Aficionado Wine and Cigars has answers
to your cigar and wine questions

Wine FAQ

I heard there are health benefits to drinking red wine. Is it true?
Does the color of wine make it stronger?
What is a corked bottle of wine?
What is the best way to store wine?
What does the term varietal mean?
How can I pair food with wine?
Does it matter what type of glass I use to drink wine?
I’ve seen experts swirl their wine glasses, why is this done?
Is wine with a cork better than wine with a screw top?
Are white wines always chilled and red wines warmed?

Cigar FAQ

I have an old cigar that appears to have mold on it. Is it ok to smoke?
When storing a cigar in my personal humidor should I remove the plastic wrappers?
Is there an easy way to tell if a cigar is well made?
I’m new to smoking cigars. How do I choose a good cigar?
What is the best way to light a cigar?
How do I store my cigars?
What is a cigar humidor?
How do I set up my humidor?
Can you store a cut cigar in a humidor?
How do I cut a cigar?
What do I do with the cigar ring while I’m smoking?

I heard there are health benefits to drinking red wine. Is it true?

There are health benefits to drinking wine. Research indicates that moderate red wine consumption may help protect against certain cancers and heart disease, and can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels and blood pressure. There is now perhaps a new benefit to drinking red wine, according to a Spanish study released this year that says red wine gives you fiber.

Does the color of wine make it stronger?

Actually, both red and white wine have between 11 and 14 percent alcohol (except for fortified wines, like port or brandy). Many white wines, however, are easier to drink than red wines. Whites, such as Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, are light and fresh and easy to consume.

What is a corked bottle of wine?

Keeping a wine bottle sealed is probably the most important factor when it comes to maintaining a good wine.

A cork is essential, as it keeps oxygen out of the wine bottle. If a bottle of wine is not airtight then it may become oxidized and undrinkable.

Traditionally, the only corks worth considering were those actually made of cork. Recently, however, many wine experts have recognized that cork may actually cause more problems than it solves.

Cork, due to its malleable nature may have imperfections; these can result in the seal of the bottle not being as airtight as it could be therefore, spoiling the wine. In an attempt to avoid this problem, modern cork manufacturers may treat the cork with a chemical called TVA. Unfortunately, this chemical can cause the wine to taste and smell a little damp and musty.

Having said this, cork is able to expand to fully fill the neck of the bottle, which still makes it the preferred option for special wines that need to be stored, over a long period of time.

What is the best way to store wine?

If you regularly keep more than a few bottles of wine in your home at a time, it’s wise to invest in a wine rack. The type of wine rack you choose has much to do with the amount and quality of your wine. A table- or counter-top rack is fine for wine lovers who like to have a few bottles easily at hand for entertaining or for regular drinking. Larger wine racks, such as wall-mounted, modular or free standing wine racks, are ideal for larger collections intended to store wine, rather than open immediately. The former wine racks are typically made from wrought iron or wood – choose the material that best suits your décor. The latter wine racks are typically made from wood, but can be stained or painted to match your personal room/cellar style.

What does the term varietal mean?

A varietal is simply a single type of grape used in wine production. A "varietal wine" is made predominantly from one type (or varietal) of grape. Examples of varietals include Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Syrah. A varietal wine must contain at least 75% of its wine from a single variety of grape. The other 25% may come from blending in other varietals, a practice commonly employed by wineries to produce unique flavors in their wines.

How can I pair food with wine?

The key to pairing food with wine is to think about the type of food you'll be having and then match its weight with the wine. For example, if you do want oysters think about a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity will bring out the brine and creaminess of the oyster. Choosing a red will mask the oyster's taste with the wine's tannins. For the most part think light wines for light food and heavy wines for heavy food. Check out our “Food & Wine Pairings” suggestions page for your best dining experience.

Does it matter what type of glass I use to drink wine?

