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West Coast Cigars
1650 Almaden Road
San Jose, CA 95125
Tel: (408) 283-9323
Fax: (408) 971-6642

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Sunday - Thursday
10 AM - 10 PM

Friday - Saturday
10 AM - Midnight

Glossary of Cigar
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Accessories



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Cigar Cutters & Scissors

The first step involved in preparing a cigar for use is to open a passage way allowing air to circulate from one end to the other. Some smokers elect to bite the tip off the cigar; its quick and easy solution and there is no need to carry around any tools. Most cigar connoisseurs however use a specialized clipper that provide a clean, manicured cut.

If a cutter is used, the incision should be made quickly and decisively. The cutter should be placed just above the cigar's cap line (the curved area that covers the head of the cigar) and clipped in one swift motion. This produces a clean cut which is desirable for smoking a cigar.

Xikar Cutters
Xikar Scissors



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Humidors

To properly care for your cigar collection you will need a humidor. Ideally, the interior of the humidor will be made of Kiln dried Spanish Cedar and will have a tight seal. A good way to test the seal on your humidor is to hold the lid open approximately 3 inches and let go. You should hear a “swoosh” as the lid falls closed. This sound ensures a tight seal as the air inside of your humidor is forced to escape rapidly when the lid is closed. Along with your humidor you will need a hygrometer. The hygrometer measures the humidity level inside of your humidor. Finally, you will need a humidifier. The humidifier is usually a sponge type device, which you fill with distilled water. The purpose of the humidifier is to provide humidity by retaining moisture. The perfect conditions for a cigar are 70% humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature and humidity are critical in keeping your cigars fresh.

Don Salvatore
La Gloria Cubana Serie R - Limitada 2006
Michael Godard
Montecristo
Romeo y Julieta
Trinidad
Xikar

Humidor Instruction Sheet



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Travel Cigar Cases

We feature travel cigar cases in a variety of styles by Noro, Xikar, and Michael Godard.  Our cases are designed to hold cigars of various lengths and cigar ring gauges.  Every case is purposely made to shield your cigar from environmental elements, performing as pocket humidors. They are big enough to hold most cigar ring gauges, yet small enough to easily fit in your pocket when you travel. They compliment your fine boutique of premium cigars.

Atoll
Cigar Caddy

Michael Godard
Noro

Xikar



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Lighters

Tobacco will absorb any aroma or fragrance that it comes in contact with. Paper and sulfur based matches or the use of a fluid based lighter can leave the cigar with an unpleasant taste. The preferred method to light a cigar is the use of a butane based lighter. A lit wooden match can be used once it has burned off the chemicals used in the ignition process.

Once the cigar is cut, hold the open end of the cigar over your flame and slowly rotate it. This will "Toast" the cigar and prime it for lighting. While it is still warm, place the cigar in your mouth and hold it at a 45° angle over the flame. Slowly puff and rotate the cigar while maintaining slight contact with the flame. A good cigar will light easy and burn evenly.

Atoll
Blazer
Colibri
Lotus
Porsche Design

Roburn Micro Torch
Tatuaje
Tiger
Vector

Xikar
Zippo




Banner - Lighter Fuel

Lighter Fuel

Butane Lighter Care

Many cigar smokers seem to take their lighters for granted. After all, they're relatively inexpensive and easily replaced. But when a butane lighter goes bad, it may not necessarily be your lighter. It may be more about how you care for it. Here are some useful tips that will keep your cigar lighter in top condition and may even breathe new life into your old flame.

  • When the lighter is empty, "bleed" it by pressing the tip of a ball point pen against the fuel filling valve to release all the excess gas. If you can, also do this by gently depressing the lighter switch and releasing as much gas as you can from that end, too.
  • Using a can of compressed air, blow into the burner chamber (where the flame ignites) to clean out any sediment deposits.
  • Check the flame height adjustment. Try to set it where it will light even when fuel is low.
  • Never mix fuels and avoid using bargain brand butane. Use only premium butane made by a reputable manufacturer. The cheap stuff can actually clog the system.

Colibri
Lava
Nibo
Vector
Zippo