FAQ
Lately I’ve had fellow readers ask me about the same topics. This prompted me to create this Frequently Asked Questions page. I hope it helps answer some questions you may have about TomsCigars.com. I will add to it over time. Don’t forget to check the “About” page, there is a lot of info there pertaining to this little blog.
FAQ updated March 14th, 2010
Question: A cigar blog… Why?
Answer: This is a hobby. I don’t get drunk. I don’t do drugs. I obey the law and most traffic signs. I am simply trying to spread the word about relaxing and promote the fact that cigars have nothing in common with cigarettes or chewing tobacco. You can take cigar smoking to another level if you pay attention to the flavors and learn to relax. It isn’t about getting a nicotine fix. You don’t need an advanced palate or lots of money. I can detect some basic flavors but basically I’m just a regular smoker with no special skills. This site will help educate you on cigars.
Question: Who is Ed? What’s up with that cool accent?
Answer: Ed is a friend and local tobacconist here in St. Petersburg Florida. While waiting for Chinese food one day, I wandered into his shop. Needless to say, I left with a handful of cigars. I have been going there since that day. In late 2007, it dawned on me that he would make a great cigar reviewer. This spawned our guest reviews on The Stogie Review, and this blog. Oh, Ed is from Portugal.
Question: Who are you?
Answer: Check the “About” page.
I am new to cigar smoking. What advise do you have for me?
Answer: First things first… Learn how to smoke a cigar. I know that sounds obvious, but most people do it incorrectly at first. Check out this article, which covers quite a bit.
Take a look at this beginners guide video. It should help you in your journey as well.
Find a good local tobacconist. They should be able to guide you and help you discover what cigars fit your taste preferences. Smoke a variety of cigars, don’t limit yourself. There is a lot out there, explore and figure out what you enjoy and dislike.
I started with mild cigars… Macanudo Vintage, Oliva Connecticut, Oliva Serie G Cameroon. I worked my way up to medium and full bodied cigars in time. Now I enjoy cigars in all 3 body ranges.
And of course… You can contact me if you can’t find help. I’ll try to offer some answers for you.
What is your method to reviewing cigars?
I smoke at least two or three cigars before writing a review. I let them rest in a humidor for at least a week or two at 65% relative humidity, but often much longer. I pair the cigar with water, unless stated otherwise. Obviously when I only can review a single cigar, I state it in the review. Once I know a cigar’s flavor profile intimately, I will drink it with coffee, tea, coke, scotch, or whatever I feel like. But this is rarely done in a review. There you have it.
I am having trouble keeping my humidor properly humidified. Help!
The humidor needs a good seal with minimal leaks. When you let the lid drop closed, it should make a “Shwossh” sound as opposed to slamming shut with a thud. If there is a window, make sure it isn’t leaking air. And finally, use a good system to distribute humidity. Here is what I do.
What type of cutter do you use. What is your favorite. Why?
For the past couple of years, I’ve been using Xikar scissors. I prefer it because I have complete control over the cut. I elaborate more in this short video.
From time to time I use a V cut, but haven’t used a punch or guillotine for some time. Ed and I cover the different cutters in this beginners guide video.
Why don’t you post more content? Two or three posts a week is lame.
Answer: TomsCigars.com is pretty much a one man operation. I do what I can, but really… Cut me some slack. I am only one person! Start your own cigar review site, post REGULAR content, and get back with me. I’ll entertain this question then. Better yet, submit a guest review and help out!
That’s a badass logo. Who designed it?
I can assure you it wasn’t me. I lack the talent required. A cool guy named Jose hooked me up on a few site logos. He asked for nothing in return. Little does he know, I am going to cigar bomb this guy big time.
Question: Where are you guys? I think Ed is the man. I’d like to hang and have a smoke.
Answer: Ed and I are in St. Petersburg, Florida. Directions to his shop can be found at his website. We generally smoke on Friday afternoons.
Tom – I sent you an email or message and you haven’t replied. What’s your problem??
To my surprise, this site has been generating a lot of feedback from readers lately. This isn’t a bad thing. The problem is I try to reply to every message, and that takes time depending on how in depth the subject is. I will get with you as soon as I can, I promise.
