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an estate Dunhill humidor which is quite beautiful with silver-plated corners
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Travel cigar humidor for 5 cigars
Travel cigar humidor for 5 cigars
LIBRARY
Relax and spend time in
the Wesley’s online
library
of archived articles. Look at the Subject Index – you’re sure to find an answer to some of your questions, maybe some you didn’t even know you had!
Click here for some thoughts.
REFLECTIONS
The most futile and disastrous day seems well spent when it is reviewed through the blue, fragrant smoke of a Havana cigar.

Evelyn Waugh
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Cigar Cutters two-week-special

COLIN'S BLOG: ACROSS THE COUNTER

Passing of Colin WesleyColin Wesley - always ready to chat .... across the counter!

Dear Customers and Friends

It is with deep sadness that I have to tell you that Colin Wesley passed away on March 5, 2022.

In 2021 he was diagnosed with a heart problem which needed a valve replacement. Following successful surgery in November 2021, he unfortunately suffered a serious stroke. After some time in ICU and a rehabilitation facility, he was able to come home. A few days later, he passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Over the last few months, in his absence, with the support and hard work of our staff, I continued to operate Wesley’s. The successful adjustment makes me confident that Wesley’s will continue to serve you now as it always has.
We will be without Colin, but we will always be guided by his values and principles.

I am grateful for your support in the past and look forward to continuing to be here for you in the future.

Gillian Wesley


Starting Cigar Smoking

I received an email from a customer wanting advice on starting his new hobby of cigar smoking.
I replied:

Good evening D
This email is a summary of what you could consider when starting to smoke cigars.
It includes links to previous blogs offering fuller details. Read them before lighting your first cigar.
Starting smoking cigars is a process of trial – and, let’s hope not too many, errors.
No matter what you read or see – the final decision is what you like, that’s what the trial is for.

Background:
Most cigars are made up of 3 parts
The “Filler”, a carefully selected group of leaves to form the inside of the cigar. The leaves may be all the same length as the finished cigar (long filler), or shorter pieces of leaf, usually off-cuts, which are used to make less expensive cigars.
The filler is held together by the “Binder” to form the bunch. Not only does the binder hold the filler leaves together, but it has a big influence on the burning rate of the cigar.
The bunch is covered by the “Wrapper” which contributes largely to the flavour of the cigar. As much as 70% contribution in thinner cigars, obviously less in thicker cigars since it is a smaller percentage of the total quantity of leaves. The wrapper is finished at the closed end with a “Cap” which holds the cigar together. There is a clear horizontal line at the base of the cap. If the whole cap is removed below this line, the cigar may unravel.

Here are some considerations when you are trying cigars.

Flavour and Strength:

Leaves grown in different soils or combined differently or matured differently will give you a different sense of flavour and of how strong they are. As a general rule, leaf from Cuba or Nicaragua or Honduras tends to be richer, maybe stronger; leaves grown in the Dominican Republic or Sumatra give the impression of being lighter.
Cuban (Havana) cigars must be only of leaf grown in Cuba, non-Cuban “New World” cigars are often a blend of leaves from different areas. The blender carefully chooses a combination of leaves that will give the most agreeable, smoothest flavour, and comfortable burning rate.
Aside: A “Puro” cigar is made of leaves all grown in one country. All Cuban cigars are Puros.

Size:
The size of a cigar is measured by length and diameter.
Length is generally in millimetres.
Diameter may be in millimetres, more commonly in the old engineering measurements, 64th of an inch. So a 50 ringsize means the diameter is 50/64 inch (19.84mm)
A very popular size has the name “Robusto”, described as 50 x 127mm (or 127 x 50); length 127mm, ringsize 50 (which is diameter 19.84mm)
The ringsize determines how much smoke will come through with each draw.
The length (combined with the ringsize) determines how long the cigar should take to finish.

