1.  What does the term ring gauge mean?  Cigar size is measured by length and diameter.  The diameter of a cigar is described as its ring gauge, which is measured in 1/64 inch.  Example:  a cigar with a ring gauge of 40 is 40/64hs of an inch thick.  A 64 ring gauge cigar would be 1 inch in diameter.

2.  Does the colour of the wrapper give an indication to the strength of a cigar?   The simple answer is No.  A cigar's strength is determined by the tobacco it is rolled with, and just because a cigar is darker on the outside, does not mean it will be a strong cigar.

3.  Can I use a Tupperware container to store cigars?  Absolutely!  A 'Tupperdor' is a very convenient and cost effective alternative way to keep your cigars fresh.  Great for travelling.  Choose a container that is bigger than you need - leave 20 to 25% of the space in your tupperdor empty so that humidity can circulate around your cigars.  Add a humidity pack of your choice - these usually last around 2-6 months depending on how many cigars you have in your tupperdor.  One pouch is generally sufficient for 25 cigars.

4.  Should I keep the cellophane wrapper on my cigars?  The simple answer - it is up to you!  It really doesn't make much difference to the enjoyment of the cigar, or the ageing process.  Pros - your cigars will be better protected, with less chance of a split foot or cracked head, and there is less likely to be accidental damage to the cigar.

5.  How do I know if a cigar is bad?  The most obvious sign is that the cigar has dried out and becomes difficult to smoke - a dry cigar will often crack or crumble when you smoke it.  Another sign is the appearance of mould, which can appear as blue or greenish-blue patches or spots on the surface or foot of the cigar and leave a mark when brushed off; these cigars should not be smoked.

6.  What is the powdery substance on my cigar?  If this is white, then it is the result of your cigars naturally sweating out oils - this leaves behind a residue which you can brush off.  This is a perfectly normal occurrence and is often described by cigar aficionados as 'plume'.  If the powder is blue or greenish-blue then it is mould and this means that your humidor is not at an optimal temperature and/or humidity and the cigar should not be smoked.

7.  Is there an app to keep notes on my cigars?  There are many different websites/apps out there for this purpose.  Just for ease, here is the link to one we like:  Cigar Scanner