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FAQ
Cigar FAQ
STORING CIGARS:
Cigars will dry out if not stored properly and become harsh to smoke. Ideally, store your cigars in a seasoned humidor, or an airtight container. You can keep them in an airtight bag as well, be sure to keep a moisture pack with your cigars so they do not dry out. If your cigars are too dry, it burns your throat, if it has too much humidity it won’t easily stay lit.
The ideal conditions for cigar storage are between 65 – 75% humidity and between 65°F (18°C) – 75°F (24°C) temperature. In such an environment, cigars keep aging properly. Maintaining room temperature ensures that the humidity inside your humidor/storage container remains stable.
Keep your humidor out of direct sunlight and away from heating vents, windows etc. This is to help prevent room temperature fluctuations.
You can use a digital hygrometer or an Analog hygrometer. It’s best to calibrate these with a moisture pack to determine how many degrees of error there are. No hygrometer in our experience is 100% accurate. What we do is leave the hygrometer in a sealed bag with at 69% Boveda pack. After a couple hours we come back and see what the hygrometer is reading. Typically, the hygrometer will read a few percentage points above or below the Boveda’s 69%.
Example: Our hygrometer reads 73% after we test it with a 69% moisture pack. We now know there is a +4% difference for that specific hygrometer. We can then ensure that the humidor is maintained within the proper range.
Even just a day or two without being in an airtight container, bag or humidor can have tragic results to your cigars. If a cigar does dry out, you can restore it.
If your cigars are very dry, the process to restore them must be slow to avoid excessive intake of moisture by the cigar. If you try to humidify them too fast, they will inflate and explode!
Place them in your SEASONED humidor or in a sealed container. Use a humidifier device, moisture pack, or a sponge and put a little water (+/- a teaspoon) in it. Keep the container closed. Every 24 hours you should put another teaspoon of water into the humidification system or the sponge. If you are using a moisture pack such as Boveda, you do not need to alter it. Check the pack once a week to make sure it is not completely dry. After you notice that the cigars are back to life, keep them in a humidor or in an airtight container with proper humidity maintenance.
Never go under 65%, and do not panic if RH goes up to 75%, but avoid going over this maximum. During this process, keep the humidor/container in the coolest place you have away from light and temperature fluctuations.
NO! Your fridge is the enemy to your precious cigars. A refrigerator is too cold and dry for cigar/tobacco storage. They will dry out and be trash to smoke.
CIGAR BASICS:
We would ask you a series of questions to determine, what would be best. How long do you want to smoke for? Do you smoke regularly? Do you have a preference of wrapper type? Will you be pairing it with any specific drinks? What do you want to spend? See the below FAQ about cigars for more information to help you decide. You can message us or call, and we will help you narrow down your choices. We have several tobacconists available to help.
There are several types of wrapper types that are used in making cigars. The main ones are:
Connecticut (the lightest brown), Habano (medium brown), Maduro (deep brown), Oscuro (borderline black).
There are also Colorado or Rosado (reddish brown), Sumatra (medium brown), Cameroon (light to medium brown) and Candela (green).
The different tobacco leaves change their colours based on how they are grown and fermented. Grown in direct sunlight, makes for a thicker and very dark leaf. Shade grown leaves, tend to be thinner and lighter.
When we talk about strength of cigars, we are referencing the amount of nicotine. The types of tobacco in the cigar modify. You cannot say the darker the cigar the stronger it is. There many Connecticut wrapped cigars that pack a punch.
Every cigar is handmade and has a distinct taste. We at Casa Familia use a scale of 1-10. The higher the number, the more nicotine. General rule is, if its over a 5, you should probably eat before smoking if you aren’t an Aficionado. If you see Ligero in a blend, it is likely to have some extra strength behind it.
The Vitola references the length and gauge of the cigar. Determining how much time you have to smoke the cigar also determines the length of it. Cigars are measured by inches in length and by ring size in width. 1 ring size is equal to 1/64 of an inch. The larger the ring size, the slower, cooler burning the cigar will be. Wider cigars (those with larger ring sizes) have more tobacco in them and tend to have more complex and delicious flavors than small ring size cigars.
