The recommendations don’t come from a self-proclaimed cigar expert, but rather a panel of renowned flavor gurus. You can read a little more about how Cigar Sense expert curation works on the site. I won’t delve too deep here.

But in the Friday Brand Feature, I didn’t explain in full detail how the recommendations are, or what kind of experience you can expect after signing up. I thought it would be a good idea to walk you through that process and share how my own experiences are. So, if you haven’t yet, light a good smoke up, grab a cold beverage and let’s sign up for this fantastic flavor-friendly experience.

How does the sign-up process work?

It’s ridiculously easy, and the system walks you through everything.

You register with an email and a password, and away you go. It’s totally free. You don’t need to enter any credit card information, and you’ll get to see your top ten personal recommendations. If you want more, you can subscribe to premium. More on that later.

One of the first things the system asks is to provide three of your favorite cigars, or more. The three I eventually entered were: E.P. Carrillo Pledge, San Lotano Requiem Habano, and Warped La Colmena. A few I tried to enter were not in the system or not recognized, including the Boneshaker Full Body Cast, and the Aganorsa Rare Leaf Reserve. But since they were extras I was trying to put in, I just moved on. I figured it would spit out some good recommendations thanks to the three I shared.

Based on what you provide, it automatically fills out flavor charts for Aroma and Taste and Feel. But you can go in and tweak these later, which I did. You’re basically sharing which flavors you like best, or don’t like, such as herb, toasted, pepper, spice, sweet, wood, and so on. You do the same for taste and feel with things like sour, spicy, sweet, cooling, metallic, dry and beyond.

After all of that’s done, you can see your top recommendations.

What kind of Cigar Sense recommendations did you get?

With the three I put in, and the adjustments to my tasting notes, these are the top ten cigars recommended to me:

• H Upmann Connossieur A
• La Aroma de Cuba Connecticut
• Davidoff Winston Churchill
• Joya de Nicaragua Número Uno Le Premier
• Matilde Serena Maduro
• Rafael González Perlas
• CLE Connecticut
• West Tampa Tobacco Company Red
• San Cristobal Revelation Legend
• El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme

You also have the option to prevent the system from showing cigars that are difficult to find, which I did.

What’s interesting is that some of these recommendations I have had, some I have not, and a couple I’ve never even heard of. But from what I do know, I’d say it’s pretty spot on at recommending cigars in my preferred flavor channels.

For each recommendation, there’s an option to approve or disapprove, with simple thumbs up and thumbs down indicators. You can also dig deeper into your profile and adjust personalizations for nicotine strength, wrapper types, ring gauge, flavors, price range, and more. You can, for example, select which price ranges you’d like to see recommendations from.

How much does the Cigar Sense Premium plan cost?

Cigar Sense Premium is $97 per year, and it includes a much larger selection of cigar recommendations. But also, you’ll save money on the site’s Cigar Tasting course, webinars, and live events, and you’ll get access to those members-only events.

“Cigar Sense is the champion of the sensory experience for our industry in many ways.” – Matt Booth, Room 101 and STG Creative Director

Something I didn’t touch on above is that you get your personalized cigar log on the site, accessible from desktop or mobile. So, you can log and rate all the cigars you try along your journey, including scoring them yourself and jotting down flavor notes you taste. That will help align your smart search on the site for new recommendations.

So, basically, as I’m trying out the cigars that the service recommended, I can share my experiences and fine-tune what shows up in the future. The more you engage and interact, the better the recommendations get.

The post What can you expect from Cigar Sense recommendations? appeared first on The BS Lounge.

It damn sure is. And we all need an escape. A way to kick back and relax at the end of the day and let off some steam. While some people would rather go to sleep, rinse, repeat, and do it all over again. There are those of us who sacrifice some of our time for finer habits. Gaming. Movies. Food. Adult beverages. Cigars. Whatever it is that helps you unwind, here’s to that special vice.

This is my time: Solace in the smoke

Source: Anthony Torres / Unsplash

As for me, when I’m outside, enjoying my cigar of the evening, I’m not worried about anything else. It’s the best possible time for me to slow down and smell the roses figuratively. I love picking apart the notes and the flavors, trying to find what I’m tasting, but also find new experiences in the pairings I have chosen. Whether I’m alone, or with friends or family, it’s time to steal away from the rotten underpinnings of daily life. No one could bother me in those moments, no matter how rude, ornery, or outspoken they are. Because it’s just me and the cigar.

