Ralph's Cigars Blog | Ralph's Cigars | Chicago, IL
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Mexican San Andres: The Working Man's Leaf
Cinco de Mayo is coming up quickly, and what better way to celebrate than by coming down to Ralph’s Cigars and lighting up a cigar with a Mexican San Andres wrapper? This earthy, chocolatey tobacco is actually older than Cuban seed, spreading up from Peru to Central America to Mexico, and finally over to the Caribbean. If you usually avoid a darker leaf, or simply haven’t had the chance to try this delicious leaf, here are a few of our favorite San Andres cigars available here at Ralph’s. -
Cao Fasa Sol
Spring is a time for renewal, and we take that seriously here at Ralph’s Cigars. That’s why we have a whole new haul of cigars that we are really excited about. A new batch of Asylum 867’s, Sancho Panza’s, Macanudos- but I’ve always had a soft spot for CAO, and as such I was really excited for their new line of Fasa cigars. We have the Noche and the Sol in two different sizes, so today I grabbed the Sol in a Toro and lit it up with a dry cedar stick and a cup of coffee.
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Cigars and Rum Pairing
The Chicago Rum Festival is opening its doors this Saturday, April 20th, and in honor of its 8th anniversary we thought we’d go over how to navigate the unique pairing of rum and cigars. Did you know that Illinois is one of the largest rum markets in the world? The festival is a celebration of the rich and diverse world of rum, offering enthusiasts an opportunity to explore its depth of flavors and history. The marriage of these two indulgences can take the experience to new heights. So let’s discuss why rum is one of our favorite pairings here at Ralphs. Besides cognac, of course.
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Daily Smokes: More Bang For Your Buck
While you may seek out an expensive, unique cigar for a wedding, an anniversary, or some other special event, for the day-to-day smokes most people want something that perfectly balances quality and affordability. The good news is: there are a plethora of options available for a premium smoke without breaking the bank. Here at Ralph’s Cigars, we aim to provide cigars to everyone who wants them, at any price point, so here are just a few quality value cigars that we offer. -
Made for Spring- Floral Notes
Experiencing floral notes in a cigar can come down to care and subtlety. Floral notes means it's reminiscent of flowers. But when it comes down to it, there is not a ton of similarity between, say, lavender and peach flowers. So how can they all fall under the same generalization? Much like leather, cedar, and earth, floral notes are more about the sensation or smell rather than the actual taste. But unlike the former, which are three of the most prominent ‘tasting’ notes, floral is not nearly as common. With that sensation can come varying levels of specificity- perhaps you can discern that one cigar has a note of roses, or orange bud- its that sensation of floral notes that drives the palate. Pushing to be able to discern evermore specific notes will give a deeper, more full smoking experience, but usually noticing the generalities comes first. -
Cigar Pairings: Chocolate and Wine
As Valentine’s day approaches, we at Ralphs have decided to switch up our usual pairing for something a bit more unusual, but no less delicious. Nothing says a day of love like chocolate and wine, and when you throw cigars in the mix? It gets that much better. We want to give you some options for fantastic pairings, and that means walking you through some cigars with natural notes of cocoa and chocolate, and perhaps some dark fruit that complement all manner of the most romantic of drinks. -
Around the World with CAO Cigars
The jungles of the Amazon. The mountains of Columbia. The beaches of Brazil and the harsh volcanoes of Nicaragua. Wherever exceptional tobacco is grown, CAO will find it, and go to grow their own. They have gone around the world for the rarest and finest of tobacco, but their heart and soul, like that of tobacco itself, lies in the Americas. Here at Ralph’s, we celebrate their commitment to bringing you a taste of all that cigars have to offer.