The shape of a cigar also impacts the smoke time. Thicker cigars burn cooler and slower than thinner cigars. That’s why you can smoke a short, fat cigar like a Bubba or Nub for nearly an hour if you want to. In a longer cigar, like a Churchill or a Double Corona, the smoke is traveling a longer distance, allowing it to cool, before it reaches your palate. The taste is lighter throughout the first half of the cigar as a result. Shorter shapes, like Robusto and Rothschild, intensify more quickly because the heat is closer to your palate when you light up.
Cigar sizes come with a general reference of smoking time. The most common sizes are:
Cigarillo (5-10min), Chico (15-20min), Corona (40+min), Robusto (45+min), Toro (55+min), Churchill (60+ min) and Gordo (65+min).
These are called sunspots, and no one really knows what causes them. They do not affect the quality or taste of the cigar.
What is the white powdery substance that I’ve seen on some cigars? This is called bloom and results when the wrapper’s oil matures. It is simply the residue of the wrapper’s oils fermenting. Just wipe it off with your fingers, it’s harmless and a good indicator that the leaf is of good quality.
SMOKING CIGARS:
Dry boxing is a technique to allow the cigar to acclimatise and/or remove extra moisture from a cigar prior to lighting.
Simply put the cigar you wish to smoke that day or within 24hours in an empty wooden box, or carboard cigar box. Store it out of the sun. Leave it there for a few hours prior to smoking or longer if the cigar is overly moist. In Calgary has a dry climate . Be mindful of how long you leave the cigar dry boxing.
Dry boxing works well for thinner Connecticut wrapped cigars. Try it and see if you notice a difference in the way your cigar smokes/tastes.
A regular Canadian cigar smoker knows the importance of temperature of a cigar during winter. If you are going to take the cigar straight from its cozy, moist humidor and go outside in -15 and dry and light it… You may explode your cigar. During winter, we like to take the cigar out of the humidor about 45-minutes prior to smoke time. We place it next to the window, and let the cigar gradually get cooler prior to stepping outside and lighting.
After you cut the cigar, bring the cigar to your mouth and ensure that it has good air flow. If it doesn’t, you can grab your Perfect Draw Tool and correct the issue before you even begin smoking.
Cigars are a hand rolled product; they do not always burn the way we want them to.
Use matches or a torch lighter. Give the foot a toasting, once it is charred, put the cigar in your mouth and slowly rotate the cigar over the flame, while taking puffs on the cigar. Check the foot to ensure its evenly lit by blowing on the end.
The first few puffs can be bitter, once the binder, filler and wrapper are all burning together, your cigar will reveal itself to you.
If you’re enjoying the flavours, smoke it as far down as you like. An amazing cigar will have you smoking until you can feel the heat in your fingers! Proper etiquette when stopping a cigar is to just place it in the ashtray, it will go out on its own. Do not crush the cigar out, as it will make the cigar smell bad.
On long filler cigars, the ash is quite sturdy and can hold onto it up to 1”. We recommend lightly tapping the cigar every ½” or so. Having a bit of ash is a good thing as it holds onto some heat and allows the cigar to burn cooler, resulting in a more enjoyable smoking experience.
A medium or short filler cigar can be more unstable in the ash.
Yes. If you ran out of time and you need to come back to your cigar after some time has passed, you can still finish that cigar. It won’t taste the same as when you initially lit the cigar, but it can still be smoked. Ideally, cigars are smoked in one session to ensure best taste and freshness. To relight it you will use the purge technique.
The Cigar was hopefully not left to dry out for a long time. Any longer than a day, just throw it out in our opinion.DO NOT store a half-smoked cigar with your other cigars/ in your humidor. Keep it in a sealed bag, if possible, likely next to the ashtray.
Knock off any ash so the foot is open again. Follow proper lighting technique as outlined above. Once the cigar is lit, gently blow back into the cigar to help eliminate the bitter taste. Some cigar smokers do this once or twice while smoking the cigar if there is a bitter taste.
