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Savannah Cigar Lifestyle

December 13, 2021Monte2

Soft and sultry nights, sleepy Spanish Moss and Florida reminiscent palm trees,

cobblestone moments hunting established shrimp & grits chased with local

oysters and a mint julep cocktail…quintessential southern vibes y’all !

Before we get into the intended focus of this post, let’s fix the back drop with a little bit of history:

Referred to as “The Hostess City of the South,” Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia and has a long and colorful history that attracts millions of visitors each year. From cobblestone streets and public parks to some of the most unique Antebellum architecture of the South, Savannah is an old beauty that has aged with grace.

Established in 1733 when General James Oglethorpe and 120 fellow passengers on the ship Anne landed on a bluff along the Savannah River, Oglethorpe named the 13th and final American colony Georgia after England’s King George II. Savannah became the first city of this new land.

Driving from Atlanta to Savannah in hopes of finding cigar nirvana (my ultimate cigar lifestyle-south) , after almost three hours of driving the city limits of Savannah welcomed us with promise and threats of a good time, active day-and-night life…palatable coastal south energy.

I had planned to visit a couple of cigar smoke shops while in Savannah, talking and smoking with some of the locals in their favorite spots. My first stop would be the “Ye Ole Tobacco Shop” on 130 E Bay Street in Rousakis Riverfront plaza, on Factors walk right in the heart of the historic district. Upon walking in you see the walk-in humidor straight ahead and to the right, the counter and other offerings to the left…but no visible seating. After speaking with the clerk I was informed of a horrifying fact. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SIT AND SMOKE YOUR CIGAR IN ANY OF THE CIGAR SHOPS IN SAVANNAH.

This was a shocking revelation I hadn’t even considered, no in-store smoking culture, no leather chair banter, no opposing political views, no relationship building caused by the leaf…WHAT THE HELL ! Anyway, they had a nice selection with friendly and knowledgable service, accessories and some related clothing, and a great representation of a cigar store Indian. I would absolutely recommend stoping by when in the old city.

The next stop would be Exotic cigars 507 East River Street

River street is the real tourist stomping ground in Savannah, this store is about twice the size of the previous mentioned with a lager selection of cigars and accessories, it’s well worth the visit.

So how are we to enjoy a quality smoke in this historic haunt ? My preferred solution, grab your favorite libation from one of the many drinking establishments on River street, find one of the countless benches by the water on River street (it’s legal to drink outdoors) , light-up and enjoy the activity on and off the water…pretty amazing in the fall.

We also took the 20 minute drive from Savannah to Tybee Island, a really enjoyable beach town with spring break charm; but just don’t expect to find your choice of cigar establishments, in fact, I could only find one (1) place to purchase a cigar from. Dizzy Dean’s discount beer and wine on 1516 Butler avenue

Surprisingly, they did have quality cigars in their single humidor cabinet, so if you end up in Tybee without your own cigars, at least you do have an option. Just remember, in the state of Georgia on Sunday’s alcohol isn’t sold before 12:30pm , so plan accordingly if you end up in that predicament.

Hope this was helpful and encourages you to visit the Savannah/Tybee area. Enjoy and stay smokey brothers and sisters of the leaf.

So what’s the deal with the Cigar Store Indians ?

February 21, 2020February 21, 2020Monte2

What do we know, and what’s the big deal ?

Born in the 60’s means limited knowledge for a long period of time (pre-cable tv) about lot’s of things in your world…you only had a few channels to learn what you missed in school; but it was common place to see these Native American figures on a number of TV shows, and if you had a parent that enjoyed cigars or pipes, you might have even seen one in person, and if we’re truthful it was probably pretty damn scary. I mean think about it, your exposure to Native Americans at that point was mostly fictional and only showed up in westerns…now your face-to-face (or face-to-knee, we were just little bastards) with this rather large, bare chested stiff figure with a really serious face…what the hell !

