Short Cigars

If you want the experience of a real cigar in a short amount of time, the shortie is for you. We discussed them in an earlier article, though we referred to them a little differently. A shortie comes in many types: the short torpedo, the petite corona, and the short perfecto are all examples of a shortie. They are made in the exact same manner as a big, premium cigar, and offer the same experience. They are short in length (usually no longer than four, maybe five inches) and have thick ring gauges.

These shorties have grown immensely in popularity in the past decade, as the locations where one can smoke have shrunk. Delegated to the outside of restaurants, smoking sections, or some dark back alley, it is now essential for every serious smoker to have a means to “excuse” themselves for a short smoke. Shorties offer you that opportunity, without the need to waste a full sized cigar.

Shorties have one other, slight advantage over a full cigar: price. Not enormously cheaper, they do offer a slight savings. It is always a good idea to have a shortie (or two) on hand for when the mood strikes you at the wrong time and place.

 Flavored Cigars

There are a great variety of both machine made and handmade flavored cigars. There are even some techniques you can use to add flavor to a non-flavored cigar (pop your favorite cigar in a Tupperware container with a peeled orange, or a small container of your favorite alcohol and let it sit for a while; you will be surprised how the cigar absorbs the taste). The degree of quality and taste depends upon the cigar. There are many premium versions of these cigars, and there flavors come in a wide range: you can find them in cherry, vanilla, grape, chocolate - and many, many more.

Aside from fruit and sweet flavors, they also come in alcoholic flavors. Think brandy, cognac, and the like. A lot of veteran smokers look down their noses at these smokes, but they can be a good way to get a new experience out of your every day smoke. They are also a good way to introduce a friend. However, if you do bring in a new smoker with this method, be sure to encourage them to eventually try a non-flavored cigar, so that they can appreciate what a true cigar should taste like.

 I tend to avoid flavored cigars on the whole. To me, most of them are equivalent to slapping nice perfume on an ugly woman. If the cigar can’t hold its own without some added “essence”, then it isn’t worth smoking.