• Thoughts On My Pipe Journey Thus Far

    That which lead me to enter the world of pipe smoking was a curiosity surrounding this ancient way of enjoying tobacco, one which was completely foreign to me. I now call myself a pipe smoker, and in doing so, feel an undeniable sense of pride in my membership to a select fraternity, comprised of those
    Read More

  • The Perique Mystique

    Perique is a condimental tobacco incorporated into blends to amplify their more nuanced, subtle characteristics. Traditionally it was used sparingly, with anything between 2-5% considered ample; however interest in the tobacco has grown immensely, with contemporary blends having been seen to include more than 25% perique. Let us take a closer look at what makes
    Read More

  • Estate Pipes – Can You Smoke A Preloved Briar?

    Estate pipe is the designated nomenclature to describe pipes which have been ‘pre-loved’ and are looking for another home; understandably, putting the phrase ‘second hand’ in front of pipe does not evoke the most pleasant imagery.  When I was first introduced to the concept of a used pipe, I was horrified: why would anyone want
    Read More

  • Five Tips For Beginner Pipe Smokers

    Starting your pipe smoking journey is incredibly exciting. Those first few steps into totally unknown territory are fraught with uncertainty and anticipation. As such it is very easy to dive in with little consideration as to whether or not you are going about things the right way, as is the case with many new smokers.
    Read More

  • The Cuban Mystique – A Closer Look At The Havana Cigar

    The cigar world is rich with variety: a plethora of growing regions, seed varietals and blending possibilities have allowed for a vast and varied catalogue, which many argue is unparalleled among other industries. Despite this however, there is one particular cigar with a prestige and reputation that surpasses all others… Vibrant Havana, with its art,
    Read More

  • Small Cigars: Someone Still Loves You…

    Life as we know it has changed, of that there is no doubt. Whilst business may have been commonplace, this seismic shift in the way in which go about our day-to-day has made our time even more precious. Ironically enough, despite many of us finding ourselves at home more than ever before, the opportunity to
    Read More

  • Winter Warmers

    Three Cocktails And Cigar Pairings To Get You Through The Colder Months Winter is on its way, and in my humble opinion, there is no better solace than that which is to be found in a soothing drink and a gorgeous cigar. Whilst I am usually a spirit drinker (scotch being the way to my
    Read More

  • Coffee And Cigars: My French Press Brew Guide

    If you have followed my Instagram page (mr_cigarman) even for a day, you will know that I like coffee.  Correction.  I. Love. Coffee.  It is the magical elixir that catalyses my daily metamorphosis from a grumpy, sleepy mess to a bright eyed and bushy tailed member of the community. Believe me, that is quite a
    Read More

  • Why Do We Smoke

    Cigar smoking is clouded by mystery and intrigue, by stereotype and speculation. Light up a cigar at a party and everyone who was a non smoker merely minutes ago is now asking you for a stick, or – God forbid – for a puff from yours. However, it is a polarising hobby, and whilst it
    Read More

  • The Philosophies That Guided A Smoking Giant

    Zino Davidoff is one of the most revered and influential figures in the cigar world. His name is synonymous with the highest standard of quality and craftsmanship, sophistication, elegance joie de vivre. However, despite his incredible achievements, Zino’s passion transcended the manufacturing and production of premium hand rolled cigars. He was a true passionado in
    Read More