CigarFriendly.us is a site dedicated to listing all of the places in the U.S. where we can enjoy a cigar. Depending on where you live, and especially if you travel, then you know how difficult it can be to find a place to relax and indulge. On this site you will find categories of the establishments listed as a Bar, Brick and Mortar (a cigar shop), Cigar Lounge, Casino, Hotel or Restaurant.

Keep in mind this a user-driven site which means if you don’t see your favorite place listed then it is up to you to list it and let everyone else know about it, too. When I first went to the site I added 5 places that were missing from the directory that I knew about, and encourage you to do the same. I know it won’t be the last time I enter in a place (I at least hope), and definitely won’t be the last time I make a visit to the site. It is a great resource.

If you are traveling and want to take a moment away and enjoy a cigar, perhaps even pair it with a beverage, then this is our new friend who will show us where we can go.

At the time of this writing there are 650 sites in the US listed that are friendly to the cigar smoker. But I know there are a lot more. And the owner of the site, Steve Boyajian is a great guy I have had the pleasure of speaking to on twitter and facebook. His site is a great contribution!

I want to bring up a topic that isn’t necessarily focused on cigars, but rather all the things we appreciate and why.  Whether it is a hobby, lifestyle, or moment reminding us of our fondest memories, there are things in life that have a special place in our mind. What they all have in common is a connection and a beginning.

Think about the things you enjoy and why you enjoy them. What meaning do they hold do you and where does that meaning come from. For some of us it may remind us of our childhood and the things that made an impact in our lives as we grew up. For others it may be the surprises that came up in moments where we escape the busy day and make time to focus on ourselves. There may even be a mix. But when something is important to us there is a connection. Let’s take food for example.

Food and comfort go hand in hand. There are items that perhaps our parent’s prepared for us that we remember fondly not for just what it was, but the circumstances and story behind it. It may create a starting point for us to grown on and make into our own. There are elements that we respond to and take pleasure in. We begin to make a palate for those elements and look to expand on them as we grow in life. Some things change and some stay the same, but there is never a wrong or right to it, just what meets our satisfaction. This is where appreciation comes in, and the value of our time.

Hobbies or ways we chose to relax let us connect with our strengths and rejuvenate. They make time stand still as we enjoy them, and those we enjoy them with.

For me, growing up it was those closest to me and my environment that made the impact. My father made me aware of the power of knowledge and finding answers from different sources. If ever I had a question, at any age and however simple or complex the question may be, even though he knew the answer he made me discover it on my own. He would guide me to books and people and the questions to ask (yes, more questions for my one simple question) until we looked at it in a more thorough light.  From the history of where things came from to the science of how they are made, my father always pushed me to discover more and to discover it on my own. I thank him for that. As a child it wasn’t the best at the time, and the funny thing was if I avoided asking him I would have to find out on my own just as he would have me. But he was always there to guide and support me.

My mother and aunt are those I spent the most time with and are where a lot of my passion comes from. This aunt was not an aunt by blood, but very much was my family. You see my mother’s family is something we know little to nothing of as she was orphaned as a child and grew up on her own. My “aunt” left her family to start new opportunities in America. When she and my mother met they were family, and so she is mine. I was told at a very young age that my mother would pass away and I had said my goodbyes. My aunt played a significant part in this as she raised me along side her. Fortunately my mother survived years past what the doctors had expected, making each day I had her in my life a blessing. I cherished every moment and detail. And that is where much of my passion and appreciation comes from. You see they loved to cook, to entertain and host parties, and to make their own business allowing them the time to enjoy life. Every day was given detail, however simple or grand the occasion may be. And they always included me in all that they did. My aunt believed strongly in always representing ourselves through our words, actions, and appearance. Every single day she raised me in this belief.

At home every meal was made from scratch in our home, and I would watch or participate where permitted. Even breakfast was done properly at the table with time to enjoy the meal. It may have meant waking up earlier, but it was important to take out time and enjoy this moment and prepare yourself for the day, focused and ready. During events I would assist in setting up and making sure guests were attended to properly. Conversations, detail to food, enjoyment of wine- it was all there and something that I have a strong connection to to this day. It made me happy, and especially happy to share it with others who held that same appreciation. We never know how long our lives will be or what each day may bring us, but we are in control of making the most of each moment.

Now, as far as smoking is concerned most of the women I knew growing up smoked cigarettes and many of the men cigars. I always enjoyed the smell of a good cigar, but never found an affinity for cigarettes no matter how much my aunt smoked them. There was nothing there for me.  Looking into cigars and the culture and process that goes into them was something I could relate to and find enjoyment in. It goes back to food and the palate, and what is enjoyable. There is an experience to be had.

