Cigars Archives - Rib’N Reef: Le Meilleur Steakhouse Restaurant à Montréal

5 May 2020

Meaning Behind the Body, Strength, and Flavor of a Cigar

Smoking a cigar is a sensory experience, and everyone’s encounter is different, even if smoking the same cigar. The body, strength, and flavor all affect your enjoyment of a cigar. Rib’N Reef’s cigar lounge is the perfect place to savor your favorite cigar or to try a new one.

Making cigars is an art form steeped in tradition and knowledge passed down through the generations. All these years of experience and practice start from understanding seeds and growing conditions and end with the purposeful choice of tobacco and picking the perfect wrapper to create a balance of characteristics. There is nothing accidental about creating cigars meant for savoring.

As you contemplate Rib’N Reef’s cigar menu, you might notice our descriptions. As you develop your personal sensory experience with cigars, the cigar descriptions will help you choose the best cigar to enjoy.

The Body of a Cigar

The body of a cigar is related to the fullness or depth of the flavor and includes both the taste and the touch receptors. It creates a sense of heaviness or lightness. For instance, a mild cigar might be like drinking a light roast coffee. It feels light on the palate. A full-bodied cigar, on the other hand, will feel almost heavy in your mouth.

The Strength of a Cigar

The strength of a cigar is typically conveyed as light to full. The strength of a cigar is simply the physiological impact of the tobacco. Your physiological reaction might include your heart rate increasing or a feeling of light-headedness. The level of nicotine is a primary consideration for the strength of a cigar. A higher level of nicotine will create a greater physical impact.

Rib’N Reef includes the length of the cigar on our menu. We include this information because the length of the cigar impacts its characteristics, including the strength. For instance, a longer cigar means an increase in smoke time compared to a short cigar. Furthermore, the gauge of a cigar is an indicator of strength simply due to the volume of tobacco.

The Flavor of a Cigar

The flavor of a cigar can range from light to full. Every person will have a different experience with the magnitude of a cigar’s flavor because everyone’s ability to perceive flavor is different. Also, the physical taste of a cigar comes from the ability to both taste and smell. The chemical makeup of tobacco impacts the taste, as does the paper used to wrap the cigar.

If you are new to smoking cigars, Rib’N Reef’s cigar lounge is a perfect place to develop your experience and develop your unique taste for cigars. If you are an experienced cigar smoker with a refined palate for the body, strength, and flavor of a cigar, you will find much to enjoy from Rib’N Reef’s cigar menu.

9 February 2020

New Year, New Smokes: Three Cigars You Should Try

Enjoying cigars to the fullest extent necessarily involves developing your palate and trying new experiences. There are so many variations and interpretations of fine cigars that exhausting the industry’s possibilities is practically impossible. This makes it important to hear what other aficionados are saying about their favorite new smokes.

The cigar market is ever-expanding, with wonderful offerings from rich Nicaraguan tobaccos and carefully crafted stogies from the Dominican Republic, as well as the classic and unequaled profiles of industry-dominating Cuban smokes. At Rib’N Reef, we love helping our patrons enjoy the best offerings in food, drink, and fine tobacco. That’s why we’ve picked three unique, stellar cigars you should check out for the new year.

Make sure to keep your eye out for these three all-star stogies — any one of them is sure to help you ring the year in right!

The Rocky Patel Hamlet 25th Year Salomon

The massive Salomon by Rocky Patel is sure to draw attention if you light it up in your favorite lounge or your next friendly gathering. The Salomon is an aesthetic masterpiece of beautiful, glossy Ecuadorian Habano Rosado wrapper leaves ingeniously combined with a Honduran and Nicaraguan long filler. Completed with a clipped perfecto foot and a delicate perfecto cap, the Saloman is a breeze to cut, light, and enjoy. This imposing 75/8 x 58 figurado should be enjoyed slowly when you have lots of free time since this is one cigar that under no circumstances should be rushed.

The Cohiba Spectre

The Cohiba Spectre is one of those cigars every connoisseur appreciates because it is the result of a happy accident. A bale of 1995 Piloto Cubano tobacco had been uncovered in a General Cigar warehouse where it had been quietly aging for two and a half decades. These leaves became the long filler for this 71/4 x 54 Churchill that, all told, wields an astonishing eight kinds of tobacco from five separate countries. Combining a Nicaraguan long filler masterfully aged in Spanish sherry barrels and buried deep in Honduran tobaccos, the Spectre is bound together with a hefty Connecticut broadleaf and decorated with an exquisite Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. The Spectre boasts a unique reddish hue as a result of its curing process, with a scrumptious leathery and chocolate flavor and notes of vibrant rainforest. There are only 180 boxes of 10 Spectres available, so get them while you can!

