Kurt's Corner
Dear XIKAR Friends,
Summer is almost here and we've got some great new products that are
sure to make your summer smokes that much more enjoyable.
But first, I'd like to share with you my thoughts on a very relevant
topic being discussed in many cigar lounges this year: taxes. Written in response to a recent WSJ article,
the essay expresses my thoughts on why our current taxing
system (including cigar taxes) is completely illogical and
unproductive for our great country!
>> Click here to read the full article
I know my XIKAR friends are highly educated and opinionated on this
topic, so please share your thoughts with us and we'll post them next month!
Sincerely,
Kurt Van Keppel |
| New Products
Incline Single Jet Flame Lighter
The Incline single jet flame adds a no frills lighter to XIKAR's full line of attractive, affordable lighters made for the discerning aficionado. Simple design, quality materials and a lighting fast RapidFireŽ jet flame ignition make the Incline the perfect choice for individuals seeking a quality product at a fair price. Available in Black, Silver, Gunmetal, Blue & Red. SRP $29.99 ea. 
Check out the Incline >> Find a retailer near you
Adjustable Calibration Digital Hygrometer/Thermometer
We are pleased to introduce the world's first fully adjustable one-step push button calibrating hygrometer! 
Now your customers can spend their time enjoying their cigars instead of caring for them.
- Easy to use.
- No complicated dials.
- Includes detailed instructions on salt testing.
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SRP $19.99 ea.
Check out the adjustable digital hygrometer >>
Find a retailer near you
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Contest Winners
"The Craziest Place I've Smoked a Cigar" Write-In Contest WOW! I knew we had some crazy friends out there, but the response to this
contest was overwhelming!
Stories from all over the globe are testiment that a
cigar's relaxing smoke can be enjoyed ANYWHERE & ANYTIME!
Of all the exotic locales in the world, our friend
Rick crams himself into his backyard tool shed to enjoy a smoke! We have to
hand it to him for braving the cold and doing what needs to be done to enjoy his
passion. Rick, perhaps XIKAR needs to design a portable, weatherproof cigar
shelter...with a heating element?!
"Hi Kurt.
My name is Rick and I'm from Oakville, Ontario up in Canada. I was not going to
let the elements of winter stop me from enjoying a good smoke so I set myself up
a little outdoor lounge. This is my 8'x10' shed. When I packed away the
furniture for winter, I realized I had enough room to set up a small lounge
area. I have two chairs set up along with part of my patio table. I also have a
table top heater with a 20 gal propane tank to supply heat. Inside I also have a
light and radio to enjoy as well. I have 3 big cans of 3 varieties of bird seed
so when I go out to refill the feeders, I make a point of spending some time out
in the lounge enjoying a nice cigar. The heater and light allow me those after
dinner smokes as well when the sun has gone down. I spent one winter without.
Not anymore. Thanks and I have included a couple of pictures of my
lounge."
-Rick
Marszalek
We've compiled
some of the best entries & photos here. 
They are hilarious!
Stay tuned for more great contests next month!
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Ask the Experts
So you've just bought a brand new humidor, and probably spent quite a
bit. You know the wood is too dry for your favorite
stogies to call it home quite yet...read below to find out the quickest &
easiest way to get your humidor in peak shape for your cigars:
- DON'T RINSE THE INSIDE WITH WATER! The fine wood grains inside
your humidor are sure to rise, warp or "fuzz up" if you take
distilled water and a rag an soak the wood. The humidor is designed to
hold humidity, not emit it out of the wood. The last thing you
want to do is ruin the seal by warping the wood of a brand new box.
- Get a two-way humidification device, like a XIKAR Crystal humidifier jar or 50, 100 or 250 ct - depending on the size of your humidor and how many
cigars you plan to store.