Many would have something to say about the stigmas of it all. Tobacco is bad for you. It causes cancer. It does this. Smells like that. I don’t ever force anyone to visit my space. If they’re there, they want to be there. It’s open air and I’m not stewing in smoke, tar, or ash. These days, cigarette smokers are allowed to smoke wherever, but cigar smokers are banned, which is asinine. Cigars smell better and cigarettes are worse for you.

That’s no matter, I stay in my solitary place and that’s where I relax.

Carcinogens are everywhere and in everything

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

I would also argue that everything gives you cancer in this day and age. Hot dogs. Baked, roasted, and fried foods with a bit of a golden hue or deep brown. Ultraviolet rays and the sun. Cell phones possibly. Alcohol. Processed meats like bacon, salami, pepperoni, sausage. Preservatives and food additives (there are a lot). Engine exhaust and exhaust fumes. Pollution in the air we breathe. Being sedentary or overweight. Hot drinks (high temps may cause esophageal cancer). Shift work, especially during odd hours. Frequently flying. Nail salons and fake nail products. EVEN TAP WATER.

Everything is carcinogenic. If you spend your day avoiding everything that is, you’d never leave a small, sheeted room. Does that mean we should all actively do activities that cause health issues? No, that’s not what I’m saying, and that’s a straw man argument.

What I am saying is that it’s my choice. You need a vice or two to survive in this shitty, overstimulating world and this is mine. I find solace in the smoke, like a lot of my brothers and sisters of the leaf. This is where we relax. Where we unwind. Where we find the best of times, even in the worst of times.

Stay smoky y’all.

The post Finding solace in the smoke appeared first on The BS Lounge.

But I’d argue it doesn’t really matter. You do need to strike a balance, more on that in a bit, but everyone should have a vice. Why? To help alleviate stress, wind down, relax, and enjoy life. Most of the good things in life are somewhat damaging to our health. It’s unfortunate, yes, but that’s the way of reality.

The trick is enjoying a vice or two sparingly and not allowing it to control your life. But when it comes to tobacco and cigars, how many are too many? Where do you draw the line?

Cigars and tobacco are a vice

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

The importance of having a vice, or two, or three, cannot be overstated. You need one. We all do, especially these days, where the world is going to shit. Our corporate overlords demand that we work longer hours, take no breaks, and accept fewer wages. The modern media continue to plaster and litter the airwaves with negativity, bad news, and doom and gloom. Admittedly, some of it is just the reality we live in, and that alone can be gloomy, but there’s still so much of it. We all need a break.

You need something that cuts through the noise, hence the importance of a vice.

Cigars are just one of my vices. I’m sure you have others, too. I also love to play video games, have an affinity for tech and gadgets, love movies and shows, reading, okay, I have a lot. But I don’t do all of those things, every hour of the day, I indulge sparingly. Don’t worry, I’m not advocating that you do the same. I’m not a doctor, and I’m not trying to impart medical advice or anything of the sort. You do you, in whatever form that takes.

What I am trying to say, or speak out loud, is that society has an obligation to acknowledge and accept this proven fact: Vices are necessary to thrive and enjoy life, no matter how damaging they may be.

They’re a coping mechanism, an outlet, provide temporary relief and a sense of enjoyment and relaxation, and they work especially well when they introduce social aspects, like cigars. You can sit around, enjoy some camaraderie, and hash out various discussions or ideals.

So, how many cigars are too many?

Source: Houcine Ncib / Unsplash

Again, not medical advice, and I’m not a doctor — I don’t even have a degree. But one cigar a day is a reasonable limit to adhere to. Following that limitation can help you keep your health on track. An FDA study did find that cancer risks are nearly nil for one to two cigars per day.

Medical reports claim that smoking more than two cigars per day significantly increases the associated health risks. I’m obligated to mention that, whether I agree or not. I’m also not going to comment on the high end of the spectrum — there are some times where I smoke quite a few cigars per day. I’ll leave that up to you to decide the [intentional] outcome of doing that in your own life.

