Archive for the ‘best cigars of 2017’ Category

Romeo y Julieta 1875 Nicaragua – An Awesome New Cigar!

Tuesday, July 17th, 2018

Hot off the rolling table, the core Romeo y Julieta 1875 brand by Altadis U.S.A. now has a Nicaraguan cousin and it’s made by the famous Plasencia Cigars in Nicaragua. This is not the first time that Altadis U.S.A. has turned to the Plasencia’s for a modern take on one of its classic brands. The Espada by Montecristo, the Montecristo Estoque, and the Romeo 505 Nicaragua are all made by Plasencia cigars.

Fittingly, Romeo y Julieta 1875 Nicaragua is a puro blend that boasts pristine construction and a seamless, evenly colored medium brown wrapper. As stated earlier, these beauties are not the first time an all-Nicaraguan cigar has worn the legendary Romeo y Julieta name, but this one has its own unique medley of flavors, sure to make it a top-choice among brand loyalists, and anyone else that loves a bold, well rounded cigar. Premium handmade Romeo y Julieta 1875 Nicaragua cigars distinguish themselves for the rest of the line with striking white and orange trimmed bands and is available in four vitolas that the original 1875 fans should be familiar with— The Bully (5 x 50), Toro (6 x 50), Magnum (6 x 60), and Churchill, all available in 25-count boxes.

As one would expect from these two industry giants, Romeo y Julieta 1875 Nicaragua cigars are slow burning, and always consistent in quality and taste from one smoke to the next.

Romeo y Julieta 1875 Nicaragua cigars bring together the classic look and feel of the original 1875, with the Nicaraguan character and style that Plasencia is famous for. It’s a full-bodied smoke within inherent smoothness, making it an ideal selection for cigar aficionados looking to move up a notch in strength.

One lit, the cigar aficionado will experience a delectable luxury smoke bursting at the seams with mouthwatering flavors of hazelnut, earth, sweet cocoa, plenty of spice, and the rich tobacco sweetness that the finest fully aged Nicaraguan tobaccos provide.

With Romeo y Julieta 1875 Nicaragua, the dynamic duo of Altadis U.S.A and Plasencia have created yet another top-shelf cigar that combines great taste, along with the amazing blending and rolling skills from two of the biggest names in the premium cigar industry. Best off, they are very reasonably priced! Order yours today, right here at JR Cigar.

5 Things You Won’t Find Real Cigar Smokers Doing

Thursday, July 12th, 2018

Whether you’re new to smoking cigars or consider yourself a cigar aficionado, there are a few things that you won’t find real cigar smokers doing – and most are for good reason.

Here are the top five to be aware of so that you can enjoy your cigar without making rookie mistakes.

Inhaling the Smoke

A cigar is all about three main components: aroma, taste, and resonance. Remember, your taste buds are in your mouth which is why you should enjoy the taste of a premium cigar, not inhale the smoke. In cigar smoking, it’s all about the flavor and the enjoyment of the ritual.

Dipping the Cigar in Alcohol

A tradition that was once popular is to dip the cigar in an alcoholic beverage. This was often done to add moisture and in some cases, flavor. In the past, people might dip it in cognac or rum. However, this was started long before humidors, so today it is not only unnecessary to add moisture this way, it can also ruin the flavor of the cigar.

Thinking Flavors Will Change

Cigars are what is considered a non-vintage industry. This means that you won’t experience a different flavor just because it’s a different year. In fact, cigar manufacturers want their blends to have the taste that connoisseurs have grown to expect so while there are natural variations, the change will be so minimal that you won’t even likely notice it.

Cigars are not like wine and you should expect the same flavor notes each time, which makes it easier to choose your favorite.

Puffing Too Often

According to Cigar Aficionado:
Over-puffing can lead to overheating, and overheating will lead to bitterness. Leave at least 30 seconds in between puffs. Slow and cool is the rule.

Plus, constantly puffing on a cigar is not how it’s intended to be enjoyed; you want to savor each note of flavor and enjoy the experience. In fact, puffing every few seconds causes the cigar to burn faster and that can lead to a bitter taste that is not reminiscent of the true flavor you expect.

Not Knowing How to Use a Humidor

A humidor is a cigar smoker’s friend and there are a few things you should never do as a cigar enthusiast.

Store Half-Smoked Cigars

You won’t find an experienced cigar smoker putting a half-used cigar back into a humidor. Not only does it ruin the taste of your other cigars but it can also damage the humidor itself.

Don’t Use the Fridge

A fridge may keep things fresh but it’s not going to add the humidity you need and your cigars may absorb food odors, making your cigars taste different from its core flavor.

Don’t Use a Cigar Box Other Than Its Original Use

On that note, don’t use a cigar box as your humidor either. One a cigar is out of a humidor, it is going to lose humidity, even the sealed boxes. So while a cigar box is used as a vehicle for transporting your favorite cigar, it is not a long-term solution.

These are just a few tips on how to look more experienced and enjoy your cigars more, while making them last longer.

