tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88463948257625853062024-03-18T05:48:21.106-04:00Tobacconist UniversityTU provides free educational resources for consumers and professional tobacconists. As a University, it is our mandate to research, learn, and teach. Our Vision is to build and project the credibility of the luxury tobacco industry in order to gain cultural acceptance around the world. Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-52448299858376787422023-11-21T15:25:00.002-05:002023-11-21T15:43:11.751-05:00Nicotine & Strength<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Psl04UJw5G6jszeipdlxk0wZtg4MoeDw6PL11oL0xyXxcD9Hbc49JdyaPFbTSb-0C2OlywfbvohqTje7Qbg9Y9Egrjw6lSMAUbYURyPFofQpIbnPpJAgQWRDIIbe-U-MY9KNfbglcmFaS8oua3QUL0ClbOv_ZVo1ZwDrtBvefyHipjAcLmKyLIuk138/s5312/20150527_151624.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5312" data-original-width="2988" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Psl04UJw5G6jszeipdlxk0wZtg4MoeDw6PL11oL0xyXxcD9Hbc49JdyaPFbTSb-0C2OlywfbvohqTje7Qbg9Y9Egrjw6lSMAUbYURyPFofQpIbnPpJAgQWRDIIbe-U-MY9KNfbglcmFaS8oua3QUL0ClbOv_ZVo1ZwDrtBvefyHipjAcLmKyLIuk138/w253-h450/20150527_151624.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>Nicotine is a naturally occurring organic compound in the same family of substances (alkaloids) as caffeine. Nicotine is found in tobacco plants, and to a lesser degree in tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes, and eggplant*. The general effects of nicotine are biphasic: initially it is mentally invigorating, and then it leads to a relaxing effect.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Like alcohol and caffeine, nicotine can be addictive and its effects will vary depending on the user and delivery method. Cigarette smokers are typically the most dependent users of nicotine. By design, cigarette smoke is acidic and meant to be inhaled into the lungs where it is easily absorbed in large amounts. Alternately, cigar and pipe tobacco smoke is alkaline and is not meant to be inhaled into the lungs. Therefore, the overwhelming majority of pipe and cigar smokers do not exhibit nicotine addiction because they do not inhale and ingest significantly less nicotine than cigarette smokers.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">* </span><i><span style="font-size: medium;">The fact that nicotine is found in vegetables is simple proof that 'the dose makes the poison' and not all methods of consuming nicotine are addictive (e.g. cigars and pipes).</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Nicotine Strength</u></b></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Nicotine is something we feel. As with caffeine and alcohol, every person has a different tolerance level to nicotine: too much nicotine can induce nausea and light headedness. If this ever happens to you, consume a little sugar and the feelings will subside. Consequently, cigars and pipes should be smoked on a full stomach when the body is properly fortified. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The effects or quantity of nicotine are what determines the strength of a cigar or pipe tobacco. It can be said that a particular tobacco has strong spice or strong body, but these are, more accurately, flavor and sensation descriptions. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The true <i>strength</i> of a balanced cigar or pipe tobacco comes from the nicotine, not the flavor.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBeaeOJItkX7R9vTO5E-Z2s0DZBD09UpAQA4seVLG_PobVxd3vkxud9QF_XGrEnR9YcPdt9EO5r4fsBSX7zJoCwk1GtOWSWgOlt1Q9vSiiip3zhr1cLxvnRmExeZbL4qaREBLKGs22v9Hxbn12Aibpm7mnqHXOQO7YVWNEqkx6KbAJqt2z8H3qmZwg10/s3264/wm%20IMG_4070.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="519" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBeaeOJItkX7R9vTO5E-Z2s0DZBD09UpAQA4seVLG_PobVxd3vkxud9QF_XGrEnR9YcPdt9EO5r4fsBSX7zJoCwk1GtOWSWgOlt1Q9vSiiip3zhr1cLxvnRmExeZbL4qaREBLKGs22v9Hxbn12Aibpm7mnqHXOQO7YVWNEqkx6KbAJqt2z8H3qmZwg10/w389-h519/wm%20IMG_4070.jpg" width="389" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p>Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-19123355529829509202023-10-22T12:53:00.013-04:002023-10-27T10:46:27.494-04:00Certified Cigar Reviews - Free Worksheet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/storage/2023-10-25_181736_CCRAnalogReviewMASTER.pdf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="868" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84Uqv41A_AO4-gzBsGIY3RDTYXCPUnB9YCYGVrLvb1UMwoxir0h4O0USgUitIZ9hTQTE6Xn_W0gYanlaVYI5RpiBk_E6N43jE4bkQZVSNm-MqUsOugc6nI3E1lvTtZ2l2XTY5EAGRsJuJ4KS1RTCWegIHoeIwli-nDk0TgJg9olOHlvZ-qMvkqC0-EDo/w415-h407/analog%20review%20picture.png" width="415" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is our Certified Cigar Reviews (CCR) Worksheet: you can fill it in by hand or use your computer. In addition, it includes hyperlinks to important definitions and our Academic Curriculum, FAQ, Glossary, and more... Enjoy it is a printable document which you can keep for personal use or share with your friends and/or customers.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">This download is free to anyone who wants to use it for any purpose. It is tailored to the Certified Cigar Review process which emphasizes proper terminology, comprehensive structure and a professional process. Enjoy! </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/storage/2023-10-23_161227_CCRAnalogReview2023.pdf" target="_blank">CCR Paper Review Worksheet </a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-77375134429815141452023-10-06T11:32:00.001-04:002023-10-06T11:32:15.739-04:00Growing "Cigar" Tobacco In Missouri: By Danica Baird, CMT<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> “What do you think?” Corey asked me when I stepped foot onto
the open empty field. It was a warm Saturday morning in May, and I had no idea
what my expectations were or how taking this risk would become one of the
greatest learning experiences I ever had. I simply smiled, “We will see.” Like
many things in life, patience and hard work can cultivate a lot of results.
Growing tobacco can bring this to the surface. I was taught on how to grow
tobacco in the Northwest corner of Missouri, in a small town called Dearborn. I
learned techniques from the Dominican way and good old American ingenuity. Also,
by a mix of machines and hands-on throughout the process.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">To say I was optimistic was a bit of an understatement. As I
observed the open field there were no mountains, this wasn’t a valley by any
means… So, no nutrient erosion. Was it hot? Yes. But what about the soil? Was
it good enough to sustain and grow good hearty tobacco? This spot of land had a
slight slope and little to no tree coverage around the perimeter. The slope
helped on rainy days distribute the water absorbed into the soil richly among
the plants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The soil in this area is
heavy clay loam to sandy with high organic matter which helps the area grow a
variety of healthy crops. Corey described the land has been decent to tend but
is also learning about what varietal of tobacco grows the best. This year was
Broadleaf. The land was owned by the city of Dearborn and was next to the water
waste lake and a large creek. Just to the East there was a small corn field and
some city buildings… let’s just say I was given GPS coordinates to get to the
location. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvcu4Bq_fGzJs2RysAqb0gDkc3tUQQ1KJZvbYK2Vy9jOrT7LxF8A_Uv9rgJ6q9WShKwKMEyi5bQbsLXgndewvTog3gahrLvqlbjBXerhhwmub-u2GhrlniBIO4bu_W1L5XRSaXam7IoB635Rbvob_J59SFzWBu-xDKwSnzu3Hj6tBUBEnJdhfC-xaqLA/s868/PXL_20230520_151950987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="654" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvcu4Bq_fGzJs2RysAqb0gDkc3tUQQ1KJZvbYK2Vy9jOrT7LxF8A_Uv9rgJ6q9WShKwKMEyi5bQbsLXgndewvTog3gahrLvqlbjBXerhhwmub-u2GhrlniBIO4bu_W1L5XRSaXam7IoB635Rbvob_J59SFzWBu-xDKwSnzu3Hj6tBUBEnJdhfC-xaqLA/s320/PXL_20230520_151950987.jpg" width="241" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Corey is Corey Frisbee, who started Weston Tobacco in 2010
with his son Colton. More like brothers than father and son; they worked
together with very little to build a small, humble, homegrown business, that
became a staple in the area. After Colton’s tragic passing, Corey couldn’t step
foot back into Weston again but the passion he developed for tobacco continued
to burn in him. He knew he needed to continue working with tobacco in some
capacity and thus I encountered him on his third year of growing Missouri
tobacco.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwX7YaIBipcIHNV6wCDtTEgq0g7qblwb7H6KOIB6SnLJ6Tku5vms3S_BN27BXIJtdM-Z6fklhTi5c4uy0U8O4h7ss7oGj7CUsY_Vf4Q44xZPu1iCx33sqxnZ3QBNx6IWVLYsPAsPjqCHpNnYAKgO4GCiZ60wzZ-t_NI47IlCGLnHQKP-OclhouCWGCVA/s959/PXL_20230617_150744163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="959" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwX7YaIBipcIHNV6wCDtTEgq0g7qblwb7H6KOIB6SnLJ6Tku5vms3S_BN27BXIJtdM-Z6fklhTi5c4uy0U8O4h7ss7oGj7CUsY_Vf4Q44xZPu1iCx33sqxnZ3QBNx6IWVLYsPAsPjqCHpNnYAKgO4GCiZ60wzZ-t_NI47IlCGLnHQKP-OclhouCWGCVA/s320/PXL_20230617_150744163.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Every weekend from May to August I traveled to Dearborn and
met with Corey to pick his brain about cigars and tobacco, as well as to learn
all the hands-on farming. The field we would be planting on had grown
everything from corn to hemp. During the off seasons Corey said
they picked something that wouldn’t change the soil or need too much caring
for. We prepped the soil by cultivating it by machine and by hand. The land was
cultivated every week for several weeks before planting to ensure impurities
such as old crop, sticks, rocks, and weeds were all removed. The field was also
walked by foot to double check for these impurities prior to growing. There
weren’t any chemicals added to the soil prior to planting. We ensured there
were stacked mounds for the plants to be implanted on. We used a hand fed
mechanical planter to drop the plants. Some of us would walk behind and ensure
the plants were standing tall and hand planting the missed spots.</span></p><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltrixL_4uq3Sjnmm495cWeuNa7kmam9sXpL75aOoPv6wvM88YUw5jrY64zXcBs01T-9O7dsFN7s8reUWCqSwynwSdtIj09WfDST0MGFQRodAqtBcqKZiDIUOIJ-jggLJTQH_em7AdXJm-wpp_e1shUFB1GVa1pZ2ePQE9fmbaI6N7r8f6Amn26TGrafw/s884/PXL_20230624_170745519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="665" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltrixL_4uq3Sjnmm495cWeuNa7kmam9sXpL75aOoPv6wvM88YUw5jrY64zXcBs01T-9O7dsFN7s8reUWCqSwynwSdtIj09WfDST0MGFQRodAqtBcqKZiDIUOIJ-jggLJTQH_em7AdXJm-wpp_e1shUFB1GVa1pZ2ePQE9fmbaI6N7r8f6Amn26TGrafw/s320/PXL_20230624_170745519.jpg" width="241" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQ14duDa55QIV9cFZsVuExcoCs5vQ277rObBm345GlbmiMo2Slx-cxYBYQ5h1wL0joJEP4U9PXGQqW3gqCLMa8z4h1Q11vsnHATx5Bu9ykcLv1CFweQmv3wPZFPRr6L7nlEAz8qcDBaxAzL3JzQUXbehM9JniENiFko0A7oJcdggxrm9zi2FDfi3HvPA/s868/PXL_20230715_121436177.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="654" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQ14duDa55QIV9cFZsVuExcoCs5vQ277rObBm345GlbmiMo2Slx-cxYBYQ5h1wL0joJEP4U9PXGQqW3gqCLMa8z4h1Q11vsnHATx5Bu9ykcLv1CFweQmv3wPZFPRr6L7nlEAz8qcDBaxAzL3JzQUXbehM9JniENiFko0A7oJcdggxrm9zi2FDfi3HvPA/s320/PXL_20230715_121436177.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="241" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Throughout the coming weeks I would hoe the field by hand,
pull weeds, cut the grass, cut off suckers, top the plants, even add a chemical
that sealed the top where it was topped to help the tobacco continue to grow.
Over the last couple of weeks in August we <a href="https://www.tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_growing3.php" target="_blank">stalk cut</a> the plants. Corey said in
his experience stalk cutting Broadleaf was best. So, we cut and spike the
plants on lathes before barn hanging them. It should be noted that as I write
this, the plants are still hanging in the air-curing barn until about Thanksgiving when they will be packaged and sent to Hail and Cotton in Tennessee as well as
several other vendors who purchased it.</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxR4GzgJFIuPg71KqzA0FOhTrwDzReS1silju4JZWJBVa8STuJZbLsQFKFejUdpAa979TLShLFeObPbCrWH9n_6kLfaLr_ajNN1Y8lDmkZWqYHuWC2nHH57UO-UzoCDM2smhQcWtT7QY883OZr-Ri_T6Aodvc08JLcVWCbSyjwsFx2QY6maYSXluxQfiM/s959/PXL_20230715_120739384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="959" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxR4GzgJFIuPg71KqzA0FOhTrwDzReS1silju4JZWJBVa8STuJZbLsQFKFejUdpAa979TLShLFeObPbCrWH9n_6kLfaLr_ajNN1Y8lDmkZWqYHuWC2nHH57UO-UzoCDM2smhQcWtT7QY883OZr-Ri_T6Aodvc08JLcVWCbSyjwsFx2QY6maYSXluxQfiM/s320/PXL_20230715_120739384.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">To give a broader perspective, after planting, the following
weeks we began to really work and mind the fields. This was done by hoeing the
mounds around the plants, making sure they had enough soil around to develop a
sturdy, healthy base of the stalk. We continued to check for land impurities by
walking the 3 acres by foot and checking every planted row. As the plants began
to grow, they would sprout suckers or second shoots. In the next week we patrolled
by foot again and took these off. It was important to do this for a strong base
and to ensure the tobacco leaves have the best chance at proper growth and
nutrient enrichments you need only one base or stalk.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzDhEJ9-r5yP6MYM5FTf2Rz28Rl2w8BDdhUISz4PAuTAFm1MT-WhfLEkwEAg_Tl6JCvbC_YOWvNJeiBtT4lEH_ArXoiFq6r-RoUNsy9XraIAq0FDzyNN6IDg7KB1cTlNBbaOKcYVq02ltjLv7VIBMXi4247xzO6TkjapN7bsXTt51sbE5EBhXBTuOIDY/s959/PXL_20230722_180906831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="959" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzDhEJ9-r5yP6MYM5FTf2Rz28Rl2w8BDdhUISz4PAuTAFm1MT-WhfLEkwEAg_Tl6JCvbC_YOWvNJeiBtT4lEH_ArXoiFq6r-RoUNsy9XraIAq0FDzyNN6IDg7KB1cTlNBbaOKcYVq02ltjLv7VIBMXi4247xzO6TkjapN7bsXTt51sbE5EBhXBTuOIDY/s320/PXL_20230722_180906831.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5yghaP28TYDbKyKBe3b5OaOOC2GKYnsB64xzXoD9ynPce2G7Ypgebt3x-uV-OqlSaShGl1qz7dP0OXqqnAVaEqLrfVtYdCplYFtVvJHA54GXkbvaDLMgYdZkRPjaJjvW9UyPyi3H3QfhWLrfsj0T3dzYYcTGcmcobg6-pX9qjWX5zqznZOQ2pera4UQ/s868/PXL_20230729_152935588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Until the leaves reached a point of topping, this tending
was completed every week. We also included tending to the surrounding area by
mowing the grass and ensuring we had walking rows. Every week as the plants
continued to grow, we would add another part of the tending. Pulling weeds and
cutting excess plants became a part of those weeks. When the plants became
about 3-4 feet tall, they sprouted their flowers at the top. That week was
topping week. Using hatchets, we walked the field and cut off the flowers along
with suckers. Another group would walk behind us and spray a specific non-toxic
chemical that would “seal” the spot where the plant was cut in order to keep
more from growing and ensure the plant nutrients remained. This is the only
chemical that we ever added during the tobacco growing process.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2rl8ksOsI7a8aaMRVzOpquSoJ1f-LhvSWblE_jSeMwAf-ptfTWd434oTiFRlDVS2mH1ZrnJqmD1i1tKvLJ98KTTc_oS_EMeqOGzAm3jybaUSTqoMLkblT0Ka6GYEHeqsxa69jhtVjoCrfigKFr2pnCcBdLHoVm9EdhhpoP0TRyogF2ocQn8poSCRs5w/s868/PXL_20230729_152944386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="654" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2rl8ksOsI7a8aaMRVzOpquSoJ1f-LhvSWblE_jSeMwAf-ptfTWd434oTiFRlDVS2mH1ZrnJqmD1i1tKvLJ98KTTc_oS_EMeqOGzAm3jybaUSTqoMLkblT0Ka6GYEHeqsxa69jhtVjoCrfigKFr2pnCcBdLHoVm9EdhhpoP0TRyogF2ocQn8poSCRs5w/s320/PXL_20230729_152944386.jpg" width="241" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="654" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5yghaP28TYDbKyKBe3b5OaOOC2GKYnsB64xzXoD9ynPce2G7Ypgebt3x-uV-OqlSaShGl1qz7dP0OXqqnAVaEqLrfVtYdCplYFtVvJHA54GXkbvaDLMgYdZkRPjaJjvW9UyPyi3H3QfhWLrfsj0T3dzYYcTGcmcobg6-pX9qjWX5zqznZOQ2pera4UQ/s320/PXL_20230729_152935588.jpg" width="241" /></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the last week of July and first weeks of August we began
to stalk cut and hang. Now around 9 weeks after we first planted, after all the
tending and pruning, it was time to cut. <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_curing.php" target="_blank">Stalk cutting caused a longer curingprocess</a>, however it allows the tobacco to have a deeper, richer flavor. Stalk
cutting is the process of cutting the full tobacco plant several inches from
where the stalk meets the ground and spearing it on a lathe. The lathe is a
large wooden stick, at the end of this stick would be a metal, cylinder-shaped,
removable spike. This is actually a very dangerous process, says the new scars
on my hand and forearm… If you are not standing on the proper section of the
spike, you can easily get impaled when pushing the stalk onto the lathe. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Over the last several months of working on the field I
became very humbled by the process. To work with the soil and plants by hand,
to see everything I read and watched put into practice was rewarding. I can say
it was a unique experience. While working on the field I also continued my
education. Studying Cigars 101 and earning my Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist (CCST) and Certified Retail Tobacconist (CRT) degrees from Tobacconist University. I also produced and taught a
Cigar 101 class for the cigar lounge I work at. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">I spent the last 12 years as a law enforcement officer in
Kansas before taking a medical retirement last December. During my time there I
saw and experienced things that are hard to describe. To say I suffered mentally
is an understatement. I needed something to help me heal, something to give me
purpose. Cigars did that, growing tobacco did that, learning to roll did that.
