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Whiff Industries: Clearing The Air

Way back in 2015 I got to sample some of the original Whiff Out Crystalline Ashtray Deodorizer and write a little review on it. Here we are in 2021 and now they have several new products on the market to fit a variety of personal tastes when it comes to clearing the air of smoke odor.

Whiff Industries still offers their original formula Crystalline Ashtray Deodorizer in the “Classic” scent but now also comes in “Vintage” (notes of cedar and vanilla) and “Rustic” (notes of cedar). This stuff is still my go to product for my ashtrays, especially my car however, since they have released a reed diffuser, wax melts and a spray I had to test them out.

I started with the Reed Diffuser since I see these things in nearly every bathroom I’ve ever been in and wondered how it would work in a larger smoke room. It comes in the same three scents, “Classic”, “Vintage” and “Rustic”, I went with the “Rustic”. I cracked it open, chucked the reeds in there and put it in my smoke room which is a 20′ x 15′ room and left it there for a day. When I came back the next morning for my breakfast cigar I was surprised that something that seemed so small could fill the room with a pleasant smell. I smoked my cigar then left, when I came back the following morning the diffuser had done its job clearing the room of all but a faint cigar smell. This was the case for the couple of weeks I tested it.

After the diffuser I moved on to the Odor Eliminating Wax Melts which comes in the same three scents as the crystals and diffuser so again I chose the cedar scent. Now these guys really do the job. After smoking my morning smoke, I let the wax melt and kept it going for about 20 minutes then left for the day. (Turning off the wax melter obviously.) When I returned the next morning the room smelled clean and fresh to the point that even the missus said it smelled good. Each pack has 6 cubes in it and can be re-melted up to 3 times and still get rid of cigar odor, you can use it more but it won’t eliminate the cigar smell just give the room a light scent.

Next it was on to the tough one…my car. I smoke in my car and I mean I smoke a lot in my car, to the point that only other cigar smokers will get in it. Now I don’t mean I’m a dirty person I keep my car clean but I live in south Florida so it’s hot all the time. Combine 90+ degree temperatures along with cigar odor and it’s a recipe for some serious smell. For this I decided to hit it with a combo of the crystals and spray. I started with adding the crystals to my car ashtray and then took off for a trip to Miami (about an 1 & 1/2 hour drive) and had two cigars on the way. Since I was on the freeway having all the windows down was not an option I could only keep one down about half way. When I arrived at my location I hit the car up with the Spray Deodorizer I sprayed a bit on my clothes* then closed up the car and headed into a meeting. 3 hours later I returned and was really impressed at how well these products worked together, the smell of cigars was practically eliminated. I’ve been doing this ever since then and my car smells great.

If you are looking for a solution to odors from your cigar lifestyle, Whiff Out is the way forward. All of their products work great however I personally am partial to the wax melts for the home or smoke room and the crystal/spray combo for the vehicle. All of it is available through there website, Amazon and a variety of B/M retailers so run out and grab some and keep your stuff smelling great.

  • Whiff Out 6 oz jar ashtray crystals $13.00 (all scents)
  • Whiff Out Reed Diffuser $17.00 (all scents)
  • Whiff Out Wax Melts $15.00 (all scents)
  • Whiff Out Spray $12.00 (all scents)

Website: Wiffindustries.comhttps://whiffindustries.com/shop/

*In the manufactures list of uses for the spray it is not directly stated to apply to clothes you are wearing but I figured what the hell I’d try it.

Four Kicks Maduro From Crowned Heads

Four Kicks Maduro

Ten years ago, four former CAO employees started a little boutique brand known as Crowned Heads. With their roots in Nashville and lead by front man Jon Huber, the company pulls a lot of inspiration from the large music seen around them. Four Kicks and Four Kicks Maduro both derive their name from Nashville band Kings of Leon. (If you like them check out Quiet Oaks, also from Nashville.) While Crowned Heads had kept to a single blend for their core products we now have a variation with the Four Kicks Maduro.

The cigar is a dark chocolaty brown with a fair amount of oil and veins, but nothing that makes the cigar unappealing. The smell is earthy and leathery but light. From the cold draw I notice the taste of pepper, citrus and a sweetness that balances the other flavors.

In the first half the cigar is spicy and creamy. It smokes very smooth and easy giving off plenty of light weighted smoke. The burn is sharp and the ash holds for easily 1/4″ before breaking it free.

The second half brought a bit of earthiness to the table along with a slight increase in the pepper spice flavor but still remained a smooth smoking cigar. Smoke production was still large and there were no burn issues for the entirety of the cigar.

For a “younger” company Crowned Heads have been able to release several stand out cigars and the Four Kicks Maduro is another one. With a flavor profile that should suit anyones palate, solid construction and a more than reasonable price point, this cigar should be a go to when you’re having trouble deciding what to smoke. When you see them at the shop be sure to grab a handful or two.

Wrapper – Connecticut Habano Maduro

Binder – Nicaraguan

Filler – Nicaraguan

Price: $8.00 – $10.00 a stick depending on vitola.

Website: Crownedheads.com

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 pints

 

Partagas Black Label

Partagas Black labelThe Partagas Black Label is an excellent example of the quality and flavor that Partagas Cigars produces. Being a brand that has been around for over 150 years means most people know a little something about them but just to be safe here’s a quick history lesson. Originally founded in 1845 by Don Jaime Partagas and then owned by Ramon Cifuentes SR in 1900 followed by his son in 1940. In 1959 during Fidels takeover of Cuba (which included the Partagas factory) Cifuentes JR had to flee and start for all over again to create the brand to what it once was. When he retired in 1994 his long time friend Benji Menendez took over as master blender is still is to this day.

The Black Label looks very dark and has plenty of oily sheen to it. There is some veining but not so much as to make it unappealing. The seams are tight and it is dense and firm to the touch with little give. The smell is very floral and sweet with notes of coffee from the foot. The cold draw is easy and gives flavors of licorice and caramel.

The first half meets you with bold flavor of spices and meat. (Trust me this cigar is akin to eating.) The burn stays even and the smoke production is more than plentiful and has a nice medium weight mouth feel.

Second half – Each draw starts creamy and rich and ends with a full black pepper and chocolate. The burn did have to be touched up but I will blame this on user error as I am sitting outside and there is a fan blowing which is contributing to the uneven burn. Still plenty of smoke.

Partagas spent 10 years perfecting the unique wrapper and the La Vega Especial binder for the Partagas Black Label cigar. It was definitely worth the effort because this has resulted in a fantastic cigar. Full in flavor and a good deal of strength this cigar is perfect for the morning to get you going or nighttime with a nice bourbon. Reasonably priced these are the kind of cigars you’ll want to always have in your humidor.

Wrapper: Connecticut Medio Tiempo
Binder: La Vega Especial from the Dominican Republic
Filler: Nicaraguan Lgero and Piloto Cubano Ligero
Price: $8.50 – $9.50 a stick.
Website: Partagas.com
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 pints