I know it tightened my shorts up…lol; but before we get to far ahead of ourselves let’s get factual and interject some history shall we, according to Wikipedia:

Because of the general illiteracy of the populace, early store owners used descriptive emblems or figures to advertise their shops’ wares; for example, barber poles advertise barber shops, show globes advertised apothecaries and the three gold balls represent pawn shops. American Indians and tobacco had always been associated because American Indians introduced tobacco to Europeans,^[1] and the depiction of native people on smoke-shop signs was almost inevitable. As early as the 17th century, European tobacconists used figures of American Indians to advertise their shops.

Because European carvers had never seen a Native American, these early cigar-store “Indians” looked more like black slaves with feathered headdresses and other fanciful, exotic features. These carvings were called “Black Boys” or “Virginians” in the trade. Eventually, the European cigar-store figure began to take on a more “authentic” yet highly stylized native visage, and by the time the smoke-shop figure arrived in the Americas in the late 18th century,^[2] it had become thoroughly “Indian.”

What about today ?

Well more recently we tend to see them on sitcoms (Seinfeld cigar store Indian, Cheers cigar store Indian…etc.) but in our daily lives they are becoming more scarce…for some people they’re also seen as offensive and racist figures, and even taboo for many shop owners, it’s not my place to tell anyone how they should feel about this because we all have our own way of looking at things; but this figure is truly part of tobacco history and cigar lifestyle. I would also be remiss if I didn’t talk about one of the most famous Native American carvers of cigar store Indians, Frank Gallagher…according to Wynbrier.com

One of the most famous Native American carvers of Cigar Store Indians was Samuel Gallagher. Samuel originally carved furniture for a store owner named Gallagher. Following the custom of Indian laborers of that era, Samuel took his employers name as his own. He began carving Cigar Store Indians in the 1840’s after most of his tribe, the Man-Dan were wiped out by small pox. [Samuel has away at the time and was spared the dreaded disease] His great, great grandson Frank Gallagher is known to be one of approximately 12 true full blooded Man-Dan Indians still living. Frank, following in his ancestor’s footsteps, is a highly skilled artisan in his own right. His art?…the creation of Cigar Store Indians. One of the original Gallagher Wooden Indians is on display in the Smithsonian Institute.
The Gallaghers, continue the art of carving as Samuel would want…the right way…by hand! Frank’s father Ralph has passed however his carvings today sell in the thousands of dollars, and Samuel’s are virtually priceless.

I like cigar store Indians, I like the fact that it’s part of the tobacco history here and abroad…I like it that you can find plaster cigar store Indians, you can find cigar store Indian auctions, how to carve a cigar store Indian, you can even find cigar store Indians on Amazon. I also believe this to be an educational opportunity for those who are much younger…it’s our responsibility to make sure they’re informed and understand the connections.

So to Jerry and Kramer, (Seinfield) Sam and Woody (Cheers), thanks for keeping them in our contentiousness.

Update:

These wonderful pieces of Cigar history (Cigar store Indians) are still causing a considerable buzz…here’s a link to support this claim: CLICK ON ME

ThinkCigar…it’s a lifestyle !

El Lector, Cigar factory reader

July 7, 2019July 8, 2019Monte2

The reader

As far back as the 1800s, and said to be in as many as 500 factory buildings, cigar factory workers were entertained and educated by “El Lector”, “The Reader”. The lector, a man (or later, woman) who was charged with reading to factory workers as they sat at their workstations for long hours. Without any heavy machinery to stifle noise, a lector could broadcast his or her voice to hundreds of rollers, keeping their minds engaged as their hands performed mindless, repetitive work. Newspapers were read, and so were novels. Some would work harder and longer if it meant staying to see how a plot would unfold.

Once again I’m completely fascinated by more interesting cigar culture history, from Cuba, to Key West, and up to Tampa Florida, the Lector became part of the fabric and integral to the sanity of the rollers. Respected in their community and often times recognized for the quality and strength of voice, Lectors were often viewed as an intellectual.

In most cases Lectors were not hired by, or compensated by the factories themselves…encouraged by the factories the workers would give 25-50 cents of their weekly salary to the Lector. Also, because there was no official relationship between the factory and the Lector…they could be thrown out and refused future work. If a factory owner held specific political views the Lector had to take care and not offend with opposing views; sometimes it took real skill to inform and educate while not crossing the resident factory line.

