In Europe, the Cigarillos, or Short, Dry-Cured Cigar, Sells. In America, it Has Never Caught On. In Europe, the cigarillo — also called the short, dry-cured cigar — has become a daily ritual. For those without the time to sit for an hour-long Churchill, a cigarillo offers a quick, flavourful seven-minute smoke. In Germany, Denmark,…
Category: Cigar Guide
Discover the Ultimate Guide to Cigars for New Smokers | Simply Cigars
Why Bother Ageing Cigars? A UK Smoker’s Guide
Most Cuban smokers live for the moment. They focus on the latest crop, the current blends, the cigars coming out of Havana today. And that makes sense—whether you’re growing tobacco, blending cigars, or selling them, the focus is on what’s ready to smoke now. But here in the UK, there’s a long and proud tradition…
A Guide to Habanos Sizes & Shapes
One of the glories of Habanos is sheer variety. With 27 brands producing more than 250 cigars, the choice can feel overwhelming. A good place to start is with the vitolas — the traditional Cuban terms for size and shape. Habanos range in length from under 4 inches (100mm) to over 9 inches (230mm). Diameter is measured…
Why was my box of Cuban cigars opened when I received them?
If you’ve ever ordered a box of Cuban cigars in the UK, you may have been surprised to receive it already opened. Don’t worry—this isn’t a sign of tampering. In fact, it’s a mark of authenticity and quality assurance. Here’s why your box was opened, and why it’s actually a good thing. The EMS Guarantee…
The most common questions we get asked about Cuban cigars
Here are a list of some of the most common questions we get asked by people about Cuban cigars, we hope you find them useful. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly. What is a Habano? The official Denominacion de Origen Protegida (D.O.P) or Protected Denomination…
Cigars and Cigar Accessories for the Christmas Party Season
The festive season is the perfect excuse to indulge in a fine cigar. Whether you’re attending a glamorous black-tie event, hosting a family gathering, or enjoying a fireside dram with friends, the right cigar — and the right accessories — can make the moment truly memorable. Here are a few things to consider when choosing…
The Most Common Humidor Problems (and How to Fix Them)
Every cigar smoker invests in a humidor with the same goal: to keep cigars fresh, flavoursome, and ready to enjoy. Yet many smokers find themselves disappointed, often because of poor humidor design or simple mistakes in use. Here are the most common cigar humidor problems we see in the UK — and the straightforward solutions to fix…
How to Identify Cuban Cigars by Their Box Codes
For cigar lovers, there’s more to a Cuban box than the cigars inside. Flip a cedar box over and you’ll find a series of codes, stamps, and seals that tell a fascinating story: where the cigars were rolled, when they were packed, and whether they’re truly Totalmente a Mano (totally handmade). For collectors, dating and decoding Cuban…
The Story of the Aluminium Cigar Tube
Aluminium cigar tubes are as much a part of the Havana cigar world as cedar boxes and glass-fronted humidors. Today, tubed cigars are a familiar sight in every UK humidor, prized for their protection and presentation. But few smokers know the story behind the humble tube — or the eccentric character who brought it into…
Common Cigar Smoking Faux Pas (and How to Avoid Them)
Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of Havanas or a seasoned aficionado, there are a few habits that can quickly mark you out as inexperienced. Cigar smoking is meant to be a pleasure — unhurried, refined, and social. Avoiding these common faux pas not only improves your own experience but also earns you respect…