Author: Calum

Boveda – The Simple Humidification System

Boveda is a two-way humidity control pouch which is designed to be used with desktop humidors to keep your cigars in the correct condition at home. There are other ways of controlling the humidity, for example with a humidifier unit, but these require more attention and topping up with distilled water every now and then which is not ideal for a busy cigar lover! Boveda pouches on the other hand can be simply placed inside your humidor and they do all the hard work for you!

Although these are simple to use, if you are new to cigar storage then the options for pack sizes and humidity levels can be overwhelming. So, here is our quick guide to what Boveda is best for you…

What size Boveda pack do I need for my Humidor?

The standard go to Boveda pack is the 60g pack. You will need one of these for every 25 cigars your humidor holds. So, the larger the humidor, the more packs you will need. These will last you approximately 2-4 months. When they turn rock hard to the touch, you know they need replacing.

Another option for the larger capacity humidors would be to use a 320g pack. This saves you using multiple 60g packs and these larger ones last up to 6 times longer! They are suitable for humidors ranging from 25 to 150 cigar capacity. Again, once these packs become rigid then you know it needs replacing.

For travel humidors/cases, we would recommend using a small 8g Boveda pack. These work in the same way but for smaller spaces.

What RH level pack should I choose?

65%: Designed for Cuban cigars because Cuban cigars tend to mould at a higher RH level. Keep your Cuban cigars at or lower than 65%RH. This RH is also good for Dominican or Puro cigars due to personal preference or flavour profile.

69%: Designed for airtight humidors including but not exclusively for Boveda humidor bags, Boveda acrylic humidors, polymer travel humidor. Works well in high-end humidors including but not exclusively Elie Bleu and Daniel Marshall.

72%: Designed for most wood humidors. Wood humidors exchange moisture, it is not uncommon to see a decrease of 2–5%RH. The 72% accommodates the moisture loss allowing the humidor to maintain a high 60s RH level. We recommend the 72%RH as your first Boveda in your wooden humidor after seasoning.

75%: Designed for your inexpensive or glass top humidors. The 75% accommodates a high amount of moisture loss allowing the humidor to maintain a high 60s RH level.

84%: Designed ONLY for seasoning a wood humidor WITHOUT cigars in it. This formula is specifically designed to provide moisture directly to the cellular structure of the wood humidor. The amount of moisture required is greater than the wipe down of it. If you haven’t seasoned with Boveda 84%, you haven’t seasoned at all!

All Boveda are accurate to +/- 1% of the RH printed on the pack in an airtight environment.

Once you have discovered which Boveda is right for your humidor and cigars, you simply need to place the right amount/size pack inside your humidor and let them take care of the rest. Make sure that you are checking them after a while to ensure that they haven’t gone rigid/hard. And when they do you know it is time to replace the pack with a new one.

Click the here to browse our full range of Boveda.

Whisky Pairings

Food and Beverage pairings have long been popular with the connoisseurs of the world, for example Champagne with Oysters, and Red Wine with Beef. A lesser known but exquisite treat is pairing a Fine Cigar with Whisky.

Although a cigar can be nicely paired with almost any beverage, for example fresh coffee, rum, even cocktails and beers, most believe that pairing the right cigar with a whisky is the perfect match. By picking up on the various notes and aromas of each cigar you can find the perfect dram to compliment it.

We have a great range of pairings on our site to browse through, so if you already know your favourite whisky and would like to try a cigar to compliment it, or if you have a favourite cigar and are interested in learning what works best with it… take a look at our range today and we may already have the perfect pairing for you!

We offer pairings of single cigars and miniatures, as well as pairings of full size 70cl bottles and a sampler of cigars to match. Read on to view some of our personal favourites and most popular pairings…

Intro To Bourbon Whisky and Cigar Pairing

A classy Bourbon, Bourbon Trace is from the eponymous distillery that has been responsible for some truly outstanding products in recent years. A great whisky, with oodles of vanilla, barrel char and spicy complexity and overall a must-stock for any bar worthy of the name.

