Dipping cigars in cognac or rum is a tradition that some cigar enthusiasts, like your grandfather, have embraced. However, many tobacconists and cigar experts advise against this practice. This article delves into the reasons behind this divide, exploring the impacts of dipping cigars in alcohol on their flavor, burn, and overall smoking experience.
The Tradition:
Dipping cigars in cognac, rum, or other spirits is a tradition-based practice. Proponents believe it enhances the cigar’s flavor, adding a hint of the spirit’s character to the tobacco. This practice is often seen as a way to personalize the smoking experience and is rooted in a sense of ritual and personal preference.
Tobacconist’s Warning:
- Flavor Alteration: Tobacconists often warn that dipping a cigar can significantly alter its intended flavor profile. Cigars are carefully crafted with specific tobacco blends to achieve a particular taste. Dipping them in alcohol can overshadow these subtle flavors, masking the craftsmanship of blending.
- Damage to the Cigar: Immersing a cigar in liquid can damage its structure. The moisture can make the wrapper leaf expand and potentially unravel. Additionally, excessive moisture in the filler can lead to an uneven burn and a less enjoyable smoking experience.
- Quality of Smoke: A cigar that has been dipped may not burn evenly, leading to harsh and uneven smoke. This can detract from a well-made cigar’s smoothness and balance.
- Traditionalist Viewpoint: From a purist’s perspective, the essence of cigar smoking lies in appreciating the cigar in its original form. Altering it with external flavors is often seen as detracting from the experience rather than enhancing it.
Why Some People Still Dip Their Cigars:
Despite these warnings, some smokers, like your grandfather, continue the practice. This could be due to:
- Personal Preference: Some smokers genuinely prefer the added flavor profile that dipping imparts to the cigar.
- Tradition and Ritual: For many, cigar smoking is as much about the rituals and traditions as it is about the smoke itself. Dipping cigars in cognac or rum can be a cherished part of this ritual.
- Nostalgia: The practice may be tied to memories or associations, making it a sentimental choice rather than one based on flavor or quality alone.
Conclusion:
The debate over dipping cigars in cognac or rum is ultimately a matter of personal preference. While tobacconists and cigar purists warn against it due to the potential adverse effects on flavor and construction, some smokers continue to enjoy this tradition. Each cigar enthusiast needs to weigh these factors and decide what aspects of cigar smoking are most important. Whether it’s following the expert advice for a pure smoking experience or embracing a familial tradition, the choice is deeply personal and varies from one smoker to another.
159. Cigar Media Truths: Fred Rewey Talks Lists, Honesty & Influence | The Cigar Guys Podcast – The Cigar Guys Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheCigarGuysIn this episode of The Cigar Guys Podcast, we sit down with Fred Rewey from Cigar Press Magazine and host of the podcast Not A Cigar Show, for an honest and much-needed conversation about the state of cigar media today.This episode goes beyond the typical cigar show format as we critically examine top 25 cigar lists, media credibility, and the difficult balance between industry relationships and journalistic integrity.We discuss:• Whether top cigar lists still matter — and how they can mislead smokers• Can cigar media stay honest while maintaining industry relationships?• Are cigar journalists still journalists — or mostly hosts and entertainers now?• Should cigar media challenge brands and the industry more often?• The pressure, responsibility, and evolution of modern cigar coverageThis conversation is thoughtful, candid, and occasionally uncomfortable — exactly how meaningful cigar media discussions should be. If you care about transparency, credibility, and the future of cigar journalism, this episode delivers real insight.👉 LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more in-depth cigar conversations, industry discussions, and cigar show–level debates that actually matter.🎙 The Cigar Guys PodcastHosts: Alex Gonzalez, Mark Nikollaj, Zachary Nikollaj, and Jared Burrows📲 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @thecigarguys🔥 Special thanks to Fred Rewey, Cigar Press Magazine, and Not A Cigar Show.——————————Sponsored by Sans Pareil Cigars: https://sanspareilcigar.com/Tip Jar: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G8A8MU7Y3V9W8Text or Call us: https://app.minnect.com/expert/TheCigarGuysCigar providers, accessories, and more content:https://thecigarguys.com/socialsOur Cigar Brand: https://1102cigars.comCigar Guys Merch: https://cigarguys.shopOur Cigar Book: https://amazon.com/Cigar-Guys-Ultimate-Guide-Smoking/dp/B0C7DXRCCRCollaboration/Sponsorship Inquiries: info@thecigarguys.comMain Website: https://thecigarguys.comFollow us on social media:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecigarguysTwitter: https://twitter.com/thecigarguys Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecigarguysFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/realcigarguysFeaturing guest appearances of people that are involved in the cigar industry.#Cigars #CigarPodcast #CigarGuys #CigarShow #CigarReviews
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