Passing of Colin Wesley
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 |
Purging your cigar – a refreshing technique
When you’re smoking your cigar, some impurities will build up inside.
Impurities like ammonia (a natural by-product of chlorophyll), natural gasses, unburnt tobacco particles, all of which affect the taste of the cigar. It’s not as sweet anymore.
Purging is a technique to remove these impurities and refresh your cigar.
And it’s very simple – just blow them out.
Make sure there isn’t too much loose ash, and instead of your normal slow draw, blow gently through the cigar.
Seriously, that’s it.
That’s a dry purge.
You can do this at any time while smoking your cigar.
- Maybe soon after lighting to remove the taste of the charred tobacco.
- Maybe halfway when the impurities have started to build up.
- Or at any time you feel your cigar isn’t as sweet and fresh as you’d like it.
It is important to use this technique when relighting a cigar.
You’ve settled in and are really enjoying your cigar - and something distracts you.
You take another draw, and ….. - the cigar has gone out.
On the Highveld, in Johannesburg, with less oxygen at this altitude, this can happen often.
And there is a certain method to relighting to give you a clean smoke that is not harsh.
The steps:
- Brush off excess ash;
- Light your cigar – holding the flame close to the burning end.
Move the flame around over the whole burning surface and watch.
You can see when the whole surface is alight.
I love the expression “cherry up the end”;
- Make sure it is well lit then put the cigar back in your mouth. Hold the flame 4-5cm from the end and blow gently through your cigar;
- The impurities will be blown out and catch alight from the lighter.
- The flames could last for a few seconds or longer. Repeat until the flames are finished.
For a demonstration, see Travis at minute 19.20 on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTmd4tzi_x4&t=1417s
For a more erudite explanation than mine visit Cigars Lover Magazine website
Your cigar probably won’t taste exactly the same as when you first lit up, but it will be smoother and less harsh than without purging.
You didn’t have time to finish your cigar, but it is too good to discard?
Leave it (level) in the ashtray. It will go out naturally, no need to stub it out.
You can then use the same steps above when re-lighting the second half of your cigar later.
If “later” is only the next day, then “doggie bag” it:
- Cut off the charred end of the cigar – that will make sure it has stopped burning, and prevent too much “burnt ash” smell.
- Place it in an airtight tube –
An old aluminium tube
A glass tube with a sponge for maintaining humidity (will hold up to ring 52)
A beautiful stainless steel tube, maybe you’ll keep it just for this purpose (will hold up to ring 52)
- Relight using the technique described above.
Note; The glass or stainless steel tubes are also ideal for keeping cigars in perfect condition when travelling, and can be used again and again.
SO…….
From August 4 - 17, 2022
We offer less 25% on
Glass tubes Ring 52; length Robusto to Churchill from R12.00
Stainless Steel Tube Ring 52; up to Churchill length R595.00 |
There is apparently no downside to purging a cigar – it is an excellent technique for refreshing your cigar.
And the result is a cigar which continues to be a pleasure to smoke much closer to the end.
Gillian Wesley
No.522 July 28 – August 10, 2022
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 Archives Library.
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