The practice of reading aloud while others listen intently as they engage in manual labor has a long and distinguished tradition through out the Caribbean in the practice of cigar manufacture. Because the job of rolling cigar after cigar could become monotonous, the workers wanted something to occupy and stimulate the mind. Thus arose the tradition of lectors, who sat perched on an elevated platform in the cigar factory, reading to the workers. It started in Cuba and was brought to the United States more particularly to Key West in 1865 when thousands of Cuban cigar workers emigrated to Florida to escape Spanish oppression.

The Partagas factory allowed a lector on the condition the factory had approval over what could be read. Novels were rarely a problem, and works like Les Miserables became popular choices. But when papers like La Aurora became more politicized, railing against pastimes like cockfights and billiards and pushing for labor unions, harder lines were drawn. In 1866, Francisco Lersundi, the captain general of Cuba, ordered the police commander to enforce a ban of lectors, with police patrolling the factories to quiet any activity.

It wasn’t until the conclusion of the Ten Years’ War in 1878 that reading resumed, and not until the end of the Spanish-American War in 1898 that the practice was no longer in danger of being stifled. By this time, lectors had evolved from being volunteer workers to full-time professionals, typically from educational or communications backgrounds. Reading materials were voted on by workers. If some were dismayed to hear the works of Rudyard Kipling or Ibsen, they might balk at paying their share of the lector’s salary.

The advent of radio

Unlike humans, stations were inexhaustible, and could offer a variety of dramas, sports coverage, and up-to-the-second updates on world affairs.

While many factories in Cuba and the U.S. had radio equipment installed, a large number did not. Those that did held lectores in such regard that the two diversions began to co-exist, with the lector starting the day with news and historical trivia before a broadcast would begin. Later in the day, they’d resume a novel before once again turning the floor over to the airwaves.

Part of their stability had to do with their expanded roles in factories. A lector was not just a source of white noise, but a liaison between workers and the authors, artists, and politicians who wished to address them from the pulpit. When factory baseball teams needed an announcer for games, their lector was an obvious choice.

The profession remains a fixture of many Cuban cigar factories, where industrial evolution hasn’t yet seen the total obsolescence of hand-rolled craftsmanship. The voice of the lector and lectora has survived both political unrest and the advent of technology to inspire their listeners. It is no coincidence that rollers favored the work of Alexandre Dumas—one of Cuba’s most famous exports is the Montecristo. (information provided by mentalfloss.com)

Let’s wrap this up

My brothers and sisters of the leaf, thanks again for spending this time with me as I attempt to shine brightness on our wonderful pass time. I hope you found this read interesting and enjoyed learning more about this thing we love.

Until next time, find that special corner and have that favorite smoke.

ThinkCigar…it’s a lifestyle.

Cigar Tobacco Types

June 16, 2019Monte2

Cigar Tobacco Leafs

Often when lighting up that special smoke you couldn’t wait to get your hands on, we sometimes pause, look inquisitively at the cigar and ask the question…how did you get here ? Listen, we know where we purchased it, the alleged countries involved, the brands and bands; but there’s more to consider, the genesis of it all, where did the goddamn leafs come from in the first place. I mean it’s not like Coca Cola, or a Big Mac, for many casual smokers there are unanswered questions that haven’t even been born as questions yet. Well kids, it’s time uncle Monte, gave you the talk (somebody has to) , it’s just the right thing to do.

So right off-the-rip…let’s get your internet parents over at Wikipedia involved:

A cigar with a semi-airtight storage tube and a double guillotine-style cutter

A cigar is a rolled bundle of dried and fermented tobacco leaves made to be smoked. They are produced in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Since the 20th century, almost all cigars are made up of three distinct components: the filler, the binder leaf which holds the filler together, and a wrapper leaf, which is often the best leaf used. Often the cigar will have a band printed with the cigar manufacturer’s logo. Modern cigars often come with 2 bands, especially Cuban Cigar bands, showing Limited Edition (Edición Limitada) bands displaying the year of production.

