Welcome to the April edition of the Cigar Guys J------.  We have elected not to use the word "journal" in our title anymore as we have been told that we may be confused with a well-known website with an established brand name.  Since our legal defense fund has a zero balance, we folded quicker than last year's edition of the NY Jets.  Seriously, we understand that the other site has been around for several years and we apologize for any mix up.

We've decided to hold a contest among our readers to select a new name for our column.  All suggestions are welcome, but try to consider the wisdom, sophistication and dignity which are typically reflected in our reviews. It is not mandatory to embed "The Cigar Guys" in the title.  If necessary, that will become our byline.

The winner will receive three Cuban handmade cigars (from the shop of Alvis Sanchez on 30th Street, NYC) and one-time recognition in our column.  (The total retail prize value for tax purposes is $6.00.)  That's it.  Sound cheap?  It is.  This ain't Cigar Aficionado.  However, you will have the personal satisfaction of participating in a noble cause.

All entries may be used in our column without restriction.  The contest will end when we receive an entry we like.  The decision of the judges (us) will be final.  Immediate relatives of the Cigar Guys are not eligible: neither is the guy who produces that other, well-known website.

In addition to the above, we've been receiving lots of friendly and interesting E-mail.

R.A. writes, "I own a couple of tobacco stores…I would like to get in business in a bigger way….I have budgeted $10,000 to build two walk in humidors…I want to do this right!  Any help you can give steering me in the right direction is greatly appreciated.

Sorry, R.A., but $10, 000 humidors are a little out of our league.

Bruce keeps his cigars in the refrigerator.  This results in smokes with full notes of pepperoni followed by a lingering, cabbage-like finish.

Bill initially removed his stock certificates, will and insurance policies from a fire-proof security box, threw them haphazardly under the bed, and replaced them with his cigar inventory.  A dampened paper towel in a shot glass that was placed in a corner of the box kept the cigars fresh.  Bill's understanding wife recently presented him with a new humidor so that the deed to the house would no longer be found under his old socks.  (By the way, Bill's humidor came from Holt's Cigar Company in Philadelphia.  Its retail store is on Walnut Street, but it does a huge catalog business. It's worthwhile getting on their mailing list.)

Joe received a Michael Dixon humidor from Arnold's Cigar Store in NYC as a Christmas present from his wife and son.  Michael Dixon is a long time, Maryland-based woodworker who was recently featured in an Associated Press article.  His handmade humidors are a good value.  Joe's humidor is a plain but well made, sturdy product with a Spanish cedar lining, perfectly fitted joints, and a lid that closes solidly.  The Humigar Moistener keeps the cigars in good shape.  A hygrometer did not come with this model and had to be purchased separately.  The humidor holds about 25 cigars and costs about $300.  If you're shopping for a functional, reasonably priced humidor, you should investigate the Michael Dixon line.

M.T.B. writes "I just found your website.  It's a fun read.  I played hooky from work to stay home and enjoy my new box of Nat Sherman's and play on the pc with no noise from the wife or kids."

We enjoy Nat Sherman's as well.  The Exchange Selection, made from a blend of Caribbean and South American leaf and a light Connecticut wrapper, is especially mild and a good daytime smoke.  We recommend the Butterfield 8. (The five cigars comprising the Exchange Selection derive their names from old NYC telephone exchanges.  Much of the Nat Sherman line commemorates New York history.)  The Nat Sherman store on Fifth Avenue is worth a visit. (See entry no. 1, December 1996.)  You can obtain a Nat Sherman catalog by calling 1-800-MY-CIGAR.

P.B. writes "Finally, a j------ with content."

We appreciate this compliment from the maker of the Cigar Pen.  You can check out P.B.'s product at http://www.servtech.com/public/rgraphix/penboy.

Ron C. writes "I'm in L.A., reading your j------, and laughing my ass off!

"I look forward to your next adventure."

Thanks for the kind words, Ron.  Our next adventure will feature a southern

Caribbean cruise and, hopefully, mucho Habanos.

It doesn't get any better then this.

The Cigar Guys - Joe, Bill, and Bruce

You can Bill@Enter.netfor any comments or questions.