Many premium cigars today are sold wrapped in cellophane – a clear, protective sleeve designed to prevent damage and slow the drying process. Cellophane was first created in 1912 and is made from cellulose, a natural plant-based substance. In cigar factories, tubes of cellophane are machine-made, and each cigar is carefully slipped into its sleeve by hand. The…
Category: Guide to Cigars
Mastering the Art of Pairing Cigars and Coffee: A Connoisseur’s Guide
For aficionados of both the leaf and the bean, there exists a sublime synergy in pairing cigars with coffee. When done thoughtfully, the marriage of rich, complex flavours elevates each element, creating a sensory symphony greater than the sum of its parts. But achieving the perfect pairing requires more than chance—it calls for an understanding of flavour,…
Best Cuban Cigars Under £25 in 2025
Cuban cigars are celebrated worldwide for their craftsmanship, complexity, and unmistakable flavour. However, they also come with a price tag to match, and with costs rising steadily, finding a genuine Cuban cigar under £25 in 2025 can feel like searching for a hidden treasure. The good news? There are still a few excellent options available…
Can you Pair Cigars with Champagne?
The idea of enjoying a fine cigar with a glass of Champagne may not be the most obvious pairing, but for those who have tried it, the experience can be nothing short of sublime. While some aficionados prefer the boldness of whisky or rum alongside their smoke, Champagne offers an elegant and refreshing alternative—perfect for…
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…
Cuban Cigar Prices Explained: Why Your Favourite Cigars Just Got More Expensive
If you’ve recently browsed Havana cigars online or in-store, you’ll have noticed a sharp increase in prices. Many UK smokers are asking the same question: why have Cohibas, Trinidads and other favourites suddenly jumped so high? The answer lies in a new global pricing strategy announced by Habanos S.A., the Cuban state-owned cigar company, and it’s reshaping the…
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…