The Latest Craze for Fat Cigars: Are They Really Better?

Thursday, July 12th, 2018

Considering the current consumer mania for all things super-sized, it was probably inevitable; but fat cigars have now become the latest trend for smoking aficionados — and the fatter, the better. Forget about the elegant, thin-tipped panatelas beloved of 1930s Hollywood leading men; today’s smokers are conjuring up images of Winston Churchill, puffing with bulldog complacency on the fattest, thickest Havanas imaginable.

The Trend Toward Fat Cigars

According to Cigar Aficionado, extra-fat cigars first appeared on the market in 1995 when they were launched by iconic cigar maker J.C. Newman, who brought out a series of 54-ring-gauge cigars under the label “Diamond Crown.” In recent years, popular cigars coming in at a 56- to 60-ring-gauge include Perdomo Cuban Parejo, Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real No. 2, Montecristo No. 2 Torpedo, Padron 1964 Torpedo, Partagas Black Label, and the giant, 66-ring-gauge Casa Blanca Jeroboam.

Are Fat Cigars Better?

If you ask consumers why they like fat cigars, you’ll get a variety of answers. According to a poll taken on Cigaraficionado.com, readers wrote that they liked the overall feel of a fat cigar. Likewise, many said that they wouldn’t smoke them exclusively, but preferred them as an after-dinner treat.

However, an argument can be made that the fatter the cigar, the more potential there is for layering a variety of tobacco flavors. According to Stanford Newman, head of J.C. Newman, a fatter cigar can provide more flavor than its thinner counterpart. In a thinner cigar, the wrapper and binder make up most of the flavor — and this can overpower the taste of the tobacco. In thicker cigars, the taste of the filler tobacco is more prominent, and there’s more room for cigar makers to come up with creative combinations. Plus, a thicker cigar leaves room for more tobacco leaves, and cigar makers can take advantage of this by blending in as many as five or six different leaves to create a variety of complex flavors.

On the flip side, extra-fat cigars do have some disadvantages. For example, they don’t fit in standard cigar cases, and they’re too thick for a standard cigar cutter. If you have a small mouth, they’re a bit trickier to smoke; and they’re harder to fit inside the average humidor–or even the average ashtray.

Are Fat Cigars Right For You?

If you’re looking to buy cigars online but you’re not sure if a fat cigar is really your taste or not, the best thing to do is to try them out and see for yourself. We recommend ordering a couple different single cigars in different sizes to try out. Cigar smoking, like wine drinking and other pleasurable indulgences, is a deeply personal pursuit that’s as individual as a fingerprint — no two tastes are alike.

For enthusiasts looking for cigar deals, there are plenty of affordable super-sized varieties available. You can buy cigars online in a variety of sizes and quantities, from the slimmest panatelas and smallest cigarillos to the thickest torpedo-shaped creations. The best way to experiment is to order an assortment of sizes, then try them out. Many people smoke a variety of cigars to suit different occasions. For example, slimmer cigars might feel more comfortable during parties; in the comfort of your home, there might be nothing better than a class of brandy paired with a delectable torpedo cigar. Fascinatingly, Winston Churchill stocked up to 4,000 cigars at his country estate, and each was kept in a box marked “small” or “large” to suit his preference for the moment.

As for which tastes better — once again, the choice is up to you. If you enjoy a rich, robust smoke with a complex blend of tobaccos, you might enjoy experimenting with a large ring gauge cigar. Likewise, if you enjoy a simpler, milder flavor or prefer a classic, all-occasion cigar, you’ll never go wrong with an elegant panatela or classic corona. When it comes to cigars, the best one for your lifestyle is whichever one you happen to prefer smoking at the moment.

The New Beat the Dealer

Tuesday, July 10th, 2018

Everyone’s favorite app for cigars is back and better than ever.  Beat the Dealer provides our customer to play to win some of the worlds best cigars.  Now, the game is accessible in an updated version from the comfort of your computer

The original Beat the App, which is still available on Android, showcases an awesome card game.  By using chips to play the game, you can easily win cigars, accessories or money off your next order.

The newest version features a new gaming system, this time a slot machine.  Match up the correct cigar bands, just like you would cherries or numbers in a casino and you can win cigars from some of the worlds top brands including Drew Estate, Alec Bradley, Kristoff, Caldwell Cigars and Room 101.  We also offer runner-up prizes like coupons to our website.

You get to chips every day just by logging in but have no fear, there are several ways to earn more turns to play.  You earn chips by reviewing cigars, opening the app, or buying that day’s special deal.

Have some fun today with the coolest way to pick up some amazing smokes, the brand new Beat the Dealer Desktop Version.

Macanudo Heritage Cigars – A top-quality JR Exclusive!

Tuesday, July 10th, 2018

For many decades our JR Exclusive line has been bringing our customers some of the best blends from the biggest names in premium handmade cigars, all made just for yours truly.  Legendary brands like Maria Mancini, Special Jamaicans, Black Abyss, Mayorga,  Casa Blanca, and more, fill our portfolio, and, with iconic cigar makers like AJ Fernandez, Ernesto Carrillo, Rocky Patel, Gurkha, Pete Johnson, Manuel Quesada, and Davidoff on board, our Exclusives line continues to grow and get even better.

