Points to Ponder : Things to think about
The Lockdown period – good or bad – the experts say that it will take many years to rebuild the economy.
Well in our little way, we are surviving, and once the ban on the sale of tobacco products is lifted we will be back in business. Though there will be different rules and regulations in place especially in the retail shops.
If you intend to visit one of the Wesley’s shops, you will be most welcome as always.
However to comply with the social distancing demands, each shop will have its own customer control limits on the number of customers allowed to be in the shop at any one time. Browsing may be discouraged if queues are forming. And the unnecessary handling of items will also be monitored.
The overriding atmosphere must be one of patience with the safety of both customers and staff being paramount.
Fortunately, just before the lockdown came into effect, the Wesley’s shop in Rosebank received a comprehensive Cuban cigar order which will be at the March 2020 prices. The cigars will be available on request from any Wesley’s shop. Or ask about a courier service.
We have been advised that due to the exchange rate there are likely to be price increases (possibly substantial).
So, once a confirmed official opening up date is announced, we suggest you check your cigar stock, which by now could be wanting, and email us your “wish for” cigar list. We shall respond with a quote for your confirmation.
In the meantime, while you are waiting for “lift-off’, here are 3 points to ponder which might contribute to your cigar smoking pleasure:
What may cause a cigar to develop a bitter taste while smoking it?
- The worst case, about which you can do nothing, is that the cigar has been rolled from poorly fermented tobacco. An unfortunate buy – give up on it and move on.
- Oils and tars collecting - this could come from excessive rapid puffing on the cigar. Slow down to approximately 2 puffs a minute. Also check the burning end – is it burning too red?
- If the cigar is plugged, causing a tight draw, try to loosen up the plug with a massage or a thin needle, rather than trying to draw through it.
- Trying to relight a cigar if the end is heavily charred – rather prune it back beyond the ash using your cutter, and then blow through the cigar to remove stale smoke. Now you can light up.
- The filtering effect of the cigar - oils and tars in the cigar are collecting close to the head. Maybe you have reached the end, and it is time to put the cigar down and let it go out gently by itself.
What is “front loading” and what does it do?
This is a technique used by the “buncher” in the process of rolling to create an explosive spicy taste to the first few puffs on a cigar. It is done by placing some of the strongest tasting leaves (usually Ligeros) with the tips facing forward to the edge of the foot. This explosion of taste normally dissipates as the burn reaches the true leaves of the blend.
What next I wonder?
How do I keep my cutter clean and sharp?
With use, the oils in the leaves will accumulate on the edges of the blades. While they may still feel sharp to the touch, you may notice that the cut is becoming more difficult and less clean. Small shreds of tobacco appear around the perimeter of the cut.
Dip a swap of cotton wool, or an ear bud, in some alcohol based liquid and give the blades a good rub. This will remove the sticky residue leaving the blades clean, sharp and sanitised (new buzzword).
How good is that?
Maybe the cutter cleaning question was too late and you have decided that you definitely need a new cutter.
And so we offer:
For all cigar smoking the rule is: sip the cigar, like a wine-tasting, roll the smoke around in your mouth to savour the flavour, then gently let it out. If you draw too fast the smoke becomes hot and bitter. A cigar that has gone out can simply be re-lit. Cigars do not contain additives to keep them burning so if/when your cigar goes out, gently tap off the loose ash, blow through to expel stale smoke, re-light and continue to enjoy it.
A cigar can be “doggy-bagged”. Allow it to go out, then cut off the ash end (about 1cm, for cleanliness) and store in a glass tube until you are ready for it. Blow through before re-lighting to expel stale smoke.
Colin Wesley
No.478 August 6-19, 2020
You can read previous articles from “Across the Counter” in The Archives Library.
LOCKDOWN BROWSING
You may have been spending loads of time in your
'Man Cave' during lockdown!
Now why not visit our 'Man Cave'?
There are plenty of reasons to do so
We offer a wide range of gifts for everybody
- with a focus on men’s gifts
All purchases can be made online
with the exception of tobacco and related products
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SUBSIDISED SHIPPING - 10% OF VALUE |
Here's an extensive list of 'Man Cave' products with items suitable for ladies too
  Games
Poker and Lie Dice
Backgammon, Chess, Draughts/Checkers, Dominoes
 
Men’s Grooming products
Taylors Shaving Creams, Taylors Aftershave
Razors, Shaving brushes & Gift Sets
Brown leather belt
with automatic ratchet fitting
Manicure Sets
Galileo Thermometer
Swiss Army Knives – Biltong knife, My First Knife
Writing instruments - Cross
Playing Cards – Canasta , Large Index
South Africa Big 5, South African Birds & others
Hand warmers
Cuff links - Business Card Holders
Tankards - Hip flasks
 Ceramic Mugs in Tins
Walking sticks - Seat sticks
Important Note: For more information on Covid-19, please see www.sacoronavirus.co.za or
call the SA Emergency Hotline 0800 029 999
Government Gazette Level 4 restrictions Chapter 3, No.27 states that the sale of tobacco,
tobacco products, e-cigarettes and related products is prohibited.
Level 3: Although e-commerce is allowed tobacco restrictions are still in force. (Anything to do with smoking.)
Wesley’s Rosebank will not be open.
Online sales are now permitted with the exception of tobacco and related products.
Couriers may not deliver tobacco and related products.
We understand that this is inconvenient for you.
Please accept that we can do nothing at all about it, even though it’s bad for us too.
We’d love to be of service once the lockdown has lifted - Colin Wesley
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.
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(ZAR)
