Drew Estate’s

Drew Estate didn’t hit the ground running right away, but with lots of hard work and help from many people, Drew and Samel created a very well known line of cigars.  Drew and Samel got their start in 1995 when they decided to go into business with each other.  As former frat brothers the idea of working together seemed easy, they began by opening a kiosk in the World Trade Center Mall that was only 16 square feet.  The La Vieja Habana was the first cigar they sold at that kiosk.  It was hand rolled by Drew and Samel at La Rosa Cigars in Manhattan.  In May of 1998 after reinventing the La Vieja Habana Cigar, Drew Estate received a score of 89 for that stick at a tradeshow.  They were feeling really good about their cigar and future, but then just a few months after the tradeshow, a hurricane struck Central America causing devastating damage throughout, including washing away tobacco fields, causing a halt to the production of the La Vieja.  Drew Estate’s didn’t see a box of cigars for 8 months after the hurricane.

Acid Cigars

Acid Cigars really got their start in 1998 when Drew moved to Nicaragua and Samel stayed in NYC.  Acid cigars are an extremely nontraditional cigar because they are premium flavored cigars.  What makes Acid Cigars flavored is the use of oils, herbs, botanicals and wine. One of the reasons these cigars are so popular is because they are a great beginner cigar to those wanting to enter into the cigar world.  The Acid Cigar brand accounts for roughly 40 percent of Drew Estate’s annual sales and is in the top 5 handmade cigar brands sold in the United States.

In 2006 Drew Estate really started to expand their cigars with the introduction of the mild Chateau Real.  Two years later the created a premium medium bodied cigar named, La Liga Privada No. 9.  The Liga line really drew in a new crowd to Drew Estate and began to score well with Cigar Aficionado.  The La Liga Privada No. 9 was so popular among the cigar rollers that they began smoking them every day.  While Drew Estate’s lets their rollers smoke any of the cigars during production, the fact that they didn’t make a ton of the Liga Privada No. 9 made Drew fear the availability of the tobacco in this now greatly popular stick.  As a result Drew removed the La Liga Privada No. 9 from the list of cigars allowed to be smoked by rollers.  In an attempt to improvise, the rollers began using different primings of the same tobacco used in the beloved La Liga Privada No. 9 so they still had a great premium cigar to smoke during production.  When the Drew Estate’s team discovered this new replacement, they were very impressed and began rolling them for market.  This new blend became known as the La Liga Privada Undercrown.

La Liga Privada Undercrown Cigars

The La Liga Privada Undercrown is hand rolled with a dark San Andreas Mexican wrapper, Brazilian Mata Fina and Nicaraguan longfillers, and a cured Habano binder.  This premium stick starts off with hits of spice and has some nutty undertones once you get half way though.  Coffee is another noted flavor that appears throughout the smoking of this cigar.  These beauties are rare and tough to get a hold of. When they come around they are typically in a limited supply and usually sell out quickly.  Even though Drew Estate’s doesn’t make very many La Liga Cigars in each production period, according to dollar value, these sticks will soon become their second-biggest moneymaker. Drew Estate has not only won so many people over with the production of their Acid Cigar infused blends, but they are continuing to amaze people with their other premium sticks, especially the La Liga Privada line.  The La Liga Privada Undercrown is a medium-bodied cigar that expels a lot flavor with a cool, perfectly even burn. Expect a medium finish as this blend is perfect for every cigar enthusiast.

These well known and highly rated cigars have been on Cigar Aficionado’s top 25 list for three years running.

Alec Bradley Cigars was founded by Alan Rubin in 1996 after selling his father’s company, All Points Screw Co.  Alan used the money he received from the sale to start his own business in the cigar industry. When coming up with a name, Alan remembered his father’s word of advice about picking a name that started in the beginning of the alphabet because it would be in the front of the phone book. So Alan decided to name his company Alec Bradley after his two kids.

He started with the Bogey Stogies which he wanted to target to golfers. In 2007, Alec Bradley Cigars was facing debt and Alan knew that he needed to do something that would set them apart in the premium cigars industry. That is when he launched the Tempus cigar. The Tempus Cigar was really the turn-around for Alec Bradley, and they have had continued success launching many more highly rated cigars.

