Hosts: Reinhard Pohorec & Christian Wohlrab Topic: How cigars are made — and other common questions around premium cigars 🔥 Episode Overview Reinhard and Christian tackle the most common questions cigar newcomers ask — from construction and choosing the right cigar, to smoking etiquette, storage, flavor, and how cigars make you feel. A hands-on, honest, and human take on premium cigar fundamentals. 🧭 Key Discussion Highlights 1. How are cigars made? Premium cigars are handmade from whole tobacco leaves (long filler). Three main components: wrapper, binder, and filler. The wrapper leaf contributes much of the cigar’s aroma and aesthetic. Techniques like accordion or entubado rolling ensure airflow and combustion. Craftsmanship and sensitivity of the torcedor (roller) define quality — a centuries-old art form requiring muscle memory and intuition. 2. How to choose the right cigar Start by consulting a knowledgeable tobacconist — your best guide. They’ll tailor recommendations based on experience level, palate, and occasion. Ask yourself: How do I take my coffee? Do I prefer wine, beer, bitter, or sweet flavors? Beginners often assume small cigars are easier — but smaller ring gauges can smoke hotter and harsher. Pick a medium ring gauge (50–52) for balance and smoothness. Don’t judge by color — a dark Maduro wrapper isn’t necessarily strong; it’s often rich and sweet. 3. How to smoke a cigar properly Puff slowly and rhythmically — avoid overheating the cigar. If it goes out, gently tap the ash, relight, and “blow out” to clear stale smoke. Don’t relight cigars after several hours or the next day — they’ll taste bitter and ashy. Think of it like coffee: once cold, it never tastes quite the same reheated. 4. How to store cigars Key factors: relative humidity (~69–70%) and temperature (~20°C / 70°F). Consistency is everything — too dry, and oils are lost; too humid, and cigars spoil or won’t burn. Simple setup: desktop humidor + Boveda humidity packs. For starters: a humidified bag or airtight container with a humidity pack works great. Serious collectors upgrade to cabinet humidors with sensors and active systems. 5. How do cigars make you feel? Cigars contain nicotine but are not inhaled. The experience is relaxing, not intoxicating — a ritual of calm and reflection. If dizziness occurs, try sugar — it helps balance nicotine and ammonia effects. 6. Are cigars flavored? Premium cigars are not artificially flavored. Their complexity comes purely from the blend of leaves — different seeds, regions, soils, and fermentation methods. Each blend is a painter’s palette: natural, layered, and expressive. 7. Books & brains segment Pick: Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell — exploring why certain ideas or products “go viral.” success often arises when mavens, connectors, and salesmen converge — a perfect metaphor for how cigar culture spreads through shared passion. 💬 Final Thought Cigar knowledge is a lifelong journey — even masters stay students of the leaf. Every cigar, every puff, offers something new to learn. With that — light ’em up.

Reinhard and Christian unpack the prestige surrounding cigars: why many still view cigars as status symbols—and why true luxury might simply be ”time”.

In this inaugural episode of the Light ’em Up Lounge, Reinhard and Christian dive into the nuanced world of cigar pairings — both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.