La Gran Oferta by My Father Cigars

La Gran Oferta (Spanish for “the great offering”) unequivocally lives up to its title. La Gran Oferta takes its name (and art designs) from a now-lost Cuban brand from 1913, and the Ecuadorian Habano Rosado Oscuro wrapper immediately designates it a worthy offering to cigar smokers everywhere. La Gran Oferta offers a medium to full-bodied smoke with flavors of chocolate, cherry, and curry that is unlike any cigar in your humidor. La Gran Oferta is offered in five sizes, from solid robusto to delicate lancero, meaning its wonderful flavor and aroma can be enjoyed practically in any circumstance.

18 December 2019

Creative Ideas for a Great Holiday Smoke

There is no better time for a fine cigar than during the holidays. Something about the sudden coming of winter and being surrounded by family and friends creates a beautiful setting for a relaxing smoke. The number of places and occasions to enjoy your favorite cigar seems practically limitless. Plus, the holidays are when family or friends who do not regularly enjoy cigars may be more willing to try them with you. This makes for great opportunities for bonding with relatives or breaking the ice at parties.

Lots of things can enhance a fine cigar, and cigars can make even the simplest activities much more enjoyable. This is even truer around the holidays when everyone wants to relax, unwind, and enjoy the finer things in life. Getting ready now means you will have everything you need to sit down and enjoy your favorite stogie. At Rib’N Reef, we have you covered. If you are looking for some great ideas for a holiday smoke, look no further. Any of these ideas will be sure to put you in the yuletide spirit.

A Fireside Smoke

There is little that is more refreshing and comfortable than a cigar by the fireplace. Not everyone can light up a cigar in their home or has a fireplace to sit beside, but a bonfire, fire pit, or any other source of heat and flame can be a great alternative. Perhaps no setting pairs as well with a good cigar as a warm fire. Add holiday decorations, gifts, the smell of food, and a nightcap, and you have a winning combination.

On a Scenic Winter Walk

Nobody says you have to smoke your cigar sitting down. If you have never been on a quiet walk through the woods or your neighborhood around the holidays, you are missing an excellent opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and your favorite smoke. Where you walk is not as important as getting out for some fresh air with a delicious stogie to help you appreciate the little things.

Over a Delicious Dinner

If you are having guests who enjoy cigars, why not have a smoke over dinner? This is not an option for many people. Not everyone wants to smoke inside his or her homes, and many family dinners have small children present. However, there are other ways to enjoy a good smoke over a satisfying meal, like popping in for a holiday meal at Rib’N Reef or another location that allows for indoor smoking.

The Key to a Great Holiday Smoke

The most crucial aspect of a great holiday smoke is to make sure it is a pleasant experience for everyone involved. Whether you smoke alone or with family and friends, make sure that you mind your manners around people who may not want to partake. Make sure beforehand that you let people know you plan to have a family cigar by the fire or over dinner and keep others’ preferences in mind. With a little bit of planning, you can set yourself up for your best holiday smoke yet.

12 September 2019

Cigars and Seafood: A Match Made in Heaven

Pairing cigars and fine food is practically an art. So much thought can be put into bringing together cigars, food, and drink that the combinations are endless. For many people, pairing cigars and seafood is not at the top of their list. However, make sure not to miss out on the opportunities for enjoyment when combining cigars and seafood. This short guide will give you some tips for the best pairings of seafood and cigars for an unforgettable dinner. Even if these tips do not work perfectly for you, take them as a starting point. Each cigar smoker has to explore for themselves which cigars they enjoy with seafood and vice-versa. The most important point is to find what you like and learn how to complement it.

Pairing Seafood and Cigars

Seafood like shrimp, clams, fish, lobster, and crab are all rich in flavor and highly nutritional. Despite these characteristics, seafood tends to be very easy on the palate. Try picking out a cigar with the same gentle presence. The flavor should be rich but not heavy on the tongue. Full-bodied cigars can often crowd out the softer flavors of seafood dishes. Both shrimp and lobster can have a delectable sweetness, while salmon is coated in delicious oil and a sweet profile. Mussels and clams, being especially delicate in flavor, often come with butter or sweet red sauce. A medium-bodied cigar with a sweet wrapper makes a spectacular choice for these dishes. The aroma of a medium-bodied cigar mixes with the scent of fresh seafood quite positively.

Another option is a mild, gentle Connecticut. This cigar ensures the flavor of the seafood comes through loud and clear. Make sure that the cigar you pick still has enough strength to stand up to the flavor of the food, though.