Cigars unravel for only 3 reasons. It wasn’t wrapped properly when it was made, this isn’t common with premium cigars. The cigar was very dry, which reduces the wrappers elasticity. Lastly… you cut the cap, and it is now unraveling as you smoke. You can lick the part that is lifting, and it should help with the issue. You can also use cigar glue to repair it.
Cigar glue is a food-safe adhesive that is also used for postage stamps and envelopes. The stuff gets its stickiness from plant extracts and starch or dextrin combinations that come from manioc (yucca) and other plants like corn, wheat, or rice. It is also called Pectin or Vegetable gum.
If you have a lifting piece of tobacco, it is quite easy to fix. Lift it gently, apply the glue beneath and let it dry.
When you have a hole or a piece missing, you can take a piece of wrapper from a less desirable smoke or cut a piece of leaf if you have a loose-leaf piece of tobacco. (we sell whole tobacco leaves, that you can cut into desired shapes or roll with.) You would then apply the glue to the affected area and apply the “tobacco patch.” Let it dry and smoke away!
Uneven burning cigars are usually due to incorrect lighting technique, incorrect storing and even windy conditions where the cigar is being smoked also can contribute to an unevenly burning cigar.
Poor lighting techniques can be avoided when following the lighting process above. Sometimes one side of the cigar burns faster than the other. This is a result of smoking the cigar too fast. Put the cigar down and let the longer side catch up. Tap off the ash afterwards and draw on the cigar softly.
If it is very windy where you are smoking the cigar, face the opposite direction of the wind so that it blows from behind you.
Vape FAQ
E-Liquid:
Vaping is a way of obtaining nicotine without the use of tobacco through a battery-powered device that heats a liquid solution containing nicotine to create an aerosol (Vapour or cloud) You can Vape with zero nicotine. Vaping is an option to help you to quit tobacco products.
E-liquid, also known as vape juice or e-juice, is a specially formulated liquid that comes in a variety of flavors, nicotine strengths, and base compositions. Freebase e-liquid and Salt-Nic are the 2 types of e-liquid in the mass market.
E-liquid consists of four main ingredients:
1. Propylene Glycol (PG): This colorless and odorless synthetic organic compound serves as a carrier for flavorings and nicotine. It helps produce a robust throat hit, enhancing the overall vaping experience.
2. Vegetable Glycerin (VG): A natural liquid derived from vegetable oils; VG contributes to the production of thick, dense vapor clouds. It also adds a touch of sweetness to the e-liquid.
3. Flavourings: Food-grade flavourings are added to e-liquid to create a wide range of flavours, including fruits, desserts, menthol, tobacco, and more.
4. Nicotine: Although some e-liquids are nicotine-free (0MG), others contain varying nicotine strengths. Nicotine is optional, and users can choose the level that suits their needs, ranging from low to high nicotine content.
The main difference between salt nic and freebase nicotine is the addition of benzoic or citric acid to salt nic, which alters the nicotine chemically to create freebase nicotine. The choice between salt nic and freebase nicotine depends on personal preference and nicotine needs.
Freebase: This is the purest form of nicotine and contains no additives. It’s compatible with various devices and allows for lower nicotine strengths. Freebase nicotine is an excellent choice for those who want to lower their nicotine intake and dependence. When someone is trying to quit smoking, freebase is the better option to start with as it still delivers a throat hit like a cigarette does and the slower absorption of the nicotine gives a longer lasting nicotine delivery.
Salt nic: This type of e-liquid is often preferred by vapers who want a smoother throat hit and higher nicotine concentrations. Nic salts are created by introducing an acidic compound to freebase nicotine. The acids change the nicotine’s chemical structure, making it absorb more quickly into the body. Nic salts also have a longer shelf life due to slow oxidation.
It is not recommended that you mix multiple strengths of e-juice, the outcome is an unknown amount of nicotine in your juice. The only ay to dilute your nicotine strength further, is to add a 0 Nicotine e-juice into the mix. Mixing a 10mg and 20mg bottle of e-juice, will not create a mix with less nicotine. Mixing nicotine should be done with caution to avoid excessive nicotine intake or uneven distribution.