Spicy and sweet with caramel, delicious toffee eclairs with a hint of cinnamon, rum spice and cereal sweetness.

The Camacho American Barrel Aged Robusto is an intense smoke that sets the tone for a life without limits. Inspired by the uncompromising craftsmanship of Kentucky bourbon makers, their master builders have blazed new frontiers in complexity. Aging Camacho’s legendary Corojo leaves for six years and then locking them in charred bourbon barrels – a dance with the devil’s cut that leads to rich oaky flavours and sweet bourbon aromas. Wrapped in rare all-American broadleaf, it’s an unforgettable experience that forges the way for infinitely more.

The unique and different flavours these smokes have to offer are paired perfectly with the Buffalo Trace which is sweet yet spicy to intensify and really bring out the flavours of the Connecticut Machitos.

AVO Orchant Seleccion Robusto + Stalla Dhu Speyside Whisky Pairing Sampler

Introducing a new and exclusive whisky to Turmeaus, the Stalla Dhu Islay Whisky. A rare collection of small batch and single cask malts from Scotland’s finest distilleries. Created by Mitchell Orchant and bottled by Stalla Dhu Whiskies.

Stalla Dhu is Scottish Gaeilic for “Black Cliff” and with this exclusive whisky, there are two different regions, this Islay edition and a Speyside offering.

First and second generation members of our family of independent bottlers carefully select the whiskies which show a particular promise.

To begin, the wood is managed and we continue to house the environment and casks which best affect the aging to achieve the unique results which we strive for.

The whiskies are then left until the time is right and then select the correct ABV to bring to you a very special dram.

Paired wonderfully with the AVO Orchant Seleccion Syncro Robusto. Inspired by the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Avo Uvezian, AVO’s Master Blender has ventured to the untamed heart of Central America.

Capturing sweet and spicy flavours from the rich, volcanic soil of Nicaragua and blending them with the soft, creamy notes of the finest Dominican leaves. Resulting in a smooth and balanced box-pressed cigar with unexpected depth and complexity.

 

Tomatin Legacy Scotch Whisky and Barrel Aged Cigar Pairing

This pairing is for aficionados who love to enjoy a scotch whisky with their cigars, the Davidoff Late Hour cigars contain tobacco aged for six months in finest Scotch single malt whisky casks. The perfect pairing!

When Tomatin Distillery was established in 1897, the isolated and idyllic setting of  Tomatin was almost perfect. Time in Bourbon barrels and Virgin Oak casks brings a light sweetness to The Tomatin Legacy, which boasts aromas of vanilla, marshmallow, pineapple and lemon.

On the palate gentle flavours of candy, pine, lemon sherbet, apples and sponge cake emerge ahead of a light, clean finish.

Sir Winston Churchill was not a man to follow convention. When most people were thinking of their beds, Sir Winston found inspiration and creativity in the long dark hours of the night. The dark was where he found his spark.

Davidoff celebrates this facet of the Great Man with a special cigar – The Late Hour. Beautiful, robust flavours of black pepper, dark coffee, sweetness, old leather, wood and spiciness tantalize the palate.

 

Pre Embargo Cigars

The term Pre Embargo Cigars refers to cigars produced in Cuba, using only Cuban tobacco, before February 3, 1962 – the date President John F. Kennedy signed Proclamation 3447, which banned all U.S. trade with Cuba.

Pre Embargo cigars have been the only Cuban cigars since the embargo which citizens of the United States of America have legally been allowed to possess. They are also some of the rarest and most collectable cigars in the world, especially so as there is only a finite number left in existence, with more and more being reduced to ash by owners who cannot resist the allure of a truly beautiful piece of history.

We buy and sell Pre Embargo Havana cigars throughout the year as well as at our Cigar Auctions. A few items we have dealt with are photographed below and past auction selling prices with photos and descriptions are available on our Auction website.

