Gary Manelski Introduction Cigar aficionado and journalist who has covered major cigar eventsCo-founder of Cigar Czars Experience Gary Manelski is a former writer for ThoughtCo who contributed articles on cigars for eight years. A longtime connoisseur, he has reviewed hundreds of cigars, from the value-priced to high-end premium options. As a journalist he has covered major cigar events, including the Big Smoke in Las Vegas, Great Smoke in Palm Beach, the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers' conventions, and trade shows in New Orleans and Orlando. Manelski has also traveled to countless cigar factories, emporiums, and cigar bars, both in the United States and abroad, including Tabacalera de Garcia in the Dominican Republic. In 2014, Manelski co-founded (with Mitch Fadem) the destination site for cigar lovers, Cigar Czars. Education Manelski studied business administration at Cleveland State University. LiveAbout and Dotdash Meredith LiveAbout, a Dotdash Meredith brand, is a reference site focused on entertainment, activities, and hobbies. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines. Read more from Gary Manelski Overview of Cigar Shapes and Sizes Discover the History and Law of the Cuban Cigar in the United States How to Calibrate a Hygrometer Smoking Cigars: Hobby, Habbit, or Full Addiction? Types of Cigar Cuts and Cutters Review of the Zippo Blu2 Butane Cigar Lighter How to Season a New Humidor Are Cuban Cigars Legal in the United States? Immediate Effects of Nicotine on Cigar Smokers Health Risks & Benefits of Smoking Cigars