And so when I enjoy a meal or smoke a cigar, yes there are details to consider of what is liked better over another, but at the end of the day the goal is the same: to enjoy life.

And so I want to ask you, what are your beginnings? What goes through your mind when you are relaxing and indulging in your hobby or luxury of choice? I think the little things are important as they help us paint a bigger picture.

I like to enjoy at least one element of what I appreciate each day. Maybe it is reading and discovering something new about my interests, having a cigar, a fine wine, or a great conversation with a friend. Whether on my own or with company, I make an effort to do something each day. This is one of the reasons I created this site, as a place to share experiences of our appreciation to life’s luxuries.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate and Joya De Nicaragua during his event at CigarCigar! In this interview, Jonathan introduces us to the new Dark Corojo Antono and new Cabinetta line from Joya De Nicaragua. One is a full bodied extra smoke while the other is a medium bodied smoke, and both are balanced with a great flavor.

When Jonathan informed me of the process in distinguishing “ligeron” for the Antano Dark Corojo, I found myself not only learning something new but also appreciating the time and quality in even more.

When I first tasted the Antano Dark Corojo I was a little uncertain of what to expect as I was told it was to be a very full bodied plus cigar. The wrapper is very dark with a nice slight oily factor, but dark doesn’t always mean strong. By appearances and feel alone I was curious to see what this cigar would produce. And this being my first cigar of the night, I wanted to make sure my experience would be an enjoyable one.

Right away there was a burst of flavor but very smooth and balanced- it didn’t bite or have any harshness, but rather a smooth and delicious quality. Throughout the duration of the smoke the body continued to build gradually and comfortably, keeping the smoke interesting and enjoyable. There is definitely a nicotine factor to consider that is present in this smoke, those who love that kick will want to pick up one for sure! Keep in mind this particular cigar is in the full body extra range.

Thank you to Jonathan Drew for giving us such a great insight!

While at one of Jeffery Stone’s Friday Finishers, I happened to discover a new blend Jeffrey has created with Camacho. The foot of the cigar has a band in celebration of his 30 year anniversary, and being curious as I am, I had to give it a taste!

Right away the first draw produces a nutty flavor and a medium body profile. There is a great amount of flavor in this cigar, and as the strength is a medium one it doesn’t overpower the flavor but rather compliments it nicely.

There is a lovely combination of nuts, espresso, and earth throughout the smoke that make it a delicious experience.

I think Jeffrey Stone and Camacho presented something great here, and at a very pleasing price I might add. This cigar was priced just under $7. Love it.

And so I ask you, what are some of your unexpected finds and favorite store or personal blends?

*Full Disclosure: Camacho is a sponsor of this site.

Be sure to pick up a copy of the latest Cigar Press Magazine from your local tobacconist. In this issue you will find my article on “Distinguishing Taste” which discusses how all of our senses play a vital role in a complete cigar experience. You will also discover photography featured by Tracy Tesmer of www.tracytesmer.com for the images in this article.

If you have never picked up a Cigar Press before then you are in for a real treat. Thor Nielsen of Cigar Press really knows how to speak to cigar smokers. He gives us the information we want to know, as well as the profiles of cigars so we can have our own experiences be based on flavor and strength, and not by ratings. Cigar Press is what the culture of cigars is all about.

I want to thank Drew Estate and Johnny Brooke of TheWeeklyCigar.com BeerReviewDude.com for sending me cigars from the new Cabinetta Serie line of Joya De Nicaragua.

The Joya De Nicaragua Antano line has been known for its full body style, however in the new Cabinetta Serie line of Joya De Nicaragua we can expect a more mild to medium bodied style. Right away you will notice something else that is different about this cigar, and that is the “dos capas.”

There are two wrappers on this cigar: an Ecuadorian Shade wrapper covering the entire length of the cigar, and a Nicaraguan Criollo covering the head of the cigar. Thus we have two caps. The purpose of this technique is to give the cigar a profile that is smooth and creamy, yet still have some spice notes without being too strong or overpowering. The focus of this cigar is to be an enjoyable mild cigar that still brings in a lot of flavor and aroma.

This is my first tasting of this cigar, and it only just arrived, too. I have a couple resting in my humidor for a more in depth tasting at a later date, but I couldn’t resist giving this new smoke a whirl!