Alec Bradley Tempus Cigar

Only 20% of the cigar rollers at the factory are chosen to make the Tempus brand.  Select tobacco from a farm in the Trojes region of Honduras, just north of the border of Nicaragua, and some of the finest tobacco from Jalapa, Nicaragua are used in the making of this cigar. All the cigars are rolled in the traditional Cuban style, tubing each filler tobacco and using a triple cap finished wrapper. The five popular Cuban sizes are packed in boxes of 20 cigars and now a new unique shape in Magistri.  Enjoy one of 2008 highest rated cigars by Cigar Aficionados magazine the Alec Bradley Centuria rated 94!

Each of these types differs in a few ways.  The typical cigar connoisseur knows what types of flavors they like in a smoke as well as the size, which makes picking a cigar easier.  When you don’t have experience in cigar smoking there is a lot of experimenting that goes into finding what you like in a cigar.

Many people try to say that Little and Filtered Cigars are pretty much the same thing, however Little Cigars smoke more like cigarettes, while filtered cigars smoke more like cigars.  When jumping into the cigar world, many people will start off with machine made to get a taste of what it’s like.  Machine made cigars are different than handmade premium cigars because of the way they are wrapped.  When it comes to premium cigars, the rolling of them is such an art.  Cigar rollers only make a limited amount of cigars in a day to make sure that they are all rolled tightly and to the right standard.  Premium cigars are rolled with natural wrappers because they are hand rolled very carefully, machine made cigars are sent through a machine which does the wrapping and therefore can’t use a natural wrapper because it would not be able to withstand the force of the machine.  The wrapper and tobacco used in machine made cigars make the burn and taste different than premium cigars.

White Owl Pineapple Cigarillos

Most cigar connoisseurs will tell you to only smoke handmade cigars, but there really is no harm in trying a machine made first.   If sweet flavors are what you are looking for a great starting point is the popular White Owl Pineapple Cigarillos.  White Owl cigars are manufactured in Dothan, Alabama and are a classic brand that date back all the way from 1887. Created with a sheet-type wrapper and binder that encases a mixed filler tobacco blend that is derived from a total of five nations.  This cigar is a great stepping stone into the cigar world and is mild in flavor and great for any occasion.

A man by the name of Herbert A. Gilbert came up with this concept in an effort to replace the typical burning of tobacco.  His goal was to make a smokeless cigarette with no tobacco that would instead use heated, flavored air.  He was approached by manufacturers in 1967 who wanted to move on his idea, but nothing ever came from that.

Due to this, Hon Link is the man credited with the invention of the Electronic Cigarette.  Hon was a Chinese pharmacist who came up with an element that would vaporize the nicotine liquid producing a smoke like vapor.  This vapor technology was invented in 2000 and the idea was that it transports nicotine to the blood stream like traditional cigarettes, without any of the harmful chemicals or tobacco.  This technology is the basis for E-Cigarettes today.

Over the years, Electronic Cigarettes have started to become more modern in design.  In 2008 Dr Yungiang Xio modernized the design of the e-cig by creating a sealed atomizer technology.  Since the creation of Electronic Cigarettes, there have been many different brands offering their version of the e-cigarette with different flavors, colors and nicotine levels.  Some of the most known brands of E-Cigs are, Blu E-Cig, Krave, ElitenSmoke, EverSmoke, Logic E-Cigarettes, South Beach Smoke and V2Electronic Cigarettes.  Many people don’t know what to think when it comes to the idea of using an electronic cigarette.  Most people turn to them as a means to quit smoking traditional cigarettes, but they aren’t completely backed up by doctors.  One thing that is certain though, most of the people who have tried e-cigs are amazed and truly like them.

Entering the Electronic Cigarette world can be hard with all the different brands out there claiming to be the best on the market. V2 E-Cigs is a great new contender in the Electronic Cigarette market.  Fast charging, long lasting batteries and great flavors make V2 Electronic Cigarettes a big competitor in the E-Cig market.  The V2 Electronic Cigarette Starter Kit is one of the best kits to get on the road to a healthier way of smoking with the same great taste of traditional cigarettes.

