Vol. 3, No. 1, January 2006
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New Jersey Smoking Ban!
A ccording to all of my sources, it looks like the New Jersey smoking ban is going to pass. The only exemption applies to the casinos, and namely the casino gaming floors.
This is an issue that can be debated for a long time and my space in this magazine is not that big. You may be interested to know that I support the ban even though my business is in cigars. With all we know today about the hazards, I believe that smoking should be allowed in certain designated areas.
I don't believe the smoking ban will hurt business. People enjoy cigars and will still find the time and place to smoke them. I encourage all local bars, restaurants and casinos to designate 500-plus square feet of property space as a smoking lounge.
The whole reason I got into the cigar business was to give cigar smokers an outlet to smoke. We have hosted various cigar dinners and events in the local area with much success. We are experiencing an increase in cigar popularity and local business owners need to take advantage of this trend.
While many smokers may feel isolated by the state because of this ban, it is important that local bars, restaurants and casinos show that we still care about the needs of our clientele. I am available to any local casino, bar or restaurant to discuss the possibility of creating a smoking lounge for their customers.
The Cellophane Issue
Many people ask me if it matters if they leave the cellophane on the cigars they place in their humidor. In my case, my humidor consists of a couple of hundred cigars and the only time the cellophane comes off is right before it reaches my lips. With smaller humidors (usually under 200 cigars) it is a good idea to take the cigars out of their cellophane wrappers. This allows the cigar to "breathe" and gives the various tobaccos a chance to permeate with each other. The only issue would be if you had flavored cigars in your humidor. You may not want the flavors to mix with your other non-flavored cigars. Of course, it really is a matter of personal preference.
Cigar of The Month
CAO Brazilia
This rich-tasting, beautifully made cigar from CAO derives its name from the dark Maduro wrapper grown in Brazil. The full body comes from a combination of the dark wrapper and a nice blend of long-filler tobacco from Nicaragua. As with all CAO brands, this cigar was well-constructed and burned evenly. Most of the sizes available are on the larger side, so you must dedicate at least 45 minutes to fully enjoy one of these bad boys. Because you should not smoke this cigar on an empty stomach, I highly recommend the CAO Brazilia as an after-dinner cigar, especially with a fine cordial or Scotch. The complex flavors may even satisfy your dessert craving! Pick up a box and enjoy!
Rating: 4 Butts out of 5!
