FINE CIGARS T H O M P S O N CIGAR

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FINE CIGARS
by Shahram Shiva
T H O M P S O N
CIGAR
Any sophisticated two-wheel enthusiast takes pride
in knowing the right resources for the hottest accessories and parts. The same is true with cigars. It's
essential to know where to buy quality humidors at the
lowest prices, where to order personalized cigars for
your bike club, or find the best value on your favorite
brand of smoke. Also helpful is increasing your knowledge of the cigar culture and deciphering terms like
“binder,” “ligero” or “robusto.” Thompson Cigar offers
all of the above on one web site.
hompson Cigar was founded in Key
West, Florida, in 1915 and is the oldest
mail order cigar company in the country. In fact, Thompson still holds Postal Permit
#1 for Tampa. Thompson Cigar is devoted to
delivering a wide selection of products covering all price ranges and tastes. Thompson
caters to every aspect of fine cigar lifestyle.
Thompson's selection of humidors is perhaps the best in the country. Large varieties of
humidors that normally sell for $300-500+ at
retail are generally being offered at around
$100. I've been using their leather wrapped
humidor with a digital hygrometer for the past
year and been very pleased with it. The only
modification was adding a new humidification system called Paradigm, which made a
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big difference in maintaining this 100+ capacity humidor. Paradigm was invented and
patented by a space-age scientist, using materials and technology developed for the aerospace industry. Paradigm System needs no
constant monitoring. Just add a little distilled
water every couple of months. That's all there
is to it. The Paradigm does the rest. Any cigar
connoisseur knows that without a humidification system a humidor is virtually worthless,
no matter how stylish or well made, therefore
a humidification system that uses pure, odorless distilled water in my opinion provides the
best solution for maintaining a quality humidor.
Al Remp, a 46-year veteran of the cigar
industry and currently a product specialist and
trainer at Thompson Cigar, has begun writing
a series of historical pieces and advice
columns for Cigar Blog 101. Remp started his
cigar career in 1960 and has since worked
with some of the world's most renowned cigar
makers. His educational focus for cigar lovers
highlights the basic tenets of cigar smoking:
Appearance; Taste; Aroma and Construction.
Remp's posts will blend history of the cigar
industry with useful tips for everyday enjoyment. Visit the Cigar Blog 101 at http://cigarblog101.blogspot.com
Have you ever thought of having your
own logo, or club name on cigars? Thompson
got that covered too. They offer a program
where you can order cigars with your very
own, personalized label.
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Thompson cigar, in addition to popular
national brands, also offers their own exclusive
selection of fine cigars. I recently tried their La
Paloma Vintage Reserva and Tusker. In my
experience the best way to enjoy these fine
cigars is to let them settle in your humidor for a
week or two. The real flavor and creamy
smoothness of these cigars is not always present
just when you receive them in the mail. Your
patience will be well rewarded.
La Paloma Vintage
Reserva
Thompson Catalog says this about La
Paloma. “When first introduced, La Paloma had
substantial acceptance in the American market
place at prices above $100 a box. The Vintage
Reserva edition is made from tobaccos that were
not available in the boom years but which, hav-
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ing reached their maturity in late '99, are now
available. Whether you select the top grade
Connecticut USA wrapper or the rich Bahia
Brazilian Maduro, at savings of $50 per box, La
Paloma will have you all in smiles.” La Paloma
is a very satisfying smoke indeed. I shared several with my cigar-loving friends and they
agreed to its expensive taste.
Tusker
“The tobaccos in Tusker are a testament to
the cigar's pedigree. Beginning with a fantastic
blend of Dominican Piloto Cubano, Brazilian
Olor, and Nicaraguan Jalapa Valley long fillers,
this cosmopolitan collection is topped off with
a spicy Sumatra binder and an exquisitely
smooth and rich Connecticut-Ecuador wrapper.
At about a $50 per box it's an unbelievably
great value.” The Tusker also became very popular with my friends. I took a few to a cigar
night and didn't reveal the price until later on.
Most thought of Tusker as a special occasion
cigar, and were delighted to know that it's
priced as an everyday smoke. Tusker is a good
example of bargains that are available from
Thompson Cigar.
For more information about Thompson
Cigar please visit www.thompsoncigar.com.
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