V2 Electronic Cigarettes

V2 E-Cigs produce thicker vapor than others on the market and provide a rich satisfying flavor, whether you prefer menthol or traditional tobacco flavor.  These qualities allow for a great smoking experience for those looking to quit traditional cigarettes and enter into the world of Electronic Cigarettes.

V2 E-Cigs stand apart from other Electronic cigarettes on the market by the use of a revolutionary technology that delivers the most realistic smoking experience.  E-Cigs are hassle free and allow for the user to smoke them whenever and wherever and offer up 400 puffs, which is equal to roughly 2 packs of traditional cigarettes.  All V2 products are hand assembled and individually tested to insure the best quality for users.  V2 E-Cigarettes are available in both disposable and rechargeable options.  E-cigs are a great option for those looking to quit traditional cigarette smoking, or just as a healthier alternative to cigarettes.

David and his four sons kept Swisher on the sidelines; it was just another product they sold across the Midwest on their wagons.  In 1888, two of David Swisher’s sons, John and Harry Swisher, bought the cigar business from their father.

By 1909 Swisher International was manufacturing 300 thousand cigars a day, producing more than 60 brands.   Their headquarters in Newark, Ohio became the largest in the state.  In 1913 John bought Harry’s half of Swisher International and brought in his son Carl to work with him.  Today, Swisher Sweets accounts for one third of the cigar sales in the US.  Swisher International is America’s largest cigar exporter, and an overall leader in the tobacco industry.

Swisher International carries an array of different cigarillo flavors, the newest being the Tropical Fusion.  Swisher Sweets new flavor, Tropical Fusion has been test marketed in the Midwest since early February.  Early consumer feedback is showing that the Tropical Fruit Fusion flavor is poised to really take off.  I think it is safe to say that Swisher Sweets will continue to be the most popular machine made cigar, especially because Swisher International continues to come out ahead of their competitors with unique flavors of cigarillos.

There are so many well known brands in the cigar world that carry great sticks.  When selecting a cigar to try or add to your collection, it may seem overwhelming due to how many there are, unless you are like the cigar connoisseurs out there who are determined to try them all.  Selecting a cigar is easier than you think.

The first step to selecting a cigar is deciding what strength you want your cigar to have.  A bit of advice, it is never a good idea to select a cigar just due to the fact that it is strong; there are many other things that go into selecting a cigar.  Here is a tip, when looking at the appearance of a cigar you haven’t smoked before, you can actually tell if it is going to be a full body smoke or a more mild smoke based on the thickness of the wrapper.  The thicker the wrapper, the more full bodied it will likely be.

Assuming that as a cigar smoker you have experienced enough to know what level of body you prefer, the next step in selecting a cigarto try is to determine the size that you want.  When choosing the size of your cigar that you want to smoke, it is important to think about how long you want to be smoking.  Bigger gauge sticks deliver lots of smoke as well as flavor, and the medium gauge sticks are a more even balance of both.

Selecting a cigar? Try the Oliva Cain Habano

A great new stick to add to your collection is the Oliva Cain line of cigars.  The Cain cigars were released by Oliva in 2009 under the Nub fame.  What makes these cigars so unique is that they are made from 100% Ligero tobacco, yes the wrapper, the binder and the filler are all Ligero!  When first hearing this, some cigar smokers might be put off from this cigar because the fact that it is 100% Ligero typically means that it will be very strong.   The blend of Ligero tobacco in the Cain Habano comes from Condega, Estili and the Jalapa Valley in Nicaragua.

Visually this cigar is dark brown in color with not many large veins. This full flavored cigar gives off a coffee flavor similar to that of a French roast. After lighting cigar, there are noticeable flavors of dark chocolate and a hint of a spicy peppery flavor as you continue smoking it. This cigar is one of Oliva’s best bold smokes without being too harsh. It has a nice smooth essence to it and would be a great new unique addition to any humidor.

The Cain Daytona is another unique cigar from the Oliva Cain line. This stick has a medium, light brown Nicaraguan Habano wrapper with a few visible veins.  The Ligero filler offers a medium taste with a creamy smoothness. With the first few puffs there are notes of spice, earthy flavors and a hint of sweetness. This medium to full flavor stick is a great addition to any humidor looking for a bold, smooth new cigar.