Rolling has very quickly become a deep passion. Devin Ashley of Bad Ash
Cigars was my first teacher, followed by Corey. I still have my first rolled
cigar!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4S8WPU_ruoWfV17yjB-_NGCP2nTjrQKRdO73waG4eeJWfTUhztSOiv34twdXq4cBbskusW2rC98wog-LMowA5o77KeXUM9Ki8IXNhTcF5qUfLOb1D4Tkp5WrLYqV9JdlJMIRtodeHhx-7-J-SAA667Fosych6NLXBZBYxdoeTogHNpm3YsIlW7EX63pE/s640/IMG_20230625_110531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4S8WPU_ruoWfV17yjB-_NGCP2nTjrQKRdO73waG4eeJWfTUhztSOiv34twdXq4cBbskusW2rC98wog-LMowA5o77KeXUM9Ki8IXNhTcF5qUfLOb1D4Tkp5WrLYqV9JdlJMIRtodeHhx-7-J-SAA667Fosych6NLXBZBYxdoeTogHNpm3YsIlW7EX63pE/s320/IMG_20230625_110531.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">This regal life within the cigar world can give you a
purpose if you are looking for one. It can also give you peace. I’ve met some
fascinating, passionate, adoring people within this culture. No matter the path
we find ourselves on we can always find an outlet in the cigar way of life.</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-18272728468768568612023-02-20T13:07:00.001-05:002023-02-24T12:40:40.313-05:00The SOTL Global Movement Maestro School<p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='497' height='413' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw5FJUSQTyeOgTRi507p8c2dCJfl50zkAEZXxE_f2-wFr9LMTnLkEkuGZkiIeOykcQVdXVBcIQplKIBPY5Zkw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sisters Of The Leaf (SOTL) Unite! </b> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We are proud to announce our new and historic partnership with the SOTL Global Movement. <a href="https://www.sotlglobalmovement.com/sgmabout" target="_blank">The SOTL Global Movement</a> is an international organization committed to introducing, supporting and empowering women in the cigar industry and Tobacconist University is proud to engage with them and their mission. We strongly believe that their contributions to our industry will benefit us all and contribute to our vision of "preserving luxury tobacco for generations to come".</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The SOTL Global Movement has earned the privilege of administering their own Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist (CCST) Maestro School and they are actively certifying aficionados through Tobacconist University. See what they have accomplished by <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/certified.php?company=1137--0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you are a woman who loves cigars and would like to learn, network and contribute more, we encourage you to visit <a href="https://www.sotlglobalmovement.com/sgmabout" target="_blank">SOTL Global Movement</a> or email <a href="mailto:info@sotlglobalmovement.com">info@sotlglobalmovement.com</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrunnSxrZ6-vJakN-e2stR15Emy_lztEFKRqj_Gns3DErAOCiV4if-zUvUT5LqnXV_TiwjSAHtQuAJRDY9i5prc5aLMDcg0vX6LahLU5oeYwO9eBt9InoWtJFwPqheqcFl8RHocVOd7TBTdGEq6JR_3cDqBTQw0w0Rjdnp-BDBtwGmx4LMMZCAcsR/s2000/sotl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrunnSxrZ6-vJakN-e2stR15Emy_lztEFKRqj_Gns3DErAOCiV4if-zUvUT5LqnXV_TiwjSAHtQuAJRDY9i5prc5aLMDcg0vX6LahLU5oeYwO9eBt9InoWtJFwPqheqcFl8RHocVOd7TBTdGEq6JR_3cDqBTQw0w0Rjdnp-BDBtwGmx4LMMZCAcsR/s320/sotl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-37157323451347209372022-08-22T15:42:00.004-04:002022-08-23T10:53:58.229-04:00Celebrating 25+ Years<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnYcn9Wz3exEplK40gtNLZ4zuB3ejY90ZbDeFJvt2Sk0D35nE52gzgbNzdDSISi9E8Wl8Z85dSKQPL6p6XIaoyAENn24NgFaTE-XaBUcaNMXziVDJp745pMIGg1HtiIVBdN_KUitLN9SZwI2zJa2AFDeU6g6VszJVO8RUyCAUP0qs0pyEkwleFngH/s826/25c.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="826" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnYcn9Wz3exEplK40gtNLZ4zuB3ejY90ZbDeFJvt2Sk0D35nE52gzgbNzdDSISi9E8Wl8Z85dSKQPL6p6XIaoyAENn24NgFaTE-XaBUcaNMXziVDJp745pMIGg1HtiIVBdN_KUitLN9SZwI2zJa2AFDeU6g6VszJVO8RUyCAUP0qs0pyEkwleFngH/s320/25c.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Time flies and it is hard to believe that 25+ years have gone by since the founding of Tobacconist University. We are so busy managing record level certifications and developing our future infrastructure that we fail to look back and appreciate what we have accomplished. So we had to dig deep into our archives to put this timeline together and we were pleasantly rewarded with a trip down memory lane; we hope you enjoy it!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1996 Cuban Cigar University Is Born</b><br />
Less than six months after opening his first store in Princeton, NJ, TU founder Jorge Armenteros
goes to Cuba and accidentally meets the director general of Cubatabaco, getting
access to farms, factories and rare educational materials which become the
foundation of Tobacconist University's academic curriculum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Armenteros returns to the US and creates a curriculum to train his
tobacconists and starts doing consumer seminars under the brand name Cuban
Cigar University.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimm_bw2bdIWjY1ew_JcDSF4qEsfYEiAIk2YrxLiLwu9IiM70ciG4pmDzZHSwABolu1_FvR9gXjC_i5v3ddmR_izV42cvgxdAqEPXoEHcOY-Mx6EuJ2k0x21xoowWf6OBm2xuRae6kuiEgAEvFgtwb8RG2wDVRUlO3p9fDo5GL62AuAQVJ4RqdHwoBy/s3803/IMG_8285.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2852" data-original-width="3803" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimm_bw2bdIWjY1ew_JcDSF4qEsfYEiAIk2YrxLiLwu9IiM70ciG4pmDzZHSwABolu1_FvR9gXjC_i5v3ddmR_izV42cvgxdAqEPXoEHcOY-Mx6EuJ2k0x21xoowWf6OBm2xuRae6kuiEgAEvFgtwb8RG2wDVRUlO3p9fDo5GL62AuAQVJ4RqdHwoBy/w320-h240/IMG_8285.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>"I wasn't even a fully developed adult human, yet I opened my first store in 1995 at the age of 21. I went to Cuba in 1996 to further my knowledge of premium cigars. When I got back I realized I needed to create a program to educate my tobacconists and customers. I did this because I wanted to be the best. By 1997 we were doing live seminars with customers in hotel meeting rooms." - Armenteros </i> </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2005 Tobacconist University And The Certified Seal Is
Born</b><br />While opening 3 stores in 3 states, Armenteros continues to train his retail tobacconists using the Cuban Cigar
University (CCU) curriculum. Until now, CCU was a proprietary educational
program to train professionals for a single company. The challenges of employee education/product
knowledge, the proliferation of bad information on the internet, and the continual
threats of new taxation and smoking bans incites the desire to turn the program
‘inside out’ and make it available to all retail tobacconists. The power of the internet allows for the creation of a website to provide free and credible information for consumers and tobacconists. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEmJam6G6HsWdV67unU1QfGZxRCWnHzLFFpaMS7PbMRPhKmwivPLKVmaCOtPWsMC2NdlUQWt73HOjjisTomG8j4fpB_r0OmqLAd2yJg3MgX2oKHg5jtt9lkY-PUjtTqwFq7lK-YOSkYl26BQd1GCscMaNl2E8FPwuqPMucBeP7xVH001DLc3-X3EQ/s4032/ccu%20pic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEmJam6G6HsWdV67unU1QfGZxRCWnHzLFFpaMS7PbMRPhKmwivPLKVmaCOtPWsMC2NdlUQWt73HOjjisTomG8j4fpB_r0OmqLAd2yJg3MgX2oKHg5jtt9lkY-PUjtTqwFq7lK-YOSkYl26BQd1GCscMaNl2E8FPwuqPMucBeP7xVH001DLc3-X3EQ/s320/ccu%20pic.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"For a decade, our original CCU curriculum consisted of giant notebooks, transparent overhead projector sheets, and paper exams... until we put it online." - Armenteros</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaD5vUYi1GusyZO30GCFuXWOinOnB357f5vbI4e6BRdRvu1Bshk6aO4hAVmuRT6tXZNFcCpWuqsD4akncQGOweBZ1GY6RP5lGul8p9oklVWhd9cN5mW1LvS0kG56ICVe39Xw8zxhdITIMB8LkPHBZ6UmW08f4MTM4h-2CP24V9fEzJIeonL6WLPKzd" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img data-original-height="308" data-original-width="317" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaD5vUYi1GusyZO30GCFuXWOinOnB357f5vbI4e6BRdRvu1Bshk6aO4hAVmuRT6tXZNFcCpWuqsD4akncQGOweBZ1GY6RP5lGul8p9oklVWhd9cN5mW1LvS0kG56ICVe39Xw8zxhdITIMB8LkPHBZ6UmW08f4MTM4h-2CP24V9fEzJIeonL6WLPKzd" width="247" /></span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"The TU Certified Seal and Lapel pin is the first and only symbol of a professionally trained tobacconist." - Armenteros</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2007 Tobacconist University (TU) Arrives</b> <br />
TU becomes the official educational curriculum of the RTDA/IPCPR, today’s
Premium Cigar Association (PCA). This
begins a 10+ year period of building out the online academic programs and
administering free final exams at the annual tradeshow convention. Funding is scarce but a few companies provide
enough help for TU to survive. <i>Padrón
Cigars</i> provides a significant endowment and others like <i>Tatuaje Cigars, Drew
Estate, and Miami Cigars</i> support TU as well.
Our first tradeshow booth for administering TU exams was 2008. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF_9TxijkPFH92McGAq2y9XfuUumtre49q7OyKR1DcVQtJm3tbnB91ZCwhraZh_5E6X-cq9WKBTXyYFWQAmZ0rxKN5edo0PXDhHctSxJsf_dt9idzUeY4NkdhCZDR9WTqzGYtwDQSWHQ2QRg6y5AYvQ7aLmIiagqwLVceV5OmoYc2X_FhCEZsPoz9q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="975" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF_9TxijkPFH92McGAq2y9XfuUumtre49q7OyKR1DcVQtJm3tbnB91ZCwhraZh_5E6X-cq9WKBTXyYFWQAmZ0rxKN5edo0PXDhHctSxJsf_dt9idzUeY4NkdhCZDR9WTqzGYtwDQSWHQ2QRg6y5AYvQ7aLmIiagqwLVceV5OmoYc2X_FhCEZsPoz9q=w490-h245" width="490" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"We spent the next 10+ years staffing a booth at the tradeshow and certifying more than 400 Certified Retail Tobacconists (CRT); it was slow, expensive, but steady growth." - Armenteros</span></i></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2009 The Tobacconist Handbook 1<sup>st</sup> Edition</b><br />
The historic release of<i> The Tobacconist Handbook</i> marks the first time a comprehensive
book is published to educate tobacconists.
As a distillation of the TU online curriculum, <i>The Tobacconist Handbook</i>
can provide enough education for TU students to pass their final exams and give anyone a well-rounded education on luxury tobacco.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwcsm9srQwU9wx8J82skaeX_OkNhK18RUX5TSg7l66N-f0d4GhJCxfKmBeQv9BtOiSgdp2al39TZzLRiT1DAgTIiMmZDXUyfQ6j73mR0g314c1OhbdqzpImB_MDugsBgeAChBfFJ-0hUwXo4ncumaEhrFcGr5u4BKvoCz83702S_tDEpeVHqV1yeuc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwcsm9srQwU9wx8J82skaeX_OkNhK18RUX5TSg7l66N-f0d4GhJCxfKmBeQv9BtOiSgdp2al39TZzLRiT1DAgTIiMmZDXUyfQ6j73mR0g314c1OhbdqzpImB_MDugsBgeAChBfFJ-0hUwXo4ncumaEhrFcGr5u4BKvoCz83702S_tDEpeVHqV1yeuc" width="151" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"Writing this book nearly killed me; it was like having a tiger by the tail and I couldn't let go. While it is a distillation of the online curriculum, it still took a year to compile/write, working typically from 10pm to 3am, after normal hours of running my shops and TU. While I am normally an avid reader, I didn't read a book for two years after this project! It took a lot out of me." - Armenteros</span></i></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2012 - 2015 R&D Cigars<br /></b>Our revolutionary program to create educational cigars where we research and
develop cigars along with their component puros and educational content. This program created the<i> R&D Brazilian
Corojo</i> and <i>PA/CT Broadleaf</i> cigars which were sold exclusively to Certified
Retail Tobacconists (CRT).
Unfortunately, onerous regulatory threats from the FDA made the next
Mexican San Andres and Organic Nicaraguan projects impossible to release. Once again, over regulation kills another
dream in the luxury tobacco industry.
