Stogie Fresh TV

Cigar Shapes

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 22:49:00 +0000

In this video, Doc talks about the different shapes of premium handmade cigars. Shapes include: Parejo, Figurado, Torpedo, Belicoso, Pyramid, Perfecto, Salomones and Culebra.

The Lieberman Machine

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 06:59:00 +0000

A brief video introducing the Lieberman Machine, a device used in the manufacture of premium cigars.

Curing and Fermentation

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 05:43:00 +0000

DESCRIPTION: This video will explain and illustrate the complex processes of curing and fermentation of tobacco. Curing and fermentation are critical aspects of readying the tobacco for use in the production of premium cigars.

TERMS:

Casa de Tabaco = Curing Barn
Guano = Palm leaves; used for constructing some curing barns
Ensartadores = Stringer, sewer of leaves
Drying bars = wooden poles used for hanging leaves in the curing barn
Vegueros = tobacco farmers
Manos = hands; groups of leaves tied together in bunches

Pilón (pilones) = pile or stack of tobacco leaves used in fermenting

Temperatures:

In curing barns: 72-75 degrees F
In fermentation pilón: 80-95 degrees F

Time span:

For curing: approx. 6-weeks
For fermentation: approx. 6-weeks

From Planting to Picking

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 05:41:00 +0000

DESCRIPTION: This video takes you through the process of seeding, germination, growth and harvest.

Making great cigars starts with planting great seeds. You will see how the seeds are planted and germinated and how the seedlings are prepared to be planted in the field. The process of harvesting (priming) the leaves is also discussed.

TERMS:

Ligero = Literally “light.” The part of the filler tobacco that is located in the upper part of the plant. It often contributes to the strength of the cigar.
Viso = Tobacco from the middle of the plant. A primary contributor to the flavor characteristics of the cigar.
Seco = Literally, “dry.” Comes from the
lower part of the plant, it contributes to the aroma and burn of the cigar.
Volado = Another type of filler tobacco chosen for its burning qualities. It is the part of the plant that is closest to the soil.

Vega = Tobacco field
Veguero = Tobacco farmer
Finca = Farm
Germination Tray = a small container used to plant seeds
Semilla = Seed
Semilleros = Seedbed
Sterile Ash = mixed with seeds to help farmer see the distribution of seeds in the germination tray
Priming = Picking the leaves
Recogedor (a) = Person who picks the tobacco leaves.

Interview with Steven Ysidron: Savinelli Cigars

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:45:00 +0000

Recently I sat down with Steven Ysidron, National Sales Manager of Savinelli cigars, to discuss his background and role in the company. He also introduces Savinelli's current cigars, and upcoming new blends.

2010 Procigar Special Edition Cigar

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:06:00 +0000

This video records the presentation of the limited edition 2010 Procigar cigar. The announcement was made by Manuel Quesada, who is the Vice President of the Procigar organization. Each person that attended the 2010 Procigar Festival in the Dominican Republic, received one of these special cigars

Don Lucas de Meester Interview Part 2

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:38:00 +0000

This video completes the two-part interview with Lucas de Meester of Don Lucas Premium Cigars. The interview took place at Lucas' "Cigar Home and Lounge" in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Don Lucas de Meester Interview Part 1

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:29:00 +0000

In this video, Doc interviews Lucas de Meester of Don Lucas Premium Cigars. The interview took place at Lucas' "Cigar Home and Lounge" in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Procigar Festival 2010 - Dancing in the DR

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:31:00 +0000

Upon returning from the Dominican Republic and the 3rd annual Procigar Festival, Doc shows a bit of the Dominican culture outside of the cigar industry. Dancing in the DR shows more of the festive and fun aspects of the Procigar Festival.

New Pipe and Humidor

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:53:00 +0000

In this video, Doc shows his two latest acquisitions: a Karl Erik pipe and a Vanderburgh Custom humidor. See more humidors from Eddie De Jong at VanderburghHumidors.com

Doc's Pipe Collection

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:29:00 +0000

Pipes and pipe smoking can be an enjoyable adjunct hobby for cigar smokers. In this video, Doc shows his small pipe collection and talks about each pipe.

Cigar Band Project

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:51:00 +0000

Doc talks about different ideas for how to use your cigar bands. If you collect cigars bands, be sure to check out Doc's ideas and share some of your own.

Purging your cigar

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 06:09:00 +0000

Doc demonstrates how to purge your cigar. Two types of purges, the "dry" purge and the "flambé" purge are discussed. These techniques will keep your cigar smoking fresh and sweet and enhance your enjoyment of your cigar.

Humidor Tour part 5

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 06:30:00 +0000

This is the fifth and final stop in a tour series of videos where Doc takes you on a personal tour of his humidor and cigar collection. This video displays a wine cooler converted into a cabinet humidor.

Humidor Tour part 4

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:01:00 +0000

This is the fourth stop in a tour series of videos where Doc takes you on a personal tour of his humidor and cigar collection. This video displays desktop humidors.

