Pairing Cigars with Beer: A Match Made in Craft Heaven

Beer is a drink that has charmed palates for centuries, and today its world is more diverse than ever. From silky stouts and bold India Pale Ales to crisp lagers, bitters, and quirky real ales with flavours reminiscent of banana bread, the spectrum is endless. In recent years, the craft beer revolution has swept across…

The Dalmore Whisky – A Highland Masterpiece for the Cigar Connoisseur

How to taste whisky by Richard Paterson, Master Distiller for The Dalmore. Few whiskies complement a fine cigar quite like The Dalmore. Born on the banks of the River Alness in the Northern Highlands, this iconic distillery has perfected the art of crafting rich, complex single malts with extraordinary depth — whiskies that stand proudly beside…

Stains on cigar wrappers: Green, yellow, black and white spots explained.

Every cigar smoker, sooner or later, comes across cigars with discoloured wrappers. These markings can range from green stains to yellow spots or even black dots. Unlike cigar bloom (a harmless plume of crystallised oils that can be wiped away), wrapper discolouration is permanent — usually the result of natural pigment faults in the tobacco leaf….

The Magic Behind Maduro Cigars

Cigars come in a spectrum of colours — from the pale green of a Double Claro to the deep midnight black of an Oscuro. Most smokers know this has something to do with fermentation, but when it comes to the darkest wrappers of all, the story gets far more intriguing. From Green to Brown: A Quick…

The Secret Language of Cigar Ash

At first glance, ash may seem like nothing more than the waste left after enjoyment. But look closer, and you’ll see that cigar ash performs an important role and reveals much about the cigar you’re smoking. From burn temperature to rolling technique, the ash is a kind of fingerprint — a silent guide for the…

Cohiba—15 Fascinating Facts About Cuba’s Most Famous Cigar Brand

Cohiba — 15 Fascinating Facts About Cuba’s Most Famous Cigar Brand When it comes to Cuban cigars, no name carries more prestige than Cohiba. Synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and exclusivity, Cohiba is the crown jewel of the Cuban cigar world. But beyond its unmistakable band and rich heritage lies a story filled with intrigue, politics, and…

Why choose cigars for a Christmas gift?

No, this is not a trick question! For anyone who enjoys the occasional smoke — or the seasoned aficionado who collects them — cigars make an unforgettable Christmas gift. Unlike socks or aftershave, cigars carry a sense of occasion, tradition, and indulgence. After all, there is no such thing as too many cigars. Provided the recipient has…

Vintage Cigars: Who are the buyers

The Fascinating World of Vintage Cigars: Collectors, Connoisseurs & the UK Market The world of vintage cigars is as alluring as it is enigmatic. Poorly defined and often misunderstood, it straddles the line between smoking pleasure and serious collecting. Over the past decade, the UK has emerged as one of the most active hubs for vintage cigar…

The Gentle Art of Pipe Smoking: A Beginner’s Guide

For centuries, pipe smoking has been more than a pastime — it has been a ritual. In ancient societies, a lit pipe marked the most solemn of occasions: weddings, funerals, and peace treaties, where the “peace pipe” became a symbol of unity. Fast-forward to more modern times, and the pipe became a companion to the…