We are now into the last 53 days of 2018.
If history is to repeat itself, as it so often does, we are in for the usual seasonal bag of tricks, trying to balance the workplace and business functions with the social whirl of family and friends festivities.
For the lucky ones there may even be a few days of “do what you like” holidays.

It’s time to take a serious look at your cigar selection to see you through this extra busy season.
Are you prepared Cigarwise between now and 2019 to take advantage of those expected and unexpected times to enjoy a smoke with friends or by yourself with a glass, or a coffee, or just with your thoughts?
So what are we looking for?

Variety with quality.

10 to 15 minutes – a good 100% pure tobacco cheroot from the Balmoral range, or from the revitalised, undusted, Ritmeester selection.
Something a little more spicy? Have you tried the Cuban Cohiba “Short” small cigar? Its extra thickness makes room for a little more tobacco to add taste and body to the smoke.

Sorry to say that we lost our Belgian contact who has emigrated to the Dominican Republic. But after the latest Inter Tabac trade show we do have a probable successor for 2019.

15 to 45 minutes – we still have some De Hertogh Petit Corona in packs of 3, or singles.
This time frame is also perfect for a classic Cuban half Corona – H.Upmann, Montecristo No 5,
Romeo y Julieta No 3 or Cohiba Siglo No 1.
Something short and thick? The original Petit Robusto from Hoyo de Monterry, Romeo y Julieta Petit Churchill, Montecristo Petit No 2 (pyramide), Partagas Serie D No 5 or No 6.
The luxurious Cohiba Medio Siglo; or the classic non-Cuban “Nub” from Oliva.

45 minutes or more (serious stuff).
Choose from the wide range of Robustos available in a variety of strengths and tastes from different countries.
Something different from your Cuban Partagas Serie D No 4, Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill or Hoyo Epicure No 2? Try the Montecristo “Open” Master, Regata or Eagle – designed for the Golf course or any other open air opportunity.
Non Cuban – look at our wrapper selection for a start then follow the path of Connecticut for mildness, Cameroon/Sumatra for medium strength, and Maduro for boldness with a hint of natural sweetness.

I think I have made my point – you will need a variety of different cigars to survive this period with a smile.
Be adventurous, try something different.
Look at more Wesley’s “Fine Cigar Selections” for new ideas.
Many of the cigars are available in smaller “Handy Packs”.
Most of the cigars in these Selections and Handy Packs can be bought separately.

Our cigar find of 2018.
Hedon – the French Aristocrat, a Puro using seed specially adapted to the terroir. The filler, binder and wrapper are all from Pau in the South West of France, originally part of the Kingdom of Navarre.
The plants have adapted to the French soil producing great cigars, put together with typical French style and passion.
Presented appropriately in French boxes of 10, or singly in glass tubes.
Hedon - the perfect new cigar for the New year.

And for the season, both for the novice and the old hand cigar smoker, we offer:

Preparing the range of cigars you have available, will ensure that you have a cigar to offer to your cigar smoking friends both casual and serious; and something really special for yourself to savour on your own.You deserve it.

Colin Wesley

No.441 November 8–21, 2018

PS – New arrival:
Pocket Torch Turbo lighter at a great price; you won’t waste time going back to find it if you leave it behind.
55-EJPct023 R37.50

Note:
By law, no South African citizen, living in South Africa can buy a tobacco product via the internet or postal system.  In fact, you may not receive a tobacco product through the post.
In addition we may not receive payment through the internet for tobacco products.
We may only supply tobacco products within the trade – not to private individuals. The fine is substantial
Contact us for help in getting tobacco to your area.

You can read previous articles from “Across the Counter” in The Library.

PS If you can’t visit a Wesley’s Bricks and Mortar, remember that if you’re not completely happy with your mailsale choice, you can always return it for a full refund.