Happiness is a good cigar
South Korea is undoubtedly one of the smoker-friendliest countries on earth. With one of the highest smoking rates in the world, the prevalence of attractive smoking advertisements, and cigarettes available nearly everywhere, it’s an easy city to light up in. According to the Ministry of Health, 25% of South Korean adults and 10% of teens are smokers- and an astounding 44% of adult men smoke. [Read more…]
Originally posted on June 10, 2021 @ 12:08 pm
Image: wealthwire
Since the year 1958, Cuba has been the subject of an arms embargo due to an armed conflict between the Batista regime and rebels. Cuba’s revolutionary government however caught the ire of the US government when it seized US properties. US retaliated by reducing Cuba’s brown sugar import quota. Cuba found its ally in the then Soviet Union when it agreed to buy the sugar rejected by the US.
The alignment of Cuba with the Soviet Union resulted to further restrictions as decided upon by then President John F. Kennedy through an Executive Order. Kennedy however was completely taken in by the Petit H. Upmann cigar which was a product of Cuba. Stories have it that Kennedy asked his press secretary to buy every available Petit H. Upmann cigar before making the extended trade embargo effective. His Press Secretary Pierre Salinger managed to round up about 1,201 pieces of Kennedy’s preferred cigars which guaranteed his enjoyment of it in spite of the restrictions.
This just goes to show how especially appealing Cuban cigars are, that a personal desire for it has to be accommodated first before allowing a law to take effect. This is probably in anticipation of the length of time that such an embargo will take effect. Cuban cigars continue to be illegal in the United States at this time.
Americans who violate this prohibition of buying or bringing Cuban cigars into the country can be penalized through fines and other means depending on specific circumstances surrounding the case. Those who wish to avoid the reach of this law can do so while traveling in other countries since there is no practical way of enforcing such laws beyond US borders. Americans who wish to abide by it wherever they are can opt for quality cigars made in the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, or Honduras
Originally posted on December 2, 2012 @ 1:09 am
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Cigar wrappers affect their taste and overall experience. Finding the right one depends on your taste and preference. They differ in color and each give off a distinct taste ad flavor making them unique.
Here is a list of the different cigar wrappers available in the market:
Claro
This type of wrapper is grown under a net. It is harvested before it matures and it is dried quickly. The Claro produces a mild taste and is light tan in color.
Double Claro
It used to be the most popular type of wrapper. It is light green with a slightly sweet taste. Its color comes from the fact that it was dried quickly with the use of heat.
Maduro
The Maduro goes through a fermentation process, giving it a dark brown or almost black color. It has a smooth and rich taste.
Oscuro
This wrapper is very dark and almost black. The tobacco leaf used is found at the very top of the tobacco plant and it is usually the last part to be harvested. It gives the wrapper a distinct and strong taste which may seem too strong for some smokers.
Colorado
It is shade-grown and it gives a touch of spice. It is medium brown in color with a reddish hue.
Colorado Claro
This wrapper is usually grown under the sun and it has a smooth, medium taste. It is medium brown in color.
Colorado Maduro
It is considered a cross between a Colorado and a Maduro.
Image from r_lins
Originally posted on January 31, 2012 @ 3:30 am