Humidor Tour part 3

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Sun, 03 May 2009 03:34:00 +0000

This is the third stop in a tour series of videos where Doc takes you on a personal tour of his humidor and cigar collection. This video displays my travel humidors.

Humidor Tour Part 2

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 05:53:00 +0000

This is the second stop in a tour series of videos where Doc takes you on a personal tour of his humidor and cigar collection.

Humidor Tour Part 1

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:12:00 +0000

This is the first in a series of videos where Doc takes you on a personal tour of his humidor and cigar collection. This first leg of the tour takes a look at Doc's large cabinet humidor and some of the cigars within.

Cigar Quality Control Part 2

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 23:17:00 +0000

This is the second in a two-part series on Quality Control. This video will help everyone to better appreciate the many quality control processes that are used when making a premium hand made cigar. This video focuses on the final processes in making a cigar. These are the quality control measures that take place in factory.

Cigar Quality Control Part 1

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 01:53:00 +0000

This is the first in a two-part series on Quality Control. In this video, I interview José Blanco, National Sales Director of La Aurora, and ask him to provide a survey of quality control steps from seed to cigar.

Retrohaling your Cigar Smoke

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:51:00 +0000

DESCRIPTION: Retrohaling is a technique that we practice and recommend so that people can experience the broadest range of flavors and sensations from their cigars. In this video, Doc explains why retrohaling is important and how to retrohale your cigar smoke.

OUTLINE:

Doc provides a little background info on the origin of the term "retrohale."
The second section provides a little anatomy lesson regarding gustation (taste) and olfaction (smell).
Orthonasal olfaction involves moving particles to your olfactory bulb via the front of your nose.
Retronasal olfaction involves moving particles to your olfactory bulb via the "back door," that is, via your mouth and throat.
Doc explains techniques for retrohaling.
Doc summarizes the importance of retrohaling to the cigar enthusiast.

Cutting and Lighting Your Cigar

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:22:00 +0000

DESCRIPTION: The Doc addresses the question of how to properly cut and light a cigar. While cutting and lighting a cigar may seem like a simple matter, there are a few tips that can help you to better top and torch your stogie.

OUTLINE:

Doc has some fun introducing the topic.
Make the smallest cut possible on the head of the cigar, you can always cut off more later.
Cut with a quick snapping motion and push the cutter toward the foot of the cigar as you cut. This will help prevent your cutter from sliding on the cigar.
Take pre-light draws. This will help you decide if you need to cut more of the head of your cigar.
Lightly toast the foot, as you would a marshmallow over a campfire.
Hold the lighter a couple of inches away from the foot of the cigar while lighting. Be Patient!
Keep both hands moving: roll your cigar in your fingers and "draw circles" with your lighter. Keeping the cigar and the lighter moving will prevent you from over-torching the foot of your cigar.
Before drawing on your lit cigar, blow through the cigar to superheat and expel the chemicals produced by scorched tobacco.
Finally, take a couple of puffs (draws) while gently toasting the foot.

The Color of Cigar Ash

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:59:00 +0000

DESCRIPTION: This is the first video in a series called: "That's My Answer." This series of videos will look at common questions, which will be answered by the Doc.

This video answers the common question about what constitutes the "right" color for a cigar ash and, what causes the color of the ash to be different across different cigars? Is it the selection of 1st priming's, the aging of fillers or the lack thereof, the grade of tobacco, growth geology, or something else?

MAJOR NUTRIENTS IN THE SOIL:
* Nitrogen
* Phosphorus
* Potassium
* Calcium
* Magnesium

DETERMINANTS OF ASH COLOR:
Calcium is one of the chief elements in the ash of a cigar. And it’s the mineral most responsible for producing a light colored ash. Too little calcium and the ash will be darker.

Potassium is another principal element in the ash of a cigar and it can affect the burn and color of the ash if it is not present in optimal amounts.

Making a Cigar

doc@stogiefresh.com (David P Diaz) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:59:00 +0000

DESCRIPTION: This video will explore the making of a handmade, premium cigar. Narrated by Doc Stogie Fresh, you will see the processes in preparing and producing a fine cigar.

After the tobacco has been grown, picked, cured, fermented, and aged, it is ready to be assembled into cigars. This video shows how the wrapper, binder and filler leaves are prepared and then put together into cigars. Different techniques for bunching and rolling the cigars are also demonstrated.

SPANISH TERMS:

Belicoso = a cigar with tapered head
Bonchero(a) = Buncher
Chaveta = curved blade
Despalillador(a) = De-veiner
Figurado = a generic term referring to any cigar that is not of the Parejo shape.
Goma = vegetable-based glue
Parejo = basic straight-sided cigar
Pyramid = a cigar that is thickest at the foot and gradually tapers toward the head
Tabla = rolling table
Torcedor = cigar roller
Torpedo = originally a slang term for pyramid