For more information on cigars, or cigar accessories visit Gothamcigars.com

One of the best cigar lighters. Lotus Orion Lighter

Before you are able to smoke a cigar, relax or enjoy the great flavors of your favorite cigar, you have to refill the butane lighter.  If you follow these steps it should be easy to fill it up and begin to enjoy your cigar, after all your favorite cigar deserves the best cigar lighter.

1)      The First step to filling your butane cigar lighter is turn it upside down to change the flame height adjuster to the minimum setting.  If it feels like it isn’t turning, don’t force it because it could mean that it is already the max or min limit, just try turning it in the opposite direction.

2)      It is important to get all of the air from inside out.  If you leave air inside the fuel tank, the lighter can malfunction because the air is keeping the butane from being injected into the tank.  To get all the air out you have to push the refilling valve with a screwdriver, or hold it upright and depress the gas release button, letting all the air out until you no longer hear the hissing sound.

Cigar Punch

3)      It is very important that you always refill the butane lighter upside down to insure that you are not injecting air into the fuel tank.

4)      Before injecting the butane gas, make sure to shake the can well.  Then press the refill stem directly onto the refill valve on the bottom of the lighter.  While holding the upside down lighter and the butane can in a straight position, let the gas into the lighter.  This should only take about 5 seconds to fill, but repeat shortly if it needs more.  Once full you will notice that the lighter is cold.

5)      Let the filled butane lighter sit until it reaches room temperature.

6)      Finally, turn the flame height adjuster back to your desired height, ignite and enjoy your stogie.

Gotham Cigars carries some of the best cigar lighters on the market.  Xikar cigar lighters and Lotus cigar lighters are two top brands available at Gotham.  The Lotus lighters are very state of the art and stylish.  Their superior quality sets them apart from other cigar accessory brands on the market.

Visit Gotham Cigars to check out the wide selection of some of the best cigar lighters, and find answers to your entire cigar, humidor and cigar accessory questions and to order from the finest selection of quality cigars at the most affordable prices on the market.

The Gurkha Cigar Company was founded by Kaizad Hansotia.  From the moment that he began making these cigars he knew that he wanted his packaging to be different than the traditional packaging.   ”I wanted my packaging to practically jump off the shelves! You have to hit all the senses; every detail is noticed. I wanted to create a piece of furniture with cigars in it” said Kaizad.  To this day the Gurkha brand is known for their premium sticks, great cigar flavors and the use of unique and artistic packaging.

The Gurkha Legend Toro Maduro cigar is rated 89 by Cigar Aficionado.  This stick features a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper which is exquisitely rolled around the aged eight year Dominican filler to create a perfect medium-bodied smoke.  When starting to smoke this cigar there are notes of earthy flavors as well as a hint of chocolate and leather.

Gurkha Cigars known for their cigar packaging, quality and great cigar flavors in every stick.

The cigar flavors come off very strong from the beginning, you don’t have to wait for it to burn more to really taste it, however as it continues to burn all of the flavors begin to , mellow and blend well together.   The Gurkha Legend Toro Maduro is definitely worth a second, third and fourth glance, and at such a good price, all you need to enjoy this is a cigar cutter and the drink of your choice.  This 5 pack retails at $90, however at Gotham this cigar 5 pack is a steal at only $59.99 and it comes with a custom Xikar cigar lighter.  This cigar and lighter combo is a great gift for any cigar lover, and an even better addition to any humidor.

Visit Gotham Cigars to read more about The Gurkha Legend Toro Maduro Cigar, find answers to all of your cigar, humidor and cigar accessory questions and to order from the finest selection of quality cigars at the most affordable prices on the market.

Nearly everyone who smokes cigars, from a cigar aficionado to the new cigar smoker has a method to light cigars and how to smoke a cigar.  Once you use your cigar cutter and get the end opened up, you appreciate the aroma of the handmade cigar wrapper and tobacco and twirl it in your hands, you are ready to torch it.  For that you want the best cigar lighter.

This is no small undertaking mind you.  Cigars are big and thick and full of moisture – that’s why they are stored in a humidor.  Mess it up, and you have wasted some of the best smoke in the cigar.  Light it right with the best cigar lighter, and you can enjoy it immediately and feel the flavor fully for a long slow pleasurable burn.

