Wellauer Genuss Club & THE CIGAR ACADEMY
As part of our exclusive Genuss Club benefits, we are delighted to present you with a special highlight: access to the renowned Cigar Academy. This exceptional educational platform was created to preserve the traditional knowledge, craftsmanship and culture surrounding cigars – taught directly by two masters of their trade: Thomas Gryson and Ricardo Carioni.
In collaboration with leading cigar producers and international tobacco experts, the Cigar Academy offers a well-founded training program for beginners and experienced aficionados alike. At its heart is a modern, globally recognized learning platform (Anthology/Blackboard), which is also used at universities and renowned institutions.
The program is divided into three successive certification levels:
Level 1 teaches the basics of tobacco growing, cigar production and enjoyment in around 10 hours of digital learning material.
Level 2 deepens this knowledge through personal workshops, tastings and events.
Level 3 finally takes participants directly to the production countries – such as Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico or the Dominican Republic – with exclusive insights into the factories and plantations on site.
Upon graduation, you will not only receive valuable specialist knowledge, but also an internationally recognized certificate – a real seal of quality for discerning cigar lovers.
The best thing is that as an official partner of the Cigar Academy and with our Samaná brand, we are offering our pleasure club members an exclusive 25% discount code – making this exceptional training even more attractive.
If we have sparked your interest, please feel free to send us an email! genussclub@welltabac.ch
Modern myths about tobacco – what is really true?
Tobacco and in particular the enjoyment of cigars and pipes are surrounded by numerous myths. While some claims have a kernel of truth, others are pure fiction or greatly exaggerated. In this article, we take a closer look at some of the most common myths and clarify what is really true.
Myth 1: Pipe and cigar smoking is less harmful than cigarettes
It is true that cigar and pipe smokers do not usually inhale the smoke, which means that less nicotine and harmful substances enter the lungs directly. However, this does not mean that it is completely harmless. The body also absorbs nicotine and other substances via the oral mucosa when puffing. However, consuming it in bulk and avoiding inhalation reduces the health risks compared to intensive cigarette smoking.
Myth 2: High-quality tobacco is healthier than cheap tobacco
Quality tobacco often contains fewer artificial additives than cheap industrial tobacco. Cigars and pipe tobacco in particular often contain no additives such as humectants or flavor enhancers. Nevertheless, harmful substances are always produced during combustion, no matter how high-quality the tobacco is. The difference therefore lies more in the aroma and enjoyment factor than in the health effect.
Myth 3: The darker the cigar, the stronger it is
Many people think that a dark wrapper color automatically means that the cigar is strong. This is not necessarily true. Dark wrapper leaves (maduro) often have sweet, caramel notes because they have been fermented for longer. The strength of a cigar depends more on the filler, i.e. the types of tobacco used inside. There are light cigars, which are very strong, and dark cigars, which taste mild. As an example, we have the Olifant Brasil Corona, a dark wrapper but nice and mild to smoke. The Palmar Arriba is a stronger cigar due to the Nicaraguan tobacco, but with a light-colored wrapper. So even with cigars, appearances are deceptive.
The guide to perfect care
To ensure that your pipe always delivers a full aroma and does not taste unpleasant, you should clean the pipe regularly and maintain it properly. Here are the most important steps:
The basic cleaning:
– Remove ash and tobacco residue: After smoking, allow the pipe to cool down and then remove the ash with a pipe tamper or by lightly tapping
– Use a pipe cleaner: A dry pipe cleaner helps to remove residue from the stem. Simply pull through until no more deposits are visible.
– Blow through the mouthpiece: If moisture has collected, blow briefly through the mouthpiece or dry with a handkerchief.
– Remove the filter: Use a new filter after every smoke.
Daily care – avoid moisture
– Do not smoke the pipe too often in succession. It needs time to dry. It is best to always have a second pipe to hand.
– Allow the pipe to air dry, do not store in closed tins or bags.
Weekly deep cleansing:
– Remove the mouthpiece: Carefully turn out to one side when the pipe has cooled down.
– Clean with Piter: Moisten a pipe cleaner with a little Piter and pull it through the stem and mouthpiece. This removes tar deposits and odors. The pipe can also be soaked in Piter to soften the soot.
– Scrape out the head: If a thick layer of carbon forms, carefully remove it with a pipe knife or scraper. However, a thin layer should remain as it protects the pipe.
Long-term care – Extends the service life
– Allow pipes to rest: Allow to cool for at least 24 hours after each use.
– Do not use water: Wood swells, so never clean with water.
– Maintain mouthpiece: Rub acrylic or rubber mouthpieces with a special care product or a little olive oil to keep them shiny.
Important: The pipe should never be smoked too hot, otherwise the pipe will burn on the side.
The correct care of a humidor
A humidor is the heart of every cigar collection. It ensures that the cigars are stored at optimum humidity and retain their full aroma for a long time. However, in order for it to perform its tasks reliably, the humidor itself needs regular care. This is the only way to keep the climate inside stable and the cigars perfectly edible.
The humidor must be prepared before first use:
The inside of a new humidor is lined with Spanish cedar wood, which must first absorb moisture. Before cigars are placed inside, the humidor should be moistened with distilled water or a special humidifying solution. To do this, take a soft cloth or sponge and gently rub the wood. The humidor is then left with a moistened sponge and a closed lid for 24 hours. Only when the humidity is at a stable level (approx. 65-72%) should cigars be inserted.