Watchpoints:
Cutting the cigar - you need to open the head of the cigar, with a cigar cutter.
You can change the drawing rate by the adjusting the size of the hole you cut – but be careful not to cut below the cap line.
Lighting your cigar – Don’t rush it. Too much heat, too fast, and all you will taste is carbonised tobacco. Don’t make the same mistakes as Colin wrote about here.
Smoking the cigar – You don’t need to inhale, it will probably make you dizzy. Draw gently and regularly. Enjoy the flavour in your mouth then slowly exhale. "Sip" your cigar - to achieve a cool, mellow smoke. It is not necessary to tap off the ash, just let it fall off naturally when it is ready. The cigar will go out if laid down, or neglected, for more than a minute or two. If it does go out remove the ash, blow through the cigar to expel stale air and re-light. The last centimetres of the cigar are rarely smoked due to the accumulation of tars, moisture and burnt oils.
For a cool smoke, you should draw gently on the cigar. Maybe about 2 - 3 puffs per minute should be enough to be comfortable for you and to keep the cigar alight. If the cigar is too thin, draw a little air in with each puff, but don’t draw too hard or the cigar will burn hot and you’ll miss out on the flavours.

When you are no longer enjoying the flavour, it is time to retire the cigar.
Simply put it down in the ashtray. It will go out by itself without any unpleasant smell.

“Cigars – Smoking for pleasure” expands on this summary.
Read it when you are enjoying one of your cigars.

That’s the background – now you have to decide what cigars to try.
We have put together several “Selections” – packs of 3 cigars suitable for comparing, each with a leaflet describing the cigars and why we chose them for the particular Selection.
For you to be able to start with a reasonably wide range of cigars I suggest these two Selections:

Short Selection. This gives you the chance to try a narrow ringsize cigar. Leaves from three different areas,
Montecristo Purito, a Cuban Puro from a top brand. Smoking time should be about 20-25 minutes.
Candlelight Senoritas Havana – a blend of lighter tobaccos, probably mostly from Sumatra, with some Havana (Cuban) leaf included.
Candlelight Senoritas Brazil – the leaf from Brazil is unique. Its dark colour hides its smooth rich flavour.

Limited Time Cigar Selection. Three cigars with plenty of flavour, three different ringsizes, and which won’t take too long to finish.
Guantanamera Minutos, an easy-burning Cuban cigar with short filler leaf. (100mm x 42)
Santa Damiana, Classic robusto ringsize 50, but 102mm long. Dominican Republic.
H.Upmann Half Corona, a rich Cuban cigar, a shorter and thicker Half Corona (90mm x 44)
These will give you an idea of the thickness of the cigar you find comfortable to smoke. And the comparison between Cuban and Dominican cigars, and between different forms of Cuban cigars.
And none of the cigars is so big as to be overwhelming.

These 6 cigars should give you a starting experience of some different flavours and ringsizes – enough for you to know where to go next.
The next step should be a selection of “Robusto” size cigars. The Robusto (127mm x 50) is still the most popular size cigar – according to a survey of US Tobacconists. (We agree.) Comfortable draw, comfortable length of smoking time, big enough for a good variety of leaves from the blender.
The size offers a good base from which you can decide - bigger/smaller, thicker/thinner, milder/richer.

Back to the cigar – the first step is the Cutting.
How you cut your cigar is your choice, but a sharp cutter is essential.
Read about your choices, and then……….

From September 9 to October 1, 2023 – or until stocks run out,
You can choose a cigar cutter at 25% off the normal price.

Only from Wesley’s Shops and Online

If you or one of your friends is considering starting cigar smoking I trust this background blog will provide the confidence to proceed into the enjoyment of the world’s most affordable luxury.

Gillian Wesley

Cigar News:
Not so good:
Hurricane Idalia when it was still a strong tropical storm, swept across the same region of Cuba that was devastated by Hurricane Ian last year. Ian led to what is said to be Cuba’s smallest tobacco crop in history. Idalia was not as strong, winds of 70 miles per hour (112kph) as opposed to Ian’s 120mph, but the rainfall was very heavy, more than 4 inches, leading to severe flooding. Rivers overflowed their banks and a large number of trees fell causing more damage. (David Savona, Cigar Aficionado)

Better News:
Cigar Advisor announced the end of the US FDA rule over premium cigars. At least for the time being. The battle is probably not over.
Read more.