Believe it or not, the wine glass you use has an impact on how much you enjoy your wine. Even average wines taste more elegant and refined when served in suitable stemware. A glass designed for drinking wine has specific properties designed to enhance the sensory experience. We carry a nice selection Riedel & Schott Zwiesel glassware so that you can enjoy the best flavors from your bottle of wine.

I’ve seen experts swirl their wine glasses, why is this done?

Swirling gives your wine legs. Legs refer to the wine that trickles down the inside of the glass after it has been swirled. In addition, you will also be helping your wine to breath, which in turn gives you a better glass of wine. Swirling the wine in your glass allows oxygen to get into the wine. This changes the taste slightly and balances it out. It can even soften a wine which may have been opened too soon.

Is wine with a cork better than wine with a screw top?

Wine bottles with screw tops face a stigma. These bottles are considered lowly and people are afraid to drink them for fear of appearing to lack class. These are all misconceptions, however, and the wine industry is slowly battling the stigma by ordering more fantastic wines with screw tops. In recent years, more screw tops have made their way onto wine bottles. This is for practical reasons. Natural corks have been used to close wine bottles and jugs for centuries. But years of studies have shown that naturally corked bottles do not preserve the wine inside the bottle as well as synthetic corks or screw tops.

Are white wines always chilled and red wines warmed?

The old adage that tells us to refrigerate all whites and drink all reds at room temperature needs an overhaul. Think about what's sensible for your time and place with that particular bottle of wine. Check out the chart below to determine the proper serving temperature for your wine.

If you have any other questions regarding wine please feel free to e-mail Steve Parks, owner of Aficionado Wine and Cigars in Perrysburg, Ohio at aficionado123@sbcglobal.net

I have an old cigar that appears to have mold on it. Is it ok to smoke?

Cigars that grow mold on them should be discarded. If mold is growing on the outside, there is a chance that they are also growing mold on the inside. The taste of these cigars will not be good. It is hard to repair a cigar once it has dried out and if you are using normal tap water the results will not be good.

When storing a cigar in my personal humidor should I remove the plastic wrappers?

In order for the cigar to receive the full benefits of the humidor, you should remove the cigars from their wrappers. If not removed the wrapper will shield the cigar from the humidity produced in the humidor and will lead to possible drying out the cigar.

Is there an easy way to tell if a cigar is well made?

A true sign of a well-made cigar is the way it burns, or its ash. This is a sign that the cigars are well constructed and that the tobacco is properly cured (fermented). Whether they are rare cigars, discount cigars or some that you bought at cheap prices, the best cigars burn evenly and the ash does not flake or fall off until it is 2 – 3 inches long. Uneven burning cigars could be a sign that the cigar has too much humidity.

I’m new to smoking cigars. How do I choose a good cigar?

Cigars come in different tastes, shapes and sizes. We would suggest that the novice choose a flavored or mild to medium bodied cigar, but each individual can have a different experience and opinion about the same cigar. The most sensible step to take would be to try different cigars within the mild to medium-bodied category. Speak with experienced cigar smokers, tell them what you are looking for and then weigh your options. You can also buy sampler packs from Aficionado Wine and Cigars with different cigars and determine for yourself the one that is best for you.

What is the best way to light a cigar?

After you properly cut your cigar, it is time to light it. Practice patience when doing so. First you must warm the cigar by holding it at a 90 degree angle above the flame of the cigar lighter, but not directly in it. Placing it directly in the flame will cause it to be too hot. Rotate the cigar until all parts are evenly charred. Then place the cigar in your mouth and puff lightly while rotating to create an even burn.

How do I store my cigars?

In order to preserve your cigars they must be stored correctly. The most conventional way is to purchase a quality cigar humidor. The best humidor will have a tight seal and be lined with Spanish cedar. Aficionado Wine & Cigars has a nice selection of personal humidors in many price ranges.

What is a cigar humidor?

