Cigars, cigar reviews, cigar varieties

Cigar Reviews by Bob Hritsko

The healing properties of a good cigar (06/18/2009)
Bob takes time to remember the late Tom Long, who was a good friend as well as an early Bullz-Eye fan and supporter. Bob shares his thoughts on the healing power of tobacco, and the comfort found in whiskey and cigars like the go-to Arturo Fuente.

Fonseca 5-50 (05/15/2009)
A good book, like a good cigar, can bring enjoyment and inspiration – and both can help pass the time between chores on a Saturday afternoon. Bob reviews the Fonseca 5-50, a mild yet flavorful smoke that he enjoyed while reading Ted Turner's autobiography.

Perdomo -- Habano Maduro (04/17/2009)
The lure of illegal smoke is powerful. With plenty of cigars claiming to be authentic Cubans, Bob has the facts on the fakes, and advises against smoking the real thing. Instead he suggests a terrific, and legal, Perdomo Habano Maduro, with a great look and rich taste.

Camacho Havana (03/20/2009)
Bob opens the door to online education with his thesis on "Perelman's Pocket Cyclopedia of Cigars," a reference book that also has a website full of good smoking information. He uses the Camacho Havana as a study aid. A well-made, medium-bodied study aid.

Perdomo ESV '91 (02/12/2009)
When economic times are tough, the tough smoke the best. Cigar Czar Bob Hritsko reflects on the advice from screen legend Errol Flynn to put your best foot forward, and fires up a premium Perdomo ESV '91. This rich and creamy cigar is a treat for the novice and experienced smoker alike.

Cigar Web Guide

Cigars
Get cigars online from Cigars Direct.

Cigar-Review.com
A site devoted to all epicurean delights: eating, drinking, smoking and, of course, women. With news, polls, jokes, merchandise and their Smokin' Babes, Cigar-Review.com is all about having fun and enjoying life to the fullest.

Cigar Aficionado
The online version of the print magazine for the serious cigar smoker. Contains extremely comprehensive and reliable cigar ratings. Also contains celebrity profiles, timely articles (e.g., A Guide to Smoking in Major League Ballparks) and a listing of cigar and cigar-accessory retailers.

The Cigar Smoker's FAQ
Not fancy but a great quick reference for everything you need to know about cigars. If you have a question about cigars, you'll likely find the answer here. Easy to follow question-and-answer format allows quick access to answers. Very thorough compilation. Also contains links to sources and information. Don't expect a lot of fluff and don't worry, they won't bore you with a lot of questions about tongue and throat cancer.

CigarFriendly.com
This site is a little cumbersome but it has some redeeming features. Its best feature is its cigar listings/reviews. It also lists upcoming cigar industry events and has a cigar-friendly directory of resorts, restaurants and lounges (e.g., The Cuesta-Rey Cigar Bar at Tropicana Field in St. Pete, Florida). Its Ask Dr. Smoke column answers frequently asked questions about cigars, including such topics as the best way to store cigars and how to revive a cigar gone bad.

Smoke Magazine
Another online magazine, but this is geared toward the younger, hipper crowd as opposed to the Cigar Aficionado, which is geared toward the more seasoned cigar smoker.

Cigar.com
Your one-stop shop for all your cigar-related needs. This site allows you to purchase not only cigars and cigar-related accessories, but also cigar art prints and cigar-related books (through Amazon.com). You can also track stocks of, and read stories relating to, publicly traded cigar companies.