When mixing flavours of e-juice, try to keep the nicotine strengths the same and the type of juice the same. Salt and Freebase work best at different temperature settings and in different coil types.
Nicotine strength is referring to the concentration of nicotine present in you e-liquid. It is measured in mg per mL and indicates the amount you inhale in each puff.
Someone who doesn’t want any nicotine, can use 0mg e-juice.
0mg-3mg is for social smokers.
3mg-6mg is for light smokers (Less than 10 cigarettes a day)
6mg-12mg is for moderate smokers (Less than a pack of cigarettes a day)
12mg-20mg is for heavy smokers (One or more packs of cigarettes a day)
If you choose to use Salt-nic e-juice, the 2 levels of nicotine available are either 12mg or 20mg. (Disposable vapes are generally 20mg)
If you chose to use freebase e-juice, they have nicotine strengths of 3mg, 6mg, 12mg and 18mg. The higher the nicotine strength in freebase the more of a throat hit when you take a puff. In store I would suggest starting someone who is quitting smoking with a freebase e-juice.
You can experiment with different strengths and types of e-juices, doing so will ensure that you find a satisfying and comfortable vaping experience.
TYPES OF VAPES:
There are 3 main styles of vapes: Disposables, Pod systems and Mod Systems.
Disposable vapes, also known as disposable e-cigarettes are an all-in-one vaping device designed for single use. They come pre-filled with e-liquid and come with an integrated battery, eliminating the need for refilling. Once the e-liquid is depleted or the battery runs out, the entire device is discarded. Unless it has the option of recharging. Disposable vapes offer a convenient and hassle-free vaping experience, making them an excellent option for vapers looking for a simple, no-maintenance solution.
Simply remove the device from its packaging, remove any protective covers, and start vaping. There are no buttons to press or settings to adjust. When inhaling through the mouthpiece, the device automatically activates the heating element (coil), which vaporizes the e-liquid. The vapor is then delivered to your mouth and lungs.
There are a wide variety of flavours. Anything from fruit, mint, ice, tobacco and even flavourless.
The longevity of a disposable vape depends on many factors, such as the mL of e-liquid in the reservoir and how often it is vaped. A disposable vape can last anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand puffs before the e-liquid is fully consumed.
Disposable vapes are designed for casual or temporary use and may not last as long as refillable devices.
YES! Disposable vapes are incredibly beginner friendly. Beginners can enjoy a hassle-free introduction to vaping because these devices require no setup, maintenance, or prior knowledge of vaping devices.
No, disposable vapes are intended for single use only and cannot be refilled.
Once the battery is almost depleted you can “bump up” the battery. We recommend plugging in your device for no more than 10 -15 minutes at a time, to recharge the device. Once the e-liquid is depleted or the juice tastes burnt, the entire device should be discarded.
Disposable vapes are generally safe when used as intended. They undergo rigorous quality control processes to ensure they meet safety standards. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for usage. Keep the device away from children and pets and dispose of it properly.
Pod Vapes and Mod Vapes:
Pod system vapes are easy to use and are great for beginners. They are compact and discreet. Mod Vapes have more options for customization and are suited for vapers who have more experience and deliver a more intense flavour with higher vapor production. If you aren’t sure which device is right for you, we are here to help.
Design/Charging:
Pod Vape: Uses a pod system. You can buy prefilled vape pods or empty pods. The Pod system has 2 parts, A battery (mod) that often resembles a long USB stick, or a smaller square style device. May require more charging if used heavily, as the battery is smaller.
Stlth PRO Device uses prefilled pods.
Uwell Caliburn G3 device has empty pods that you fill.
Mod Vape: Generally larger in size, more powerful, generally have longer battery life. Ability to chose coils and set your own settings. Generally, has a larger battery and requires less charging and can manage more heavy usage.
