Monday, April 22, 2024

Flatbed Cigars ... and Cigar pairings!

 

Understanding the basics of cigar pairing

To pair cigars correctly, you need to understand that it's about finding a suitable companion for your Flatbed cigars. Here are the basics you should keep in mind:

  • Flavor Matching: Ensure that the flavors of your cigar and pairing complement each other for an enhanced smoking experience.
  • Strength Balance: Pair a strong cigar with a beverage that can stand up to its strength, or a milder cigar with a lighter drink to not overpower the flavors.
  • Contrast Tastes: Contrasting flavors can also work well together, so don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations.
  • Personal Preference: At the end of the day, the best pairing is the one you enjoy the most. Trust your taste buds to find your perfect match.
Assorted Liquor Bottles

Exploring flavors and aromas in Flatbed cigars

Flatbed Cigar Co. offers a wide range of flavors and aromas to explore. Each cigar can vary in taste, with some being rich and earthy while others may have hints of sweetness or spice. When pairing a Flatbed cigar, consider the flavors you enjoy in other foods and drinks. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect match for your palate. Pay attention to the subtle nuances in each cigar's aroma, as these can greatly enhance your smoking experience. Remember, the art of cigar pairing is all about discovering new and exciting flavor combinations that cater to your individual taste preferences.

Factors that influence cigar pairing

Cigar pairing can be influenced by various factors. The key aspects to consider when matching your cigar with the perfect companion include the strength of the cigar, the flavor profile of the cigar, and the drink you are pairing it with. These factors play a crucial role in enhancing your overall cigar experience. Additionally, personal preferences and experimentation are vital in finding the ideal combination that satisfies your taste buds.

The art of selecting the perfect drink pairing

Pairing your favorite cigar with the right drink can enhance your smoking experience. Here are a few key points to keep in mind when selecting the perfect drink to accompany your Flatbed cigars:

  • Consider the flavor profile of your cigar
  • Experiment with different types of beverages like whiskey, rum, or coffee
  • Pay attention to the intensity and body of both the cigar and the drink

Enhancing the cigar experience through food pairing

Pairing your favorite cigars with the right food can elevate your smoking experience. Contrasting or complementary flavors can enhance the taste of both the cigar and the food, creating a harmonious blend. Richer, fuller-bodied cigars often pair well with bold flavors, while milder cigars may benefit from lighter, more delicate food accompaniments. Experimenting with various combinations can help you discover your personal preferences and enhance your enjoyment of each smoking session.

Tips for creating your ideal Flatbed Cigar pairing

When pairing your cigars with beverages, consider the flavors of both the cigar and the drink. A mild cigar pairs well with light beverages like champagne or white wine, while a full-bodied cigar complements stronger drinks such as whiskey or dark beer. Experiment to find your perfect match, and remember that personal preference plays a significant role in cigar pairing success.

Experimenting with different pairings

When experimenting with different pairings, it's essential to consider the flavors of both the cigar and the accompanying beverage or food.

  • Contrasting pairings: Combining a bold, full-bodied cigar with a light, refreshing drink can create a unique taste experience.
  • Complementary pairings: Matching flavors in both the cigar and the pairing can enhance the overall enjoyment.
  • Trial and error: Don't be afraid to try different combinations to find what works best for your palate.
  • Remember, the goal is to enhance the flavors of both the cigar and the pairing, creating a harmonious and enjoyable experience.

Finding harmony in contrast: pairing opposites

Pairing opposites in cigar pairing involves finding flavors that complement each other by being different. For instance, pairing a sweet drink with a bold and spicy cigar can create a harmonious contrast that enhances the overall experience. By balancing strong with subtle, or sweet with savory, you can create a unique and memorable cigar pairing that delights your palate. Explore different taste profiles to find the perfect match for your Flatbed Cigar Company and PANACEA cigars.

The role of regional influences in pairing choices

Regional influences play a crucial role in determining the perfect pairing for your cigars. Different regions have unique flavors, ingredients, and culinary traditions that can greatly impact the overall cigar and drink pairing experience. Consider these factors when selecting the ideal match to enhance your enjoyment and create a harmonious combination of flavors.