<a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/rd.php" target="_blank">Click here to learn more about R&D Cigars.</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZTDWwowO-BK0tc2DbSaiDoDoni7DLNlkm1A61OSI7YFaKYoWKNO9_cdyfWdbeug_7TyLbUDOQ1otOaly5rRGyOOoihh1GFp3KDjxioIWSvBMuAoJWer1IIY4yWtAy6SDtjAtBz0Nb7VMCAUb27kXRWHkYpZW1Ni7XTqx1GZyRj3MQHfjAmTt1AGN/s881/RD_logo_color.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="881" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZTDWwowO-BK0tc2DbSaiDoDoni7DLNlkm1A61OSI7YFaKYoWKNO9_cdyfWdbeug_7TyLbUDOQ1otOaly5rRGyOOoihh1GFp3KDjxioIWSvBMuAoJWer1IIY4yWtAy6SDtjAtBz0Nb7VMCAUb27kXRWHkYpZW1Ni7XTqx1GZyRj3MQHfjAmTt1AGN/w212-h127/RD_logo_color.png" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW928LoLPIK1QsoeJnGHusytEmbjpFL6frtxkLQDmwIFAu5bPyg29UKEgdvXQZN-71PE2Fxy6C5FfVlZIkc9PN6JvTn-iDbs0lqdBir6lrPf_CdE6BcvnwuW2beNYuKeiO2E_RukOZpThT_-b03FWpMOOxRA5T9hskjFzaFGSj5-i1KVaV6yZo0lN_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="425" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW928LoLPIK1QsoeJnGHusytEmbjpFL6frtxkLQDmwIFAu5bPyg29UKEgdvXQZN-71PE2Fxy6C5FfVlZIkc9PN6JvTn-iDbs0lqdBir6lrPf_CdE6BcvnwuW2beNYuKeiO2E_RukOZpThT_-b03FWpMOOxRA5T9hskjFzaFGSj5-i1KVaV6yZo0lN_=w222-h154" width="222" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"R&D Cigars was my pride and joy, a grand educational cigar adventure that created cigars that only Certified Tobacconists could sell; a bona fide competitive and educational advantage. Alas, it was extremely costly to execute and killed by the FDA." - Armenteros</span></i></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2018 Online Final Exams for Everyone!</b><br />
After a decade of administering final exams at the PCA tradeshow and through
the USPS with Certified Tobacconists administering paper tests, we deploy
online exams for everyone; making our certification programs (CCT, CRT, CST)
100% online and fueling unprecedented growth. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkSTv9cxAPvVJ_mGv_IrqP7QPycZKWfnB4mOZbLKxZojjH3JD-AjNr0sE6hqB8SO1YQ5yAjg8W0RNiLfmiPRTusLHBDjI4kURoRnNK_Psej7PVelo0rom4noW4P9u2DzTaRTVkVx1AlrjDLrWSdPvogOE3XhjlLJhHIGcDfVoLeDcMcCEnyZYMEm1o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="642" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkSTv9cxAPvVJ_mGv_IrqP7QPycZKWfnB4mOZbLKxZojjH3JD-AjNr0sE6hqB8SO1YQ5yAjg8W0RNiLfmiPRTusLHBDjI4kURoRnNK_Psej7PVelo0rom4noW4P9u2DzTaRTVkVx1AlrjDLrWSdPvogOE3XhjlLJhHIGcDfVoLeDcMcCEnyZYMEm1o=w296-h224" width="296" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"It was actually terrifying to put our final exams online; mostly due to fear of people cheating or releasing the questions to the public. Fortunately, our community of luxury tobacco lovers has integrity and a deep commitment to the value of education and certification." - Armenteros</span></i></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2019 The Cigar Sommelier Is Born<br /></b>The Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist (CCST) degree is released. Capitalizing on the demand for education and
certification for those in the ‘business’ who are not full-service
tobacconists, this degree serves lounges, mobile/event businesses, media,
restaurants and golf clubs and everyone in between. Our CCST School is the first program we
placed behind a paywall and allows custom branding and configuration for
individuals or companies with many employees and locations. It is a streamlined distillation of our
broader curriculum and it focuses on creating knowledgeable and competent
premium cigar service professionals. <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/certification_ccst.php" target="_blank">Click here to learn more about the CCST program.</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxyEBEkiPsDLifko2uBR_8VqGkr4gb3QTtsrUq5Bmn-VK_G4nr-JgmfBtxCHZi7tcq0Ga8x1LyN7YxlfzoHiyTk-jODGgvE6zza6l7oNUfQRrW8Vbp9PoXDrB02KkQG6MPs8UnlRintasCdmOSeGTzD2OcO6yz7M6uQrV5uK73sxC-lbb74YLoHjU2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="559" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxyEBEkiPsDLifko2uBR_8VqGkr4gb3QTtsrUq5Bmn-VK_G4nr-JgmfBtxCHZi7tcq0Ga8x1LyN7YxlfzoHiyTk-jODGgvE6zza6l7oNUfQRrW8Vbp9PoXDrB02KkQG6MPs8UnlRintasCdmOSeGTzD2OcO6yz7M6uQrV5uK73sxC-lbb74YLoHjU2=w464-h248" width="464" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"The success of the CCST program took us by surprise. We were always so focused on full-service tobacconists that we didn't realize the massive growth and demand in the cigar-centric space. The need for credibility and education was real and the CCST has become our fastest growing certification." - Armenteros</span></i></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2020 Certified Cigar Reviews Is Born & </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">The
Tobacconist Handbook</i><b> Is Updated<br /></b>After 'perfecting' the online educational and certification programs for
professionals and consumers, the TU focus turns to creating post-graduation
value for certified tobacconists. The <a href="https://certifiedcigarreviews.com/home" target="_blank">Certified Cigar Reviews (CCR) platform</a> allows users to create comprehensive
reviews for online sharing and printable options like shelf-talkers. Most importantly, CCR educates and empowers
users and viewers by defining terms and creating a professional structure for
an admittedly subjective process. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRI0djdq6sMqvExzBUKLVRvKWzokA55R6J7tHhzZZftjxV2prBHga5qM9_28FdF9Wkt34n64u2xzOGZkFjfe2l3DeTwWY6716sl4VrRTuoVH6kG7MQnH2g-UAIEV-jK60Y09GbuFQKlGkIDgO_qjAixUAx75HM0OxTMoSqK0jUoExKYzLOwe6_CV9_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="326" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRI0djdq6sMqvExzBUKLVRvKWzokA55R6J7tHhzZZftjxV2prBHga5qM9_28FdF9Wkt34n64u2xzOGZkFjfe2l3DeTwWY6716sl4VrRTuoVH6kG7MQnH2g-UAIEV-jK60Y09GbuFQKlGkIDgO_qjAixUAx75HM0OxTMoSqK0jUoExKYzLOwe6_CV9_=w244-h228" width="244" /></a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"By the mid-2010s, the internet is proliferating with cigar reviewers providing their own opinions. We believe tobacconists are the ultimate reviewers since they do it all day long, face-to-face with customers. This leads us to create (over the course of 4 years) the CCR platform. In the process, we</span></i><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> realize the need to create post-graduation value and leverage for our certified professionals and consumers. <b>How can we help certified tobacconists? becomes our new focus</b>." - Armenteros</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>The Tobacconist Handbook: An Essential Guide To Cigars & Pipes</b></i>
is upgraded, updated, enhanced, improved and re-released by <i>Skyhorse
Publishing</i>. Sales continue to surpass
all expectations and reach consumers and professionals around the world. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tobacconist-Handbook-Essential-Guide-Cigars/dp/1510752129/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1425233850&sr=8-1">Take a look here...</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhitxPNzUC9RKNmmstcVkXu04Gef0gKSNjx5PXkJoT3NVq08Kw2hUWoKabJdGgyjA2ft3ieRoKI9U-nkm0QuPYvW6IBdPsZnxpO42y_zSycZndQiecEarfZqbF6Gpzs30QRAB5fhgsNsMxz6DDQpmRHsrW8W_zzzUCBL6Y32QfxZIW-cV2xUmiAPjAt" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="218" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhitxPNzUC9RKNmmstcVkXu04Gef0gKSNjx5PXkJoT3NVq08Kw2hUWoKabJdGgyjA2ft3ieRoKI9U-nkm0QuPYvW6IBdPsZnxpO42y_zSycZndQiecEarfZqbF6Gpzs30QRAB5fhgsNsMxz6DDQpmRHsrW8W_zzzUCBL6Y32QfxZIW-cV2xUmiAPjAt=w167-h251" width="167" /></a></div></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2020 CIGARS 101 Introduced</b><br />
Our CIGARS 101 program was released outside of the TU website on a modern
learning platform; this experiment is part of our long term plan to potentially
move part or all of our certifications onto more technologically advanced and
responsive platforms. CIGARS 101 is also
intended to create a strong educational/knowledge foundation for all levels of
consumers. <a href="https://cigarschool.tobacconistuniversity.org/courses/cigars-101" target="_blank">Click here to learn more.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLVJZkAcS2gmoQGVhC4YN8XkFF8M3XbkV9xXsL4JIbXymAq7pOQ7t6xa5Ur9YbYdp7WAQHR1tNvoxfXJjJq-_cGBdtXrJR3pEA49KEuA9YrAByEywX6EupSAFtsmtnuKAdgG2Cra7rWP4G-NHC5Jd6FirX43J3tzlvgnTHwSFaS5wUBtPX0bOyRkT/s760/ccr%20black%20red%20logo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="760" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLVJZkAcS2gmoQGVhC4YN8XkFF8M3XbkV9xXsL4JIbXymAq7pOQ7t6xa5Ur9YbYdp7WAQHR1tNvoxfXJjJq-_cGBdtXrJR3pEA49KEuA9YrAByEywX6EupSAFtsmtnuKAdgG2Cra7rWP4G-NHC5Jd6FirX43J3tzlvgnTHwSFaS5wUBtPX0bOyRkT/w502-h115/ccr%20black%20red%20logo.png" width="502" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2021 CCST Maestro Released<br /></b>Compelled by the growth and success of the Certified Cigar
Sommelier Tobacconist (CCST) program, the CCST Maestro program is introduced. This historic program empowers CCST Maestro to
certify others for profit while administering their own CCST School.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGFvOOPxLt0jvIW1aTV-kf_Oe7GU29AFouV1J3r9Wa_RkKhfFbaZa_pjRvwDGsMbA_M9qesooNFD8-9N_cz3kVRAbKC3J4wIDuSHEF5Pr3B1-vGb3YqsbXjx1CEdFGQ3fpUhiUF9wcZuCjiT8u8yvQjAV-pjyWewwfzP_eP6m2UvbxNiShQD6bC3a/s675/CCST%20Maestro%20slider%202020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="675" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGFvOOPxLt0jvIW1aTV-kf_Oe7GU29AFouV1J3r9Wa_RkKhfFbaZa_pjRvwDGsMbA_M9qesooNFD8-9N_cz3kVRAbKC3J4wIDuSHEF5Pr3B1-vGb3YqsbXjx1CEdFGQ3fpUhiUF9wcZuCjiT8u8yvQjAV-pjyWewwfzP_eP6m2UvbxNiShQD6bC3a/w379-h203/CCST%20Maestro%20slider%202020.jpg" width="379" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"While still in its infancy, this program will change everything! The CCST Maestro gives certified tobacconists the plug and play ability to educate and certify their own customers while profiting from the process. Helping tobacconists profit through education is an unbelievable dream come true! " - Armenteros</span></i></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2022 Benchmark Cigars Database Is Born</b><br />
The dream of Certified Cigar Reviews (CCR) was stunted by a worldwide pandemic
and a garbage-in/garbage-out problem:
reviewers were overburdened by having to input too much cigar data. This led us to create the <a href="https://certifiedcigarreviews.com/review-search-company?btn=company" target="_blank">Benchmark Cigars Database</a>, which allows manufacturers/distributors to upload their cigars into
the CCR platform for free: then users can create reviews in just seconds! Populating the Benchmark Cigars Database in
the Certified Cigar Reviews website started in the Summer of 2022 and will continue into the foreseeable future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWoodvplw988kLO5Vc1b_fopZkss1-dnbcV9EF4c_rLbRKouWB4FlX30d2RlWSFFM7p3QRXniECLPWKhvaRoIt-uYBCYTG5qviAJBhHJ1wFYYxEMjydPVCQb4qncTWgDEhMIQXvH-aOOzOl9SlziUHY0tvxYmijnT5ZrccVaZrobnpPdabH68uGXcn" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="907" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWoodvplw988kLO5Vc1b_fopZkss1-dnbcV9EF4c_rLbRKouWB4FlX30d2RlWSFFM7p3QRXniECLPWKhvaRoIt-uYBCYTG5qviAJBhHJ1wFYYxEMjydPVCQb4qncTWgDEhMIQXvH-aOOzOl9SlziUHY0tvxYmijnT5ZrccVaZrobnpPdabH68uGXcn=w307-h340" width="307" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"This project has nearly killed me physically and financially, but the hardest part is now behind us. The technology and database we have created are the foundation for projects we will be releasing in the near future: projects which benefit all professionals and consumers but especially help Certified Retail Tobacconists compete. So stay tuned as we roll out exciting new developments in 2023 and beyond." - Armenteros</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2023 And Beyond</b> <br />
TUECOM, Online Career Center, educational content improvement, deeper discounts
for retail tobacconists and many more things are in development… Stay tuned….<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="text-align: justify;"></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>"It is difficult to put an exact date on the birth of Tobacconist University, so I have chosen, partly for sentimental reasons, September, 8 of 1997; by then we were certifying professional tobacconists and consumers. Looking back, it has been a wild ride and I feel like we have accomplished the impossible. Despite the blood, sweat, dollars and tears, it has been worth every sacrifice. As I look back, I am proud to say that we have accomplished everything we set out to do and layed a strong foundation for an extraordinary future... It feels strange to say, but I definitely feel like we are just getting started!" - Armenteros</b></span></i></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><p></p>Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-43941110144921959432020-12-25T14:00:00.000-05:002020-12-25T14:00:35.237-05:00The Tobacconist Handbook - Updated Edition: Ushering In A New Era Of Professionalism<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxTiileFEgoqOO6a-jokOqGsk1yXiUURWurLC9JHLP40KM1nWVM-P74TH-EZCUtnn7-92dvOOO4Ch0j3vgHqYg7Obh4LXlpOS9SKHpmCrNJw1nXV5W8HG2lWrp74U2G65kNJD-R5ecNo/s2048/Tobacconist+Handbook_promoimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1370" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxTiileFEgoqOO6a-jokOqGsk1yXiUURWurLC9JHLP40KM1nWVM-P74TH-EZCUtnn7-92dvOOO4Ch0j3vgHqYg7Obh4LXlpOS9SKHpmCrNJw1nXV5W8HG2lWrp74U2G65kNJD-R5ecNo/s320/Tobacconist+Handbook_promoimage.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">More than ten years after the initial publication and after more than a year of 2020 related delays, <i>The Tobacconist Handbook</i> Updated Edition is here. This new edition features enhanced images, glossary, tasting content and is available at a fraction of the original cost. This is a must have for every retail tobacconist and lover of the leaf: available wherever books are sold!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tobacconist-Handbook-Essential-Guide-Cigars/dp/1510752129/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1425233850&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon</span></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-tobacconist-handbook-jorge-armenteros/1134711724" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Barnes & Noble</span></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/9781510752122/the-tobacconist-handbook/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Skyhorse Publishing</span></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_-rIju4Aac3aLyUApGzWgtYlSDDVc65vDMzqQ_MeSD-8ggVoBnCVHUMyhZRFYmOyv6OQyjxJPmn608gQ2WGg7PS-QHSjf5GZj2Zo-4273z-9UWUYBV8RIimzpTzqMCW_5_CuydVV44E/s675/TH+Slider+bezel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="675" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_-rIju4Aac3aLyUApGzWgtYlSDDVc65vDMzqQ_MeSD-8ggVoBnCVHUMyhZRFYmOyv6OQyjxJPmn608gQ2WGg7PS-QHSjf5GZj2Zo-4273z-9UWUYBV8RIimzpTzqMCW_5_CuydVV44E/w612-h327/TH+Slider+bezel.jpg" width="612" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-82666821017595272442020-12-01T13:48:00.000-05:002020-12-25T14:00:51.650-05:00The Tobacco Business Tobacconist Article<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href=" https://tobacconistuniversity.org/storage/2020-11-02_220745_TOBACCONISTUvol23no6smCCR.pdf" target="_blank">Check out the new Tobacconist article in Tobacco Business Magazine about Certified Cigar Reviews.</a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9hyMcj5t2DJQOK0-LYfCdu_erTeEOZzzYFAtD80KPvJN5ONxvW28xqvqi7OjWnpDK7pbNWcBamrXK24uksSbskp77Nnnf3LxV3huxYEApzYo3NstGoBtlmBlF0fBsB4ZWMYMypNAS8U/s1613/TOBACCONIST+U+vol23+no6+sm+CCR_Page_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1613" data-original-width="1350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9hyMcj5t2DJQOK0-LYfCdu_erTeEOZzzYFAtD80KPvJN5ONxvW28xqvqi7OjWnpDK7pbNWcBamrXK24uksSbskp77Nnnf3LxV3huxYEApzYo3NstGoBtlmBlF0fBsB4ZWMYMypNAS8U/w269-h320/TOBACCONIST+U+vol23+no6+sm+CCR_Page_1.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRB71NUxZbmWyyvXAd4msEUHcgo8q9mwpWeFdQoPfPbi6e1IFCSAIhdNr0J5SEruEfHccNNZayH0LqrdJ1Q-shqRjHNL2z0suM9Uh2xl2p0mxZ8D0etqV3pssGmuzzA4gwMiEkuYhhRc/s2048/TOBACCONIST+U+vol23+no6+sm+CCR_Page_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1715" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRB71NUxZbmWyyvXAd4msEUHcgo8q9mwpWeFdQoPfPbi6e1IFCSAIhdNr0J5SEruEfHccNNZayH0LqrdJ1Q-shqRjHNL2z0suM9Uh2xl2p0mxZ8D0etqV3pssGmuzzA4gwMiEkuYhhRc/w268-h320/TOBACCONIST+U+vol23+no6+sm+CCR_Page_2.jpg" width="268" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIpi6BAFbUETh2AlxjpqIHnvICvDkxVsQGqI706HIE5Z90EFPgko-9ahobM-08c5PpgH7FsCHcMXxkSm-9UxXG6Rf9ojVjZzKrwYTttWksFLzHPx7vsk8wxQ4cdnTRATHm4izgL4NBGc/s1613/TOBACCONIST+U+vol23+no6+sm+CCR_Page_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1613" data-original-width="1350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIpi6BAFbUETh2AlxjpqIHnvICvDkxVsQGqI706HIE5Z90EFPgko-9ahobM-08c5PpgH7FsCHcMXxkSm-9UxXG6Rf9ojVjZzKrwYTttWksFLzHPx7vsk8wxQ4cdnTRATHm4izgL4NBGc/s320/TOBACCONIST+U+vol23+no6+sm+CCR_Page_3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtNiQzIf70OG1awTnA0FDN6B0bLvrmV0WrpublpbsgVGan3mMLCtDr7HlsEswjrYXnYxuEhgR0ZLIAyYVqyAV98nfdoDIRE-8wyZgmPmccdDP4Ha1q9SnAOKHuYm4QqyRw02DEFFcFN0/s2048/TOBACCONIST+U+vol23+no6+sm+CCR_Page_4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1715" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtNiQzIf70OG1awTnA0FDN6B0bLvrmV0WrpublpbsgVGan3mMLCtDr7HlsEswjrYXnYxuEhgR0ZLIAyYVqyAV98nfdoDIRE-8wyZgmPmccdDP4Ha1q9SnAOKHuYm4QqyRw02DEFFcFN0/s320/TOBACCONIST+U+vol23+no6+sm+CCR_Page_4.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br />Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-71333480982289474702020-08-04T16:21:00.005-04:002020-08-04T16:24:32.320-04:00The Certified Aged Cigars Seal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKm7lY927PAOR-JOxNjI0tAnGyc7pZij8Q9W6ocw2-rJCODXS9IQf7ktoisgSBQwkVzpia4semhVMEzuCynRm28FpHCZg-yhPTAiiGZmolGYxseSgkUeG4l8swRsXseowNNroFMU8rzSM/s2048/certified+aged+cigars.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1161" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKm7lY927PAOR-JOxNjI0tAnGyc7pZij8Q9W6ocw2-rJCODXS9IQf7ktoisgSBQwkVzpia4semhVMEzuCynRm28FpHCZg-yhPTAiiGZmolGYxseSgkUeG4l8swRsXseowNNroFMU8rzSM/w182-h320/certified+aged+cigars.jpg" width="182" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">As part of our never ending efforts to build, promote and reinforce the credibility of tobacconists, we have released these new</span><i style="font-size: x-large;"> Certified Aged Cigar</i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> seals, exclusively for our Certified Retail Tobacconists (CRT). When you see this seal on a bundle, box, or bag of cigars, you know the credibility of the tobacconist is real. Ever seal is signed by a CRT along with their certification number so you can </span><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/index.php" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">look them up on the TU website</a><span style="font-size: x-large;">. There are countless fakes, counterfeit and fraudulent tobacconists and products in the world, so we encourage you to look for this mark of substance and authenticity. Shop safe and smoke well!</span></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduFFbi_RSMMH8o-3M0o2N3wtCFWfNZxV4BiPdhG8a8rTRYicidr5ubl5t9lGydg4Avt9uPK_KfgU3nyfEHzYrP4bekZxOyyl3O7fAbs-27_cw4AH2Nm_ECanqdbK646kreExo3mOlcH4/s2048/IMG_8935.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduFFbi_RSMMH8o-3M0o2N3wtCFWfNZxV4BiPdhG8a8rTRYicidr5ubl5t9lGydg4Avt9uPK_KfgU3nyfEHzYrP4bekZxOyyl3O7fAbs-27_cw4AH2Nm_ECanqdbK646kreExo3mOlcH4/w640-h480/IMG_8935.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div>Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-56601691998190982382020-07-09T17:51:00.000-04:002020-07-09T17:56:07.996-04:00The Tragic Tobacco Trifecta Of Loss: Beetles, Mold & Damage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8do6G8xnq3HuLVaWgoHZ5sJpTUEd_jfUH_iBRQ_686HdPz6658FZYwD_JKF0W0U9YVcYlC6wUzjQY_HWBAeaLd2MAHVqU-RVQcdKPYAySLzy5Tz64eOPZ0sB-DaUvv6edNa8zteUR14c/s1600/IMG_8673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8do6G8xnq3HuLVaWgoHZ5sJpTUEd_jfUH_iBRQ_686HdPz6658FZYwD_JKF0W0U9YVcYlC6wUzjQY_HWBAeaLd2MAHVqU-RVQcdKPYAySLzy5Tz64eOPZ0sB-DaUvv6edNa8zteUR14c/s320/IMG_8673.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The cigars in this image were boxed and sealed in airtight plastic in 2007. They were opened in 2020 and it was discovered that everything was ruined due to mold! The financial and emotional damage is incomprehensible, especially if these were your cigars and your were salivating and ready to smoke them. But mold does not just appear on older or aged cigars; it can be found on recently shipped cigars! Mold can result from less than ideal factory conditions or be exacerbated by very oily wrappers on freshly made cigars. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This past March a Certified Retail Tobacconist reported to TU that they had to destroy more than $13,000 (wholesale value) of cigars due to mold. The cigars were stored perfectly but a flow valve on a humidifier failed to stop the flow of water, creating an unseen puddle and soaking through a massive amount of cigars. To add insult to injury, the water leaked through walls and into the neighbors basement and cost the retailer another $400+ in repairs. Mold is evil and it will irreparably contaminate and destroy cigars; and this happens every day to retail tobacconists and distributors! