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Paul B.

Paul B.

Author/Co-Author of 15 articles

Paul's love for cigars first sparked not in a fancy humidor, but through the pages of old Hemingway novels. He takes apart a Maduro with the same enthusiasm he once had for dissecting post-modern texts while studying for his Literature degree. From the sunny fields of Nicaragua to the bustling rolling rooms in Estelí, he sees each cigar as a little story filled with unique flavors and craftsmanship, and he loves to share that in his writing. When he's not busy writing, you can usually find him perfecting his Old Fashioned, debating whether a straight cut or V-cut is better, baking something delicious, or getting lost in the smooth sounds of jazz records.

man in black suit pouring drink on glass with cigar in ashtray

Forget whiskey — these surprising pairings made my cigar experience unforgettable

Discover unique cigar pairings beyond whiskey and coffee. Learn how tea, cheese, sweets, and craft cocktails can unlock new flavors and transform your cigar experience.
the man took out a cigar from the humidor and smoking

How to age cigars at home for a smoother, richer smoke

Learn how to age cigars like a pro. Discover ideal conditions, top brands to age, common mistakes, and how flavor improves over time.
man in black suit pouring drink on glass with cigar in ashtray

The Mood Matrix: A smarter way to choose the perfect cigar for any moment

Forget strength charts and price points. The perfect cigar matches your mood, not your experience level. Here's how to choose based on how you feel.
man in shades blowing a smoke ring

Blowing perfect cigar smoke rings takes skill — here’s how to master it

Learn how to blow perfect smoke rings with your cigar. From science to technique, this easy guide covers everything you need to master the classic cigar trick.
Person smoking a cigar

Mastering cigars in the wild: My survival guide to smoking outside

Discover expert tips to enjoy cigars outdoors without struggling against wind and weather. Learn how to choose the right cigar, use the best tools, and master outdoor smoking rituals for the perfect puff every time.
Man wearing top hat lighting a cigar in a bar

The ultimate guide to cigar terminology: Speak like a true aficionado

Ever felt lost in cigar lounge conversations? Master the essential terminology that separates rookies from pros. From wrapper leaves to retrohaling—we've got you covered!
A collection of cigars

Beginner’s guide to cigar shapes and sizes — and why they matter

Think all cigars are the same? Think again. Shape and size dramatically change flavor, burn time, and your entire smoking experience. Here's what matters.
Guardian of the Farm Cerberus cigar from Aganorsa cigar tasting experience

The ultimate guide to cigar wrappers every aficionado should read

From Mild to Wild: Understanding Cigar Wrapper Types and Their Flavor Profiles
cigars in an ashtray

Is it OK to relight a cigar? Yes — here’s how to bring it back to life

Your cigar went cold? No problem. Master the art of proper relighting with step-by-step techniques that actually work and preserve flavor.
Hand holding a cigar

The hidden dangers of fake cigars and how to avoid them

Avoid costly cigar scams with our insider knowledge. Learn what authentic cigars look like and never fall victim to sophisticated counterfeits again.
faceless man presenting a cigar humidor with cigars inside with gloved hands

Don’t ruin your cigars: here’s how to properly season a new humidor

Proper humidor seasoning is crucial for cigar storage. Discover the materials you need and exact process to condition your humidor correctly.
well-dressed guy smoking on a couch in the dark

Cigar etiquette 101: Dos, don’ts, and modern manners

Master cigar etiquette like a pro. From cutting techniques to lounge manners, avoid embarrassing mistakes and smoke with confidence in any setting.
two men enjoying cigars

10 cigar myths the internet won’t let die

From Cuban superiority to expensive humidors, these persistent cigar myths are costing you money and ruining your smoking experience. Here's the truth.
a bespectacled man lighting a cigar using a torch lighter

Can you bring a cigar torch on a plane? What to know before you fly

Many travelers wonder about bringing cigar torches on planes. TSA rules for torch lighters are stricter than regular lighters. Learn what's allowed in carry-on vs checked bags.
Dried, old cigar on table next to mushrooms

Can cigars go bad? Here’s when to save them — and when to say goodbye

Discover the truth about cigar longevity and proper storage. Learn how to identify signs of deteriorated cigars, whether aged sticks can be salvaged, and expert tips to prevent your premium collection from going bad. Everything cigar enthusiasts need to know about keeping their investments in perfect smoking condition.