The overall strength of this cigar is definitely on the mild side, but has some medium bodied characteristics that build up towards the end of the smoke. It is very pleasant and light with ample amounts of smoke and a nice creamy taste. The spice is kept in balance nicely. At no point would I consider the spice to be strong, only pleasant. This is something I appreciate in milder cigars- the subtle notes to be found. Balance is key and when there is a silky or creamy smoke involved I really enjoy a milder style. A nice flavor must be present.

This is a cigar to have earlier in the day or earlier in your line of smokes. With mild cigars you want a welcoming palate to taste all the subtleties they have to offer. The Cabinetta Serie line looks like it will be coming in at a great price range as well. The toro I am smoking in this video I believe will be priced at $6.05 which is very nice for this style of smoke.

As I stated in the video, after noticing the time I had to leave for an event. I continued to smoke the remainder of my cigar during this event, but seeing as this was over a Scotch Tasting… needless to say after four or five my palate was compromised. I will say that I found it to remain very smooth and stay pretty consistent in the finish from just after the second half of the cigar. I will definitely be having this one again and will let you know more of my thoughts at that time.

A Padron Anniversary paired with a lovely port makes for a great experience every time. It can be great for either relaxing at the end of the day or for celebrating a special occasion, especially if you have a special aged port to match. It also makes for a great after dinner treat.

Something to consider is aging a Padron Anniversary of your choice in your humidor for a few years along with a bottle of port in your home, and bringing the two together when the moment is right. Beautiful!

Today was a casual afternoon that was so gorgeous I had to take a moment and enjoy this pairing. I went to Vintropolis, a wine bar, and although you cannot smoke inside they offer a great patio area with a fountain and heaters for the cooler nights. With the sun out, the weather was just perfect for a late afternoon smoke.  Even though you cannot smoke inside, it is always nice to see a humidor with cigars near the bar.

Padron makes very beautiful cigars that are full of flavor and perfect for any palate. I think they have a characteristic that everyone can appreciate. The wrapper has a slight rough look to it, and though it may not be perfectly silky smooth you can be certain the smoke absolutely is. The 1964 Anniversary tends to be more of my go to whereas the 1926 Anniversary and 45 are more for special occasions.

With its rich flavor and medium to full body, this cigar tastes lovely accompanied by a tawny port. Ports are a wonderful dessert wine that tend to be heavier in texture and range in flavors and dryness or sweetness. I like sweet- but it has to be balanced. Too much can be overpowering, of anything. I think in this case the tawny notes from being aged in wooden barrels compliments the cigar and makes for an elegant pairing.

What are some of your favorite pairings?

The Family Blend from Alec Bradley is the latest addition to my go-to list of cigars. In the past I have often gone for the Tempus or Prensados from Alec Bradley, but the character of this very smooth and rich cigar with a medium body has taken over for me lately.

I’ve really been enjoying it with its woody and leathery notes, lingering sweet finish, and smooth creamy smoke. The price point is a great one, too.

I had the pleasure of attending an Alec Bradley event and finding out more behind the story of this cigar; be sure to discover it for yourself in the video interview posted below.

Thank you to Jason Poehler for introducing us to Alec Bradley and telling us the story behind the Family Blend.

PS: It turned out to be another fantastic event at Cigar Emporium! My record continues as my number was drawn again for a beautiful ash tray! You’ve got to go to their events if you are around; there is always great company, great cigars, and some prizes to be won.

A powerful cigar with a great balance, the Air Bender is the latest blend from La Flor Dominicana. The first time I heard the name of this cigar the show Avatar: The Last Air Bender came to mind. I believe this cigars gets its name from an appreciation of the martial arts (as does the cartoon’s inspiration). The only thing I had heard about this blend was that it was to be a very strong and powerful one. To be honest, I was not certain what to expect from that description alone.

Upon my first draw there was an instant hit of flavor and full body; the first few puffs gave me a strong feeling of pepper with a peppery sweetness through the nose. Now, after those first few puffs the spice and pepper mellowed into a woody style of flavor that kept through most of the cigar. The flavor through the nose was very pleasant with a distinct hint of  sweetness I found very delicious. At the last third, the body and strength began to build up for more intensity. I am very curious to taste this cigar again after a little time in the humidor, though I will most likely give it another taste again even sooner.

I’m very fond of La Flor Dominicana, and this cigar is a welcome addition. There are four sizes currently available, the one I smoked in this video is “The Maestro”, a 5.5 x 52 cigar. I would love to hear your thoughts and tasting experiences with this cigar.