Again, these guidelines are just suggestions. If you are a newer cigar smoker, opt for a softer smoke that gives more room to your food. If you are a longtime aficionado, take a chance on something stronger. Or, if you prefer softer or stronger cigars, opt for what you like. Never be afraid to branch out and try something new. Remember, with a little risk comes the potential for great reward. Exploring new combinations is the best way to get a better feel for your palate’s preferences. Trying new pairings can open up whole new possibilities of sensory delight.

The Perfect Meal for Your Cigar

We here at Rib’N Reef love helping customers match scrumptious meals with the right cigars. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran smoker, we put the tools at your disposal for finding the best cigar and seafood pairings. Or, if seafood is not your style, we offer a variety of delicious steaks, juicy roast beef, and well-aged wines. At Rib’N Reef, our patrons’ enjoyment is our priority. Pop in for your next night out and let us accompany you through a brand new smoking experience.

5 September 2019

Cigars for Cool Summer Nights

Now that summer is winding down, we all begin to shift gears. Often, without realizing it, we make countless decisions each day differently, depending on the season. As we transition from one part of the year to the next, our comfort foods change, we stay at home a lot more or less, and we take up different hobbies or activities.

When it comes to cigars, seasonal change is just as real. Spend any time around cigar enthusiasts, and you will eventually hear one talk about “the perfect winter smoke” or a cigar being “perfect for spring afternoons.” While this is obviously in part a matter of taste, there really are qualities about certain cigars that many people find best during certain times of the year.

So, as we begin to move further toward the coming autumn, what should you keep in mind when picking cigars for cool summer nights? Below are some pointers to help you get the most out of every cigar in your humidor.

Match the Smoke to the Season

Summer nights are a big relief after sweltering daylight. Think of the first taste of cold beer after a day in the sun. Or remember how satisfying a fine steak is on a hot afternoon. Your goal is to take the concept so often used to pair cigars with food and drink and apply it to your environment, the weather, and your mood. Summer nights are usually spent enjoying the outdoors, going for walks, or gathering around a late-night fire. Picture the cigar you want to enjoy on a cool summer night when activities are finished after a long day, and you hear crickets calling to each other.

Matching Flavor With Feeling

A spicy cigar with a bit of bite can be the perfect jolt for a lively fireside conversation. Or a mellow, sweet cigar would complement a backyard dinner. The Cohiba Maduro 5 Genios is a prime example. This extra-dark cigar creates a subtle sweet smoke that is big on flavor but light on the tongue. The H. Upmann Magnum 50’s smooth, full-bodied flavor would be the perfect reinvigoration before bed after a night with family and friends as well as the perfect campfire cigar. Depending on your preference, you might be in the mood for the rich coffee notes of a Montecristo No. 4 or the exciting complexity of a Flor De Claro. Strong, full-bodied cigars can make wonderful companions for late summer nights. With the world quiet and the day completely done, many aficionados find a jolting cigar can be quite refreshing.

Cigars, Summer Nights, and a Steakhouse

Cool summer nights are the traditional time for a cigar on the porch or in the backyard. They are also spectacular occasions to go out for a great meal. At Rib’N Reef, we are happy to give every steak-loving cigar enthusiast the perfect environment for enjoying both. We offer a top selection of cigars sure to please the pickiest smoker. Once you try our steak, you will immediately know why we are recognized as one of the top steakhouses in Montreal.

5 September 2019

Are Cuban Cigars Really Better?

Cuban cigars are famous throughout the world for their complex flavor, unique tobacco blends, and top-quality construction. In fact, many people can hardly think of Cuba without picturing cigars. While perhaps no one surpasses Americans at praising Cuban cigars, but Canadians are second to none for enjoying them. Cuban cigars are such a universal pleasure that Americans cross the border just to get at them! With all the praises in favor of Cuban stogies, are they the best cigars on the market? That depends on who you ask. Regardless of whether Cuban cigars are better, they certainly bring excitement to any humidor. So are Cuban cigars really better? Before we can answer that question, we need to figure out what sets Cuban cigars apart.

What Makes Cuban Cigars So Special?

Cuban cigars share many of the same qualities as tobacco grown in other regions. Premium cigars, including Cubans, contain nothing but 100 percent natural tobacco as their sole ingredient. That means that the growing region has a massive impact on the tobacco’s eventual flavor and aroma. While properly cured tobacco is key to a fine cigar, the curing process can only work with what growers give to it. This makes the location an essential part of the eventual cigar. No matter what growers do, no two cigars with tobacco grown in separate regions could ever perfectly match.