VooPoo Drag S
Coil and E-juice capacity:
Pod Vape: use coils with a higher resistance, these operate with lower wattages and are best for Mouh to lung inhales similar to smoking a cigarette.) These pods hold anywhere from 1mL to 3mL of e-juice.
Mod Vape: coils usually are sub-ohm, meaning they have a resistance of less than 1.0 ohm. These low-resistance coils require higher wattages to operate, producing more vapor and intense flavor. Sub-ohm vaping is typically associated with direct-to-lung inhales, where you inhale the vapor directly into your lungs. The tanks on these devices generally hold anywhere from 2mL to 8mL of e-juice.
Coils consist of a wire coil wrapped around a piece of cotton or other wicking material. When the device is activated, the coil heats up, causing the e-liquid absorbed by the wicking material to vaporize, which is then inhaled by the user.
How do I know what coil or pods I need for my device?
Identify the Brand and Type of your device: Determine the specific brand and type of coil or pod compatible with your device. This information is often indicated on the packaging of the vape kit or can be found in the product description on our website. We recommend that you take a picture of the box and keep it on your phone, so you always know what you need for replacement pieces.
Determine the Ohm Level of the coil or empty pod: The ohm level of a coil affects the vaping experience. If you prefer a tight draw and a vaping style similar to smoking, go for a higher ohm coil, often associated with mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping. On the other hand, lower ohm coils produce more vapor and are better suited for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, where you inhale the vapor directly into your lungs.
More vapour production and intense flavor opt for a lower ohm coil. A smoother, cigarette draw like experience opt for a higher ohm coil.
You will taste that your coil needs to be replaced, it will have a burnt taste, or the flavour could be muted. The cotton may also become brown or black indicating that replacement.
Vape Device Troubleshooting:
There could be several reasons why your vape is not working. These are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them and hopefully resolve the issue:
- Check the Battery: Ensure that your device has enough battery power to operate. If the battery is low, try charging it fully and then attempt to draw again.
- Check for connection issues: Has all the plastic been removed from the device or pod? If there is plastic in the way of the connectors or the airflow it will not work properly.
- Make sure the device is not locked: Some devices have a child safety lock. Also be sure that the battery has a sufficient charge.
- Check E-Liquid Level: Ensure that your e-liquid level is sufficient and not too low. If the e-liquid is running low, it may not reach the coil, resulting in dry hits and poor vapor production. Try to not let your refillable device go below 1/3 of a pod. You can prolong your coil this way.
- Try Different Puffing Technique: Some devices have automatic draw activation, while others require button activation. Make sure you are using the correct puffing technique based on your device’s design. Also, make sure your fingers are not covering the air flow port of the device.
- Adjust Settings: If your device has adjustable settings, such as wattage or airflow control, make sure they are set to the correct wattage for the coils/pod you are using. Incorrect settings can affect the device’s performance.
- Check for Leaks: Leaking e-liquid can block airflow and cause issues with drawing. Inspect your device for any leaks and clean or fix any leaking parts as necessary. Try to keep your device a consistent temperature and upright if possible. This helps to prevent leaking.
- Prime the Coil: If you have recently replaced the coil, make sure to prime it properly before use. Priming involves saturating the coil with e-liquid to prevent dry hits and improve performance. When you fill a pod for the first time, we recommend not taking a puff until a minimum 5 minutes as passed. Ideally wait 10 minutes to allow the cotton to saturate.
- Ensure Proper Assembly: Double-check that all components of your device are properly assembled and securely connected. Loose or improperly fitted parts can cause airflow problems.
- Clean the Device: A clogged or dirty device may hinder airflow and prevent proper vaping. Clean the mouthpiece, airflow vents, and any other accessible parts of your device to remove any debris or residue. Q-tips dipped in alcohol work great to clean vapes.
Inspect the Coil or Pod: If you’re using a refillable device, the coil may be worn out or burnt, affecting the device’s performance. Replace the coil or pod with a new one if needed, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you have checked the above potential issues and your device is still not drawing, it’s best to reach out to the manufacturer’s customer support or our customer support. They can provide more specific troubleshooting and ensure your device is functioning correctly. Always prioritize safety and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when handling your vape device.
