The world of cigars

A range of cigars appeared in the 1990s that were simpler and more affordable than premium cigars. Long called “bundles” due to their cellophane wrappers, these cigars have evolved to such an extent that this name doesn’t make much sense anymore and it seems preferable to use the expression “second brands” – a reference to the “second wines” that many

Six-time high-jump world champion, Olympic gold-medalist and holder of five world records – including his famous 2.45 m jump, which has stood for more than 24 years – Cuban cigar-lover Javier Sotomayor now works for the Cuban Athletics Federation. We met him in the great Pan-American stadium in Havana.   Sotomayor’s a living legend. In Cuba, they call him Salto

The 23rd Nuit de l’Amateur de Cigare took place at the Espace Clacquesin in Paris. The biggest event in the world devoted to cigars brought this year together the four emblematic terroirs : Cuba, Dominican Republic, Honduras and Nicaragua. A dinner prepared by the three-star chef Arnaud Lallement, the most exquisite spirits and exceptional cigars delighted the 500 participants who finished

The flavor of chocolate is still unexplained by science. There are no decent synthetic dark chocolate flavorings because scientists have never been able to reproduce its taste. But why not? By Bernard Burtschy Aficionados will remember the Partagas Serie D N° 3, with its maduro chocolate wrapper, which came out in 2006. Boasting four years aged tobacco, its maduro wrapper made

The cigar has occupied a prominent place on posters of political propaganda since the beginning of the twentieth century. It all began in 1910 with a poster signed by Jules Grandjouan for the Railway Workers’ Union (affiliated with the CGT). Here are some emblematic posters. By Jean Pascal Grosso First appearance of the cigar on a political poster during the railway strike

Pastry chef and chocolate-maker, Arnaud Larher, divides his time between Athens and Tokyo. But it’s in his workshops in the 18th arrondissement of Paris that he tweaks his recipes and dreams up his creations, like his chocolate cigars that are a big hit with aficionados! One doesn’t venture into the creation of pastry chocolate cigar without having a certain affinity

The first American town to be entirely devoted to cigars, Ybor City is also famous for having inspired José Marti and his fight for the independence of Cuba. Let’s go back in time 150 years… In the 19th century, Cuba was a Spanish province whose economy was founded on slavery. But growing tobacco and making cigars is not so much

 Patio de l’hôtel Alfonso XIII Calle San Fernando, 2 +34 954 917 000 http://www.hotel-alfonsoxiii-sevilla.com/ This five-star hotel, located next door to the Real Fabrica de Tabacos (which is now home to Seville University), is one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in southern Spain. Its patio, in true Andalusian style, is an invitation to light up a cigar, even at

Cigars play a significant role in the history of and collective imagination surrounding the Andalusian capital. Find out more about this city of aficionados. By Laurent Mimouni It was in Seville that Europe’s first tobacco factory saw the light of day, in 1758. The idea was to consolidate the multitude of small processing workshops that had popped up all over

Favorable weather conditions and a disease-resistant tobacco variety… Everything you need to know about the 2016-2017 harvest in Cuba… It appears that there will be a good harvest this year, breaking a negative cycle that has lasted four years and adversely affected wrapper leaves in particular. The meteorological conditions have been good with less rainfall than in previous years. Many

As every year, productions referring to Chinese astrology are launched! In this year of the Rooster, we have selected a cigar box and a cigar specially made for the aficionados. Cigar box Elie Bleu for 110 cigars in sycomore 2 humidifiers 1 hygrometer 485 mm X 270 mm X 105 mm Price : about 2700€ http://www.boutiqueeliebleu.com     Limited Edition Davidoff Year of the Rooster 

 While the CAO brand quickly became a cigar shop staple worldwide thanks to its originality and its multi-ethnic tobacco blends, its taste for innovation doesn’t stop there: the boxes and bands are also carefully designed and often stunning, breaking with the traditions of classic cigar makers. Each CAO range has its own bold and colorful visual identity. In fact, some

In 1968, Istanbul-born engineer, Cano Aret Ozgener, set up shop in the family garage in Nashville, creating a little company that sold meerschaum and briar pipes and humidors. For the company name, he used his initials: CAO. In 1995, the company decided to cash in on the cigar boom in the U.S. by moving into cigar production, bringing Cano’s daughter

No, it’s not the latest hare-brained experiment, there really is salt in your cigar, and in your wine too. Let me explain…   By Bernard Burtshy   SALTINESS is one of the four basic tastes (or five, if we count Japanese umami), and salt is, and always has been, a precious commodity. Salting is one of the oldest methods of

The Don Tomas brand has added a new Nicaraguan line to its traditional range. And we must say, these cigars leave a very good impression. So, just who is Don Tomas? It seems a perfect time to find out.   First appearing in 1975 at Danlí, Don Tomas was created by U.S. Tobacco. In fact, one of the American company’s

Now available, the new 702 Series line is the result of an exciting experience. Seven iconic and historic Davidoff cigars were selected. The principle was to change the wrapper of these formats but retain their initial binder and filler. The new wrapper leaf is a Habano variety grown in Ecuador. The result : a real difference that tends to prove that

The latest in a long dynasty of cattle farmers, celebrity butcher Alexandre Polmard sets himself apart by “hibernating” his meat. These vintage meats are worth their weight in gold and can be enjoyed with a cigar.  By Dominique Couvreur “The goods were laid out in front of a window, on a shelf that protruded into the street outside with a

A new range of 100% Honduras cigars comes to join the clan of Villa Zamorano. Sold in cabinets, these new cigars will be available soon (2018). Designed with a more elaborate liga and a Habano Jamastran wrapper, they will have a brand new character … Formats : Intenso 102 mm X 46 (18,26 mm) Expreso 89 mm X 52 (20,64 mm) Corona