RSS
 

Archive for January, 2007

Cigar Lounge Ventilation Upgrade

30 Jan

In my Smoking Cigars Indoors article, I stated that the key to smoking a cigar indoors—without getting kicked out by your spouse—is simply to have adequate room ventilation. Cigar smoke that is not allowed to linger in a confined indoor space will just dissipate and, in time, leave no trace of odor. When this is done properly, even those picky non-smoker noses will never suspect that there have been billowing clouds of premium cigar smoke in the house. In fact, I have a great number of acquaintances that visit my office on regular basis and would never even imagine that it also doubles as a smoking lounge for me and my buddies.

Window Fan

Until now, my solution had been quite simple: use a regular window fan to expel smoky air out of the room. Usually left on overnight after a smoking evening, the fan does a good job of removing stale air with no detectable odors in just about 48 hours.

But I just discovered a new gadget that is bound to change the dynamics of my cigar lounge ventilation to make my system even more efficient—the Fresh Air Machine by a company called Bionaire. The device would eliminate a rather eminent conundrum: How to maintain a comfortable temperature in winter, while still allowing fresh outside air into the room?

Fresh Air Machine by Bionaire

Instead of sucking smoky air out of the lounge and allowing wintery air in through a separate window or vent, the Fresh Air Machine pumps outside air into the room after it has warmed it up to room temperature, while the separate window or vent would then serve to circulate the smoky air out of the room. The result is brilliant; all the freshness of outside air with the winter taken out of it.

To make this work ideally, I will have to change my current scheme. Since warm air rises, I would install the Fresh Air Machine closer to the floor and place a vent near the ceiling. The rising fresh, warm, air would then also serve to push the smoky layer up and out the vent, instead of relying on pure air pressure to drive it out. I could also place the device and the vent on diagonal corners of the room to maximize the effect, with the lounge chairs just adjacent to the fresh air intake.

chair.jpg

Well, the gadget does cost around $200.00, as opposed to the $30.00 that a regular window far goes for; but what’s money when you can have that fine OpusX in a comfortable lounge instead of out freezing your behind? I’ll have to update you on this once I get it all up and running.

 
13 Comments

Posted in Cigar Talk

 

CAO Ashtray Special

23 Jan

Whenever I light up in my lounge, either by myself or with a few fellow aficionados, I need to feel like I’ve done everything possible to set up for a great smoking evening. I got comfortable lounge chairs, good ventilation, big screen T.V., and yes… enough cool ashtrays to go around.

At first I was a bit surprised at how difficult it can be to get nice, large ceramic ashtrays. Then I realized that you just have to grab them whenever you see them advertised. So, here’s an ashtray special I just ordered from J.R. Cigar. Just buy any box of the CAO range and get the interestingly shaped ashtray.

*** UPDATE — I just saw this ashtray advertized for $98 all by itself!!! Boy am I glad I got it with a box of Robustos for $117,00.

CAO ashtray special

 
5 Comments

Posted in Cigar Deals

 

Cumpay Piramide

15 Jan

Happy New Year everyone! a belated one at that… well, you can’t live in Spain and not make good use of the holidays by traveling around. I went way South to the Mediterranean coast, stopped over in Cadiz on the way back—picking up some prized sherry while there, of course—and passed through Granada before finally coming home. One thing is for sure, I’ve had way too many cigars while on vacation, but oh well… life is good.

Cumpay Piramide

Even as I drove back, though, I was thinking of the cigar I would review next: the Cumpay Piramide that had been in my humidor since last spring. I have tried other vitolas of the Cumpay brand, like the Robusto, and found them to be quite good. The Piramide did not turn out to be very special after all, though I wouldn’t call it bad; perhaps only a bit one dimensional.

Cumpay Cigar

The shape is naturally interesting. I would have expected a good progression of aromas because of it, but in the end it was rather linear, which was a bit surprising. The cigar is very well made. A good bunch, solid feel, and a very nice wrapper were among the stick’s strengths. The pre-light draw was light, grassy, with just the slightest hint of spice and white pepper.

Cumpay Tobacco Bunch

Once lit, the smoke was characteristically Honduran: very creamy in texture, medium bodied, with an initial burst of roasted almonds. For a cigar of such an unusual shape, I’d say that it didn’t burn terribly, though I have to coach it along at times to avoid what I knew would turn into ruined cigar down the line.

Cumpay Piramide Burn and Ash

After about one third, the notes become more grilled and dark. Though it was not incredibly complex, I got some roasted coffee notes and a steady creamy texture. As far as the progression, the only thing I’d mention is a very welcome increase in smoke volume when it went past the half way mark.

Cigar Nub

All in all the Cumpay Piramide is a solid cigar with an intriguing shape and consistent notes of roasted coffee beans and creamy nuts throughout.

Now, I know I’m going to get a barrage of emails asking where the Cumpay line can be found. Well, if you don’t mind paying for the delivery charges, I’d recommend checking out an online German shop called Zigarren Bugge. They actually have a rating system for the cigars they sell (which, though I admit having often disagreed with, can still be helpful when deciding to try a new cigar) and even have an option for English. I’ve done business with them in the past and can say they have great service.

 
5 Comments

Posted in Cigar Reviews