Ask The Doctor

For years people have been asking me questions about cigars, pipe tobacco and pipes. I decided that it was time to create a page where people could could get informed about their favorite cigar or pipe tobacco. How to deal with a new humidor or pipe. So here it is, already a few questions in our favorite subject.

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Q. Someone told me that I shouldn't smoke an English tobacco in a pipe where I smoked a flavored tobacco. Is that true?

A. VERY true. Because pipes are made of briar wood, its tendency is to absorb the tastes from the oils of the tobacco through its wall. If you start smoking a non aromatic tobacco in a pipe that was holding aromatic tobacco you will get a very weird taste. Also the aroma will not be pleasing. It will be acrid and downright stinky. So, the solution is to have a pipe or pipes for non aromatics and a pipe or pipes for your favorite aromatics.


Q. I’m now seeing reviews of cigars that say they’re “chocolate-flavored,” “fruity,” and a taste of caramel:’ and “flowery.” When choosing a cigar, how do I make sense of all these colorful descriptions?

A. First off cigars aren't Godiva chocolates or McDonald’s milkshakes. If you want a vanilla, chocolate or strawberry flavor try sucking on something else. Even a pink or blue El Bubble Gum cigar, It’s a lot cheaper. But if serious about cigar smoking ignore such flowery terms as “a faint hazelnut taste.” or “sweet cream flavor”which is better suited for caffe lattes. Cigars are cigars, If you’re determined to find chocolaty sweetness, head for Dunkin Donuts.

Q. Should I leave cigars in their cellophane wrapper when I put them in my humidor?

A. That’s like asking should I sleep in Hanes briefs or go naked? Surrender to your wilder impulses. Take those wrappers off, and let your cigars touch each other and have a little fun under the (humidor) covers. This allows the cigar “to marry,” breathe. and to age properly. Don’t stop what’s natural.Remember; cigars are alive and hot to release their charms.