No.536 Sept.7 to Oct.4, 2023

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 Internet choice, you can always return it for a full refund.

Stay at home, stay safe – we can come to you.

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.

Visit The Library to read archived blogs from “Across the Counter”.

Man Cave

Gift Ideas from - your one stop man’s shop (For ladies too!)

These ...... Gifts Grooming Walking sticks links ...... and more Giftsand games Men's grooming Walking Sticks

Even necessities - pipes and pipe accessories, cigars and cigar accessories
- are gifts appreciated by a smoking enthusiast!

 

for up to date stock availability and prices

 


for up to date stock availability and prices


Games


White Poker Dice in wood box. Poker and Lie Dice RulesBackgammon Set & Chess Set in Black PU Carry Case

Poker and Lie Dice

Backgammon, Chess, Draughts/Checkers, Dominoes

 


Taylors Shaving Creams, Taylors Aftershave
Razors, Shaving brushes & Gift Sets

Taylors Shaving CreamsTaylor's Gift Set
Men’s Grooming products

 

Brown leather belt with ratchet fitting

 

 

Brown leather belt
with automatic ratchet fitting

 

Manicure Set

 

 

 

Manicure Sets

 

Cross Pens

 

 

Writing instruments - Cross

 

Victorinox Pocket Tools

Swiss Army KnivesBiltong knife, My First Knife


 

 

 

Playing Cards
Large Index Playing Cards

Playing CardsCanasta , Large Index

South Africa Big 5, South African Birds & others

 

 

Hand Warmer

 

Hand warmers
Cuff Links, Justice Scales


Cuff links - Business Card Holders

 


Synthetic leather covered Hip Flasks with engraving plate

Polished Stainless Steel Tankard

 

Tankards - Hip flasks

 

 

Ceramic Mug in a Tin

 

Walking sticksCeramic Mugs in Tins

 

Walking sticks - Seat sticks

Giftsand games Men's grooming Walking Sticks

 

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.

Subscribe to keep up to date with our fortnightly articles and specials.
These alternate between pipe and cigar smokers' interests. You can choose your preferences.
You will also be automatically be entered into our competition draw.

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.

Refund Policy (Website customers - you’ll like this!)
Because we always guarantee our products – anything that isn’t completely to your satisfaction can be returned (in original condition and packaging) for a full refund.

Important Note:
For information on Covid-19, see www.sacoronavirus.co.za or call the SA Emergency Hotline on 0800 029 999

TRAVELLING TIME – (CAR, PLANE, TRAIN, BUS)
Many places where normal smoking is not allowed also restrict the use of e-cigs.

“Snus” is the answer


The question is - What is Snus?

Use SnusSnus portion packsSnus portion packsSnus portion packsSnus portion packsSnus portion packsSnus portion packs


Subscribe to keep up to date with our fortnightly articles and specials.
These alternate between pipe and cigar smokers' interests. You can choose your preferences.
You will also be automatically be entered into our competition draw.

Privacy Policy

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.

Refund Policy (Website customers - you’ll like this!)
Because we always guarantee our products – anything that isn’t completely to your satisfaction can be returned (in original condition and packaging) for a full refund.

WINNERS
NB. All prices on this site are in South African Rand (ZAR)
Currency Converter
Buying from outside South Africa


New Tobacco Control Legislation

        Prohibitions in respect of tobacco products

(5) (a)  No person shall sell, offer to sell, supply, distribute or buy any tobacco product through the postal services, the internet or any other electronic media.
      (b) The prohibition contained in paragraph (a) does not apply to any commercial communication between a tobacco manufacturer or importer and its trade partners, business partners, employees and shareholders.

Until we have obtained clarity on these points we have removed the “BUY NOW” option
from all pure tobacco products on the
website.
If this affects you, please contact us regarding a stockist of these tobacco products in your area.

TOBACCO SALES TO OVER-18’S ONLY


Privacy Policy

ALL IMAGES AND CONTENT © Colin Wesley 2023

Welcome
Useful information for when you shop with us!
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