Elevating your cigar experience with the perfect match

Pairing your cigar with the right drink or food can enhance your overall enjoyment. When selecting a pairing, consider the flavors of your cigar and how they might complement or contrast with the flavors of the beverage or snack you choose. For example:

  • A crisp white wine or a light beer can be a refreshing match for a mild PANACEA Black label cigar, enhancing its smooth and subtle taste.
  • Dark spirits like bourbon or rum can provide a robust contrast to a full-bodied PANACEA Red label cigar, bringing out its bold flavors.
    Experiment with different pairings to find what suits your palate best and elevate your cigar experience to a new level.

Thursday, April 18, 2024

 

Importance of cigar accessories for beginners

Cigar Accessories
Old Blue

Cigar accessories are vital for beginners as they enhance your smoking experience. A proper humidor ensures your cigars stay fresh and flavorful. Cutter and lighter are essential for a smooth and even burn. Ashtray helps keep things clean. Don't forget a travel case for cigars on the go. Collecting these accessories will elevate your cigar enjoyment from the start.

Must-have cigar accessories for beginners

To enjoy your cigar fully, there are some essential accessories you should have as a beginner. Here are the must-have cigar accessories to start your collection:

  • Humidor: Keeps your cigars fresh and at the right humidity level.
  • Cutter: Helps you make a clean cut on the cigar cap for a smooth draw.
  • Lighter: A butane lighter is recommended for an even burn and to avoid altering the taste of the cigar.
  • Ashtray: Provides a safe and convenient place to hold your cigar while you enjoy it.
  • Hygrometer: Monitors the humidity levels inside your humidor to ensure your cigars stay in optimal condition.

Cigar cutter: A basic accessory to enhance your smoking experience

Investing in a cigar cutter is essential for cleanly cutting the cap of your cigar. A good cutter ensures a smooth, even cut, allowing for a better smoking experience. Look for cutter options like guillotine, punch, or V-cut to find the style that suits you best. Quality matters when choosing a cutter, as a precise cut helps to avoid a poor draw that can ruin your smoking pleasure.

Lighters: Understanding the different types for cigar enthusiasts

Lighters are essential tools for cigar enthusiasts as they play a vital role in ensuring a proper and even burn for your cigars. Here are the main types of lighters commonly used by cigar enthusiasts:

  • Butane Lighters: These are popular among cigar smokers due to their clean-burning fuel that does not alter the taste of the cigar.
  • Soft Flame Lighters: Known for their traditional look and gentle flame, perfect for lighting cigars without overheating them.
  • Torch Lighters: Provide a powerful, wind-resistant flame, ideal for outdoor smoking or when precision is needed.
    Understanding the different types of lighters can help you choose the one that best suits your preferences and cigar smoking experience.

Humidors: Keeping your cigars fresh and flavorful

Humidors are boxes that help maintain the freshness and flavor of your cigars by storing them at the right humidity level. Here are some key points about humidors:

  • Humidors come in various sizes and designs, from small travel humidors to large cabinet humidors.
  • The ideal humidity level for storing cigars is around 70% to 75% to keep them in optimal condition.
  • Proper maintenance of your humidor, such as refilling the humidification device and monitoring the humidity level, is essential for preserving your cigars.

Travel cases: Ensuring your cigars are protected on the go

When traveling, a travel case is essential for safeguarding your cigars. It helps protect them from damage and maintains their freshness. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Travel cases come in various sizes and materials, such as plastic, leather, or metal.
  • Some travel cases have built-in humidifiers to regulate the humidity level and keep your cigars in optimal condition.
  • Properly storing your cigars in a travel case ensures they are well-protected from drying out or getting crushed during transit.
  • Investing in a quality travel case is a smart choice to preserve the flavor and quality of your cigars while you're on the move.