Check the humidification system regularly:
Every humidor needs a humidification system, be it a sponge, a polymer humidifier or a modern electronic system. These systems must be checked regularly and refilled with distilled water. Tap water should be avoided as it contains limescale and impurities that can damage the humidification system.
Keep the humidity constant:
A good hygrometer is essential to keep an eye on the values. Analog hygrometers need to be calibrated occasionally, digital ones are somewhat more reliable. If the humidity is too low, the humidifier should be refilled. If it is too high, briefly ventilating the humidor can help.
Keep the humidor clean:
The humidor should be wiped out from time to time with a dry, soft cloth. If tobacco crumbs or dust accumulate, they can be removed with a brush. Chemical cleaning agents should not be used as they could affect the aroma of the cigars.
Inserting and sorting cigars correctly:
Cigars should not be stored too close together so that the air in the humidor can circulate well. It is also advisable not to store different types of cigars directly next to each other, as they can otherwise absorb flavors from each other. If you have many different cigars, you can store them separately in small wooden boxes or with dividers.
The art of cigar tasting
Smoking a good cigar is far more than just a moment of pleasure, it is a sensual experience. To fully appreciate the aromas of a cigar, you need patience, attention and a trained nose. In this article, you will learn how to properly taste a cigar and recognize the subtle nuances of its aromas.
Before you taste a cigar, you should prepare your senses.
– Choose a quiet environment so that you can concentrate fully on the aromas.
– Avoid strong odors such as perfume, coffee or spicy food, as they can affect your perception.
– Water or mild tea will help to keep your palate neutral.
Dry tasting – discovering the first aromas
– Look at the wrapper: is it oily or dry? A shiny, oily wrapper often indicates a rich and aromatic cigar.
– Smell the cigar: Hold the cigar to your nose and breathe slowly through your nose. Notes of earth, leather, wood, chocolate or spices can already be detected in the cold smell.
– Take a cold draw: After cutting the cigar, draw lightly on the cigar before lighting it. You will often detect notes of sweetness, pepper or nuts
The right kindling – the key to full aromas
– Use butane gas lighters or cedar wood shavings to avoid unwanted flavors.
– Hold the cigar at a slight angle over the flame and turn the cigar slowly so that the end glows evenly.
– Take the first puffs slowly and deliberately to feel the aromas on your tongue
The tasting – recognizing and classifying aromas
When smoking a cigar, the aromas develop in different phases:
Beginning
– The first puffs are often mild or slightly spicy
– Notes of wood, nut or leather often appear at the beginning
Mid
– The cigar becomes more intense and develops more complex aromas.
– Sweet notes such as honey, cocoa or vanilla can appear here.
– Sometimes the texture of the smoke changes and becomes creamier or denser.
End:
– The aromas usually become stronger and often earthier or spicier.
– Notes of black pepper, coffee or dark chocolate are typical of the last third.
A good trick is to let the smoke flow out easily through the nose, as the nose perceives aromas better than the tongue.
The finale – finishing the cigar
– Cigars are not stubbed out, but lay down by themselves.
– Make a note of your impressions to get to know your taste preferences better.
Tasting a cigar is a journey through different worlds of flavors. With a little practice and attention, you can discover the subtle nuances and take your enjoyment to a new level.
How to cut your cigar correctly:
The cut of a cigar is crucial to the smoking experience. An incorrect cut can impair the draw resistance or even damage the wrapper. Here we show you the most common methods and how to implement them.
We start with the flat cut, also known as the guillotine cut. With this cut, the cap of the cigar is removed with a straight cut. This cut is suitable for almost any cigar and ensures an open draw.
This is how it works:
1. use a guillotine cutter.
2. hold the cigar steady and position the blade about 2-3mm above the end of the cap. Do not cut too deep.
3. Cut with a quick and decisive movement, as slow movements can damage the wrapper.
4. Remove loose tobacco particles and check the draw resistance.
If you have followed all the steps, you have cut your cigar perfectly and can now enjoy it.
With the hole cut, also known as a punch cut, a circular opening is punched into the cap of the cigar using a special round cutter. This method ensures a clean cut, preserves the structure of the wrapper and reduces the risk of fraying.
Depending on the format of the cigar, a suitable punch size is recommended:
– Small punch – ideal for slimmer cigars such as the Corona.
– Medium punch – perfect for slightly more voluminous formats such as the Robusto.
– Large punch – recommended for stronger cigars such as the Toro or Churchill.
The punch cut is an elegant alternative to classic cutting techniques and ensures an intense smoking experience with a controlled draw.
This is how it works:
1. hold the cigar firmly and place the round cutter in the center of the cap
2. Slowly turn the cutter back and forth while applying a little pressure.
3. Carefully pull the cutter out and remove any tobacco residue from the opening
4. Check the draw before lighting the cigar
This cut is particularly suitable for those who do not like to have tobacco residue in their mouth.
With the V-cut, a deep, V-shaped notch is cut into the cap. This allows a wider smoke flow without opening up the structure of the cigar too much.
This is how it works:
1. open the V-Cutter and hold it firmly with one hand.
2. carefully insert the cap of the cigar into the opening of the cutter. Make sure that the cigar does not slide too deeply into the cutter.
3. Close the cutter with a quick, even pressure. The blades cut a clean V into the cap.
4. Now remove the cigar from the cutter and knock the tobacco residue out of the cut.
5. Check the draw and prepare the cigar for lighting.
This method is suitable for a more intense smoking experience and is suitable for cigars with a medium to large ring gauge.