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The insipid tobacco beetle is yet another enemy of tobacco purveyors. They will eat through and destroy your inventory without you even knowing it. Adding insult to injury, you may not even notice the damage until months later when you open a box and find holes in your cigars and dead beetles at the bottom of a box. At this point, you can't know if the beetles were triggered by temperature at factory, distributor or during shipment. The loss exists and there is no one to blame or compensate you for the loss. Things get even worse if you operate cigar lockers for customers and they bring in "outside" cigars which can contaminate other customers' cigars! We have heard countless stories where tobacconists compensate customers for beetle ridden cigar losses even when they have no fault in the matter. There are many veteran retailers who will not house customers' cigars in lockers because of this potential problem. We recommend you review our content on <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/faq_tobacco_beetle.php" target="_blank">Tobacco Beetles</a>, but know that they will inevitably cost you money. Adding insult to injury, beetle damaged cigars, like moldy cigars, have no salvage value, so they must be removed from the premises and destroyed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Damaged cigars are yet another way tobacconists loose money every day. If your'e a retail tobacconist you see customers drop cigars on a daily basis, and this is just one of the ways they get damaged. People mishandle cigars on a daily basis in a retail humidor; foot, body and head damage occurs daily in every walk-in humidor. Furthermore, many cigars get damaged during import or shipping to stores. Tapered heads and all cigar feet are susceptible to damage during shipment, long before they arrive at your favorite local retail tobacconist. In addition, if you are in this business long enough, you will regularly see entire batches of piramides/torpedos arrive with cracked heads; and often times it is not worth the effort to get your money back from the importer. Even worse, there are brands whose wrappers are extremely delicate and will crack with minor deviations in humidity or even gently handling. Damaged cigars are so common it seems unreal, as if an evil fairy pounces on them overnight, just to see your angst the next day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These losses are real and devastating to retail tobacconists. We estimate at least 5% of all cigar inventories are lost due to mold, damage and tobacco beetles, with no recourse for vendors. And we haven't even mentioned shoplifting/slippage! This is a difficult business with many challenges! As always, we encourage you to shop with your local retail tobacconist and help us preserve luxury tobacco for generations to come! </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-86593677190979786992020-04-01T17:12:00.001-04:002020-04-01T18:05:51.564-04:00Weathering The Storm: By Patrick Potter, CMT<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Certified Master Tobacconist</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Academic Contribution</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Patrick Potter, CMT</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/certified_detail.php?id=2690">The Continental Cigar Club</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bob Dillon couldn’t be more apropos “The Times They Are A Changing.” As the landscape of personal space and social distancing becomes a new normal Tobacconists will be challenged. However, by incorporating public health guidance into daily practices and responding to customers’ need for peace of mind during these trying times, Tobacconists can meet these challenges head-on and with confidence. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tobacconists the world over have always weathered the storm. We are an essential </span><span style="font-size: large;">service and provide an essential dispensation unlike other retail businesses. Extravagant to some; the relationship between Tobacconist and the cigar and pipe smoker are a lifeline to freedom and self-care. One of the greatest aspects is the two or three hour break we all get to shed the stress of the day, turn a shoulder to the chaos of the world and either discover a new cigar or reach for ole’ faithful. From first cut, to first draw, the expectation and delight that comes is priceless. Tobacco has always been given a bad rap especially because of cigarettes but cigars and pipes are not cigarettes and their design was never intended to be a nicotine delivery system. Cigars are air cured, fermented, hand rolled and blended to inspire, delight and satiate. James J Fox once commented that cigars and pipes are at the center of civility and decent behavior. They give both men and women an opportunity to decompress, reflect on life or their day and most importantly socialize. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Change is something all Tobacconists face. Brands have changed, some have remained and new exciting developments with boutique cigar makers have emerged. Tobacconists have always been challenged in knowing which brand or vitolas to carry over another. The modern “go-to” for this valued information was once isolated to Cigar Aficionado but in recent years new media has also emerged from online blogs like Halfwheel, to Stogie Press, and Cigar Advisor. Additionally, the European market has a dedicated magazine and online presence ‘Cigar Journal, who has helped to impact the European Tobacconist by highlighting free world cigars and showcasing boutique makers from around the world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every Tobacconist is challenged with either implementation or threat of taxation. Most states in the country impose a tobacco tax, and in some, that tax is so great, selling cigars alone may result in closure. As the tax climate changes, the Tobacconist is faced with opposing forces. One retailer who saw the climate of change grow around them was my grandfather’s company he co-founded, Tinder Box International. Founded in 1928, and later incorporated in 1946. This small- town brick and mortar grew to over eight hundred stores worldwide by the mid 1980’s, before their sale. They capitalized on a retail franchise concept that allowed for incredible expansion while maintaining the brand price structure per market. Which meant that the same cigar purchased in Los Angeles could be purchased in Chicago at the same price. They combated higher taxation by designing a buying system and price structure that is now called vertical (*1) integration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tinder Box used this central buying design and amassed such inventory that they could take losses in high tax states and gain revenue in the lower tax states. Unfortunately, our economy today couldn’t support this type of “retail only” design. However, I took my grandfather’s Tinder Box Franchise design and restructured it to work in today’s economy. The Continental Cigar Club is my solution; it’s the integration between retail and a private members lounge. Lounges for some, are an essential to a brick and mortars success. Especially with higher taxation and legislative restrictions, the combination of private/public membership lounge and retail operation is the perfect business model in today’s economy, for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The interaction between consumer and Tobacconist can also be very challenging. We must fight to maintain our relationships and our customer loyalties. With social distancing becoming a new normal we have to balance self-care with business. Customer loyalty is all that we have. The preservation of those relationships will help us weather the new storms. In the dawn of COVID-19 or really any viral or bacterial illness cleanliness is essential to foster peace of mind between the customer and the Tobacconist. To address this issue, I developed (*2) an Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan for all Continental Cigar Clubs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In creating this plan there were a number of recommendations (*3) from OSHA that I could incorporate. I have implemented several that give my customers peace of mind. Here is a list of practices I have implemented that have been effective for both customer and my tobacconists:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. I created a reservation system for our private member lounge. I found a restaurant seating application that has the configurations I wanted. It makes it easy for staff and convenient for the member. The design allows the member to call us and reserve a particular seat. Our seating chart allows for thirty-six total seats. For the time being we are still in a hold status on members in the club or retail use. However, once reopened, members will find that we are able to move our furniture in such a way to allow a six foot gap between seats, except our four-tops, which we have reduced to two seats, and our community table, which accomodates ten, we have reduced to four. Members can choose a three hour reservation beginning at 11:00am and the last reservation is at 8:00pm, so that we can promptly close at 11:00pm. Those that wish to extend, can if the next three hour slot is available. No one has been belligerent over this; as a matter of fact, it's increased our accolades for being concerned about members' health. This may be our new normal, and if it is, we are prepared to adapt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. In our plan we asks customers to use a hand sanitizer before entering the main part of the retail operation. Currently hand sanitizer is in short supply but our hand sanitizer kiosk is operational. OSHA (*4) recommends alcohol- based hand-wipes containing at least 60% alcohol. Allowing the customer to enter the humidor is discretionary; we have a posted sign explaining that at this time humidor access is limited to tobacconist staff only. One creative option I implemented is a menu book detailing the brands I carry. It took some time to develop but has proven to be a fantastic method for selling. This is especially helpful because now the engagement is based on my product knowledge of my tobacconist and enthusiasm of customer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. We started using latex and vinyl gloves but they seemed to create more issues than they were designed to prevent between the handling of things like money, touching our face from time to time, and they would make our hands sweat which wasn’t good either. Our hand sanitizing policy is frequent use: every time between transactions. However, the practice of washing our hands for 20 seconds between transactions is impossible when the bathroom is across the store. Seeing no real solution, we opted for the lesser of two evils. I gave the tobacconist the option of either using a disposable cotton glove or use a tong. When handling cigars their care is the utmost importance and who doesn’t like white glove service? We use hand sanitizer between transactions as a normal behavior anyway. We only use the glove to handle the cigar itself. The glove is on when we enter the humidor and removed when the cigar is placed into the cigar pouch or handed to customer.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXSGSlKN_fD6wSh6U0FHpGwk8tnyMfi7Tw_O_GrBXbA-tGnHHWfy8jECQfIG9clTp1yMnEvUHiRC1liQUXz7awPz5HDj9fcRok2LGrN4i61OG67wZl3_1yfARYmNMKW9mEYozzt8-Ejk/s1600/tongs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXSGSlKN_fD6wSh6U0FHpGwk8tnyMfi7Tw_O_GrBXbA-tGnHHWfy8jECQfIG9clTp1yMnEvUHiRC1liQUXz7awPz5HDj9fcRok2LGrN4i61OG67wZl3_1yfARYmNMKW9mEYozzt8-Ejk/s200/tongs.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Another option my other tobacconists favor is the use of the tong. After doing a little homework on tongs, standard BBQ tongs would be to harmful to the cigar itself, the tong we use has rounded ends, and is all metal. We wanted something easy to sterilize. We use Barbicide disinfectant easy to get online and it use meets the OSHA requirement of 60% alcohol for sterilization.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. We, as a normal practice, offer cutting service upon purchase of a cigar. Luckily we, as a normal course of business, only use sterilized cutters, punches or V cuts. We have a members cutting station in the lounge. We do have to constantly remind lounge members not to lick their cigar before cutting or ask them to use their own cutter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. Our lounge cleaning procedure is strict. We ask members to disinfect upon entering the lounge and we disinfect the seating area after a member has left. A simple wipe down of the chair, TV remotes and ashtrays can have enormous impact on safety and peace of mind. Some already may be wearing a protective mask or have gloves on, we don’t humiliate anyone who chooses these precautions. It’s about peace of mind. Most members chip in and help with monitoring their own space after use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">7. Not all cigars are in cellophane. Cellophane has not been tested clinically if they pose less/more of a risk to contraception. However, they do seem to give customers peace of mind. This was proven in my store when Padron and Oliva V sales dropped off. Then when I decided to put them in cello, the sales improved immediately. Preventing random customers from entering the humidor has also improved customer peace of mind. Cellophane is an unexpected benefit of today’s cigar manufacturing. I was able to buy a case of cellophanes from the manufacturer I use in Nicaragua and had them shipped with my regular order of house cigars. I was also able to find them through various vendors like LeafOnly.com. The benefit with cellophane is that the cigar itself isn’t touched, merely the plastic-like exterior. Cellophane (*5) is a polymeric cellulose film made from the cellulose from wood, cotton, hemp, or other sources. The viscose solution is then extruded through a slit into a bath of dilute sulfuric acid and sodium sulfate to reconvert the viscose into cellulose. This is then put through an extruder and sealed for various sizes of cigars. We ask the customer if they prefer to leave the cello on before putting them into a to-go pouch or removing them entirely from the cello before placing in the to-go pouch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">8. We have posted brass laser etched signs all over the club and bathroom with various reminders. In the bathroom we ask the user to please wash their hands or use disinfectant gel or foam. Upon entering there are signs posted to respect the 6ft rule. These not only are aesthetically pleasing but reduce the clubs liability exposure if a claim were ever levied against us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">9. One option that we attempted to use, but were later advised (by state law) we couldn’t, was curbside delivery. We don’t meet the essential business criteria although our members disagree. In the locations that can legally and logistically service this option, might take advantage of a curbside pick-up. Customers can order by phone, pull up out front and obtain their cigars. Companies like Postmates have very strict rules regarding tobacco but could be an option if you qualify. Otherwise you could consider using a courier service.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As the times continue to change, the Tobacconist must change as well. Our greatest strength is our ability to be creative, to think outside the box, to help instill peace of mind to our customer and be the one constant shoulder to lean on. Winston Churchill was quoted once saying “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” As Tobacconists we must adapt, improvise and overcome the challenges we face as Tobacconists and as an industry as a whole. Our unification is paramount. We should constantly share experiences and information with one another. I for one am grateful for Tobacconist University for creating and implementing its curriculum. I think it’s a fantastic way to grow enthusiasm in our industry and I am honored to be part of it.</span><br />
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*1 https://www.investopedia.com/terms/v/verticalintegration.asp<br />
Vertical integration is a strategy whereby a company owns or controls its suppliers, distributors, or retail locations to control its value or supply chain.<br />
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*2 Page 8, https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf<br />
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*3 Page 8 & 9, https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf<br />
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*4 Page 8 https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf<br />
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*5 https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/cellophane</div>
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Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-61413226566893186782020-03-20T23:35:00.000-04:002020-04-05T16:49:16.952-04:00CIGARS 101.BONUS: Etiquette, Myths & More...<span id="goog_1863450146"></span><span id="goog_1863450147"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>CIGAR SHOP ETIQUETTE</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Retail tobacconist stores must be rigorously maintained. Walk-in humidors must have their temperature, humidity, air quality, and sanitary standards perfectly maintained to preserve the cigars and protect the customers that smoke them. People walking in and out of retail walk-in humidors bring germs, dirt, and debris into the environment, so many steps must be followed to protect the cigars. While tobacconists are responsible for maintaining their shops, customers must also act responsibly and do their part. Below are some important rules to follow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>No Smoke In Humidor</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The natural aromas of a walk-in humidor are subtle and delightful: the commingling of spanish cedar and tobacco aromas from around the world is a special treat. Part of the reason tobacconists make their walk-ins accessible to customers is so that they can enjoy the smell of unlit, aging tobaccos. So, do your part and refrain from smoking in the walk-in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Be Careful Touching & Smelling</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As we learned in a previous lesson, care must be taken when touching and smelling cigars: avoid touching he head and do not let it touch your nose. Always treat cigars you do not own with the highest sanitary standards. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Handle With Care</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Be careful when pulling cigars out of a box as the head, foot or wrappers can easily be damaged. You might be surprised at how many cigars are ruined by careless handling; it is a significant expense to retailers. Also, remember that t</span><span style="font-size: large;">obacconists spend a lot of time organizing, straightening out and facing (making sure the bands face forward) cigars. If you pull a cigar out of the box, make sure you return it to its proper position. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Damaged Cigars</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cigars can be damaged during shipping or by careless customers and/or tobacconists. Many of these are discarded or repaired and sold at a discount. Most of the damage that occurs is purely aesthetic and will not significantly effect the smoking qualities of a cigar. If you see a damaged cigar in the humidor, feel free to make an offer - a 25 percent discount might be a win-win for both you and the retailer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Returning Cigars</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Most retail tobacconists will not allow returns on cigars that have been taken out of the shop for a period of time. This is because cigars are sanitary products that must be kept at proper temperature and humidity: it would be irresponsible to accept returns. But, if you purchased several of the same cigar and found one or more to be plugged (tight or no draw), you should let the retailer know: a good retailer will do what is necessary to make it right. However, if you want to return cigars simply because they did not suit your taste preferences, that is just part of the cost of educating your palate: don't expect retailers to accept returns just because you didn't like the cigars. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Theft Is Real</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">People shoplift from cigar stores everyday! Even a small retail tobacconist shop can lose thousands of dollars a year from shoplifting. It is one of the most difficult challenges faced by retail tobacconists and nearly impossible to stop without creating uncomfortable customer experiences. Do your part by not acting suspicious, not touching cigars unnecessarily and not putting your hands in and out of your pockets too much. The snapshot below shows an elderly couple stealing over seven hundred dollars worth of cigars in less that two minutes! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Public Cigar Cutter Rules</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cigar cutters touch the head of the cigar that will eventually touch your mouth, so they must be kept clean. Retail tobacconists have cutters on hand for customers to use when they buy cigars, but they must also have procedures in place to keep those cutters clean. If you are going to use a shop cutter, keep the cigar out of your mouth until you have cut the cigar. And remember that you are well within your rights to ask your tobacconist about the sanitary procedures they use to keep their cutters clean.