CLICK HERE for our latest list of Aged cigars available to order in our store 

Pre embargo Punch Coronas
Length: 5 5/8″
Ring Gauge: 42
Presentation: Box of 25 cigars
Pre Embargo Por Larranaga Coronas
Length: 5 1/2″
Ring Gauge: 42
Presentation: Box of 25 cigars
Pre Embargo Troya Siglo XX
Length: 5 5/8″
Ring Gauge: 43
Presentation: Cabinet of 25 cigars
Pre Embargo Romeo y Julieta Julietas
Length: 4 5/8″
Ring Gauge: 42
Presentation: Box of 50 cigars
Pre Embargo Ramon Allones Trumps
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 43
Presentation: Cabinet of 50 cigars
Pre Embargo Montecristo No.1
Length: 6 1/2″
Ring Gauge: 42
Presentation: Sealed box of 25 cigars
Pre Embargo H.Upmann Coronas Inmensas
Length: 6 1/2″
Ring Gauge: 42
Presentation: Box of 25 cigars

We regularly release stocks of aged and rare cigars, available in singles and by the box.

Cigars that are between 5-50 years old
Limited Editions
Ceramic Jars
Vitofilia (pre revolution cigar band collections)
Speciality humidors
Antique cigar boxes

CLICK HERE for our latest list of Aged cigars available to order in our store

Mistakes made with Whisky

Whether it’s what brand to purchase or even being able to tell the difference between whisky and whiskey, there is a lot of knowledge that goes with enjoying a glass of scotch, bourbon or rye. Ewan Gunn, Global Brand Ambassador and Whisky Master for Diageo which produces mass brands like the amazing Johnnie Walker and several others. With 19 years of experience in the industry, Gunn had this to say about what common mistakes people make when they drink whisky and more importantly, how to fix them.

Gunn has said that when people buy a whisky, age can become a bit of an obsession when in reality you should buy based on flavour over age. People tend to have the perception that the older the whisky, the better the whisky which is not always the case and he along with Diageo have produced some stunning whisky’s which focus on flavour and styles as opposed to age.
“You buy a Scotch whisky to drink it, not to look at the label.” – Ewan Gunn.
2.Forget all the 'rules' you think you know Banner
There are certain ‘rules’ that are up in the air when it comes to whisky, such as never adding water or never adding ice or a mixer to whisky being a man’s drink or that you have to be a certain age to enjoy whisky. With all the misconception regarding the rules of drinking whisky, Gunn has stressed that it’s all nonsense and all comes down to the person.

“The people who make it make it for you to enjoy, and they’re not precious about how you enjoy it.” Gunn also said that centuries ago people were drinking whisky in cocktails, combining it with herbs and spices which is something we’re seeing more and more of with scotch becoming a more common feature on cocktail menus.

3.Whisky doesn’t have to be an after-dinner drink, pair it with food
With the Christmas fast approaching, people will undoubtedly be enjoying lots of rich and flavoursome foods and with that, a lot of people are sure to be increasingly enjoying Scotch whisky paired with foods.

While there is a preconceived idea that whisky only works well with heavy food, it doesn’t all have to come down to that. There are a full range of dishes that you can pair your whisky with. “Talisker with oysters is incredible, and Lagavulin paired with blue cheese,” he said. He added that Haig Club and creme brulee is another recommended pairing.

Whiskies in a line

Here at C.Gars we are proud to stock a wide range of the amazing Diageo products so if you’re feeling intrigued to trade age for flavour, take a look at some of fantastic range.

Talisker 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl 45.8% 

Nose: Thick and pungent smoke with notes of kippers, seaweed and apple peels later introducing themselves. Fresh and fragrant.
Palate: Full bodied with huge plumes of smoke and volcanic peppery peat. An overall intense kick.
Finish: Long finish with barley and malt rounding things off.

