Robert Caldwell has emerged as one of the vital modern players in the 'Boutique Cigars' category.
It's a category everyone understands, but it is hard to put it into words; basically, it's a smallish brand, usually headed by a lone ranger kind of cigarmaker with a license to experiment, push the boundaries - and have fun while making great cigars.
This fits Caldwell perfectly. A formidable…
There is an unmistakable hunger in the cigar world for big, beefy, bold cigars.
Indeed, the US market is responsible in large for a shift away from traditional smaller sizes and smoother blends to enormous sticks (7x70, anyone?) packed with strong ligero leaf.
The truth is, some of the best-selling cigars in the United States are gentler beasts. They're the ones enjoyed by all kinds of ciga…
Cigar wrappers are a thing of great debate and mystery among cigar smokers.
For the uninitiated, a cigar wrapper is the part you see on the outside. Quite literally, the final leaf which wraps the cigar.
It is the most expensive of cigar leaves to grow. The most delicate to work with. The one that can add great flavor or none at all. The one that, above all else, must look spectacular.
Th…
Cano Ozgener had never smoked a cigar until he came to the United States. Born in Turkey, he was an adamant pipe enthusiast until that first, fateful cigar. After that, things began to change.
He built a company that joined a long line of cigar makers pursuing the American Dream. By the time he was done, his "little" company had been bought out by the giant Scandinavian Tobacco Group.
This…
Are you the kind of person who chooses a vindaloo at your local curry house because it’s packed with eastern spices? Do you grow your own habanero chili peppers? Maybe you carry around a bottle of Tabasco and put fresh ground pepper on everything like it’s going out of style.
If so, you’re not alone!
While those who crave bold flavors with a hefty dose of spice may be in the minority, they’…
For both experienced enthusiasts and newcomers, Maduro cigars are a delightful experience.
Known for their dark appearance and exceptional taste, these cigars benefit from a special fermentation process that enhances their natural sweetness and oils.
Just because they are dark doesn't always mean they are super strong. You'll find that there are delicious options with an abundance of flavor…