Tobacco derives much of its flavor from the soil it grows in. Cuba is the biggest island in the Caribbean, and its western region is known for prime cigar tobacco. While Cuban tobacco seeds can be grown in many other regions and show similarities, there is simply no way to replicate the exact environment of Cuban tobacco. Many cigars from other regions advertise that they are made from Cuban tobacco. However, aficionados note many subtle differences in flavor, aroma, and strength.

The Unique Qualities of Cuban Cigars

Cuban cigars are renowned for being rich in flavor. While most other cigars burn with white ashes, Cuban cigars burn with surprising greyish-black ash. Not every Cuban cigar is top of the line, but many Cuban cigars top the lists of smokers around the world. This makes sense since the island nation has four centuries of spectacular tobacco farming and skillful cigar rolling. These qualities all work together to create the most famous cigar region in the world.

Though Cuban cigars have many unique qualities, whether they are the best is a matter of taste. Many people swear by Cuban cigars and make a point to seek them out. Others have favorite smokes from other growing regions. Generally, cigar enthusiasts find something to love about every area’s tobacco.

Cuban Cigars Are Great Dinner Companions

At Rib’N Reef, we offer a wide selection of top of the line cigars. Our cigar selection is designed with attention to detail. We do our best to match our premium cigars with exquisite meals to delight the senses. Let us make your next night out one full of outstanding food and delicious cigars.

29 July 2019

Sharing A Smoke With Friends

If your passion is enjoying a cigar, sharing a smoke with friends can make the experience that much more pleasurable. But what if you’re the only one in your circle of friends who knows what a good cigar is all about? Then it’s time to introduce them to cigars.

Create the Perfect Setting

You don’t need a reason to invite your friends over for a smoke, but the right occasion and setting can make all the difference. Celebrating an engagement, buying a new home or getting a new job are all good reasons to pull out the cigars and pour a few drinks.

No matter what the occasion, smoking a cigar should take about an hour to two hours, relaxing as you kick back and celebrate or just contemplate life. In many ways, enjoying a cigar is a ritual that allows people to come together and engage in a ceremony that’s been going on for hundreds of years.

Choosing The Right Cigar

Selecting the right cigar is important if you want beginners to have the perfect first-time experience and understand the aroma and flavor that comes out of each cigar. Spicy, coffee, and rich flavors are what’s going to keep novices coming back for more.

A good place to start is with a Cuban brand, such as the Montecristo. This cigar is smooth and easy, with a medium strength flavor. Another option is the Hoyo De Monterrey, which is also good for the novice smoker. With its robust size, this is a lighter tasting cigar that even experienced cigar aficionados reach for when they’re in the mood for a mild smoke.

The Process of Smoking

Part of the experience of enjoying a cigar is getting ready to smoke it. Demonstrate how to prep the cigar – cutting the cap on the cigar, how to hold it, and how to draw in the smoky taste. The art to smoking is to savor and experience all the complexities of each different cigar.

Cigars and Drinks

Another ritual that goes with a good cigar is pairing it with just the right type of drink. Although it comes down to individual choice, there are some tried and true pairings that cigar aficionados swear by, sticking with whiskey and scotch, pale ale beers, and coffee martinis. Other classic pairings include port, bourbon, and a dark rum.

But don’t let this hold you back from drinking almost any spirit when introducing your friends to cigars. Open a bottle of deep red wine, such as an aged Malbec. And while gin and vodka aren’t at the top of the list when it comes to pairing drinks and cigars, these spirits are crisp and clear and can bring out the anise or fruitiness of some cigars.

Looking for an elegant atmosphere to enjoy your next cigar? Check out our cigar list at Rib’N Reef and make a night of it first in our cigar lounge and then in our dining room as you enjoy one of the steaks on our menu.

20 June 2019

Unexpectedly Delicious Cigars You Might Not Think of Trying

Many seasoned cigar smokers have an idea of what they like in a smoke. However, this often leads them to stop trying new things, especially when it comes to flavor-infused cigars. These are often disparaged as at best a mediocre experience and at worst, a ruined one. While this may have been the case in the past, there are now many flavored cigars that can impress even the most discerning of palates. Here are five cigars that you may not have considered smoking.

Rocky Patel/Drew Estate Java

Many cigar smokers enjoy having a cup of coffee or espresso with their smoke. This is one of the best qualities of the Rocky Patel Java line. The Javas come in a variety of flavours that are designed to pair well with coffee. They also have a delicate and complex coffee and cocoa flavour profile with a note that is sure to remind you of your favourite cafe. Unlike some other flavoured stoagies, the Java does not overpower the taste of tobacco but rather complements it to create a delicate harmony.