Cigar tobacco is grown in significant quantities primarily in Central America and the islands of the Caribbean, including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Panama, and Puerto Rico; it is also produced in the Eastern United States, the Mediterranean countries of Italy and Spain (in the Canary Islands), and in Indonesia and the Philippines of Southeast Asia.

The origins of cigar smoking are still unknown. A Mayan ceramic pot from Guatemala dating back to the tenth century features people smoking tobacco leaves tied together with a string.

Ok, now with that out of the way let’s break this thing down:

Connecticut Broadleaf Tobacco

Most cigar aficionados love the earthy flavor and rich sweetness of this tobacco. You’ll find this type of cigar tobacco in your Maduro cigars and it is grown in sunny Connecticut. This type of tobacco is also mainly used for machine-manufactured cigars. You can normally tell if you’re smoking a Connecticut broadleaf cigar by the copious veins on its wrapper. The growth of this tobacco is a result of the many Andes natives who immigrated to the United States.

Isabela Burley Tobacco

This tobacco leaf is world-class. You’ll find these growing in the Philippines in the Cagayan Valley. Isabela Burley tobacco has a distinctive taste and aroma. It’s also one of the highest in demand tobaccos globally It’s also rather mild, making it ideal if you’re not used to smoking cigars and are yet to acquire a taste for it.

San Andres Tobacco

These are perfect if you’re a cigar aficionado who loves Costa Rica or Mexican-grown tobaccos. San Andres tobacco is derived from rich Mexican soil and seeds in the San Andres Valley. It’s usually used to manufacture Madura cigars. It’s also used as a cigar wrapper. You’ll revel in its smooth chocolaty, and pepper-like nuances.

Sumatra Tobacco

Another derivative of black tobacco, this tobacco has several variations grown in different parts of the world. Some of these variations include Dominican, Cameroon, Ecuadorian, Nicaraguan and dark Sumatran tobaccos. You’ll find the Nicaraguan type in La Flor de Oliva or La Reloba Sumatra. Enjoy the spicy and darker Ecuadorian variety in the form of the upper medium to full-bodied Ligero Cabinet Oscuro. This cigar is not too strong, but can evoke quite a kick. It’s always advisable to eat first.

Olor Tobacco

Also known as Olor Dominicano, this type stems from the Dominican Republic (DR). Its leaves are quite thin and it burns well. The aroma here is absolutely potent. This explains the name, which is Spanish for ‘aroma’. Go to any of the most prominent tobacco shops and you’ll be sure to see these stacked on the shelves. Other flavorful DR tobaccos of note are Piloto Cubano, which is cultivated from Cuban seed, derived from the Cuban Vuelta Abajo region.

Of course there are many other types of tobacco used to make cigars ; but this gives the casual aficionado some ammunition to deal with the know it all, and so called experts (you know who you are) , a little knowledge can provide for a very puffed-out chest…lol. The soil and the planting, the harvesting drying and curing, the blending of leafs by masters, and the magic hands with skills passed down from family members and mentors all, participate in the dance that delivers. Behold, this is how the goddamn thing got here.

As I write this it’s Fathers day, I imagine there will be many a cigar in play today…lighting up is a pleasure that’s not so guilty (if you ask me), find that spot for a smoke as special as today, you’ve earned it. To all who live the cigar lifestyle dream; this one’s for you…smoke em if you got em.

#thinkcigar

Why do we smoke cigars ?

March 28, 2019Monte2

Indeed, why do we do it;

So many ways to address this question…to give an answer that might satisfy, may prove to be difficult; because the person asking the question most likely has never indulged in occasional cigar smoking, and therefore my have difficulty coming to terms with the answers given.

I imagine it might be helpful to lend some historical value to the subject at hand before we start waxing all nostalgic about our grandfathers and great uncles sucking on some retro sticks at family gatherings.