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>CIGAR MYTHS</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There is enough magic and wonder in the world of cigar making to make lies, myths and marketing exaggerations totally unnecessary. Yet there are innumerable untruths and half-truths in the marketplace, and many of them have been propagated for decades by successful individuals and companies. As an educated consumer we encourage you to be skeptical and continue to educate yourself from credible sources. Below is a list of some of the most popular cigar myths you will come across. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Virgin Thighs</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Myth:</b> In Cuba, cigars are rolled on the thighs of virgins.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Truth: </b>This is an absurd concept that sounds interesting and amusing to some, but it is not grounded in reality. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Cuban Seed</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Myth:</b> Cuban see equals quality.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Truth:</b> Cuban seeds, grown inside or outside Cuba, can produce both good and bad cigars. There are far too many variables impacting the quality of tobacco and cigars (ie. soil, climate, rain, fermentation, blending, rolling, etc...). This myth gained traction after the American embargo on Cuba when cigar makers wanted to enhance the perceived value of their own brands by saying that Cuban seeds were being used. To this day, many uninformed consumers visit retail tobacconists and ask for "Cuban seed" cigars, thinking that they are better. Actually, most premium cigar seed varietals originate from Cuban seeds but have been developed and grown outside of Cuba for decades. Ultimately, when you see "Cuban Seed" written on a box, it is probably a sign that the cigar maker has nothing better or more original to say about the product; and they are marketing to uneducated consumers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Maduros Are Stronger</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Myth:</b> Maduro wrappers/cigars are stronger</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Truth:</b> While maduro wrappers may undergo a longer and more rigorous fermentation, they do not increase in strength or spice. Rather, they become richer in body and a little sweeter as the sugars develop in the leaf.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Perfect Consistency</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Myth:</b> Perfect consistency exists.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Truth:</b> It is impossible to create a perfectly consistent cigar and blend from one batch to another, much less from one crop/year to another. In addition, it is impossible to construct every cigar perfectly. The nature of handmade cigars requires some deviation and inconsistency. It is perfectly acceptable for handmade cigars to be a little inconsistent. It is also okay for a cigar to burn a little crooked and require a touch-up and it is okay for cigars to taste a little different from one batch to another. In fact, the human senses cannot taste or smell perfectly, so we wouldn't recognize perfect consistency if it were possible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Lost & Found Tobaccos</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Myth:</b> The classic marketing story about a long lost batch of perfectly conditioned tobacco being discovered and used to create a "once in a lifetime" cigar.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Truth:</b> The "truth" is hard to find in this case. Discovering the how, what, when, and where of a "re-discovered" tobacco is difficult if not impossible to prove. And even if this very special, rare, expensive "tobacco" is used in a cigar, it could be an insignificant amount: just another marketing ploy - buyer beware!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Cuban Cigars Are "The Best"</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Myth:</b> This is the mother of all cigar myths, probably because it was true half a century ago and can occasionally seem true today. Cuba is the birthplace of great dark air-cured tobacco seeds and cigars, but time has moved us forward. Great tobacconists and consumers everywhere know that our current 'golden age of cigars' exists mostly because of the efforts and products created by those outside of Cuba.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Truth:</b> Today, claiming that "I only smoke Cubans" or "Cuban cigars are the best" is merely a personal preference as opposed to objective fact. Aficionados, connoisseurs and tobacconists know that taste is subjective. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Spanish Cedar Is Necessary</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Myth:</b> Humidors and cigar boxes need to be lined with Spanish Cedar. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Truth:</b> Spanish Cedar is not necessary. It was historically and geographically convenient and practical for cigar box and humidor construction. While it may be a valid taste and aroma preference, it is not required. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Cigar Licking</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Myth:</b> A cigar should be thoroughly licked/wet-down before being smoked.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Truth:</b> This practice was common a century ago when humidification was not as accurate and consistent as it is today. Wetting a dry cigar/wrapper would help keep the cigar from unraveling, but it is not necessary when smoking a well-conditioned cigar. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <u><b>Angled Cut</b></u></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Myth:</b> Cutting the cap/head of a cigar on an angle helps aim the smoke directly to the palate and enhances the taste.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Truth:</b> In contrast to the <i>perfect cut</i>, an angled cut jeopardizes the integrity of the cigar head and may lead to it unraveling. In addition, a mouth filled with smoke will taste the smoke, whether it is aimed at the tongue or not. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Self-Sharpening Cutter</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Myth:</b> Some double guillotine cigar cutters are said to sharpen themselves.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Truth:</b> This is false. The physics of metal sharpening have nothing in common with the way double guillotines function.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Packaging Equals Quality</b></u></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Myth:</b> It is natural to equate beauty with quality.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Truth:</b> Many cigars with simple packaging are extraordinary, and many cigars have extraordinary packing that is not commensurate with the product. The cigar industry pioneered artistic, intricate, and luxurious packaging concepts, in part, because the products look like commodities without distinguished packaging and branding. But, extraordinary packaging says nothing about the actual quality of a product.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Strength Equals Body</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Myth:</b> Full-bodied cigars are strong. Strong cigars are full-bodied.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Truth:</b> A cigar can have a full body, characterized by depth and breadth of flavor (i.e. richness, earthiness), and not be strong. Strength relates to nicotine intensity and can refer to spice levels (i.e. strong spice), but not necessarily profound, rich, or full flavors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Flavored Cigars Are Made To Attract Children</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Myth:</b> If you believe the FDA, flavored and infused cigars are made to attract underage smokers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Truth:</b> Nothing could be further from the truth. While the FDA claims that flavored and infused cigars are an attempt to lure underage smokers, the cigar industry has no such interest. If this were true then daiquiris, margaritas, and any sweet or fruit flavored liquors and alcoholic beverages could be accused of the same despicable goal. The truth is that adults enjoy a wide range of flavor profiles, including chocolate, vanilla, mint, herbal, etc...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Absolutes Exist</b></u></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Myth:</b> Absolute statements like, "this is the best cigar," "this brand must age ___ months/years," "Dominican tobacco is always mild," etc...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Truth:</b> Everything in the world of luxury tobacco depends on one or many variables. Every batch, type, and crop of tobacco leaf is different. There are not absolute time periods for growing, fermentation, or aging. There are not absolute ways to quantify or qualify taste. There are no absolutes in luxury tobacco- everything depends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, you have finished a well rounded educational journey. Remember that romanticism plays a big part in the world of luxury tobacco, but real romance and pleasure needs no embellishment. The actual magic and wonder of luxury tobacco is enough without the myths, hyperbole and lies. Ultimately, enhanced appreciation requires enlightenment, which requires truth... thus, the importance of education.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Click below if you would like to continue learning...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/faq.php">Cigar FAQ</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/glossary.php">Tobacco Glossary</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://certifiedcigarreviews.com/">Certified Cigar Reviews</a></span></div>
Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-39802912158300349732020-03-19T21:29:00.001-04:002023-11-21T15:50:36.336-05:00CIGARS 101.9: Tasting, Evaluating & Reviews<span style="font-size: large;">Merriam-Webster Dictionary provides the following two definitions for TASTE:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"the special sense that perceives and distinguishes the sweet, sour, bitter, or salty quality of a dissolved substance and is mediated by taste buds on the tongue" (noun)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"to have perception, experience, or enjoyment" (verb)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tasting is the process of perceiving, experiencing and enjoying! </span><span style="font-size: large;">As you can see, the words we use matter. And some of the words we use can have very different definitions. The key to understanding, enhancing and communicating our taste preferences is having a strong fundamental understanding of the words, facts and science relating to human taste. Keep reading to learn more...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>THE HUMAN SENSES</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Traditionally speaking, there are five physiological human senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. Each of our senses plays a special role in the way we experience our lives and time. The enjoyment of luxury tobacco is an organoleptic delicacy, a sensory delight: just like the enjoyment of fine wine, great food, a beautiful view, our favorite music, or even a hot bath. And the enjoyment of luxury tobacco involves all five of the human senses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sight</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Consider sight/seeing the "introductory sense", since it is typically the first sense we use when selecting cigars. Our sight helps us determine size, color, shape, consistency, oiliness, etc... While our eyes can deceive us, they mostly help us asses the initial quality and construction of cigars. After selecting your cigar, the importance of sight will increase. Seeing and monitoring the cigar and ash is critical to maintaining the proper burn, pace, and ash-free clothing. Ultimately, sight is useful on many levels. For reasons that date back to the dawn of man, the sight of fire and smoke have a hypnotic and soothing effect on humans. To lovers of luxury tobacco, there is nothing so relaxing as the sight of smoke wafting up into the air, as if your tension and worries are being carried away with it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hearing</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">With regard to cigars, what you don't hear may matter the most. Aside from the sounds of good conversation, few sounds are associated with cigar smoking. Even the "sound" of freshness is silent. But there are a couple distinct sounds occasionally heard from tobacco that tell us something important. If you gently squeeze a cigar and hear a cracking sound coming from the wrapper, it is probably too dry and not optimally conditioned; a snap, crackle or pop while smoking could be a cigar beetle popping - indicating you should not be smoking that cigar. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Touch</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There is a lot to say about the importance of touch and cigars. Touch is the physical sensation of feeling. The way a cigar feels in the hand is paramount. With our hands we can sense if a cigar is at the proper humidity. We can even use our fingers to determine the silkiness of a cigar wrapper as well as the firmness, construction consistency, and much, much more. But the key to understanding touch is realizing that it is not limited to the hands: we feel with our mouth, tongue, and nose as well. <b>It is important to note that spice and heat are sensations that we feel as well!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Nicotine = Strength</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Nicotine is a naturally occurring organic compound in the same family of substances (alkaloids) as caffeine: it is found in tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes, and tobacco. Traditionally, we do not think of nicotine as something we touch, but it is definitely something we feel. As with caffeine and alcohol, every person has a different tolerance level to nicotine: too much nicotine can induce nausea and a light head: if this every happens to you, consume a little sugar and it will subside. The effects and/or level of nicotine will determine the "strength" of a cigar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Taste</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Taste, also known as gustation, is the human sense which drives our appetite and protects us from ingesting poisons. We taste with sensory organs called taste buds which are located on our tongue. Our taste buds are limited to sensing only five distinct tastes: salt, sweet, sour, bitter, and umami. All of these tastes can be experienced when enjoying a cigar: some of them will make the experience better and others can be a detriment. <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_taste_college_human_senses_taste.php">Click here to learn more about the human sense of taste...</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Smell</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Smell, also known as olfaction, is the human sense contained in the nasal cavity that detects microscopic molecules released by substances like food, smoke, flowers, and wine. Our olfactory nerve cells can detect thousands of different "smells" that our sense of taste cannot. Without our sense of smell it would be difficult for our palate (sense of taste) to distinguish between an orange and coffee or chocolate and vanilla. Ultimately, smell is the sense that reveals the extraordinary qualities (ie. complexity/sophistication) of great tobacco, food, wine and even air. If you don't believe this, try smoking a cigar with a cold, or with cotton stuffed up your nose - just for fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Flavor</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Flavor is what we perceive when taste and aroma combine: <br />a true synergy! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_taste_college_human_senses_sight_hearing.php"><b>Click Here To Learn More About The Human Senses...</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>TobaccAromatherapy</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Merriam-Webster defines aromatherapy as: "the use of aroma to enhance the feeling of well being". Tobacconist University began using the term TobaccAromatherapy in 1998, referring to the beneficial and therapeutic effects derived from luxury tobaccos; products which are cultivated, crafted, and curated until they are combusted and savored for our sensory pleasure. <b>Stimulating our senses for pleasure and health is one of the most natural and enriching ways we can savor our time!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_taste_college_human_senses_smell2.php"><b>Click here to learn about Smemory.</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>TASTING METHODOLOGY</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">People enjoy luxury tobacco on many different levels and for different </span><span style="font-size: large;">reasons. To some, a great cigar can be a meditative or transcendental </span><span style="font-size: large;">experience, while to others it can simply be something </span><span style="font-size: large;">to puff on while playing a round of golf. Some people taste vanilla, </span><span style="font-size: large;">leather, and nutmeg while others just taste tobacco. Ultimately, </span><span style="font-size: large;">there is no right or wrong because taste is subjective.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our Tasting Methodology is a simple set of guidelines to follow </span><span style="font-size: large;">if you are trying to evaluate the qualities of a cigar. </span><span style="font-size: large;">This is especially useful for tobacconists who must evaluate cigars for </span><span style="font-size: large;">their inventories and then describe them to their customers. Following </span><span style="font-size: large;">the Tasting Methodology, or conducting a “tasting,” requires focus </span><span style="font-size: large;">and purpose because it is more thorough than just casually enjoying a cigar</span><span style="font-size: large;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>3 Step Tasting Methodology:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Observation</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Description &</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Comparison</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Evaluation </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pre-Observation: Establish Neutrality</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The most important step before tasting is to establish a neutral setting, </span><span style="font-size: large;">starting with the <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_taste_college_ph_balance.php">pH in your mouth</a> and eliminating distractions. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Distractions can include people, stress, other tobacco smoke </span><span style="font-size: large;">in the air, food odors, and anything else that detracts from focusing </span><span style="font-size: large;">on the tasting. Other confounders include food and beverages, </span><span style="font-size: large;">which should be avoided during a tasting since they will change the </span><span style="font-size: large;">flavors you are perceiving. In addition, emotional biases can also </span><span style="font-size: large;">confound a tasting. Smoking a cigar on </span><span style="font-size: large;">vacation or under particularly pleasant and relaxed circumstances </span><span style="font-size: large;">can make the product seem to taste better. Establishing neutrality </span><span style="font-size: large;">is about trying to eliminate any potential biases, and this includes </span><span style="font-size: large;">physical as well as emotional issues. Finally, if you are tasting on a </span><span style="font-size: large;">regular basis, you should try to keep the variables as consistent as </span><span style="font-size: large;">possible. This means, tasting at the same time of day and in a consistent </span><span style="font-size: large;">place. Again, always minimize distractions and confounders. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Observation</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Observation is the process of using your senses to observe and experience the cigar. We recommend breaking the process down into three stages: Pre-Smoke, Smoking and Post-Smoke. </span><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Pre-Smoke: Appearance, Construction, Draw</span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As we have already learned, all of our senses are used to savor a cigar, </span><span style="font-size: large;">and the process starts before the product is lit. First, we observe </span><span style="font-size: large;">appearance and construction with our sight. Then we touch the </span><span style="font-size: large;">head and body of the cigar, judging firmness, conditioning, texture, </span><span style="font-size: large;">and consistency. Next, we can smell the bouquet of both the </span><span style="font-size: large;">foot and the cigar wrapper. Last, we can cut the cigar and put it in </span><span style="font-size: large;">our mouth to assess the draw and the nuances of the wrapper leaf. </span><span style="font-size: large;">By removing the cigar from our palate, we can focus on the finish </span><span style="font-size: large;">of the unlit tobacco. The finish is the flavor (taste+aroma) that </span><span style="font-size: large;">remains after the cigar has left your mouth. All of this “cigar foreplay” </span><span style="font-size: large;">will lead to greater enjoyment and appreciation of the cigar </span><span style="font-size: large;">you are about to smoke.