- Add only PG solution to the humidifier (NOT distilled water - it will over-humidify too quickly because there is no PG
to restrict the flow of moisture), place the humidifier in your empty humidor and
wait a couple days. If you don't own a hygrometer, our NEW adjustable digital hygrometer is perfect to monitor both temperature and
humidity.
- Check the humidity inside the humidor in 24hrs. Slowly but surely the
humidifier will emit moisture into the humidor wood for slow, proper
"seasoning".
- Once your humidor reaches 65% - 70% relative humidity it is safe
to put your cigars
inside. This process can happen overnight or up to 2 weeks, depending on
your climate. Dry climates such as the western US lengthen the process.
- While you are waiting for your new humidor to
"season", use XIKAR HumiStore Bags to temporarily store your
cigars.
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About XIKAR Two-Way Humidification Systems
HUMIDIFIERS
XIKAR humidifiers are a
two-way system, meaning they 1) emit and 2) absorb moisture to maintain 70%
relative humidity. Varying humidity levels in a humidor - too much or too
little - can destroy cigars quickly, so consistency is most important in
preserving and protecting your expensive cigars. All XIKAR humidifiers employ
the use of crystals that can absorb 400x their volume (size) of PG solution.
When dry, the crystals look like salt grains. When PG solution is added, the
crystals saturate and grow to completely fill the humidifier casing. Thus, you
can pack a greater volume of solution in your smaller XIKAR humidifier than you
can with older, larger foam units (which are also only one-way systems). Use
the extra space in your humidor for more cigars!
PG
SOLUTION
XIKAR' PG solution
(propylene glycol) is manufactured to our exact specifications. When PG is added to XIKAR
crystals, the two-way system is created. The humidifiers then emit and absorb
just the right amount of humidity in the air to maintain 70% RH and keep cigars
in peak condition. As water in the crystals evaporates over time, the PG
solution slowly biodegrades into water & sugars. XIKAR's
proprietary mix of PG solution is
calculated to exactly match the rate at which PG biodegrades, resulting in a
humidifier that will never ever over saturate with PG. Other mixtures of PG solution often contain the incorrect
mix, resulting in one of two things: an over humidified humidifier (not enough
PG, too much water) or "clogged" humidifier (too much PG, not enough water).
Either way, those two results ruin expensive cigars by cracking the bloated
wrappers or turning cigars into dry tinder. You can use XIKAR PG solution at
all times with confidence you always have the right mix that you won't have to
constantly monitor. After all, you should spend your time enjoying cigars - not
babysitting them!
HYGROMETERS
XIKAR digital
hygrometers are manufactured to our exact specifications for long term accuracy
and minimal maintenance. They accurately display the relative humidity and
temperature in your humidor. The newly introduced Round Adjustable Hygrometers
now have the ability to be calibrated right out of the box. Using a simple salt test, you will ensure that no matter your climate, the condition readings inside
your humidor are perfectly accurate.
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XIKAR FOR LIFE: Our Commitment
We never waiver in our commitment to offering you top quality leisure tools that enhance your lifestyle. So you can buy with confidence, we back all our products for life and welcome any suggestions and concerns. So, if you feel that a XIKAR product fails to live up to our promise of fit, finish or function, simply return it to us and we will immediately and cheerfully repair or replace your product under our Total Satisfaction Guarantee!
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About XIKAR, Inc.
From
its Kansas City
headquarters, XIKAR is the world's leading manufacturer of cigar cutters,
including the well-recognized Xi cigar cutter, along with a full line of cigar
accessories, lighters and folding knives.
XIKAR cigar cutters and accessories are sold through more than 3,000 dealers
worldwide. With even more product and service introductions planned, XIKAR
strives to lead the market in cigar accessories now, and in the years to come.
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XIKAR Press Contact:
Andy O'Dower
Media Relations
Email: andy@xikar.com
Phone: 888-266-1193
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XIKAR Sales Contact:
Jody Cauffman
Customer Service
Email: info@xikar.com
Phone: 888-266-1193
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