Our good friend Wikipedia states:

A cigar is a rolled bundle of dried and fermented tobacco leaves made to be smoked. They are produced in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Since the 20th century, almost all cigars are made up of three distinct components: the filler, the binder leaf which holds the filler together, and a wrapper leaf, which is often the best leaf used. Often the cigar will have a band printed with the cigar manufacturer’s logo. Modern cigars often come with 2 bands, especially Cuban Cigar bands, showing Limited Edition (Edicion Limitada) bands displaying the year of production.

The origins of cigar smoking are still unknown. A Guatemalan ceramic pot dating back to the tenth century features Mayan smoking tobacco leaves tied together with a string.

We could also talk about how Columbus brought back tobacco products to Europe; but we’ll let you handle that bit of research…the real point, it’s been going on for a long-ass-time.

Lets get personnel

It’s time to point the barrel of this question right at my head…let’s get singular, why do I smoke cigars, me, this kid, this guy…”because I freakin love em” lol. Ok seriously, I have my reasons and justifications: (1) a decent cigar takes me from 45 minutes to an hour to finish which in-turn guarantees me an hour for myself (2) it’s ritualistic in it’s preparation…the way you cut your cigar, the way you light your cigar pretty much remain consistent (3) your smoking environment is for the most part of your choosing. These are things that very much appeal to me, and most of the enthusiasts that I know.

In the beginning it’s about developing your palette and figuring out your tolerances, learning the differences of mild, medium, and bold, the differences of smoking before or after a meal…do you like scotch, rum or wine with your smoke; or just pounding some beer with it. Depending on what I’m smoking , and when i’m smoking will influence what I’m choosing to drink (if at all).

Having a cigar for me is like being on a short vacation, some of my most clear and lucid thinking has been achieved, while I’ve been on holiday; in and out of the country, and for the short respites’ I enjoy while enjoying my favorite cigars. Because of the cigar I enjoy the friendship of people that I would have never met, relationships that have enriched my life. Different politics, religion, races, gender, economic backgrounds are all transcended for that hour…while I’ve given you a lot to digest for my reasons; it barely scratches the surface.

If you’ve noticed, I haven’t mentioned anything about taste and flavor…this thing is so much more than that. It’s a lifestyle.

Cigar Tips For Aficionados

February 15, 2019February 15, 2019Monte2

How to cigar smoke properly

Cigar Tips For Cigar Aficionados

Sometimes we don’t know what we don’t know…even though we pretend that we know ! The art of cigar smoking is no exception.

What to drink with your cigar

how to clip your cigar

how to light your cigar

These are all questions that we are sometimes afraid or embarrassed to ask…enjoying your favorite cigar should be just that; enjoyment not uncertainty.

The Almighty Cuban Cigar

December 9, 2018February 10, 2019Monte2

The forbidden and sometimes elusive, often misunderstood prized export from the small island nation south of Miami, the Cuban cigar. The Cuban cigar is by far the most talked about stick, by regular and casual smokers alike, the holy grail of all cigars.

Because of the tired U.S. embargo against Cuba, you can’t just stroll over to your local tobacconist and grab a box; but not to worry…there are amazing choices of non-cuban cigars from lots of places (Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico, etc) some just as flavorful and well made as their Cuban counter parts.

My suggestion; don’t be afraid to try different cigars from different countries, that way…if one day you’re lucky enough to procure one of those Cuban beauties, you’ll have something to judge them against, and know if it’s right for your smoking pallet. Happy hunting !

Hello Aficionado’s

December 6, 2018February 10, 2019Monte2

Welcome to ThinkCigar, my blog about cigar lifestyle. Together we will explore, expand, and connect as we celebrate our love of these wonderful leafs that bring us together. We’ll explore:

Accessories
Cigar humidors
Top rated cigars
Cigars for beginners
Cuban Cigars
And much more

Cigar smoking is a social, relaxing and sometimes spiritual pursuit, it influences your friendships and the places you frequent, topics discussed when in the company of other aficionados.

Strap-in and hold on, clip one of the sticks in your humidor, slide your favorite libation to a comfortable location, toast the foot of that stick and enjoy an easy draw…how relaxing is that ? Welcome to ThinkCigar.