Cigar Smoker

Review: Joya de Nicaragua Silver Ultra Tastes Way More Expensive Than $5

This is a new column where I’ll be reviewing less expensive smokes. I love a high-end cigar as much as the next person, and I’ll smoke an Opus, Casdagli or Atabey on special occasions, but I smoke one or sometimes even more cigars every day. I need good, lower priced daily rotation sticks so I…

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Why Cigar Lounges Are Useful During the COVID-19 Pandemic

First, I want to be very clear: I am not a doctor, epidemiologist, or expert whose advice or views should be followed. Ever. I can only speak for myself, and what is right for my family. Second, it is imperative that you follow all local and state mandates regarding social distancing and masks. Period. End…

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Safari Cigars and Lounge Blends Luxury and Customer Service

Safari Cigars and Lounge, located in a strip mall on the Northwest side of Omaha, is one of the nicest cigar lounges I have ever visited. Owned by Jeff and Mari Doll, this family run business is a destination spot for any cigar enthusiast or aficionado. Safari boasts two spacious smoking areas, a bar full…

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Cigar Review: Stolen Throne Oath Taker Tastes Beautiful But Is Tainted by Burn Issues

The Oath Taker from Stolen Throne was a very limited release that was exclusive to Cigar Federation. Lee Marsh once again teamed with Master Blender Noel Rojas to create a cigar experience that acts more like a piece of music that builds to an almost perfect crescendo, than it does just a complex cigar. The…

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Cigar Review: Stolen Throne’s Call to Arms Corona Is a Complex Anytime Smoke

The Stolen Throne Call to Arms is the second regular production release for Stolen Throne Cigars, and the follow-up to their highly successful Crook of the Crown release. The sophomore offering from Stolen Throne Cigars is comprised of a gorgeous Sumatra wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler). It is a full-bodied, medium to medium-full cigar…

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Top 10 Boutique Cigar Companies You Must Try

What is a boutique cigar? That question has been asked by aficionados and enthusiasts for years causing much debate within the community. Definitions of what makes a cigar brand boutique include: Brands who do not own their own factory, brands who only produce lines in small batches, and even cigars manufactured in a small factory….

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Cigar Review: Cuba’s Trinidad Vigia Is a Pleasure to Smoke But Lacks Wow Factor

The Trinidad Vigia is a regular production cigar from Habanos S.A. The Vigia is one of the more recent editions to the Trinidad family (originally released in 2014) and arguably one of the most popular as well. Though the Trinidad Vigia is newer in the Trinidad portfolio, the brand has a long history, established post-revolution…

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Cigar Review: AJ Fernandez Enclave Salomon Looks Great But Fails on Flavor

The salomon vitola is one of my favorite in the entire cigar industry. Producers such as Cuaba and La Flor Dominicana are well-known for their salomones. The Oliva Melanio Figurado has been one of my favorite in this category, though of course it’s not quite the same shape as the AJ Fernandez Enclave, which features…

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Lighter Review: Xikar Tactical 1 Is a Powerful, Precise Cigar Torch

A review of one of Xikar’s newest lighters, the Tactical 1, which has a powerful but precise single jet that might be a little too beefy for some. But others who prefer that military-style, tactical look will love the look and feel of this high-quality lighter. One of the most unique features of this lighter…

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Cigar Review: Epic Maduro Robusto Is a Full-Bodied, But Nuanced Smoke

Anytime I see a wrapper this dark on a cigar, I immediately think twice. Will it be a pepper bomb? Will it be too spicy? The Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper on the Epic Maduro is dark and toothy, but don’t be scared away! While the Maduro may be on the full end of the spectrum, it…

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