There are familiar smells associated with summertime.  Few are as satisfying as a good cigar.  My Father only smoked cigars during our summer vacation on Canada’s Pigeon Lake.  For that one brief moment in a calendar year while sitting across from me in the classic Garwood runabout ,  fishing pole in hand, tackle box open at his feet and a cigar tucked between his teeth puffing white clouds of dried, burning leaves, so sweet and mellow.  It conjured an image much like that of Winston Churchill in a more private, relaxed moment.  It was his moment, reaping the rewards of having worked so hard to support his family.

I take pleasure seeing my husband enjoying those same simple pleasures.  He has taken time to become a cigar aficionado, learning as much as he can about a historic craft he has appreciated now for years. 

A common misconception about cigars is that they are akin to cigarettes.  The reality is, is that there is no comparison.  Studies show that most cigar manufacturers do not add processing chemicals to their tobaccos as do cigarette manufacturers.  An example of natural cigars is Acid Cigars Inc. These cigars do not have filters, nor are they chemically treated, therefore are completely bio-degradable.  A rolling event educates one of this and the skill involved by trained craftsmen and more often craftswomen, shared through the generations.  Very rudimentary tools are required; like a small old wooden table designed to provide an angled rolling surface and carved grooves with which to hold freshly rolled cigars to air dry.  The most important tools are the hands of the cigar roller.  There are seven levels of rolling expertise, seven being the highest.  An accomplished roller can create “Figurados”, many of which feature the familiar torpedo shape.  This advanced shape promotes the physics of cigar smoking, enhancing the flavor while regulating a consistent draw of smoke.  Wrappers, the outer whole leaf or leaves, are of a higher quality kept wet and flexible during the rolling process.

Rolling events take place a couple of times a year at Port Royal Cigars in Solon, OH.  Port Royal offers a smoking lounge as well as a substantial walk-in humidor stocked with a variety including but not limited to much of the  Perdomo line.  The store offers amenities conducive to networking, relaxation and even education about this age-old art form.  In a 2008 interview by Marshall Fine, Jay-Z states “A cigar is like a gift to yourself.  I smoke at times when I’m relaxing or celebrating”.  Cigar Aficionado, June 2009.

The 1950’s Cuban embargo, effecting a cigar ban, seemed to invoke a taboo on cigar smoking in the U.S.  The famous Cuban cigar, always available in most of the world, now has viable competitors from such places as the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.  This fact may be partly responsible for the resurgence of cigar popularity.  Cigar smoke is rather pervasive, so enjoying an occasional smoke outdoors makes the summer a perfect time to indulge.