Acid Ordinary Larry

Putting the Ordinary Larry on this list is a bit of a cheat because unlike the other cigars listed here, it is not flavor-infused. While Acid is known for its line of flavored cigars, the Ordinary Larry has no added flavors. However, it is a testament to Acid’s competence in making good cigars. The Ordinary Larry comes in Connecticut, Camerone, and Nicaraguan varieties, each bringing its own unique flavor profiles to the fore. If you have been hesitant to try the flavored cigars in the Acid line, the Ordinary Larry is a great way to get your feet wet.

Kentucky Fire Cured

The Kentucky Fire Cured line is one that many cigar smokers are hesitant to try. This is often due to its pungent firewood aroma. When lit, the Kentucky Fire Cured emits a robust, well-rounded flavour with a room note that will remind you of sitting by a campfire. It will also conjure up memories of delicious grilled meats. This makes it the perfect cigar for a hot summer day or for enjoying with a steak dinner.

Nub Nuance

The Nub Nuance — formerly known as the Nub Cafe — is a line of cigars made by Oliva. These are another type of coffee-infused cigars marketed as the “ultimate coffee experience.” The Nub Nuance comes in six sizes and three flavours, all modeled after different coffees.

Davidoff Demi-Tasse

The Davidoff Demi-Tasse is another cigar that technically does not belong to the list of flavoured cigars. While they are not artificially flavored, the aroma and flavor profiles of these little cigars are so unique that they could make you believe they are. This is to be expected since Davidoff has long been one of the most respected names in the industry. The Demi-Tasse pairs excellently with a fine cut of steak and a glass of wine, so it is perfect for your next visit to the Rib’N Reef.

16 May 2019

The Best Cigars to Enjoy Outside This Summer

Summer is approaching, and there is a lot to look forward to. Longer days, warmer weather, and more time to relax are all on our list of reasons to be excited for the season. Of course, if you love cigars, summer has another meaning for you too: it’s time to enjoy a smoke in the warm, pleasant outdoors. But when at the best cigar lounge in Montreal, what cigar should you take out this summer after a barbecue, day at the pool, or other outdoor adventure?

Uppman 50

Uppman is one of the oldest and most respected names in cigars. These 50-gauge double robustos are just over six inches long and pack some intense flavour. With strong woody notes and smooth leather with suggestions of vanilla, this cigar is a perfect fit for cool summer nights. Hints of spice and fruit make it a wonderful dinner smoke.

Flor De Claro

The first thing you will notice about the Flor De Claro is the rich, striking green colour of its Candela wrapper. Few cigars used Candela wrappers, making this a unique treat. Candela tobaccos are known to be sweet, spicy, earthy, and just a bit grassy. The Nicaraguan binder and Dominican leaf filler combine with the wrapper to create a solid cigar that is rich in flavour. The Flor De Claro is an incredible cigar to enjoy poolside or in the shade on a hot day.

Romeo Y Julieta Short Churchill

Romeo Y Julieta is known for reliably fantastic cigars and the Short Churchill is no exception. At just under 5 inches and a 50-ring gauge, the Short Churchill has all the flavour and power of its lengthier counterparts. This robusto brings a delicious woody flavour that is strong without being overpowering. This is the perfect cigar for a late-night smoke under the stars.

Nub Cameroon

The Nub Cameroon is a striking 60-gauge cigar that is just four inches long. A Cameroon wrapper holds delicious Nicaraguan tobacco, giving a balanced smoke. Flavours of sweet earth and smooth nuttiness abound with this cigar. This is a fine afternoon smoke, perfect for a sunny day enjoying the breeze. It pairs well with a wide variety of foods and drinks too.

Davidoff Demi-Tasse

The Demi-Tasse hides immense flavour in a small package. A 22-gauge cigar measuring four inches, this light cigar is perfect as an aperitif or digestif smoke. These delicate cigars offer all the flavour of their larger counterparts in a pleasant, 20-minute session. The Demi-Tasse features tobacco from Brazil, Indonesia, and the Caribbean, rolled in an Indonesian binder and decorated by a smooth Sumatran wrapper. The light, refined flavour of the Demi-Tasse is reminiscent of leather, cocoa, cedar, sweet spice, and caramel.

Enjoying Cigars in a Fine Dining Atmosphere

Nothing beats enjoying a fine cigar over a delicious meal. This is even truer in the beautiful summer months. The Rib’N Reef is the perfect venue for all three. Check out our full menu of exquisite cigars, wines, and hand-prepared meals for yourself.