In the highly anticipated new volume in Assouline’s bestselling Ultimate Collection, The Impossible Collection of Cigars envisions the ultimate humidor brimming with the most remarkable cigars of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries from the most prestigious makers. Like the pop of the Champagne cork, the flick of the lighter or the strike of the match and the first draw of the smoke are synonymous with celebration, relaxation, and comradery. A luxurious pause from the world around, an exceptional, hand-rolled cigar has cemented itself as a civilized passion and genteel hobby over the course of centuries.
First published in 1993, The Ultimate Cigar Book has become a classic in its field, and is generally credited with having helped launch the current cigar smoking craze. It has been reprinted numerous times in the United States, and is now sold worldwide. No other book contains as much detailed and factual information on virtually every facet of cigar making and cigar smoking. And now this trendsetting been has been revised in this fourth edition for the aficionado of the future! Forget 1492. This book starts out in B. C. (Before Columbus) and transports the cigar enthusiast on a fun and fact-filled adventure into virtually every realm of today’s popular and growing cigar smoking pastime. Written by one of the most knowledgeable and internationally-celebrated pipe and cigar authors of our time, Richard Carleton Hacker’s well-known wit and wisdom will keep the reader enthralled with every turn of the page, as he takes you on an information-packed would tour of cigars. Starting off with a history of cigar smoking, the author then shows us how cigars are made today (handmade, handrolled, and machine made), divulges the secrets of finding the “perfect” cigar, and discusses the ritual of smoking and how to properly care for and store our cigars. From there the book lists a number of innovative cigar accessories, suggests which beers, wines, whiskeys, brandies, and cognacs go with what cigars, enlightens us with a chapter on cigar smoking celebrities, and concludes with the world’s first International Compendium of virtually every cigar brand known today, complete with histories and observations on taste, according to the author’s HPH (Highly Prejudiced Hacker-Scale) ratings. If that was not enough, there is even a dictionary of CigarSpeak! The Ultimate Cigar Book is the most comprehensive, factual, and up-to-date book for the cigar smoker or for those who just want to learn more about the fascinating and popular world of cigar smoking.
Luxury, exclusivity, status--for centuries, the cigar has been a symbol for the special and extraordinary. Cigar smoking, which began over 2,000 years ago with the Maya, is experiencing a huge renaissance today. The cigar is a recreational luxury item in high demand, a combination of craftsmanship and tradition with a cult following that is hard to top. Connoisseur and cigar expert Cosima Aichholzer is one of the world's leading authorities on cigars. There isn't a cigar lounge in the world she hasn't travelled to, or a brand that she hasn't personally tested. In this standard reference work for all cigar experts and fans, the sophisticated Austrian provides authoritative answers to questions about the cigar's history, production process, where tobacco for cigars is grown, how to buy and store cigars, and much more. Let us take you on an exciting and fascinating journey into the world of cigars. Learn more about the countries they come from, the raw materials that go into them, the craftsmanship involved in making them, and the world's most beautiful cigar lounges, all shown in captivating pictures. Take a look at exclusive accessories, custom-made humidors, luxurious lighters, and many other items. So sit back, light up a cigar with celebrity fellow smokers, and peruse entertaining interviews that include tidbits like the cigar that Arnold Schwarzenegger finds unforgettable. Text in English German and French SELLING POINTS: * Never-before-seen insights into the fascinating world of the elegant cigar * Exclusive interviews with prominent smokers about their favourite brands and great cigar moments * A wonderfully entertaining book, not just for smokers! 200 colour and b/w photos
Dive into the aromatic pages of "Rolling in Tradition," a captivating journey that traces the origins, rituals, and future of the age-old dance between tobacco and craftsmanship. This isn't just a book; it's an invitation to explore the soul of cigars, an intricate tale that weaves through history, culture, and the ever-evolving world of aficionados. In a world where the first whispers of tobacco smoke curled through the Maya-inhabited lands of the Yucatan peninsula, the story begins. But this isn't a mere chronicle; it's a sensory experience, a voyage that transports you to the opulent courts of Europe, where the allure of cigars first captured the imaginations of the rich and powerful. The hook is set, and we guide you through the corridors of time, unraveling the mysteries of tobacco cultivation, the birth of the cigar in 1612 