Haig Club Single Grain Scotch Whisky 70cl 40% 

Nose: Fresh, smooth and fruity with citrus tang.
Palate: Sweet at first before warming to a delicious soft gingerbread and whisky mouth feel.
Finish: Vanilla in the background with hints of burnt wood

Caol Ila 2003 Distillers Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl 43%

Nose: Wonderfully concentrated and clean. Peaty, medicinal with rich fruit and spices.
Palate: Sweet maltiness strikes first followed by more peat smoke, intense crisp flavours and cinnamon spice.
Finish: Long, rounded, robust and multi-layered.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Winter Wonderland Edition Whisky 70cl 40% 

Nose: Fragrant with oak notes, spice and dried fruits as citrus also features.
Palate: Well balanced with rich notes of toffee and chocolate and smoke.
Finish: Of good length. Floral and oak, urged on by a plume of very well-kept, highland style smoke

How to store your cigars while travelling

Whether it’s a budget Dutch cigar or a premium Cuban, there is no greater pleasure than relaxing with a delicious smoke. So how do you make sure your cigars stay safe while travelling on holiday or for work?

Cigars are very susceptible to damage due to a change in their climate, if you store them incorrectly whilst on the go they are very likely to become dry and crack.


C.Gars Ltd Humidification PouchThere are a few different methods that can be used to transport your cigars while still keeping them fresh but which cigar travel case is right for you?

Humidification Pouch – Portable humidified cigar storage bag with Boveda Humidipack, it will keep your cigars stored at 69% on the go. The quickest, simplest way, requires no activation or maintenance and can be bought for as little as £1.99. For a great way to keep 5-8 cigars fresh, click here

Cigar Cases – If you are worried about your cigars being crushed or damaged, a pouch may not be suitable. Cigar cases are usually made of leather and provide you with more of a solid solution to storage. Available in various sizes, from 1 cigar to around 5, and are designed to fit in ones pocket.View our full range of Cigar Cases here.

XIKAR Cigar Travel Waterproof Humidor - 50-80 CapacityTravel Humidors – Travel humidors are extremely robust and will solve all of your transport needs. We highly recommend the Xikar range of travel humidors. These offer premium cigar protection in an Airtight, Waterproof, Crushproof, ABS Moulded Plastic container fitted with a mini humidifier. Your cigars may even be staying in a more luxury accommodation than you, resting safe and fresh! View our full range of Xikar and Csonka Travel Humidors here.

Small Sized Humidor – A small sized humidor is your Home away from Home for your cigars. These can be kept/fixed into the boot of your car or kept at your office or work. View our full range of humidors here.


However you choose to keep your cigars fresh while out and about, there are a few things to bear in mind first. When selecting the cigars to bring with you it is advised to choose cigars that have had plenty of time to rest in a humidor first, this will make sure they are of optimum condition to withstand the trauma of travel.

Next, make sure you know how many cigars you are going to want to store, this will reduce the risk of any getting unnecessarily damaged, then, choose the appropriate method of storing them. For example you don’t want to have a single cigar rolling around in a humidor if you could have bought a tube, alternatively you also don’t want to bring a box of cigars with you when one would have sufficed.

Now you have the cigars you want in the appropriate storage, you are ready to go. Try and avoid leaving your cigars in direct sunlight or high temperatures, this will help make sure they are perfect for when you want to smoke them.

Reviving your cigars

There has been much discussion and argument over whether cigars can be restored to their normal state once they have dried out. If a cigar has become dry and the wrapper has not cracked and unravelled, then it can be restored. But this must be done slowly and patiently. If the wrapper has actually broken then the cigar should be discarded. If it has completely dried out, it will fall apart between your fingers regardless of how gentle and careful you are.

Remember, that although dry cigars could be brought back to an acceptable smoking condition, they will probably never be as good as they originally were. There are several ways of treating dry cigars, depending on their condition. They must be removed from any cellophane wrappers, cedar or aluminium tubes before any restoration process. If they are not excessively dry, the box with its lid open should be placed inside a large walk-in humidor or, if one is not available, in a cellar or similar dampish location, where they can be exposed slowly to dampness, as close to 70% humidity as possible. After two or three days the top and bottom rows should be interchanged and should remain in that position for another two or three days.