Question: Tom, do you run a cigar shop?
Answer: Nope. But I have been known to fill in from time to time at Ed’s shop and another shop or two in the area.
Question: Tom, what is the deal with the hair? How long did it take to get like that? It looks so soft & smooth (yes, I get this question all of the time).
Answer: To sum it up – In 1994 I shaved my head bald. I get it trimmed up every couple years. I wash and condition daily, no blow drying. It is so soft and smooth due to Japanese genes I suspect. Although the Florida humidity does give me the frizzies at times.
Question: I notice you have a few sponsors these days. Boy, you must be raking in the cash!
Answer: No, I’m not. Sure, the cost of hosting this site is covered for the next couple of years. Yes, I get a lot of free cigars to review. Any money I make from this site is used to purchase cigars for review. The more sponsorship I get, the more reviews I can provide. It is that simple. I make a total of zero dollars. That’s fine with me, it’s just a hobby.
Question: Isn’t it true that cigar review sites with advertisers tend to cater to their sponsors? After all, you wouldn’t want to lose a sponsor by doing a bad review.
Answer: Actually… Whenever I am approached by a cigar manufacturer or potential sponsor, I make the following facts understood… I only give honest reviews and opinions, period. I have given this disclaimer to everyone, and so far most have taken the chance and allowed me to review their product. We have rubbed a few people the wrong way, but for the most part, there have been no problems.
Question: I want to start a cigar blog. What advice do you have for me?
Answer: I may not be the right guy to ask this, but here is my opinion – Start off at a free host such as blogger.com or wordpress.com. See if it is something you will want to do on a regular basis. Over time, readers will notice your site. I think it is important to have consistent updates. If you can only do one post a week, it is better then doing 5 posts one week, and nothing for the next month. Readers will lose interest without some form of reliable content. Be honest, and don’t think cigar blogs are a money maker. Sure, some sites rake it in, but your motivation shouldn’t be based on money. This is a very small demographic in the big scheme of things.
Question: Why don’t you and Ed do reviews more frequently?
Answer: The main reason is time and scheduling. Filming a review takes 2 to 3 hours. Editing takes another two to three hours. Encoding and uploading is an additional 2 hours or so. We recently started a “Quick Smoke With Ed & Tom” segment, in addition to our full length monthly reviews. So far it’s going over well. Filming and editing times aren’t nearly as involved as the full length reviews.
Question: What is the deal with the music in your video reviews? Who is Dream Theater?
Answer: I am a fan of metal. I am also a fan of progressive music that doesn’t follow the standard format you hear in most popular, foot tapping music. I prefer real musicianship as opposed to the bullshit that tends to be popular. Why not use it in the video reviews? Dream Theater is the best band ever. Turn the radio off and educate yourself on real musicianship.
Question: I really like the format you use in your video reviews. Where did you get the ideas that you use?
Answer: Easy… I approached Walt from The Stogie Review in late 2007. I really liked his work, and he helped me get started. Yes, I am basically ripping off Walt. I admit it! I’ve been known to copy Jerry too. I give credit where it is due.
Question: I want to try Cuban cigars. Where do you get yours from?
Answer: C’mon now… With the right connections and a little work, you’ll figure it out. I can’t promote breaking the law on this site. Sorry.
Question: There is a cigar I’d like you to review. Do you take requests?
Answer: Yes. Just contact me via the contact form or email. If you REALLY want me to do the review pronto, put a few sticks in the mail and send them to me.
Does TomsCigars.com have a giveaway every month?
Not officially. When they happen, its pretty much due to luck. I’ve had a good run in 2009 of free giveaways. It is only through the generosity of retailers and companies that these raffles are possible. I hope these raffles continue. Not only is it good for fans of the site, but it gets the word out on products you may have otherwise not heard of.
Question: What are some of your favorite cigars?
This is a constantly changing list of mild to full bodied cigars. As of now, September 2009, I am never without:
Alec Bradley Tempus
Dona Flor Selecao
Rocky Patel Vintage 90 & 92
Perdomo Champagne
Oliva Connecticut
Pretty much any Tatuaje
Canimao Robusto Extra
A special occasion Padron 1926 or 1964