Am I just flapping my gums here? Maybe. But I often see society looking down on people, collectively, for indulging in vices, whatever form they may take. I think that’s silly. We’re all adults. We all have the power and responsibility to make decisions for ourselves, and frankly, I don’t believe anyone else should make those decisions for us. For better or worse, we are in control, and that’s how it should remain. That includes retaining full control over the ability to decide what vices we indulge in and what vices we avoid.

All the Googaplexes, the governments, and the private and public Amazonian entities of the world can fuck right off and stop telling people what they can and can’t enjoy. You need a vice. Go find one and take a damn break. You’ve earned it.

The post The importance of having a vice appeared first on The BS Lounge.

But LOFB, as it’s also known, has an incredible message and mission behind it. Sure, they make some damn good cigars, but they’re also made for a cause. LOFB is fighting the social prejudice and modern stigmas behind men’s mental health. It’s okay to not be okay. And as someone who struggles with depression, it’s a fucking hell of a mission to get behind.

To understand why this is a big deal, especially in the world of cigars, we have to back up a little. We have to talk about some things no one really wants to. Toxic masculinity and mental health.

Toxic masculinity and mental health

Source: Gadiel Lazcano / Unsplash

About one in every six adults will struggle with depression at some point in their life. Annually, it affects nearly 16 million American adults. But perhaps more alarming is that anyone can get depression. It doesn’t matter who you are, it can affect everyone, and it can strike at any age, any time, and disorient any personality type or disposition.

A common misconception is that you have to be at a low point in your life, sad, or experiencing trauma to go through depression. That’s not true at all. As a matter of fact, many people who struggle with depression seem happy or fulfilled, and you’d never know unless they opened up about it. Which brings us to the topic of toxic masculinity.

Boys and men are taught at an early age to bottle up emotions, bottle up their mental disposition, and never talk about it. Not just by their family, friends, or peers, but by society, in general. It’s not considered good to see males cry or exhibit strong emotions other than anger. Personally, I can recall hundreds, if not thousands, of times I was told to “suck it up,” or “get over it” and “just be happy.” That’s because most people don’t like to see others upset, down, or depressed, and the easiest way to fix that problem is to ignore it. If you make it visible, and make it known that you’re struggling, that challenges other people’s worldviews, and frankly, it puts more on their plate — and we all know most people don’t like dealing with problems other than their own.

Medicine is not always the answer. Neither is therapy. Both of these things can work for some, and both of them applied together can help in strides — for some. But one thing is clear. Bottling it all up and pretending like you’re okay, day after day, does more damage. It does more harm than good. And that’s precisely what the League of Fat Bastards stands for. Putting an end to bottling those experiences and that pain.

Fighting the stigmas of men’s mental health and awareness

Source: Nel Ranoko / Unsplash

It’s okay to be sad. It’s okay to ask for help or to talk about what you’re experiencing, thinking and going through. I’d argue that’s one of the few ways to help alleviate some of the silent mental pain you experience when you’re depressed. Just knowing that others care, that others give a shit about you, well, it means the world.

Society needs to move away from the stigmas it places on mental health, not just for men, but for everyone. Unfortunately, we have to take baby steps, and it won’t happen overnight. We need heroes, and we need supporters to stand behind the cause, to push it forward, and to help eliminate those stigmas and social prejudices.

How to fight the good fight with League of Fat Bastards stogies

Source: League of Fat Bastards (LOFB)

As the brand puts it, “we all have our dark days,” but instead of bottling it all up, or opening a bottle, there are much better outlets. We can bond over cigars, hash it out over group discussions, and “chew the fat.” In other words, open up and get it all out.

LOFB is all about breaking down barriers, changing social stigmas, smashing the Mask of Masculinity and finding new ways for men to “chew the fat.”

To make a tangible impact, LOFB donates 40% of net profits from the sale of its cigars, directly applying that allocation to men’s mental health initiatives, including charities. They call it their “40% giveback promise,” which is equal parts impressive and excellent. Every time you purchase an LOFB cigar, you are also contributing to that mission. Every time you smoke an LOFB cigar, you are contributing to that mission.

And here’s the thing. Even if you don’t struggle with depression now, or haven’t in your lifetime, that doesn’t mean you won’t eventually. Even if you never do, that doesn’t mean some of your friends and family won’t go through it. That doesn’t mean you don’t know people going through it this very moment. Every one in six adults struggles with depression in their lifetime. Many of those numbers, those statistics, are men, and they’re men in need.