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Smoking: Combustion, Smoke, Ash, Flavor</u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Next, we smoke the cigar and assess its combustion, smoke, and ash. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The cigar will need to burn evenly for the flavors to develop properly. </span><span style="font-size: large;">In addition, a good ash will stay firm until it is released. The </span><span style="font-size: large;">smoke of luxury tobaccos will have a distinct texture and appearance </span><span style="font-size: large;">as well. While smoking, we focus on the flavors (taste+aroma), </span><span style="font-size: large;">strength, spice, body, and the overall experience the tobacco conveys. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Every puff of a cigar will yield different flavors. Cigars are </span><span style="font-size: large;">blended to change and develop. The unique construction of cigars </span><span style="font-size: large;">allows for leaf placements, which will create flavor changes as the </span><span style="font-size: large;">cigar is smoked. In fact, cigars can deliver an evolving flavor experience </span><span style="font-size: large;">designed by the cigar maker, which is why cigars should be </span><span style="font-size: large;">smoked from beginning to end, in one “sitting,” the same way you </span><span style="font-size: large;">might watch a good movie or eat a great meal. It is also one of the </span><span style="font-size: large;">reasons we start smoking by the head and not the foot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Post-Smoke: The Finish</u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lastly, every puff you take will reveal new flavors and leave a new finish layer on your palate. The final finish of a cigar will be very important because the flavors and sensations will stay with you and evolve even after the cigar is done being smoked: savor it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Description & Comparison</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is the process of ascribing values, measurements and words to your observations. Your vocabulary, memory, knowledge and experience will contribute to your ability to describe what you have perceived. Ultimately, describing what you taste can be an artistic process because it is an intangible interpretation of experiences and perceptions. Using colorful words and analogies is perfectly acceptable. Regardless of how technical or verbose you are, the only goal that matters when describing a cigar or pipe tobacco is that others understand what you are saying. Unique descriptors like "musty," "earthy," "cocoa," or "nuttiness" are only useful if it makes sense to you and your audience. The descriptive process is something you can get better at, and there are many publications and experts worth learning from. In addition, having the experience and ability to compare one cigar to another is a useful tactic. It can be easier to describe something in contrast to another, rather than coming up with the perfect descriptor. But, there does not have to be a right or wrong way to describe what you have perceived.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">By now, the fundamental knowledge you have learned is more than enough to get you started on describing and communicating what you are tasting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Evaluation</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As consumers, we can usually decide if we like a cigar after smoking just one. In fact, we probably do not need to go through the rigors of the Tasting Methodology. Just smoking a few of the same cigar brand/vitola can be enough to know if we "like" something. But, the rationale of tasting is to come to some sort of conclusion - and evaluation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Price & Value</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Tasting Methodology evaluation should lead to an assessment based on the observation, description, and analysis, but it must also factor in one more variable: the product price. While price may not seem like an obvious part of Tasting Methodology, it is important since we are tasting products, and all products have a price. The ultimate value of a product must be related to its price. Finally, how we choose to add up all these variables and perceptions is a subjective process, just like your personal taste. The main goal of any evaluation method is for you and your audience to understand it. As we have said, taste is subjective, and how you evaluate and define your taste will be up to you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>CERTIFIED CIGAR REVIEWS</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you would like a little structure and help with your Tasting Methodology, Tobacconist University (TU) has got what you need. The TU Certified Cigar Reviews platform is the world's first and only methodology to document and evaluate cigars created by Certified Retail Tobacconists for consumers and professionals alike.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://certifiedcigarreviews.com/"><b>Visit Certified Cigar Reviews & Keep Learning!</b></a></span></div>
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</div>Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-66890656122432784122020-03-16T15:36:00.000-04:002020-03-16T09:31:00.589-04:00CIGAR CUTS<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7z_9ksiSV_P7jdL9CHtIPwBz0xaoP4MAJ9eSMTCxoEcT3_Fex7ILW07WlVAiyn8bS_RiDEcISjiw1x-i-CmBB9yNtBHSbfCoDsPvZDN9HsscPVeJybATlqWccOZegQDNF5cEbtAFk9U/s1600/cuts+with+labels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="1600" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7z_9ksiSV_P7jdL9CHtIPwBz0xaoP4MAJ9eSMTCxoEcT3_Fex7ILW07WlVAiyn8bS_RiDEcISjiw1x-i-CmBB9yNtBHSbfCoDsPvZDN9HsscPVeJybATlqWccOZegQDNF5cEbtAFk9U/s640/cuts+with+labels.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Premium cigars have a finished/closed head which must be cut to draw and smoke properly. While there is no right or wrong cutter to use, there are fundamental techniques which will keep you from damaging the cigar you are smoking. You can read about the many types of cigar cutters in <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_acc_college_cutters.php" target="_blank">Accoutrements College</a> and learn about <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/faq_perfect_cut.php" target="_blank">The Perfect Cut</a> in our FAQ section.</span></div>
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<a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_acc_college_cutters.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">ACCOUTREMENTS COLLEGE: CIGAR CUTTERS</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/faq_perfect_cut.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">THE PERFECT CUT</span></a></div>
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<br />Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-11034007075901792302020-03-15T17:03:00.000-04:002020-04-03T23:37:44.830-04:00CIGARS 101.8: Selecting, Cutting, Lighting, Ashing & More...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIlXyJAc_iz2GnbRqOkDLO6QnKlHQ0av8txdmBYBDOySmiRidJz2D-RVFv-gCLdcSzth4cJ73TBYnF_3Pvvx0sBJsdlVDqN5rF_KQyTdviFSgUe6BXSeRS9fsHNwiUQLD2OS7vhIXKuY/s1600/IMG_8321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIlXyJAc_iz2GnbRqOkDLO6QnKlHQ0av8txdmBYBDOySmiRidJz2D-RVFv-gCLdcSzth4cJ73TBYnF_3Pvvx0sBJsdlVDqN5rF_KQyTdviFSgUe6BXSeRS9fsHNwiUQLD2OS7vhIXKuY/s400/IMG_8321.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Selecting cigars begins with a real life visit to a retail tobacconist - preferably a <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/certified.php?loc=Int_US&type=crt" target="_blank">Certified Retail Tobacconist</a>. Partly because you can't really see, smell and touch cigars on the internet and also because real human interaction, including body language, verbal inflection and passion can only be communicated in a face-to-face environment. Internet and mail order companies specialize in hyperbole, story telling, and discou</span><span style="font-size: large;">nting brands on the back end of their life cycle. While retail tobacconists must be accountable to their customers in real life. Retail tobacconists test and pioneer new products and get personal feedback from customers every single day. This hands on experience is the difference between professional excellence and just pushing cigars. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDuMAGneB90-w9itDYPn9wm6X2b5GOT5cX7lbJWqdkASY2x03lYkskTBruQU9OE8vVdJKm0YTR08Pp-0w2v9UuCZsbpMC9TkEL2SXqaNzqaW7sh3RnF8Lp_xJWnZTgHol9WQvMQ3XaBA/s1600/1216181305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDuMAGneB90-w9itDYPn9wm6X2b5GOT5cX7lbJWqdkASY2x03lYkskTBruQU9OE8vVdJKm0YTR08Pp-0w2v9UuCZsbpMC9TkEL2SXqaNzqaW7sh3RnF8Lp_xJWnZTgHol9WQvMQ3XaBA/s640/1216181305.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The average retail tobacconist store has between three to five hundred facings of cigars, all curated to serve their unique customer base. If a retail tobacconist works full time and smokes two cigars a day, that means they are smoking five hundred cigars per year. This means they would only get to smoke through their own inventory once per year - at best maybe they would get to smoke two of everything in their inventory! At this rate it would seem impossible to become an expert on every cigar in the inventory; halfway into the year a professional tobacconist would have forgotten the details and nuances of what they smoked six months ago! And of course a person would have to smoke multiples of a particular cigar to become well versed in its nuances and properties and then be able to communicate about it. <b>Fortunately, the retail environment has the benefit of creating a feedback loop where the tobacconist becomes a repository of information and impressions from customers. Customers help educate tobacconists as much as tobacconists help to educate customers! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Practically speaking, professional tobacconists are just passionate consumers with a little more experience and information. Furthermore, tobacconists have the same preferences and biases as other consumers. Rather than smoke every product in a store, they will tend to smoke cigars in the style and format that they prefer. Some tobacconists will prefer large ring gauge Nicaraguan style cigars while others prefer lighter Dominican coronas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The process of finding the right tobacconist will involve getting to know them and understanding their strengths, preferences, and personal style. Above all, a well educated and certified tobacconist will know their fundamentals and be able to educate you and point you in the right direction. A great tobacconist will share their own knowledge and experience with you as well as all that they learn from their customers! In summary, selecting the right tobacconist is the first step to selecting the right cigar(s). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>SELECTING CIGARS</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When you are in a walk-in humidor you will be surrounded by hundreds of cigars in varying sizes, shapes, and wrapper colors, with an astronomical variety of components and flavor profiles: it is simply overwhelming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>STEP 1</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The first thing you should do is ask yourself, "what am I in the mood for?" What ring gauge and length are you in the mood for? What will feel comfortable in your hand and mouth? How much time do you have/how long do you want the cigar to be? This process will narrow your options significantly. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7JjFQQWRgnk49cWlsljOgHCh7tiKwGQyXyTAVOX8Vmv4bveS8THF8-TXWQXTsvSXfE6SLVEizTI2PiqMND4I2GYCMtGDzEpGWRtU8kux2dTfdcxP3v33kALIGYQ54DaHS63W_bvBrqI/s1600/vitola+master+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7JjFQQWRgnk49cWlsljOgHCh7tiKwGQyXyTAVOX8Vmv4bveS8THF8-TXWQXTsvSXfE6SLVEizTI2PiqMND4I2GYCMtGDzEpGWRtU8kux2dTfdcxP3v33kALIGYQ54DaHS63W_bvBrqI/s640/vitola+master+wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>STEP 2</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The next step is to narrow your options even further. Do you prefer a certain flavor profile? Are you looking for full bodied? Spicy? Complexity? Or are you in the mood for a richer and sweeter maduro wrapper? Are you in the mood for something like XXX which you smoked previously? You are in charge of your mood and palate and your tobacconist can help guide you through the inventory with short descriptions and personal impressions and opinions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>STEP 3</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, pick a cigar and smoke it. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong selection, there is only experience! You must smoke them to get to know them and you must smoke them to form your own opinions. There is no substitute for the experience of smoking a particular cigar and there are no amount of adjectives or other people's opinions that will give you the experience of smoking a cigar. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cigar Inspection</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In an ideal world, you are welcome to pick cigars up and feel them for consistency, proper humidification, etc... But best to check with your tobacconist first. A well-conditioned cigar (70% humidity) will allow a little compression when gently squeezed and the wrapper will not crackle or crack. If the cigar feels dry or hard, don't pick that one. You are welcome to smell the foot of the cigar and the wrapper from a distance, but keep in mind not to touch the head of the cigar as that will end up in someone's mouth. If the cigar is sealed in cellophane, ask your tobacconist if it can be removed if you want to smell it: don't bother smelling the cellophane because it smells like cellophane.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The X Factor</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Everybody has personal preferences and biases, whether we are aware of them or not. A beautiful oily wrapper in a certain color shade may strongly appeal to you while a beautiful band or box dress may attract another person. We are all consciously and subconsciously influenced by many factors. It is important to note our own biases or at least be aware that they exist. We encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and make counter intuitive choices. In the world of premium cigars things are not always as they seem and our own preconceived notions can limit our enjoyment. There is very little black and white in the world of cigars. For example, dark wrapper cigars are not necessarily stronger, and lighter wrapper cigars are not always lighter in body. Just because you did not enjoy a particular brand several months ago does not mean you will not enjoy it today. Our tastes and preferences are always evolving and there are myriad things which influence our taste perceptions in real time. Be open to new experiences and don't overthink your options. Great luxury tobacco products are full of surprises so be open to the experiences and you will continue to enhance your appreciation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>CUTTING CIGARS</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Premium cigars have a finished head that needs to be opened for the cigar to draw, light and smoke. A good tobacconist will offer to cut the cigar for you so make sure not to put it in your mouth first. Well conditioned cigars do not need to be slobbered on before they are cut. While the straight cut provided by guillotines and scissors are the most popular way to cut a cigar, the punch, piercer or V-cut are also popular alternatives. Pick a style that suits you as there is no right or wrong choice: there is only proper technique.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsxqXly6rDwgicEzSlgJHJ2DGbmHum2cG22rTdc6fIUDAopELFZLVpQLZ-AktsxyqZQJTaCrDRX2VSmCgCsJ4S1PIDxhBn9SOJ4bBeK6a9oN8OXuM9kmZrp8fnUTXHEAwpDWSysikO-k/s1600/cuts+with+labels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="1600" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsxqXly6rDwgicEzSlgJHJ2DGbmHum2cG22rTdc6fIUDAopELFZLVpQLZ-AktsxyqZQJTaCrDRX2VSmCgCsJ4S1PIDxhBn9SOJ4bBeK6a9oN8OXuM9kmZrp8fnUTXHEAwpDWSysikO-k/s640/cuts+with+labels.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PhiUX1f1iqyR284HAeWbmgoi7PReLyafMHaTBmI5nDZfjJQ1G5U6Okp96IyroaurjVfEzbqKLr-u8jTZ3zbf9qqdayjlgs_7c1yXu-35501C6WQ26wBCnIpn8ocPsv0fk5yBGtSbdDA/s1600/cutters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="1600" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PhiUX1f1iqyR284HAeWbmgoi7PReLyafMHaTBmI5nDZfjJQ1G5U6Okp96IyroaurjVfEzbqKLr-u8jTZ3zbf9qqdayjlgs_7c1yXu-35501C6WQ26wBCnIpn8ocPsv0fk5yBGtSbdDA/s400/cutters.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_acc_college_cutters.php" target="_blank"><b>Click Here To Learn More About Cutters...</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cigar makers go to extraordinary lengths to create a strong and beautiful cigar head that will stand up to hours of smoking, saliva and teeth. In the case of <i>parejo</i> and box pressed cigars, care must be taken to hold the cigar firmly around the shoulder so the wrapper will not shift or crack. In addition, make sure not to remove too much of the cap: always leave a little shoulder on the cigar. Cutting too much off can lead to the cigar unraveling and/or feeling untidy in the mouth. Many <i>figurados</i>, due to the tapered head, will allow you to choose the size of your cut opening; so do what feels right for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/faq_perfect_cut.php" target="_blank">Click Here To See The Perfect Cut Video...</a></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoj60_8bLXMwac3NqB03_MXd_I1A2XUX3Zv3vpxZgt1pd5JtS-mDPieSaIYb5a3rZbJwYYassikj6MdYRySm2oIGp2d8s7e4xJoU6ZJX0jPC9zSFaAYgH2BMYDcemfzUvUKS5ZCjEu84A/s1600/head+shoulder+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1256" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoj60_8bLXMwac3NqB03_MXd_I1A2XUX3Zv3vpxZgt1pd5JtS-mDPieSaIYb5a3rZbJwYYassikj6MdYRySm2oIGp2d8s7e4xJoU6ZJX0jPC9zSFaAYgH2BMYDcemfzUvUKS5ZCjEu84A/s320/head+shoulder+wm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nMsoTiQGReAmuBxi8OoDdRX3T4WcFCdqjSUPPBgILBD5Cwt9Wa36M7CsNLwZc0CD5qYHesjnZU66EBefpWI7xQQfKccNnHKLrRVTRqCJw90lO-nOLqxSYL0OrFOvb77GhFi6bzJCzmg/s1600/cut+graphic+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nMsoTiQGReAmuBxi8OoDdRX3T4WcFCdqjSUPPBgILBD5Cwt9Wa36M7CsNLwZc0CD5qYHesjnZU66EBefpWI7xQQfKccNnHKLrRVTRqCJw90lO-nOLqxSYL0OrFOvb77GhFi6bzJCzmg/s640/cut+graphic+wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>LIGHTING CIGARS</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After cutting the cigar you can test its construction and pre-light flavor by puffing air through it: this is called a cold draw. If the cigar's draw is tight, try to cut a little more off the head and massage the body a little; this will usually open up the filler tobaccos. If the cigar is plugged it is defective and you deserve a replacement. After cutting and the cold draw test, you are ready to light. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8tX2N9lplLBf_7BN7wzYC3BeDqH5wTPndFHho2hGYJtKJ3bBOsLW7mSjU6YQeHsTq_Uri4EkOBk6An96wCW8N_pIEauYcHqXyONU24_2GIBgYMXGjaXRUYjDZNYtqzqlqR68eAvnh3s/s1600/lighting+2c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8tX2N9lplLBf_7BN7wzYC3BeDqH5wTPndFHho2hGYJtKJ3bBOsLW7mSjU6YQeHsTq_Uri4EkOBk6An96wCW8N_pIEauYcHqXyONU24_2GIBgYMXGjaXRUYjDZNYtqzqlqR68eAvnh3s/s1600/lighting+2c.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Evenly lighting the foot of a cigar is the most important part of cigar lighting. If a cigar is not evenly lit, it will not burn or taste properly. The best cigar lighting technique involves bringing the flame to the tobacco by gently drawing air through the cigar (a.k.a. puffing). While puffing, rotate the cigar over the flame to ensure the foot lights evenly without getting charred. Note, you can keep your match or lighter flame just below the foot of the cigar as the act of puffing/drawing will pull the flame gently to the tobacco. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_acc_college_lighters.php" target="_blank"><b>Click Here To Learn More About Lighters & Matches...</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>DO:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- Remove cellophane and any cedar, ribbons, or bands around the foot of the cigar.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- When using a match, allow the chemicals to burn off the match head before taking the flame to the tobacco.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- Hold the flame slightly off of the tobacco. Traditional flame = 1/8" while Torch = 1/2".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- Rotate the cigar to evenly light the foot.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- Puff of the cigar in order to draw the flame to the foot.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/glossary.php#921">Touch Up</a> the cigar if it starts to burn askew: some oily or dense wrappers may need correcting; its not a sign of poor quality, just a fact of life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>DON'T:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- Light or char the outside of the wrapper.