Hygrometers: Monitoring the humidity levels for optimal cigar storage

Hygrometers are essential tools for monitoring the humidity levels in your cigar storage. They help ensure that your cigars stay fresh and flavorful by maintaining the optimal humidity level of around 65% to 72%. Without proper humidity, cigars can dry out or become moldy, leading to an unpleasant smoking experience. By using a hygrometer, you can easily keep track of the humidity levels and make any necessary adjustments to maintain the quality of your cigars.

Ashtrays: Adding style and functionality to your smoking ritual

Ashtrays are not just for holding ashes; they also add a touch of style to your smoking experience. Choosing an ashtray is about more than just function. Look for one that suits your taste and fits well with your smoking ritual. Some ashtrays come with designs that can enhance the aesthetic of your smoking area, while others prioritize durability and ease of cleaning. Keeping a dedicated ashtray can enhance your smoking experience and keep things tidy.

Cigar storage solutions: Choosing the right container for your collection

Humidity levels are crucial for keeping your cigars fresh. A humidor is the best storage solution as it maintains the ideal humidity of around 65-70%. Travel cases are handy for portable storage, but they do not regulate humidity. Ziplock bags with a small humidifier can work as a temporary solution. Remember, the key is to store your cigars in a cool, dark place with stable humidity.

Building your collection: Tips on expanding your cigar accessory arsenal

When expanding your collection of cigar accessories, consider starting with a quality cigar cutter to ensure a clean, precise cut every time. A reliable lighter is essential for properly lighting your cigars without altering the flavors. A hygrometer and humidor are necessary for maintaining the ideal humidity level to preserve the freshness of your cigars. A travel case comes in handy for safely transporting your cigars when on the go. Remember, investing in the right accessories will enhance your cigar smoking experience.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

BECOME A FLATBEDER!


Do you like cigars, meeting new people, being on the move, managing your own schedule? Working with great people, and having fun!!

If you do, get in touch with me.  I need folks like you to sell my top rated Premium Cigar line(s) in many US markets. Build a territory and even your own sales team! The territory you develop will be yours. I pay the highest commissions in the industry. Prior sales experience is required.

You'll be visiting cigar retailers and other outlets. We have been in business for 10 years and have many existing accounts already. Those accounts will become yours (within your territory), as well as all the new accounts you open.  These are quality cigars hand made using quality long filler. Ratings of: 90, 91, 92, 93, and even a 95. 

If you are selected, we will supply you with: cigar samples, product manual, sales materials, brochures, order forms, leads, and the coveted company SWAG. You can call, text, email, or upload your orders into our web interface. You will not be required to buy anything or stock anything.  Simply send us the order, we fulfill the cigars direct to the account, and send you your commission check.  It’s that easy!

Let us know if you currently have cigar customers.  What is your sales experience?  What is your cigar experience? We're looking for people who are interested in developing
something which will benefit themselves and the parent company. Tell us what
state you are in when you reply. HERE


The territories are as follows, at present:

Northeast Region -
CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT

Middle Atlantic Region -
NJ, NY, PA, DE, MD, DC

East North Central Region -
IL, IN, MI, OH, WI

West North Central Region -
IA, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD

South Atlantic Region -
FL, GA,NC, PR, SC, VA, WV

South Central Region -
AL, AR, KY, LA, MS, OK, TN, TX

Mountain Region -
AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WY

Pacific Region -
AK, CA, HI, OR, WA

Thursday, June 18, 2015

The new PANACEA Flying Badge San Andres is here. The size is a 6.5x54 Hitch Pin (the rest of the cigar world calls it a Toro Grande).  A very nice size. Not too large, or too time consuming, but large enough where you will get to relax a bit and really enjoy the smoke.  There are the usual hints of molasses and dark chocolate, but also bit of nutmeg.  This San Andres wrapper is very earthy and offers an "old fashioned" cigar experience.  The cigar's profile is similar to our black label Maduro, but does not have the spicy/peppery notes you experience (on and off) with that blend.  The construction is what you have come to expect from Flatbed Cigar Co.  It is a firm, smooth rolled, cigar with a perfect draw.  Speaking of that.  I was asked the other day why I always use a pocket knife to "cut" my cigar rather than a cutter, punch etc.  I use a knife because it is so much easier to control the size of the opening or "cut".  To be sure, the knife needs to be very sharp...as does a cutter or punch.  In my experience, it doesn't take long for a traditional cutter, be it two blades or one, to become dull.  Same with a punch and both are very difficult to sharpen.  A pocket knife is simple to keep razor sharp. I use the sharpening stone that is in my kitchen knife block. When ready to cut your cigar you simply hold the edge of the blade where you want to make the cut, and rotate the cigar slowly.  You can make as big or as small an opening as you like.  You can even notch in a V cut if that is your preference. The other nice thing about a pocket knife...is there are so many additional uses for it. I carry a two blade, 2 5/8" folding knife.  It has a 2" clip, and a 1 3/8" coping blade. It's very light too, weighing less than an ounce.  Reserve one blade for only cutting your cigar (I use the clip blade), and the 2nd for all other uses. Remember to keep it sharp.  If you do, you'll love the precision at which you can make a cut and no more torn caps and unraveling cigars!

http://flatbedcigarcompany.3dcartstores.com/San-Andres_p_241.html
Herf on!!

Paul

Friday, April 17, 2015

Blogger: BlogThis!

Hello Flatbeders.  As you can see, it has been quite a while since I have posted anything here.  However, it is time!  Summer is just around the corner and the cigar season has begun.  I've got a bunch of new cigars to introduce.  The Pennsyltucky is our latest....and our strongest cigar to date.  The P'Tucky is wrapped in PA41and filled with Kentucky Fire Cured, Nic ligero, and Dom ligero.  You'll love it.  I've also started a second brand, a "playground" of sorts, trying some cool blends, sizes, shapes, etc.  The first is our Track 7 box press.  A 5x60 BP maduro from Brazil.  Rated 5 stars (out of 5 :) by Cigar, Cigars.  An earthy, beautiful, full body cigar.  It very quickly became a Flatbed Cigar Co. hot seller. The second from Track 7 is a 6x60 Connecticut Sun Grown...filled with 2 Dom ligero, 1 Nic ligero, and some Kentucky Fire Cured. If you like large gauge cigars, you'll love my Farmers Blend.  This is a beautifully balanced cigar in a "larger" ring. If you like my Peacemaker, you will like the Farmers blend.  We have two additinal blends coming later this year.  Yes, we've been busy...maybe why the blogging is lagging :)



Enjoy!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Well, I have not been keeping up with my posts, but thought I would sit and write a few lines.  We do have some fun stuff in the pipeline.  The first Track 7 cigar we did sold out almost over night.  Truth be told we only produced a couple thousand, as a test, but they flew out. (test was a success) So, we have more in the works and will have them here next month.  We are also rolling a 6x70 under the Track 7 label.  Not a ring gauge I'd smoke, but we have had many requests for a 70.  The reason for the Track 7 label is I wanted a "testbed" if you will.  PANACEA has a great following and folks know what to expect from that label/brand. However, I wanted to play around with some different shapes, blends, and sizes....that were outside the box for PANACEA.  So, Track 7 is going to be the unwieldy label while PANACEA will continue on it's own interesting path. PANACEA will see new blends, shapes, and sizes too....but within the PANACEA profile. 

Many folks have asked about the origin of the Track 7 name.  It actually came from my daughter and I noticing most of our favorite songs (on a CD) seem to land on the 7th Track. I know, I know....nobody listens to CDs anymore....but I do.  I have a ton of them, and have not yet digitized.  Anyway, we do many road trips here and there and both love music.  One day it hit us how often our favorite song was on Track 7.  The box you currently see on our website (for Track 7) has a picture of a RR track.  Next month you will see the original box.  I recently had a survey done and the original box was chosen over the RR track box.  So, you can see it next month when we are back in stock with the maduro Track 7 2:46.

PS.  Wait until you try the new Pennsylvania Broad leaf Double Ligero! Wow....you're gonna be in love.

Paul