If you register and sign up on the site, you’ll also be invited to join a digital community focused on the same principles and mission as the brand — that’s all via WhatsApp. There are some pretty deep convos, mental health check-ins, cigar recommendations, and much more. You can also connect with the brand’s founder, Adam Levine. No, not the singer.

To join the fight against the stigmas of mental health, if you haven’t already, go check out LOFB. They’re doing some pretty cool shit.

Oh, and they also recently launched the Serie-O, a bangin, bold, and full-bodied smoke. It features a Mexican San Andres wrapper, Dominican binder and Nicaraguan fillers, from Condega and Jalapa. Flavor notes are cherry, cocoa, earth, and spices. It sounds delicious. I haven’t had one yet, but I will real soon.

The post Fighting the stigma of men’s mental health with the League of Fat Bastards appeared first on The BS Lounge.

Fuck that noise. There’s room for both ends of the spectrum. The guys who love to dress up and look their best are just as welcome as the guys who don’t. The same is true for the ladies who smoke. I will not begrudge Kirby Allison his exquisite attire. He looks great in those snazzy suits. Don’t get me wrong. But that’s not the attire you need, all day every day, to engage in the love of the leaf.

I’m sure you’ve heard me say it several times, but I live in Florida where it’s sunny, hot and humid. I refuse to wear a suit. I sweat like a race horse already. I can’t even begin to imagine what that would smell like after a few nights outside.

But cigars are premium, high-end and held to a higher standard?

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Absolutely. The best premium and high-end cigars are also delicious, relaxing and meant to be enjoyed however you want. The marketing materials might show some guys in suits and the best Versace or Gucci wear you could imagine, but most people smoking don’t dress like that. A lot of them are sitting on their front porch in overalls enjoying the evening weather with a coffee, a handle of whiskey, or some sweet tea.

So, it’s all a gimmick, you say? No, that’s not what I’m saying. I’m just saying you don’t have to wear a suit to smoke and enjoy a cigar. That’s true regardless of the brand you prefer. If you want to smoke a Davidoff in shorts, do it. I do it all the time. If you want to smoke an Opus X in a bathing suit, go for it. I do that, too.

If you want to have a $400 cigar in the lap of luxury atop Egyptian cotton sheets and with the most expensive champagne known to man, go for it. I’m just saying that last example is not me and it doesn’t have to be everyone.

But smoking a cigar is supposed to look so cool?

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Come on, man. Do you really think you look cool puffing on a huge cigar in front of people who have no interest in smoking tobacco? Look at that goofy dude in the pictures above. What a goober.

Most of the population isn’t into cigars, and that’s okay. It’s great to enjoy the craft around others who love it, and I love it, too. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re special or held to a much higher standard than anyone else around you. If that’s how you want to live your life and spend your cigar time, go for it. No one will stop you.

Allow others the space to enjoy the craft in the way they prefer, suit or no suit. Don’t make any assumptions that you’re the coolest cat in the jazz bar, either. There are some cool cats. Most probably don’t smoke tobacco.

Cigars are only for the rich and famous

Source: Charles Etoroma / Unsplash

Yeah, no. If you talk to any retailer, actually, you’ll find that most customers are the average person, like you and me. In fact, I know that some of the highest selling SKUs for modern cigar retailers are the cheap and more affordable bundles. It’s not the expensive, premium or boutique lines that you might expect to bring in top dollar. It’s everything else.

Cigars are for everyone over the age of 21. You don’t have to be rich. You don’t have to drive a Masarati or a Lamborghini. And you don’t need to wear a six-figure, three-piece suit. If you do any of those things, then fantastic. Grand. Wonderful. Phenomenal.

But that’s not the reality for most people. Don’t be turned away by videos that show the gentlemen with chiseled chins and perfect amounts of stubble gingerly lighting their cigar in front of a paradise backdrop. They probably toasted their cigar wrong, anyway.

Hell, sometimes I ash on myself three or four times a night. Tell me that’s really attractive. It’s even worse when I’m relaxing in my pool and the hot ash lands on my bare skin. That gets me whooping and hollering like a donkey walking over flaming coals.

Don’t supermodels smoke cigars?