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- Use a candle or liquid fuel lighter (ie. zippo type) to light the cigar.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- Light the head - it happens!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Other Lighting/Burning Issues: Click to learn more...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/faq_cigar_relighting.php" target="_blank">Re-Lighting</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/faq_uneven_light.php" target="_blank">Uneven Light</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/faq_inward_burn.php" target="_blank">Inward Burn</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/faq_canoeing.php" target="_blank">Canoeing</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/faq_tight_draw.php" target="_blank">Tight Draw</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/faq_smoking_too_hot.php" target="_blank">Smoking Too Hot</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>ASHING CIGARS</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Premium cigars are made with long filler (whole leaves), while machine made cigars are made with short filler - chopped up pieces of leaves. Short filler cigars will produce a short flaky ash while premium cigars can produce a firm ash structure over an inch long. The long ash can help keep the cigar ember cool and help the cigar burn slower. The long ash of a premium cigar will naturally fall off when its ready - just gently tap the cigar body over an ashtray and it should fall off leaving behind a flat ember. If the ember is pointy then the cigar is smoking too hot and you are not tasting the cigar as it is meant to be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/faq_smoking_too_hot.php" target="_blank"><b>Click here to learn more about cigars Smoking Too Hot.</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some people have the habit of tapping their ash off more regularly and never letting the long ash form: it this works for you, so be it. Once again, remember that cigar smoking is a personal pleasure and you are in charge of your process. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, the cigar's journey will come to an end when you are done smoking it. You can smoke the cigar as long and far down as you want as long as it is pleasurable: if this means removing the band and nubbing the cigar, feel free to do so. When you are done smoking a cigar, simply put it in the ashtray and let it go out on its own. It is best not to crush the cigar and try to smother it as it will probably start to burn unevenly and create much more smoke than before. When your'e done, just rest the cigar in an ashtray and enjoy the <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/glossary.php#321" target="_blank">finish</a>... </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-65234289787197516202020-03-13T18:28:00.000-04:002020-03-12T22:27:18.140-04:00CIGAR HEAD & FOOT TYPES<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITeDFTSRZM6noBMUOjsVU04N1g9gqdiErM4UBc12B-ovS5jknbYl6s6jtD42jpqMwDu5SqZo10VFw4NargAgR1F-FVUE0FiLMvQBzEZWOrpQT39uy03QM6Yn78J0NxdhSVLYJR-JTG00/s1600/foot+types.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="1600" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITeDFTSRZM6noBMUOjsVU04N1g9gqdiErM4UBc12B-ovS5jknbYl6s6jtD42jpqMwDu5SqZo10VFw4NargAgR1F-FVUE0FiLMvQBzEZWOrpQT39uy03QM6Yn78J0NxdhSVLYJR-JTG00/s640/foot+types.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-57233267045305250242020-03-12T21:52:00.000-04:002020-04-02T16:45:57.938-04:00CIGARS 101.7: Manufacturing & The Art Of Rolling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wOAT_LDSKqk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wOAT_LDSKqk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The cigar rolling process is as much an art as it is science. There are many intricate processes which must come together precisely to create a premium cigar; it is impossible to teach the process with just words, pictures and videos. It is also impossible to appreciate the complexity of cigar making without feeling, hearing, touching and smelling the process in real life. Regardless, we will attempt to educate you about the art of cigar rolling and help you appreciate the artistry and the talented men and women who bring it to life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>UNPACKING, SORTING, STEMMING, & MORE SORTING</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After añejamiento, the leaves must be unpacked, inspected and sorted. Once again, leaves are sorted by texture, color, size, priming levels, quality, etc... Perhaps you are noticing a theme here; tobacco is ever changing and it must be sorted, tested, and selected at every stage. This precision will help ensure blend consistency and the highest quality standards: there are no shortcuts to making great cigars!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After añejamiento, the tobacco will be too dry to work with, so it will be re-humidified (<i><a href="https://www.tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_rolling2.php" target="_blank">mojo</a></i>) in order to be handled during the stemming process. Wrapper and binder leaves will have the entire stem removed so that each leaf will produce two separate halves: each half will be able to wrap or bind one cigar. Wrapper and binder stemming can be assisted by a machine, but the process still requires dexterity and a skilled operator. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_rolling2.php" target="_blank"><b>Click here to see the videos...</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The thicker/lower part of the stem will be removed from filler leaves, but the length of stem removed will vary based on the priming level and/or desired effect of the component. Stems are actually an important part of premium cigar filler. Stems add "<i>fortaleza</i>": body and strength. Many people mistakenly think a stem in a premium cigar is a sign of bad quality, but there are important and nuanced reasons for them being there!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After unpacking, sorting, <i>mojo</i>, and stemming, there will be more sorting and testing! The leaves needed for the current rolling project will be set aside to finalize blend proportions and other leaves may be put aside to age for future projects.</span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">BUNCHING</span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Every premium cigar, depending on size and blend design, will usually include three to five filler tobaccos. The filler leaves will often come from different countries, regions, farms, seed varietals/plants, and priming levels. In addition, the filler leaves can come from different vintages/crops and have undergone distinct fermentation processes and aging/añejamiento. The cigar maker or master blender will have determined the exact proportions of each leaf component that will go into a particular cigar's blend; these components will be allocated to cigar rollers (by weight) to begin production.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The first step in cigar rolling is bunching the filler tobaccos together and applying a binder around the bunch. Many larger factories have a division of labor where bunchers/binders are separate from the rollers who apply the wrappers. There are also many factories where the buncher and wrapper are the same person. Regardless of the factory's labor structure, bunchers and wrappers are all considered highly skilled cigar rollers.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Vrea2yJAXoI3sGDu2B0pJmfHxetw3TQXOKdYMSadCdlWzrydcWrMhXXqwGRrEP2v383hEVGEyGHiUaB7S-6_PerlQuLzG_XfCJNCk7Zs-y_eWFBIRtOBbFvmRe-HQPfGVJIWQPQrfQ4/s1600/292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Vrea2yJAXoI3sGDu2B0pJmfHxetw3TQXOKdYMSadCdlWzrydcWrMhXXqwGRrEP2v383hEVGEyGHiUaB7S-6_PerlQuLzG_XfCJNCk7Zs-y_eWFBIRtOBbFvmRe-HQPfGVJIWQPQrfQ4/s400/292.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While whole leaves are used in premium cigars, the bunchers will have to tear and partition leaf parts to create the precise proportions/recipe that the blend requires. For example, too much ligero can make a blend too strong or effect the burn rate; not enough ligero can make the flavor seem flat. Every leaf component and proportion plays an integral role in the flavor and burning characteristics of the cigar! In addition, there are many bunching techniques, some are more complex while others lend themselves better to certain types of tobaccos (ie. density and oiliness).</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_rolling3.php" target="_blank"><b>Click here to see the videos...</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At this point you should understand the challenges of creating a perfectly consistent product: even minor inconsistencies can be expected within a box of cigars, or a particular production run. The biggest challenges will occur when trying to replicate a brand's flavor profile, year after year. Weather, soil, and climate changes will effect the raw materials that go into a cigar. All of these complications make wine and spirits manufacturing seem simple by comparison: blending liquids is much easier than blending leaves! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Adding more complexity to the process of bunching, each cigar vitola is designed to express itself in a certain way: some start smooth, build in body, increase in spice, change in the middle or at the end, etc... So, every cigar is a complex sculpture meant to burn, taste, smell and develop in a specific way! Once the roller sculpts the bunch, they will apply the binder leaf to the outside, then place the cigar in a mold. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>MOLD & PRESS</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cigar molds, made of either plastic or wood (traditionally), are shaped to the exact dimensions of the vitola being created. The bunch is placed in a mold then put in a press for approximately 30-45 minutes, then rotated. This happens several times to avoid having any seems on the bunch which could potentially show through the wrapper leaf. The bunched cigars will typically stay in the press until they are ready to be wrapped. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>WRAPPING</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hand wrapping a cigar is one of the most impressive artisanal parts of cigar making to watch. It takes a great amount of dexterity to stretch the wrapper just right, roll the bunch, continue pulling the wrapper taught, apply the <i><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/glossary.php#719" target="_blank">goma</a></i>, and create a perfect looking cigar body. While cigar wrappers are applied at high levels of humidity so they will be pliable, they are still delicate and rollers must use precision to trim out blemishes, veins, spots, or any other imperfections from the wrapper leaf. Some very large wrapper leaves, if expertly trimmed, can be used to wrap two cigars, so precision is important. Furthermore, the process of rolling <i>figurados</i> is more complex than a straight body <i>parejo</i>, so there are many challenges and skill levels required to make beautiful cigars. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>HEAD & FOOT FINISHING</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The crowning achievement of cigar rolling is head finishing. After all of the effort that went into creating the cigar, finishing the head is especially important. A simple head will close the cigar and keep it from unraveling, but there are many different types and styles of head finishing. More intricate finishing techniques, like Flag & Cap, will provide extra wrapper layers to reinforce the head and maintain its integrity when in the smoker's mouth. Cigar heads can either be simple and functional or an elevated expression of the cigar maker's artistry. Similarly, the foot of a cigar can be cut flat or finished in an artistic and technical manner. </span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">QUALITY CONTROL</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After the cigar is made, they are typically placed in bundles of fifty. Factory managers will inspect each cigar by hand and sight: they will select cigars from the bundle and gently squeeze the body to ensure consistency and check the vitola measurements. In addition, every bundle must be weighed and be within an acceptable weight range to know all of the cigars were rolled to spec. The inspector/manager will also need to confirm that any left over component leaves are within the acceptable range: too many leftovers mean the recipe has not been followed. Many factories will also put cigars in a suction machine/draw tester to ensure they are not plugged. Lastly, there will be people testing the finished product to make sure quality is on point. Due to the complexities and challenges of producing perfectly functioning products out of rustic leaves, cigars are regularly removed from production, thrown out, or separated to be sold as seconds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>CIGAR AÑEJAMIENTO</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cigars that pass quality control inspections will be too humid to be smoked by a consumer: if you do smoke one, it will taste very different than the intended final product. Finished cigars need time to settle down to 70% humidity and allow all of the tobaccos to marry: this process can last three to six months for most premium cigars. The process of cigar aging is called cigar añejamiento and it will last until the cigar is smoked. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>BOXING & BANDING</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, every premium cigar will get its own dress and boxing when they are ready to be shipped to retailers. Special cigar bands, cedar sleeves, box labels, cellophane, and assorted embellishments will be applied and used in packaging. But, not before another sequence of quality control standards and selecting processes take place. Cigars will be inspected, from foot to head one more time and then they will be sorted by color so the box you open is as consistent and beautiful as possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This is the art of cigar rolling, in brief. It is an extraordinary journey for a bunch of leaves that will return to dust when properly smoked! </b> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-46908248692978760832020-03-11T12:28:00.002-04:002020-03-12T22:05:17.118-04:00CIGARS 101.6: Air-Curing, Fermentation, & Añejamiento<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>AIR-CURING</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After harvesting/priming, the mature tobacco leaves are delivered to air-curing barns, usually located adjacent to the fields. The leaves are tied in pairs and hung on lathes in giant barns designed to circulate air and dry out the leaves. Air-curing times vary for different varietals [and priming levels] of tobacco, but this process will take approximately two months. Temperatures and humidity will be constantly monitored to ensure the tobacco transforms properly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Air-curing will fix the sugar levels, halt the maturation process, and release moisture and chlorophyll from the leaves. Air-curing is complete when the leaf and stem turn completely brown and the leaf exhibits leather-like elasticity when stretched. But keep in mind, these leaves are far from done; they are full of ammonia and cannot be smoked without causing an unpleasant reaction. </span><span style="font-size: large;">And now you know why cigar tobacco is called <i>dark air-cured</i>. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_curing.php" target="_blank">Click here to learn more about air-curing and other related curing methods...</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>FERMENTATION</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">After air-curing the leaves will be sorted by size, texture, priming level, and other criteria. Now the leaves are ready for their biggest and most important transformation - fermentation. Fermentation is a natural organic process that accounts for the </span><span style="font-size: large;">majority of change and distinction in cigar tobaccos. Its like a </span><span style="font-size: large;">natural slow cooking process where the moistened tobacco heats up under its own weight and off-gasses ammonia and other impurities. Fermentation can last weeks or months, depending on the varietal/priming/texture.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Every pile of similarly grouped tobacco leaves will be i</span><span style="font-size: large;">ntricately </span><span style="font-size: large;">assembled, allowed to increase in temperature and then disassembled and re-assembled: effectively rotating the hot spots. This will continue until all of the leaves are thoroughly fermented. Fermentation is as much an art form as it is a science! Every cigar manufacturer has a different technique, temperature sp</span><span style="font-size: large;">ecifications, piling technique and approach to the process. But two things are certain, fermentation expels what you don't want in the tobacco and exposes its true organoleptic potential. <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_curing3.php" target="_blank">Click here if you would like to learn more about fermentation...</a> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>MADURO FERMENTATION</u></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">While the term maduro can simply refer to a color designation for wrappers, it is also the process of fermenting tobacco more vigorously and for a longer period of time: this will yield a richer and sweeter leaf. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_curing4.php" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Click here to learn more...</a></span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">AÑEJAMIENTO</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After fermentation the leaves will become darker and they will again be sorted by texture, size, color, priming level and other criteria. Then they will be packed up and stored to age until they are ready to become part of a premium cigar. The name for this aging/storage process is añejamiento. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Añejamiento can last months, but typically it will last for years while the tobacco continues to age, mellow and express its flavors. When the tobacco is ready, 'it will let you know' and only then can it can be rolled into a premium cigar. <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_curing5.php" target="_blank">Click here to learn more...</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-5615553868338902362020-03-11T12:01:00.000-04:002020-03-12T13:33:45.874-04:00CIGARS 101.5: Agriculture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cigar tobaccos are classified as dark air-cured; unlike cigarette and pipe tobaccos which are light tobaccos. As you will learn, dark air-cured tobaccos are extremely difficult to cultivate, grow, harvest and process. Dark air-cured tobaccos are akin to raising award winning rare orchids while light tobacco farming is more like growing a cash crop of lettuce.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">While tobacco is grown as far north as Canada and as far south as New Zealand, the greatest cigar tobacco growing region on earth is located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° North and South of the Equator, respectively). Cigar tobaccos are grown in very rare micro-climates: specifically, in fertile valleys usually surrounded by mountains where they benefit from <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_geography2.php" target="_blank">nutrient erosion, condensation irrigation, and sunlight manipulation</a>. </span><br />