Virginia, and the revolutionary introduction of the cigar to the United States by General Israel Putnam. As the smoke unfurls, the narrative intensifies, drawing you into the world of "Cigars 101," where the art of smoking becomes an accessible primer for the curious and a revelatory journey for the seasoned connoisseur. But this book is more than a historical tour; it's an immersion into the lives of legends like Don Alejandro Robaina and cinematic moments that forever etched cigars into our collective consciousness. Each chapter is a door to a new dimension—the craftsmanship, the culture, and the camaraderie that define the aficionado's world. "Rolling in Tradition" is a voyage with a compass pointing not just to the past but also to the future. As the title suggests, it envisions a world where cigars, firmly rooted in tradition, roll forward into uncharted territories. Infused flavors, technological enhancements, and sustainable practices await exploration, signaling an exciting era where tradition and innovation entwine. In the final chapters, we raise a virtual glass to you—the aficionado. You are the guardian of tradition, the seeker of innovation, and the storyteller shaping the ever-expanding narrative of cigars. With each puff, you become a participant in the centuries-old tale, contributing to the legacy that future generations will inherit. "Rolling in Tradition" is more than a book—it's your passport to a universe where every draw is a celebration, every chapter a revelation, and every page leaves an indelible mark on the tapestry of cigar culture. So, join us as we unravel the rich narrative, rolling in tradition and stepping into a future where the story of cigars and tobacco continues to captivate, innovate, and unite aficionados across the globe.
The Cigar Companion is the perfect study-side guide to unlocking the delicate intricacies and delicious undertones of handmade cigars—including the history of cigars, a buyer's guide, and profiles of 70 current top brands of quality cigars complemented by full-color photographs. Much more sophisticated than their slimmer, machine-made counterparts, a good cigar offers a certain levity and celebration. Often compared with fine wine, the way that good cigar products are made and the quality of the ingredients are reflected in the flavor of the final product. The rich history of enjoying cigars has seen many changes, yet hand rolling remains a valued practice among cigar aficionados—there are just some things that machines cannot copy. The time-treasured practice of harvesting, drying, and curing the leaveshas a deep traditional background and has shown innovative developments that offer new experiences to cigar smokers. There are many different ways to make cigars, and even more ways to discern its quality once it is in the hands of the consumer. If you're curious about any aspect of cigar culture, The Cigar Companion covers: The origin story of cigars A cigar directory of fan favorites Best practices for buying cigars Storage techniques for maximum preservation Directory of reputable cigar merchants to get you started A comprehensive directory of every brand of cigar, this book lists all the major brands, such as Havana and Dominican, as well as many lesser-known brands. Information on origin, smoking qualities, flavor and aroma, and buying and storing fine cigars is included. Consider The Cigar Companion your invitation into the fascinating world of cigars.
The most definitive guide to Cuban cigars: The Cuban Cigar Handbook profiles the history of cigars in Cuba and features an extensive guide to over 200 varieties. For more than two centuries, Cuban cigars have been heralded as the best cigars in the world. More than just a cigar, they're an art form, with tobacco growers and hand-rollers considered artists. Today, there are more than 200 varieties to discover, and this essential guide highlights each one. Featuring insights from industry experts like Gary Korb and Denis K. Toulouse, The Cuban Cigar Handbook presents an in-depth look at a wide range of fascinating topics, including: - a complete history of Cuban cigars - how to spot fakes - stories of celebrated cigar aficionados from Ernest Hemingway to Rudyard Kipling - the best Cuban rum to pair with a cigar - vivid descriptions of Cuba and its environs - dynamic profiles of growers, hand-rollers, and producers - and so much more! The Cuban Cigar Handbook tells the history of cigars in Cuba and includes an extensive guide to over 200 varieties. Tasting notes for all varieties of cigars explain what makes each type different from the others, and how to spot fakes. And should you get thirsty, this book also includes a guide for how best to pair Cuban cigars with Cuban rums. Light up a cigar, sit back, and read fascinating stories about notable cigar aficionados to learn what attracted the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Rudyard Kipling to Cuban cigars. The Cuban Cigar Handbook is the ideal gift for the cigar smoker in your life. This is the ultimate handbook for any burgeoning cigar enthusiast or seasoned connoisseur.