The Macanudo Heritage Reserve, one of our latest JR only offerings, brings America’s best-selling line of premium handmade cigars to the world’s largest cigar company! Expertly handcrafted by General Cigar for over 40 years, the famous Macanudo brand needs no formal introduction, as its one of the smoothest, creamiest, best constructed line of premium cigars ever made!  Macanudo Heritage Reserve cigars continue this proud tradition of excellence with a blend of rare vintage Dominican tobaccos covered by a seamless, silky, mocha colored EMS Connecticut wrapper. After rolling, these handmade gems go through rigorous quality control inspections, then, they are set to age an additional two years so that you are assured the top-quality construction, unwavering consistency, and the fabulous tastes and aromas that you have come to expect from this legendary brand.

Macanudo Heritage Reserve cigars are available in five popular size vitolas that come handsomely appointed to dress boxes of 18. From the moment you light up, you will experience a smooth, delightfully fragrant mellow to medium body smoke oozing with lush, well balanced flavors of cocoa, cedar, leather, wood, caramel, and soft hints of spice.

Saving the best part for last, since Macanudo Heritage Reserve cigars are made for us, you can enjoy a genuine luxury-class Macanudo cigar for our everyday low JR Exclusive cigar price! Order yours today!

Consuegra Cigars – The World’s Most Popular Factory Seconds

Thursday, June 28th, 2018

Now in their 25th year of production, Consuegra cigars remain the most popular line of factory seconds ever produced.  “Connies” as they are referred to by their throngs of loyal minions, are factory seconds from the makers of Excalibur, Punch, El Rey del Mundo, Hoyo de Monterrey and our JR Ultimate— Five of the biggest names in premium handmade Honduran cigars!

The Consuegra brand is the Holy Grail for those well-seasoned smokers who appreciate a full, rich-tasting, Cuban-style cigar sold at a deep discount. While these unique handmade cigars are segundos and production overruns, they still pack a delicious medium-full body profile and a superior quality that is rare among cigar seconds.

Like their original Honduran counterparts, Consuegra cigars are made with a blend of fully aged Honduran, Dominican, and Nicaraguan tobaccos, paired with your choice of an EMS Honduran, or a dark, oily, USA Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. At first glance, the wrapper may appear to be rather dry and veiny or have mild blemishes and sun-spots. They may also be slightly off size from one smoke to the next, but even the most discerning of cigar aficionados will find that these flaws only slightly, if at all, affect the cigars burning qualities or taste.

Consuegra cigars are sold in affordable 25-count bundles and come in a staggering array of shapes and sizes to appeal to every style of smoker. Some of our more experienced smokers have been able to figure out which “Connie” is a second to a particular brand, and they continue to order it faithfully. Others just enjoy them in various sizes and wrapper colors as their go-to everyday smokes.

Depending on the size and style that you choose, you can expect a host of flavors that include spice, nuts, chocolate, leather, earth, white pepper, and more.

Even if you are a high-end cigar connoisseur, Consuegra cigars are definitely worth picking up just to have around for those occasions when you know you will be busy doing other things but still want to smoke a great tasting Honduran cigar.

Slaughterhouse Bundles Cigars – A Great Everyday Value!

Thursday, June 7th, 2018

Realizing that smoking premium cigars can become an expensive hobby, here at JR, we like to review the everyday affordable cigars as much as higher end offerings to appeal to every segment of the consumer market. That said, today we look at a line of value-priced smokes that may just hold the distinction of having the worst name in all cigar-land…. the abattoir inspired Slaughterhouse Bundles.

Slaughterhouse is offered by the Ventura Company, a boutique cigar brand originating from Southern California that is home to such top-selling brands as Archetype, PSyko Seven, Cuban Rounds, and more.

Slaughterhouse cigars are currently available in three sizes that feature a dark, oily, and rare Dominican Habano wrapper, dual Mexican and Sumatra binders, and undisclosed “multi-country” blend of mixed filler tobaccos. In keeping with its somewhat grizzly theme, Slaughterhouse cigars are packaged in butcher paper-wrapped bundles of 10, with a blood red and black brand logo prominently displayed on each pack.

Now that we’ve critiqued the odd name and packaging, it’s on to the good stuff, simply put Slaughterhouse is a heckuva’ tasty cigar!  Expect a solid medium body smoke with a rich earthy sweetness, accented with nuances of coffee, cedar, and spice, delivered with a such a slow and even burn, you’ll swear you are smoking a long-filler cigar! Hats off to the skilled artisans at Ventura who did a fantastic job of tightly rolling theses cigars to assure that you are not spitting out pieces of tobacco after every puff!

Don’t expect Slaughterhouse Bundles to garner many top-ratings or be named one of CA’s coveted cigars of the year, but at this price point they absolutely slay the competition!

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