few options and point you in the right direction.  When in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Most tobacconists are passionate about tobacco and really want to help you pick the right cigar.  

We here at Regency Cigar Emporium are dedicated to helping you choose the right cigar.  Feel free to browse our website at RegencyCigar.com or give us a call to make a a custom sampler pack based on what you'll enjoy.  We are happy to assist in any way we can.  

New Product Showcase: Tatuaje Skinny Monsters

Staying true to surprising fans with special editions, Pete Johnson from Tatuaje has announced the release of the long rumored Skinny Monsters.  Each box comes with 1 of each Monster Series release in a petite lancero format (6 x 38), including Chuck and Tiff which made their debut in the Pudgy Monster release.  These very special cigars are expected to ship towards the end of April 2016.

Here’s whats in the box;

1 Frank (6 x 38)

1 Drac (6 x 38)

1 Face (6 x 38)

1 Wolf (6 x 38)

1 Mummy (6 x 38)

1 Jason (6 x 38)

1 Jekyll (6 x 38)

1 Hyde (6 x 38)

1 Chuck (6 x 38)

1 Tiff (6 x 38)

Preorder your box of Tatuaje Skinny Monsters today at RegencyCigar.com

What's the deal with Davidoff's Colorado Claro?

The Davidoff Colorado Claro is a truly exceptional cigar but many Davidoff fans aren't quite sure what it is.  One of the questions we get asked all the time is the Colorado Claro Special R much different than the regular Special R.  The answer is yes.

While the binder and fillers are identical in both cigars, the Special R with the Colorado Claro wrapper offers a more robust smoking experience without sacrificing smoothness.  Medium in body, it is earthy, peppery, woody, and leathery. This holds true for all of the Colorado Claro Releases (Special T, Short Perfecto, Double R, Aniversario #3).

Another reason why you may not be familiar with Colorado Claro is because it's very hard to find.  While Davidoff isn't releasing exact figures, we know that the initial releases were around 100 boxes of each size.

If you haven't tried one, try one.  These beautiful cigars stand up to Padrons and Tatuajes flavor wise and do not disappoint.  They are available in 10 count boxes instore and at RegencyCigar.com.

Welcome

Welcome to Regency Cigar Emporium's Cigar Corner.  Here you will find information on the newest cigar news and releases, along with reviews, pairing ideas, featured cigars, and how to tutorials.  Reach out to us if you would like more information on something in particular, we love feedback!

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We here at Regency Cigar are currently celebrating our 20th Anniversary as a business. Look out for some very special releases from some of your favorite brands, like the brand new Davidoff Regency Cigar Exclusive Edition blended exclusively for us.