More vapour production and intense flavor opt for a lower ohm coil. A smoother, cigarette draw like experience opt for a higher ohm coil.
You will taste that your coil needs to be replaced, it will have a burnt taste, or the flavour could be muted. The cotton may also become brown or black indicating that replacement.
Spitting refers to the occasional popping of hot e-liquid into your mouth, while leaking involves e-liquid seeping out of the device. Here are some common reasons why this might be happening and how to address the issue:
1. Flooding the Coil:
Flooding occurs when too much e-liquid saturates the coil, leading to excessive vapor production and spitting. To prevent flooding, avoid overfilling the tank or pod and refrain from inhaling too forcefully.
Solution: Take gentle, steady draws to maintain proper airflow through the device. If flooding persists, try reducing the wattage or power setting on your device to minimize e-liquid consumption.
2. Incorrect Coil Assembly:
Improperly assembling the coil or not securing it tightly can cause leaks and spitting. Ensure all components are correctly connected to prevent e-liquid from escaping.
Solution: Double-check the coil’s placement and make sure it is securely fitted into the device. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for coil installation.
3. Condensation Buildup:
Condensation can accumulate inside the device due to temperature changes during vaping. This can lead to leakage and spitting.
Solution: Regularly clean the device, especially around the airflow vents and mouthpiece, to remove any condensation buildup.
4. High VG E-Liquid:
E-liquids with high Vegetable Glycerin (VG) content are thicker and can have difficulty vaporizing efficiently, leading to spitting and leakage.
Solution: Try using e-liquids with a balanced VG/PG ratio or choose e-liquids specifically designed for your device’s coil type.
5. Overfilling the Tank/Pod:
Overfilling the tank or pod can cause e-liquid to leak through the airflow vents.
Solution: Fill the tank or pod only up to the recommended level to prevent excess e-liquid from escaping.
6. Worn or Damaged O-Rings:
O-rings are essential seals that prevent e-liquid from leaking out of the device. Over time, they may become worn or damaged, leading to leakage.
Solution: Check the O-rings for signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary. Most Mod devices come with spare O-rings in the packaging. If you are using a Pod Mod, this will not apply.
7. Inhaling Too Strongly:
Drawing too forcefully on the device can draw excess e-liquid into the coil, resulting in spitting.
Solution: Take gentle, controlled draws to avoid pulling excess e-liquid into the coil.
Proper maintenance and care of our device can help minimize spitting and leaking, ensuring a more enjoyable vaping experience. If you still have issues with leakage, contact the manufacturers customer support.
ORDERING, RETURNS & SHIPPING
We only offer on our Website what we have in stock. If an item is greyed out on the website, it is not in stock. The cigar will be stored in your cart for a limited time (1 hour) before being put back into the inventory for another connoisseur to purchase.
Shipping charges vary depending on what option you chose. We do our best to ensure that you get the lowest rates possible and use delivery companies that are reputable.
We do our best to ensure that your purchase is packed safely and in an appropriately sized box or bubble mailer. We do not pack cigars in bubble mailers. They will ship in a box with a moisture pack. Vaping products generally will ship in bubble mailers.
After your order is placed, we will email you an order confirmation. Once we ship them, we will send you an email with the tracking number on it if your order was shipped through Canada Post. You can go to the Canada Post web site and track every step of your shipment.
No. We only ship within Canada.
Yes. You can order online and pickup in store. You will need to present ID at the time of pickup. We will release online orders only to the original purchaser.
No. Tobacco & nicotine products are final sale.
What do I do if my cigars were damaged during delivery?
If you receive damaged or missing items contact us and we will do our best to assist you.
OTHER FAQ
This is our way of offering you unique, limited edition, new to Canada cigars in a monthly subscription service. There is no cost to join. You select how often you would like to receive an order, and we ship it out to accordingly. We are currently doing boxes for every season. Four times a year. Your boxes will contain some cigars that are not yet available to be purchased online or in store.
All the information that you provide us is kept confidential. See our Privacy Policy for further information.