So how do you light a cigar the right way?  Well, first it is going to involve a flame, which means a lighter and matches as your tools.  If you are a wooden matcher, then you’ll probably need a big box of long matches and loads of patience, particularly in the wind.  If you’ve seen the light – pun intended – and use a torch lighter, (we have a great selection of the best cigar lighters) here’s the correct method.

Take your cigar in hand, find a place out of the wind so you get the most direct flame.  Get the tip of the cigar over the flame near the edge of the cigar, while rotating the cigar so you light it evenly.  Keeping it out of the direct flame and roasting the wrapper so it lights evenly.  Do this for 15 to 20 seconds, then pull away from the flame and blow on the cigar to help it ignite.

Then put it back over the tip of the flame to make sure that it is lit for a few more seconds, then put it to your mouth and draw in.  Check the end to make sure that it is evenly lit and retorch using the same rolling motion to ensure an even burn.  Take another draw or two and repeat until you have a nice even glow to the tip.

Gotham Cigars Custom Xikar Jet Flame Lighter

At GothamCigars.com, we are fanatics about a good light, particularly from a butane lighter.  This is why we have the most complete selection of best cigar lighters available.  We test each brand to ensure that it is reliable, easy to use and above all, enhances your enjoyment of smoking a cigar.  One of my favorites is the Xikar brand of cigar lighters and cigar accessories such as cutters, travel containers, butane refills and of course beautifully designed lighters for cigars.  Xikar products all come with a lifetime warranty and a guarantee of satisfaction on all of their products.  I’m sure everyone has gotten a lighter at some point that doesn’t end up working or breaks soon after purchase, so a lifetime warranty is a big plus, and goes to show that the product will most likely satisfy high expectations.

Gotham Cigars works directly with Xikar cigar lighters to bring you a terrific selection of lighters for cigars that will satisfy anyone’s taste.  The Gotham Jet Flame Lighter made by Xikar exclusively for Gotham uses a Rapid Fire jet flame ignition that lights fast and steady so you get an exceptional flame to light your cigar with. It’s durable, stylish and features a multiple flame height selector allowing you to match the flame to your stick.   The Gotham Jet Flame Lighter is the best cigar lighter choice for any cigar smoker.  Attractively priced and comes with a beautiful case, perfect for gift giving, even if it is a gift to yourself.

Lighting a cigar is key to an enjoyable experience.  As a premier cigar shop online, Gotham wants you to get the most enjoyment from your experience. Using the best cigar lighter should help you achieve that.  Make sure to toast the end and let the entire aroma and flavor be released by doing it right.  Remember, practice makes perfect.  I know I love practicing on my favorite cigars to get it just right every time.

Don Lino Africa Gordito Torpedo Cigars are tantalizing Nicaraguan handmade cigars that use premium blends of African, Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan tobaccos. Don Lino Africa Gordito Torpedo Cigars feature a Nicaraguan binder and are wrapped in a dark and oily Nicaraguan leaf. These Gordito cigars may be small in stature but are big on taste with full flavors of earth, spice, and coffee.  This cigar is a medium to full bodied smoke and is sure to please any cigar enthusiast.

Don Lino Africa Gordito Torpedo Cigars

The Don Lino Africa Gordito Torpedo Cigar is the creation of Nestor Miranda, a master cigar blender who was inspired to create the Africa cigar line after returning home from a trip to Africa. Nestor Miranda was so inspired by his trip he decided to make the Don Africa Cigars as a tribute to everything that is Africa, and we think he did a great job!

The Don Lino Africa blend was introduced in 2003 and then re-blended for 2004. It is currently manufactured at Nestor’s factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. The Don Lino Africa blend is made from 4-year aged tobaccos, and are aged for an additional 5 months after they are rolled.  These Cigars have been a hot seller here at Gotham Cigars since their arrival here.

Visit Gotham Cigars to read more about The Don Lino Africa Gordito Torpedo Cigars, find answers to your entire cigar, humidor and cigar accessory questions and to order from the finest selection of quality cigars at the most affordable prices on the market.