If you do not have a walk-in humidor or cellar then you can probably undertake a similar process using two ‘Zip N Seal’ plastic bags. Firstly, puncture the smaller bag with many little holes and then insert the open box and close the bag. Place that bag, now containing the cigars, into a larger ‘Zip N Seal’ bag containing a wrung-out slightly damp sponge. Seal the second bag. After four to six days the cigars should be removed from their box and exposed to the full humidity. Sometimes small water bubbles may appear under the wrapper, but there is nothing to fear as long as you give the cigars a 25% rotation every two or three days. Complete the process until the cigars have been fully rotated at least twice, providing even exposure to the humidity. By this time any bubbles will have disappeared. This process can take up to three weeks.

At the end of the treatment the wrappers will again look and feel smooth with only the normal gentle crackling sound when the cigars are pressed between fingers, they can then be returned to their original box.

Please remember the following points before you start:

– If you use the ‘Zip N Seal’ bags, ensure the wrung-out sponge is just damp, not excessively wet
– When the cigars are not too dry they can sometimes be restored by simply wrapping the closed box in a damp (not wet) towel for about two weeks.
– After treatment it is best to leave cigars for 6 to 12 months for the three components (filler, binder and wrapper) again to equilibrate before smoking. Just check on their condition every three months.
– It takes only a few weeks for a cigar to become dry in adverse conditions, but it takes a few months to restore them to a smokable condition.
– It is best not to mix cigars of different brands, particularly Havanas and New World, but to store them separately.

Restoring Extremely Dry Cigars: If you provide extremely dry cigars with too much humidity, too quickly, then the wrappers will split. It is best to keep them in their box in a large or walk-in humidor or ‘Zip N Seal’ bag for about a month before opening the lid. Then they can be removed and then undergo the previously described rotation method.

Online Cigar Auctions

C.Gars Ltd sell vintage cigars for clients by private treaty sales all year round and our auction department was established in 2009. Initially conducting regular auctions at Boisdale in Belgravia and Canary Wharf and subsequently at The Bulgari in Knightsbridge. Due to overwhelming demand from both bidders and sellers for more regular auctions we are now pleased to conduct regular online auctions.

Our auction software has been developed in house and should work as smoothly as any other online auction (but if you have any issues or questions please don’t hesitate to email us).

Our Auction Team are always pleased to provide any further details on any Lots as required, simply drop us an email.
[email protected]

View lots here 

C.GARS LTD OPENS LA CASA DEL HABANO IN KNUTSFORD/CHESHIRE!

C.Gars Ltd announces the opening of their second La Casa del Habano (LCDH) franchise in Knutsford-Cheshire, UK on the 24th of July, 2019. The premises consist of a cigar shop and walk in humidor with client lockers on the ground floor and a comfortable sampling lounge on the first floor. The full range of La Casa specialities including Coleccion Habanos books and limited edition humidors will be well represented.

LCDH Knutsford will be managed by Turmeaus tobacconist trained team Andrew, Liz and Sandra under the guidance of Sara and Calum (Master of Cigars) from LCDH Chester.

Managing Director Mitchell Orchant said „opening a second La Casa del Habano is very important to our group and allows us to continue our substantial  growth in Havana cigars sales. It will enable us to have additional availability of La Casa specialities to satisfy our customers’ insatiable demand for the finest handmade cigars in the world.“

C.Gars Ltd was launched in 1997 and is the largest specialist cigar merchant in the UK. This family business sells premium cigars and related goods from its website, 24/7, every day of the year. C.Gars Ltd owns and operates specialist cigar shops in the UK and has an associate company in Ireland.

LA CASA DEL HABANO

10 Minshull Street
Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6HG
T: 01565 650 280
Opening Times: Mon to Sat: 10:00 – 18:00

 

Glenfiddich Festival Experiment #3

 

 

 

 

 

 

This past weekend myself and Liam were lucky to be invited to Dufftown in Scotland for the 3rd annual Glenfiddich Festival!


