Should I Post on Cigar Inspector?
Yes! Cigar Inspector is a platform that caters to cigar enthusiasts by providing a variety of resources and information. By signing up, you will have access to a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for cigars. Here are some reasons why signing up to Cigar Inspector would be beneficial:
Share your reviews: Share your thoughts on cigars you’ve smoked and help others make informed decisions about which cigars to try.
Stay informed: Stay up to date on the latest news and developments in the cigar industry by reading informative news stories.
Find trusted merchants: Find local trusted cigar merchants, who are vetted and recommended by the community, that carry the cigars you’re looking for.
Connect with other enthusiasts: Join the conversation and connect with other cigar enthusiasts from around the world, exchange tips and advice, and learn from one another.
Personalized recommendations: The platform offers a personalized recommendation feature that suggests cigars based on your preferences, making it easy to discover new cigars you’ll love.
By signing up to Cigar Inspector, you’ll be able to access a wealth of information and resources that will enhance your overall cigar smoking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or new to the world of cigars, this platform is a great way to stay informed, connect with other enthusiasts, and find cigars that suit your taste.
How can I find a shop near my location?
Easy! Simply head over to our ‘Trusted Merchants’ page, and search ‘Cigar stores’ with your location in the corresponding search bar. Your closest cigar merchants will appear when you hit search. You can search for your local store here: https://bit.ly/3ZYnOaE
I want to post a cigar review. How do I do this?
Firstly you want to create an account with us. Once you have done this, head into the corresponding page for the type of cigar you would like to review (e.g. If you want to review the Bolivar Belicosos Finos, head into Cuban Cigar Reviews – Bolivar – then you can find the cigar you want to review and post about it on that cigars’ page).
I want to post my store/events on Cigar Inspector. How do I do this?
Once you have created your Cigar Inspector account, you can sign up for a membership with us to post your listings and promote your events and store. You can find pricing and details here: https://bit.ly/3WpTwuA
General Questions
How can I check if my cigar is fake?
There are several ways to check if a cigar is fake:
1. Check the packaging and labeling. Authentic cigars will have clear and accurate labeling, with a consistent font and layout.
2. Look at the quality of the cigar itself. Fake cigars may have uneven coloring or a rough texture.
3. Check the weight of the cigar. It should feel heavy for its size.
4. Inspect the cigar’s wrapping. It should be tight and consistent, with no visible seams.
5. Check for a band or label. Authentic cigars will have a band or label with the brand’s logo and other information.
6. Research the brand and look for specific characteristics of the cigar. It’s always good to buy from reputable sellers, or to buy cigars from a trusted source, such as a reputable cigar store or a brand’s official website.
What is the difference between a cigar and a cigarette?
A cigar is a tightly rolled bundle of dried and fermented tobacco that is ignited so that its smoke may be drawn into the mouth. Cigars are typically larger and have a stronger flavor than cigarettes. A cigarette, on the other hand, is a small roll of finely cut tobacco wrapped in paper or other material that is intended to be smoked. Cigarettes are generally considered to be more harmful than cigars due to their smaller size and the fact that they are typically smoked more frequently, along with the unnatural chemicals used to make them.
How do I properly store cigars to keep them fresh?
A humidor is recommended to keep cigars fresh. A humidor keeps cigars fresh by keeping the humidity in the air at a consistent level (typically in-between 65% and 72%). If your cigar is placed in an area that is too humid, the cigar will go damp and soften, whereas if left in an area which is not humid enough, then the cigar will dry up and burn too quickly.
How long does it take to smoke a cigar?
The time it takes to smoke a cigar can vary depending on the size of the cigar and the smoker’s personal preferences. On average, a cigar can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to smoke. A smaller cigar, such as a cigarillo, can take around 15-30 minutes to smoke, while a larger cigar, such as a Churchill, can take upwards of 1-2 hours. It’s important to note that smoking a cigar should be a leisurely activity, and it’s not recommended to rush through smoking one. It’s best to smoke at a relaxed pace, savoring the flavors and enjoying the experience.
How do I cut a cigar?
To cut a cigar, you must ensure you use a sharp blade. Most people use double blade cigar cutters, which ensure an even cut throughout the tobacco leaves. You will see that the cigar has a ‘cap’, and the blade must cut in between the bottom line of the cap and the top of the head. There are some cigar cutters of which have a closed back, which will effectively prevent you from cutting too much off. There are many tutorials you can find online, for example this one from Cigar Aficionado: https://bit.ly/3QYQITX
How can I tell if a cigar is handmade or machine-made?
Determining whether a cigar is hand-rolled or machine-made can be done by examining certain characteristics of the cigar. One of the most obvious ways is to look at the cigar’s shape. Hand-rolled cigars are often irregular in shape and may have small imperfections or variations, while machine-made cigars are usually more uniform in shape and have fewer imperfections. Additionally, hand-rolled cigars often have a more natural-looking wrapper, with visible veins and variations in color, while machine-made cigars may have a more uniform, smooth wrapper. Another way to tell the difference is by looking at the cigar’s foot, hand-rolled cigars typically have a more uneven foot, while machine-made cigars have a more uniform foot. Another way is to inspect the cigar’s band, some brands use different bands for their machine-made and hand-rolled cigars, and if the cigar doesn’t have a band, it’s more likely to be machine-made. Lastly, the price of the cigar can also give an indication, generally hand-rolled cigars are more expensive than machine-made cigars. It’s important to note that not all machine-made cigars are of lower quality than hand-rolled cigars and vice versa, both can have different characteristics and flavors that may appeal to different smokers.
How can I tell the strength of a cigar?
The strength of a cigar refers to the level of nicotine it contains, it can vary depending on the type of tobacco used, the way it was fermented, and the blend of the cigar. Here are some ways to tell the strength of a cigar:
1. Check the color of the wrapper: Generally, a darker wrapper indicates a stronger cigar, as the tobacco has been fermented longer. Lighter wrappers tend to indicate a milder cigar.
2. Check the country of origin: cigars from certain countries are known for producing cigars with specific strength levels. For example, cigars from the Dominican Republic are known for being mild to medium in strength, while cigars from Nicaragua are known for being full-bodied.
3. Check the brand reputation: Some cigar brands have a reputation for producing cigars with a certain strength level. For example, Padron cigars are known for being full-bodied, while Macanudo cigars are known for being mild.
4. Ask for recommendations: Ask a knowledgeable tobacconist or someone who has experience smoking cigars, they may be able to recommend cigars of a certain strength level that you may enjoy.
5. Check the reviews: There are many online review sites where cigar enthusiasts share their opinions on different cigars, which can be helpful in determining strength level.
It’s important to note that strength is a matter of personal preference, so it’s best to experiment with different cigars to find what you like. It’s also worth mentioning that smoking a strong cigar does not mean it’s of better quality, it’s a matter of personal taste.