Ralph's Cigars Blog | Ralph's Cigars | Chicago, IL
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Mexican San Andres: The Working Man's Leaf
Cinco de Mayo is coming up quickly, and what better way to celebrate than by coming down to Ralph’s Cigars and lighting up a cigar with a Mexican San Andres wrapper? This earthy, chocolatey tobacco is actually older than Cuban seed, spreading up from Peru to Central America to Mexico, and finally over to the Caribbean. If you usually avoid a darker leaf, or simply haven’t had the chance to try this delicious leaf, here are a few of our favorite San Andres cigars available here at Ralph’s. -
Asylum 867
Today I am smoking the Asylum 867. It’s a line of cigars that at one point was produced by Deadwood, the same company that partnered with Drew Estate to make famous sweet tips like the Fat-Bottom Betty, Crazy Jane, and others. There are three different flavors- Midnight Oil, Zero, and Auntie, in descending size and flavor intensity. While they are all Honduran Puros, it is the added flavor that changes- flavor added by infusing the cigars in flavored liquid, much like how we do it here at Ralph’s Cigars. I am personally a big fan of the aromatic infusion method, as I believe it gives a more natural taste to flavored cigars.
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Earth Day Cigars: Friends of the Environment
We live in a time where environmental consciousness is more important than ever, and the cigar industry cannot be exempt from the call for sustainability. For Earth Day we at Ralph’s thought to shine a spotlight on cigar companies that prioritize eco-friendly practices. Among these trailblazers are Plasencia with their Reserva Original, CLE and its Science Certification from Bayer Global Crop, and Foundation Cigars, as shown through their Seed 2 Cigar Documentary.
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Cao Fasa Sol
Spring is a time for renewal, and we take that seriously here at Ralph’s Cigars. That’s why we have a whole new haul of cigars that we are really excited about. A new batch of Asylum 867’s, Sancho Panza’s, Macanudos- but I’ve always had a soft spot for CAO, and as such I was really excited for their new line of Fasa cigars. We have the Noche and the Sol in two different sizes, so today I grabbed the Sol in a Toro and lit it up with a dry cedar stick and a cup of coffee.
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Cigars and Rum Pairing
The Chicago Rum Festival is opening its doors this Saturday, April 20th, and in honor of its 8th anniversary we thought we’d go over how to navigate the unique pairing of rum and cigars. Did you know that Illinois is one of the largest rum markets in the world? The festival is a celebration of the rich and diverse world of rum, offering enthusiasts an opportunity to explore its depth of flavors and history. The marriage of these two indulgences can take the experience to new heights. So let’s discuss why rum is one of our favorite pairings here at Ralphs. Besides cognac, of course.
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Daily Smokes: More Bang For Your Buck
While you may seek out an expensive, unique cigar for a wedding, an anniversary, or some other special event, for the day-to-day smokes most people want something that perfectly balances quality and affordability. The good news is: there are a plethora of options available for a premium smoke without breaking the bank. Here at Ralph’s Cigars, we aim to provide cigars to everyone who wants them, at any price point, so here are just a few quality value cigars that we offer. -
How to Find the Perfect Golfing Cigar
Few activities go together like a few rounds of golf with a premium cigar. Outside in the sun, with your buddies, enjoying a good smoke- it’s hard to think of a better time. When grabbing a smoke (or seven) from Ralph’s before heading out to the green, it’s important to keep in mind a few considerations. -
Cigars 101: Aging Cigars
Cigars, akin to fine wine, undergo a transformative journey with time. Aging cigars is an art, enriching their flavors, aroma, and overall smoking experience. This process demands patience, attentiveness, and a touch of serendipity, but it's entirely possible to age your cigars at home on a reasonable budget.
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Ohana Nui- A Family Cigar
Today I chose another aged cigar to smoke- the Ohana M13 by Ohana Nui Cigars. It’s pouring outside, but the M13 has a lovely Habano Rosado wrapper which I can nearly smell from across the room. The wrapper itself is firm, with a sort of medium brown-bag color and a satiny sheen. The seams are entirely invisible with only a few lines. That smell, strong but not overpowering, gives off citrus and baking spice notes, and after I clipped it with a straight cut the cold draw solidified those flavors, giving a crazy orange taste, some pepper, and a deep earthiness. -
Made for Spring- Floral Notes
Experiencing floral notes in a cigar can come down to care and subtlety. Floral notes means it's reminiscent of flowers. But when it comes down to it, there is not a ton of similarity between, say, lavender and peach flowers. So how can they all fall under the same generalization? Much like leather, cedar, and earth, floral notes are more about the sensation or smell rather than the actual taste. But unlike the former, which are three of the most prominent ‘tasting’ notes, floral is not nearly as common. With that sensation can come varying levels of specificity- perhaps you can discern that one cigar has a note of roses, or orange bud- its that sensation of floral notes that drives the palate. Pushing to be able to discern evermore specific notes will give a deeper, more full smoking experience, but usually noticing the generalities comes first. -
Nomad: Aged to Perfection
We’re experiencing a bit of a slow Thursday afternoon here at Ralph’s, which means it’s the perfect time to sit down with a new cigar and really savor it. There’s been a box or two of the Nomad S-307’s hidden in the back room since they first dropped in 2013. They’ve been kept at a perfect 70 degrees and a balmy 68% humidity, so they are just as fresh as the day they dropped, with a decade of time to mix and develop a whopping flavor profile. The moment it’s pulled out of the package, yellowed with age and the natural oils of the Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, I can smell the subtle sweetness, gentle spice, and leather. -
Cigars 101: Shapes and Sizes
A cigar shape can vary greatly in size from brand to brand, so describing a cigar by its size as well as shape is important. Cigars are measured by two factors: length, which is given in inches, and "ring gauge," a designation of a cigar's diameter broken into 64ths of an inch. A cigar with a 42 ring gauge, for example, is 42/64 of an inch in diameter.
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