Source: Houcine Ncib / Unsplash

Maybe. I don’t know. You’d have to ask a supermodel. More specifically, find one with a picture of a cigar and ask if they smoke. I’m willing to bet 9 times out of 10 the answer is a resounding no. On the flip side of that, there are lots of social media babes and women who smoke cigars, like actual cigars, I think that’s pretty clear. It’s also awesome. I love sharing this craft with everyone of age.

The point I’m trying to make here is that it doesn’t matter who you are, or what you look like, or what you wear, or what you drive, or any of that superficial nonsense. Light up that cigar. Enjoy it to the fullest of your ability. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.

While you’re at it, strike up a conversation with someone nearby, especially if you’re at a lounge.

Also, let me be clear, although I’m advocating for not wearing a suit, I still very much am firmly in the camp of wearing some kind of attire while you smoke. Nudist colonies are probably not a great place to light up a cigar. Did you not hear me say ash on my chest hurts? Imagine ash anywhere else. Yikes.

The post You don’t need to wear a suit to smoke cigars appeared first on The BS Lounge.

Outside of flashing your favorite cigar, throwing stickers up everywhere you go, or sharing the good word, what’s another great way to announce your love of the leaf? With custom patches. Embroidered, leather, woven, it’s your choice. But these personalized designs are all exceptional, at least what this brand has shown off on Instagram.

“It began as a way to create unique, high-quality patches that cigar enthusiasts and brands could proudly showcase.”

Cigar Brand Patches creates custom patches for a wide variety of mediums, from small businesses to cigar clubs. Associated with Oro Custom Patches and Reliable Custom Patches, the real allure — at least for people like me — is the cigar-related creations. With embroidered designs for groups like the Ash Hole Cigar Club, smaller cigar businesses, and beyond, there are a lot of incredible designs in full view.

What are the custom patches good for?

Source: Cigar Brand Patches

While there are a few different options, with material differences being the major standout, patches can be sewn or attached to just about anything. Integrate them with your favorite jackets or shirts, sew them to bags, accessories, and other gear, or just share them with the rest of the community. You can also attach them to anything in your smoking room or personal lounge from couches and seating to various upholstery, tables, and other surfaces. Depending on how many you order, you can straight up hand them out to people like business cards.

It’s an excellent way to organically market your brand or club. The more people that wear the patches, the more eyes on your name, and the rest is history. But it’s also an awesome way to show others out and about what you’re about. Imagine hitting up a local lounge with those patches in full view, or just repping your favorite brand or club while you’re shopping, grabbing a bite to eat, or something else.

It’s not even a requirement to tailor your patches to a brand or business. You can customize them however you want. Slap a low-poly version of your face on there. Commemorate your favorite cigar events or experiences. You can do some really cool things. For example, I might create a few for my podcast, design others to get the word out about The BS Lounge, or hell, just get something to show off my favorite bourbon or cigar label. [Insert big Aganorsa flex here].

A shared passion for cigars

On Cigar Brand Patches’ Instagram and Threads profiles, you can see exactly what kind of designs have already been created. Jack Daniels, Devil’s Enclave, and Cigar Empire are just a few that caught my eye. Use your imagination.

Richard Davis, the page and business owner, shares that he’s always been passionate about cigars and branding. That “led me to start crafting cigar patches.”

“It began as a way to create unique, high-quality patches that cigar enthusiasts and brands could proudly showcase.”

He also says he “appreciates all the support and love for custom patches.” The goal is to ultimately provide custom designs that “truly represent the culture and passion behind cigars.” That’s a tall order because there’s definitely a lot of love and passion in the cigar world.

Where do I get custom cigar patches?

Source: Cigar Brand Patches

Admittedly, there are a lot of different places you could go, but I always like to support the cigar community, in general. I’m sure most of you feel the same way. At the very least, check out Cigar Brand Patches on social media and keep an eye on some of the designs being created — they’re fantastic.

As for why I’m sharing, I think it’s a really cool operation and I love the idea of repping your cigar favorites with custom-designed patches on your favorite jacket, shirt, or bag. Even if you just want to display them in your smoking area somewhere, that’s pretty badass, too.

The post Cigar Brand Patches: Check out these incredible custom patches for cigar enthusiasts appeared first on The BS Lounge.