A fun filled two-day festival in the historic whisky town, with live music, performing arts and of course luxurious Glenfiddich whisky!

Now it wasn’t all drinking beautiful whisky cocktails and eating beautiful food, we also had the opportunity to head off for a tour of the famous distillery, which truly was sight to behold, and certainly gave me a much better idea of the sheer artistry that goes in to making the Glenfiddich brand stand out from the crowd.

In the evenings we were entertained by the likes of Twin Atlantic, Fatherson and Franz Ferdinand closed out the party on the Monday night!

All in all, it was an amazing experience for us both (despite the torrential rain that managed to turn out tents in the paddling pools HAHA!)

A massive thank you to all of the people involved in the event, and thank you to our hosts Tim and Sam from William Grant and Sons, Roll on next year!

AVO Cigars

Shared experiences are at the heart of everything AVO. From moments worth remembering, to stories worth telling and notes worth savoring, an AVO Night is one filled with friendship, music, laughter, strength of character and generosity of spirit.

Every cigar is a careful arrangement that mirrors the unexpected finesse of Avo’s music – complex, layered, effortlessly smooth and infinitely approachable. Each a virtuoso performance, that elevates the cigar maker’s craft into the realm of art. From his flair for improvisation, to his passion for travel and infinite enthusiasm for life, AVO cigars are truly a reflection of Avo… the man.

“When you open your life to the magic of exotic cultures, the possibilities can be extraordinary.”

Avo Uvezian

In a noisy world filled with chaos and unpredictability, it took a musician to create harmony amidst the commotion. With his passion for jazz, an irresistible charm, and an appetite for new experiences, Avo Uvezian became a composer of fine cigars. As a way of life, he created rare and beautiful moments to be savored and shared by all. To share a moment with AVO is to immerse yourself in a merging of exotic flavors and cultures; in a timeless appreciation for the classics; in spontaneity, guided by inspiration. And within each cigar, you will find a unique experience, a shared moment, a thing worth remembering and passing on to friends both old and new.

AVO Orchant Seleccion Syncro Robusto

In 2018, we released the highly acclaimed AVO Orchant Seleccion Syncro Robusto exclusively to C.Gars and Turmeaus in the UK. The cigar is part of the Syncro South America Ritmo range and features tobaccos from 7 different countries. Our clients have overwhelmingly enjoyed this cigar and it has quickly become one of the standout smokes in the UK market.

AVO SYNCRO NICARAGUA

Inspired by the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Avo Uvezian, our Master Blender has ventured to the untamed heart of Central America. Capturing sweet and spicy flavors from the rich, volcanic soil of Nicaragua and blending them with the soft, creamy notes of the finest Dominican leaves. Resulting in a smooth and balanced box-pressed cigar with unexpected depth and complexity.

 

AVO HERITAGE

Together — Avo Uvezian, Hendrik Kelner and the next generation of gifted cigar craftsmen — developed this harmonious experience filled with tobacco tradition and expertise. This full-bodied blend offers rich, toasted notes of cocoa and spice with an unforgettably creamy finish.

AVO XO

Avo’s legacy captured in every format, with tobacco aged for at least six years, artistically woven into each cigar. A masterpiece meant for special occasions. A remarkably smooth, yet richly complex, medium-bodied composition balanced with notes of wood, spice, and dry sweet fruit.

AVO DOMAINE

Avo’s most personal blend, specially crafted for the connoisseur. Composed of highly aromatic tobacco harvested from Avo’s private estate, this medium-to-full-bodied blend resonates with exceptionally rich character delivering flavors of butter and spice with subtle nuttiness.

AVO CLASSIC

This cigar is the harmony of two cigar legends, Avo Uvezian and Master Blender Hendrik Kelner. Their collaboration offers an unforgettable experience of balance, enjoyment and refined taste. This inviting blend is composed using rare tobaccos that have been aged for 25 years.