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<b style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_regions.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Learn more about cigar tobacco growing regions and countries.</span></a></b><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">DARK AIR-CURED TOBACCO TYPES</span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There are a handful of cigar tobacco (dark air-cured) family types which have been curated, hybridized and evolved over generations to grow in certain regions and </span><span style="font-size: large;">produce very specialized results. While all contemporary cigar tobacco varietals originated from a handful of seed families, consumers will be most familiar with these types:</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Broadleaf, Central Aftrican (or Cameroon), Connecticut, Habano, Sumatra, Piloto Cubano, and Olor Dominicano. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_seeds.php" target="_blank"><b>Deep Learning: Corojo & Criollo Varietals</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_seeds2.php" target="_blank">Deeper Learning: Cigar Varietal Families</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>AGRICULTURE</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The journey of every seed that will contribute to a cigar is long and storied, yet relatively similar. The most impressive plants are selected for seed harvesting, then seeds are planted and germinate in semilleros (green houses). Next, the baby plants are meticulously cared for and groomed until they are robust enough to be transplanted to a field where they will mature. The full life cycle of a cigar tobacco plant is between three to four months and there is typically only one crop per year. <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_growing.php" target="_blank">See the videos and learn more... </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After transplanting, the plants will be visited daily during their growth and maturation period to be pruned, tested, fertilized, watered and/or inspected. Plants which are destined to produce wrapper leaves will receive the most attention and care as they must be unblemished.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Shadegrown plants [which will be used for wrapper leaves] will require even more scrutiny and labor than plants which will yield filler and binder leaves. Shadegrown fields must be covered and bordered with cheesecloth to create the delicate color and flavor profiles expected of shadegrown wrappers. Some varietals of shadegrown tobacco (ie. Connecticut) will grow so tall that they need to be tied to the cheesecloth superstructure in order to grow straight. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">You will notice in our videos and pictures that every cigar tobacco field is perfectly and meticulously </span><span style="font-size: large;">organized, no matter if it is filler, binder or wrapper plants, shadegrown or sungrown, cigar tobacco plants are curated from seed to maturity becau</span><span style="font-size: large;">se the leaves must be perfect as they are the final product and ingredient that will go into your premium cigar. <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_growing2.php" target="_blank">See the videos and learn more... </a></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2EI_AeX6HgSGrR2MIsmek25mBgueUWGTNNnbSfdxMS4555MkY91fpG3kuIVQ7Q0KvHbz47dMZnPvGsd0SJ6QncKv73pkId8GCBl2n7PUYwJA4FsfG2rZe_Fvdu8snspyKU4KQHPGP6w/s1600/20141023_165403b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2EI_AeX6HgSGrR2MIsmek25mBgueUWGTNNnbSfdxMS4555MkY91fpG3kuIVQ7Q0KvHbz47dMZnPvGsd0SJ6QncKv73pkId8GCBl2n7PUYwJA4FsfG2rZe_Fvdu8snspyKU4KQHPGP6w/s400/20141023_165403b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At maturity the leaves of the plants will begin to lay horizontally, indicating that they are ready to be harvested. At this point, the hard work is just beginning! Cigar tobacco leaves start maturing at the bottom of the plant and they must be picked two to three at a time over the course of four to six weeks: this process is called priming. Priming is a herculean task which requires dozens of laborers walking through the fields hand picking leaves and delivering them immediately to air-curing barns. </span><br />
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<b style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_growing3.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to learn more about priming and other harvesting techniques...</span></a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNv4Db5XBcFrGyi_bVQRJoXAV5GvFos5gsYWFWZBtxVJxKLaQukDVcI6mpBtjvS1L_9Xm1VFTY8ij3M1AOiapUnh14_n_i1KAcXsKXjNdUqU_dSr_v9iyp5h3xvnaJ1PWIVUYkVY8PXhM/s1600/padron+nica+120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNv4Db5XBcFrGyi_bVQRJoXAV5GvFos5gsYWFWZBtxVJxKLaQukDVcI6mpBtjvS1L_9Xm1VFTY8ij3M1AOiapUnh14_n_i1KAcXsKXjNdUqU_dSr_v9iyp5h3xvnaJ1PWIVUYkVY8PXhM/s640/padron+nica+120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After harvesting/priming, the mature tobacco leaves are immediately delivered to air-curing barns, usually located adjacent to the fields...</span>Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-45166365944473821072020-03-08T19:18:00.000-04:002020-03-07T22:13:47.953-05:00CIGARS 101.4: Cigar Anatomy<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDL0FzAeGOiovuPaDwva8dK5bHxxxxdn6ZIFSpY_G_6BOI8vDpGjK-oPP8dUJdzWBCnbGBu1cWbFMOAOSOSF_XohpaG4qpx0wxhknagHGUQKzwKY-m_gc7LYRA-Gx_Bn8yGmxSOwHoFAk/s1600/head+body+foot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDL0FzAeGOiovuPaDwva8dK5bHxxxxdn6ZIFSpY_G_6BOI8vDpGjK-oPP8dUJdzWBCnbGBu1cWbFMOAOSOSF_XohpaG4qpx0wxhknagHGUQKzwKY-m_gc7LYRA-Gx_Bn8yGmxSOwHoFAk/s640/head+body+foot.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A cigar is much more than a bunch of leaves! While construction techniques and component parts vary greatly, the general parts of a premium cigar remain the same: head, shoulder, body or shaft, foot, wrapper, binder, and filler. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The process of creating a cigar is a mix of art and science and it can only be accomplished by great craftsmen and women. Click below if you would like to see the videos showing the extraordinary process of how premium cigars are made.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_rolling.php" target="_blank">TOBACCO COLLEGE: CIGAR ROLLING</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7jEIOjovFDRawnQ_M4KUuh7R-4Af9nNSBVkpi3QiDd2ngddnFXz8Vq1jJ28137YFZdn9JurAieouVsq1v5urA6hQi7LP3Bl5Eup5sb3KsHi_ynhfB_jyXZVb-aLLJM-qC3vPgfQ_GP0/s1600/cigar+anatomy+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1369" data-original-width="1135" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7jEIOjovFDRawnQ_M4KUuh7R-4Af9nNSBVkpi3QiDd2ngddnFXz8Vq1jJ28137YFZdn9JurAieouVsq1v5urA6hQi7LP3Bl5Eup5sb3KsHi_ynhfB_jyXZVb-aLLJM-qC3vPgfQ_GP0/s640/cigar+anatomy+wm.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wrapper</b> leaves are the most delicate, expensive and [ideally] perfect leaf that is applied to the outside of a cigar. In addition, wrapper leaves contribute significantly to the flavor of the cigar since they will touch the mouth and tongue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Binder</b> leaves are the dense and strong leaves applied to the outside of the filler tobaccos; forming the bunch. The binder protects and helps form the filler tobaccos in the <a href="https://www.tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_rolling3.php" target="_blank">molds and presses</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Filler</b> tobacco leaves constitute the 'guts' of the cigar. Filler leaves must be expertly bunched to make a well constructed cigar that will draw and burn in balance. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQTvnZjoRpDRR1bdR-gX_JLQOBqPygRXJb8q92pakhwEKlG85wZ87gP5sJDhGr7W3YBzSwn-lEqJd-Re5yG3BqYeYfmfjafgI5be2S9kkFEO8-dyQnMoidQXBnD1tyuLBJFh-vdxEsDU/s1600/Heads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="1600" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQTvnZjoRpDRR1bdR-gX_JLQOBqPygRXJb8q92pakhwEKlG85wZ87gP5sJDhGr7W3YBzSwn-lEqJd-Re5yG3BqYeYfmfjafgI5be2S9kkFEO8-dyQnMoidQXBnD1tyuLBJFh-vdxEsDU/s640/Heads.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0aoyrASKqkyRx17se_TC9xg9jzp1hQ-Aih9aqFFQoduzbH_2cx-afGHMTDnr-TiVWSobRyIH19IbZDFgrdjkVq41s2qwZJGdv2v-yjSMcA5tZLX1iO0ONMX6i0nKO0jynLH3cQmMlM4/s1600/head+shoulder+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1256" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0aoyrASKqkyRx17se_TC9xg9jzp1hQ-Aih9aqFFQoduzbH_2cx-afGHMTDnr-TiVWSobRyIH19IbZDFgrdjkVq41s2qwZJGdv2v-yjSMcA5tZLX1iO0ONMX6i0nKO0jynLH3cQmMlM4/s320/head+shoulder+wm.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzl5Dm7Alb-4io715NITUr_e5Zc5sTNNKNtc2txuv_xDWqkiro28WzgAmmD0v8Yb2T0ffxvS1gGqiE23yv0enUIujEjfh73lRdd2ZZSLT_rMX6TesG-iE3_j8XKBOfFmWEzMj30SHNNc/s1600/foot+types.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="1600" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzl5Dm7Alb-4io715NITUr_e5Zc5sTNNKNtc2txuv_xDWqkiro28WzgAmmD0v8Yb2T0ffxvS1gGqiE23yv0enUIujEjfh73lRdd2ZZSLT_rMX6TesG-iE3_j8XKBOfFmWEzMj30SHNNc/s640/foot+types.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-80737065097295960332020-03-07T21:01:00.000-05:002020-03-05T21:29:57.434-05:00CIGARS 101.3: Ring Gauge<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaK2YW6OhMbT-b6tI-ln5eFF3CC6JOwyPUDBolAFlvc6_BMYKJs-SxlHtdrP6plHIMni8xWvJld1YAeJ2rZlOI3pqBrk7qoOtqHp4Fh1Srv5MUTQwLB5mRbuHX6buMSPXuniG81VZB2oA/s1600/ring+gauge+foot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="338" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaK2YW6OhMbT-b6tI-ln5eFF3CC6JOwyPUDBolAFlvc6_BMYKJs-SxlHtdrP6plHIMni8xWvJld1YAeJ2rZlOI3pqBrk7qoOtqHp4Fh1Srv5MUTQwLB5mRbuHX6buMSPXuniG81VZB2oA/s320/ring+gauge+foot.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ring Gauge (rg) is the diameter of a cigar, as measured in 64ths of an inch (in the United States). A cigar that is 64rg is exactly one inch in diameter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In general, thinner rg cigars will express more of the cigar wrapper's flavor (<a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/faq_wrapper_geometry.php" target="_blank">see Wrapper Geometry</a>) while thicker rg cigars will contain more filler tobacco and have the potential to deliver a broader range of flavor. Thicker rg cigars will also tend to smoke cooler and produce a larger volume of smoke per toke (<a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_shapes3.php" target="_blank">see Cigar Shapes & Sizes</a>). </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5XFEqjJ7G8DBP4Y28qmVkCOeTxhCgP_e0BcjjOxwIX3GU4RZMw3FeAWxDXtrqvJdDuEVHlpmKyH2jMcGO-_eIC0NUfhwA_EYjsmvRDy5qv3My9ryfIlCnwmDt-7JA8jvU7ZwpNJtz8k/s1600/figurado+rg+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="1209" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5XFEqjJ7G8DBP4Y28qmVkCOeTxhCgP_e0BcjjOxwIX3GU4RZMw3FeAWxDXtrqvJdDuEVHlpmKyH2jMcGO-_eIC0NUfhwA_EYjsmvRDy5qv3My9ryfIlCnwmDt-7JA8jvU7ZwpNJtz8k/s640/figurado+rg+2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While the ring gauge (rg) of a parejo is consistent from foot to head, the rg of a figurado usually refers to the thickest part of the cigar. The specific tapering of a figurado is unique to its vitola, but if two rg, such as 16/40rg are given for a figurado, then the smaller number refers to the thinnest part of the cigar. </span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">The shape of a figurado will create a unique and specific flavor journey. </span><br />
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<a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_shapes3.php" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1167" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GSfDOijj1Kn-J-TyAyZBYRQOuIY8r39eQaKXpF60FMUxkVWJwt2yZZcP3b2Qm-vcQuq9_ws1t_xRFaUm7UcrJeh7RA621_Y-OEMs6qlfUmkyQ_HgOEzoccA6jZ56BMfVV_v_qa2oiQU/s640/rg+picture+book.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click below to learn more about:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_shapes.php" target="_blank">Cigar Shapes & Sizes</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_shapes3.php" target="_blank"> American Ring Gauge Standards</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/faq_figurado_geometry.php" target="_blank">Figurado Geometry</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/faq_wrapper_geometry.php" target="_blank">Wrapper Geometry</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-76241379515352501952020-03-06T20:01:00.000-05:002020-03-05T21:29:36.752-05:00CIGARS 101.2: Vitolas<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-65B-_TX28dj7dsGElE-ziYK26V_OpO31UDZwJ72mHMji8uPblNiyTssQmyb280Ap8BDTT-WWU8hIp6CY4DCKychV-pcQn6IBRTc6hURra18ytWCA8S0lW7tGiUt7IQShcH4DGy_D6U/s1600/vitola+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1026" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-65B-_TX28dj7dsGElE-ziYK26V_OpO31UDZwJ72mHMji8uPblNiyTssQmyb280Ap8BDTT-WWU8hIp6CY4DCKychV-pcQn6IBRTc6hURra18ytWCA8S0lW7tGiUt7IQShcH4DGy_D6U/s400/vitola+2.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Vitola is a general name for the specific size and shape of a cigar. A vitola can also be referred to as the cigar 'format'. While there are standard and generally accepted vitola names, like Robusto which measures 5"x50rg, manufacturers often create their own unique vitola names for their brands.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the United States, the length of the cigar is measured in inches while the diameter, or ring gauge (rg) of the cigar, is measured in 64ths of an inch ("). Cuba and some European and Asian countries use the metric system.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click below to learn more:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_shapes.php" target="_blank">CIGAR SHAPES & SIZES</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/pdf/AmericanMarketVitolas.pdf" style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;" target="_blank">AMERICAN MARKET VITOLAS</a> 🔴 </span><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/pdf/CubanMarketVitolas.pdf" style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">CUBAN VITOLAS DE GALERA</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFSaEJDNxsTf4yhVHpwgA-XW3SvBDFB0nHRCaTj99U47C3fm-gzRtTAefokIlJhK3vwzkOBu8wagQkoTzZoJY556tq2xD5cfP3iYBq5WPb-s4KbT7Q_DXg3qbQVOvxpjNBTkFWeebzd4/s1600/vitola+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1600" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFSaEJDNxsTf4yhVHpwgA-XW3SvBDFB0nHRCaTj99U47C3fm-gzRtTAefokIlJhK3vwzkOBu8wagQkoTzZoJY556tq2xD5cfP3iYBq5WPb-s4KbT7Q_DXg3qbQVOvxpjNBTkFWeebzd4/s640/vitola+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-6129049885714476602020-03-05T10:34:00.000-05:002020-03-05T10:34:53.455-05:00CIGARS 101.1: Parejo & Figurado<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cigars have evolved from rustically shaped clumps of tobacco into beautifully crafted instruments of tactile and sensory delight. The two main categories of cigars are <b>parejos</b> and <b>figurados</b>. Premium cigar parejos are the traditional, straight sided, perfect cylinder with an open foot and a rounded and capped head. Figurados, or 'shaped' cigars taper and bulge in a specific way to create a unique presentation and smoking effect. While all premium cigars take immense skill to roll, figurados are the most difficult shapes to create. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vitola is the general name for the specific size and shape of a cigar.... <a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_shapes.php" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></span>Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-32378952604651306542020-02-29T22:58:00.000-05:002020-02-29T21:15:03.644-05:00Final Exam Insurance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>UPDATE: We are extending Final Exam Insurance until July 4, 2020. We are very pleased with the success and feedback on this program and glad to see it is not being abused or overused by our apprentices. Above all, we are focused on maintaining the integrity and credibility of our certification programs but we are also very conscious of the financial burden faced by our students. Final Exam Insurance is helping us maintain our standards while alleviating some of the financial stress created by having to pay for final exams and certifications. We hope this program helps give you a little peace of mind and relieves a bit of stress from the test taking process. Best of luck!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhminWS9Uevhp3WfQavuD770E3lL7EoewdcSEUSQ90D4MVyHcRI9g0m59V7_Jjots71xVW6I_zsmEHtHva0Ke_1GcSc1qLvw4-C3oAs_fW_gYv-iqtSRp6Fr2cdX8xr64TyNhFhSLl5ykw/s1600/Insurance+Final+Exam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhminWS9Uevhp3WfQavuD770E3lL7EoewdcSEUSQ90D4MVyHcRI9g0m59V7_Jjots71xVW6I_zsmEHtHva0Ke_1GcSc1qLvw4-C3oAs_fW_gYv-iqtSRp6Fr2cdX8xr64TyNhFhSLl5ykw/s640/Insurance+Final+Exam.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year 2020, and welcome to one of our most exciting offers ever! Starting now, and until February 29th, 2020 we are offering Final Exam Insurance to any apprentice taking the final exam - more specifically, anyone who purchases their exam by 2/29/20. This means if you don't score the requisite 90%, we will allow you (CRT, CCT, CST) to take the test one more time for free! Please take advantage of this very special opportunity before it disappears...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">While we prefer not to divulge our exam failure rate, we can tell you that it is a double digit percentage. Those who don't pass the first time usually attempt the final exam again and others simply fade away. We hope this opportunity relieves some of the emotional and financial stress that our students face. Not everyone is a good test taker, so this should help many of you get over the hump. Good luck!</span>Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-78187768706807670832020-02-29T13:28:00.000-05:002020-03-12T22:36:07.344-04:00CIGARS 101.0: Fundamentals First<span style="font-size: large;">Here are a few important things to know about cigars before you begin to learn about cigars...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>LEGAL & TAXATION ISSUES</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cigars are heavily taxed and age restricted products. In addition, indoor/outdoor smoking laws vary at the municipality and state level. In the U.S., there are a couple of states with no taxes and other states where the retail price of cigars is double the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) because of taxation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the U.S., there are states where you can smoke inside retail tobacconists, bars and restaurants and states where you can't. There are even many municipalities where it is illegal to smoke outdoors. The rules and regulations governing cigars vary everywhere and impact everyone, for better or worse.... mostly for the worse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>SANITARY STANDARDS</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cigars must be cared for with strict sanitary standards. Because consumers place cigars in their mouths, they must be treated like any other food product. Cigars and their boxes should never be placed on the floor, or touched with dirty hands. In addition, cigars should not be placed in the nose or mouth by customers or tobacconists. If your retail tobacconist does not appear to keep things clean and sanitary, pick another retail tobacconist. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversityblog.blogspot.com/2016/08/keeping-your-cigar-shop-clean.html" target="_blank"><b>Click here for cigar shop cleaning tips...</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>CARE & MAINTENANCE</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cigars must be kept at 70% relative humidity and at 70ᐤF. The humidity will preserve the essential oils which contain and convey the flavor (taste+aroma) of the tobaccos, while the cool temperature will keep microscopic larvae (Tobacco Beetles) from hatching and destroying the cigars. Proper temperature and humidity must be maintained at all times. If you find yourself in a store that is hot and/or the cigars feel dry, find another retail tobacconist. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>DON'T INHALE</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cigars are not meant to be inhaled, they are meant to be savored...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638279007469980439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846394825762585306.post-34141878596284706052019-11-23T22:33:00.000-05:002019-11-23T22:33:25.891-05:00Tasting Seminar Master Class<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qoALok25LSN7nnUcwWiokQDkEQJrrg6PGZfGyJEHspHTvFWWmqk3XpLiMxhF-OS6YadaswQ27kNkM_hBszjQxGFnPfYuDoVkJzbIQqFnaxxdvZbHAoDyGvELfBjNp04B8TRS6NL4brg/s1600/tasting+seminar+workshop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="1600" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qoALok25LSN7nnUcwWiokQDkEQJrrg6PGZfGyJEHspHTvFWWmqk3XpLiMxhF-OS6YadaswQ27kNkM_hBszjQxGFnPfYuDoVkJzbIQqFnaxxdvZbHAoDyGvELfBjNp04B8TRS6NL4brg/s640/tasting+seminar+workshop2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">In the Fall of 2019 we released our <em>R&D Cigars</em> Tasting Seminar Master Class. These seminar packs include an educational spec sheet, 2 large vitola (robustos) and 2 Puro Component 5 packs: which are individual small cigars made of premium leaf from the individual ingredients in the large cigar. These are the only cigars in the world you need to pass an exam and be certified to sell! These Tasting Seminar Master Class packs are designed as a D.I.Y. tasting seminar that consumers can do independently, or as an in-store event with their local Certified Retail Tobacconist. It is an unprecedented opportunity to expand your mind and palate!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Sadly, <i>R&D Cigars</i> will be impossible to make in the future because of the draconian FDA regulations burdening our industry. In 2014 we created this special <em>R&D</em> Brazilian Corojo Serie 1 and followed up with the </span><em style="font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: justify;">R&D</em><span style="font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: justify;">PA/CT Serie 2 in 2015. While we had plans and research done for an Organic Nicaraguan (2016) and a Mexican Broadleaf (2017), our plans for these</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: justify;"> </span><em style="font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: justify;">R&D Cigars</em><span style="font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: justify;">were halted by onerous regulatory hurdles. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Today, this Brazilian Corojo Serie 1 + Puro Component pack is all that remains of our historic project, and they are smoking perfectly since being rolled in 2014. We encourage you to ask your local Certified Retail Tobacconist about these special cigars. This is the last time you will be able to smoke like a cigar maker and learn how individual components come together to make a finished cigar. This educational experience will enhance your enjoyment of premium cigars forever!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://tobacconistuniversity.org/rd.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Visit the <i>R&D Lab</i> on the TU website to learn about the cigar makers, factories, farms, growing regions, and leaf varietals used in these extraordinary blends.</span></a></span></div>
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