A cigar humidor is a container designed for storing cigars or other tobacco products at a constant level of humidity. The perfect temperature and humidity level for a cigar is 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 70% relative humidity. That reproduces the temperature that tobacco plants grow best. Maintaining your cigars under those conditions allows the cigars to age perfectly and improves their taste.

How do I set up my humidor?

You can store a cut cigar in a humidor. The humidor will actually provide a safer environment for the cigar.

1. Unpack humidor.  Inspect carefully and keep packaging materials in case you find a defect.

2. Read enclosed instructions.
At this point you must decide whether to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or follow our humidor setup guidelines: we recommend the latter or a hybrid approach.

3. Attach the humidifier and hygrometer.
Humidors with a wood lid usually include a hanging mechanism for humidifiers and/or hygrometers, i.e. magnets or Velcro.  The manufacturer provided adhesive on these tends to be the weakest link of the mechanism(s).  Here are a few tips to help them function properly.  Always stick the fasteners to a dry surface.  Allow the fasteners to adhere to the dry surface for 24 hours before hanging anything on them.  Feel free to use a higher grade of fastener like industrial Velcro or stronger glue.  If you use glue, be sure to allow fumes to dissipate before closing the lid.

4. Glass top humidors may have a non-adhesive rubber gasket to affix the hygrometer.  Be sure to press the edges of the hygrometer when inserting it so you don’t break the glass.  The humidifier usually comes with a stand so adhesive is not necessary.

5. Once humidifiers and hygrometers are securely fastened you can begin humidifying the box.  DO NOT WIPE THE INSIDE OF THE BOX WITH WATER!!!!!  This can cause the wood to become hyper-saturated, expand, and damage the joints or seal of the box*.  Instead, fill the humidifier with distilled water or 50/50 solution every day for the first week until you reach the desired humidity (68-72%).  This will allow the wood to absorb moisture slowly.  This process is often referred to as “seasoning”, not because spices or flavors are added, but because the humidor's environment is acclimated to suit the cigars. 

6. Once you have reached your optimal humidity, the humidor is ready for cigars.  The humidifier should be refilled every 2-3 weeks or as needed to maintain proper humidity.

HOT TIP: Remember that humidifiers hanging from the top of the box will dissipate moisture downward, with the help of gravity.  Hygrometer readings at the top of the humidor may not reflect humidity conditions at the bottom of the box.  Use your hands to check the condition of your cigars regularly.  If needed, rotate your collection or tweak the location of your humidifier to achieve optimal results.

*Many manufacturers and Tobacconists may suggest you 'wipe down' the inside of your humidor with a clean sponge and distilled water.  This helps expedite the seasoning (water absorption) process; but it also increases the likelihood that the wood will saturate too quickly and damage the joints and/or lid.  TU always recommends the slower, more patient approach of allowing the wood to absorb water naturally.  This is often a difficult 'sell' to customers who want to fill their humidors immediately; but, like great cigars, certain things should not be rushed.  Not saturating/sponging is the safest approach.

Can you store a cut cigar in a humidor?

You can store a cut cigar in a humidor. The humidor will actually provide a safer environment for the cigar.

How do I cut a cigar?

Cutting your cigar correctly means you will have a better tasting smoke, so do it right. Just cut about an eighth of an inch off the head. Cigar cutters with double blades that are self-sharpening are better than those with a single blade, as they are less likely to cause cigar damage. The object of the cut is to create an ample and smooth opening for smoking. This allows you to draw evenly, which in turn creates an even cigar burn.

What do I do with the cigar ring while I’m smoking?

There are many thoughts on this subject. However, if you take the ring off before smoking the cigar you are in danger of damaging the wrapper. The natural glues used may stick to the leaf. Leave the ring on until at least one third of the cigar is smoked. It is also alright to leave it during the entire enjoyment of the cigar.

If you have any other questions regarding cigars, please feel free to e-mail Steve Parks, owner of Aficionado Wine and Cigars in Perrysburg, Ohio at aficionado123@sbcglobal.net