How To Choose, Smoke And Enjoy Cigars Responsibly
If you haven't ever smoked a cigar before, then it seems as if cigar smokers are
part of a secret clan, a world apart that allows for coded messages, almost masonic handshakes and glances that reveal truths only know to cigar smokers themeselves. You may not feel invited.
However, you are invited - you just have to overcome the initial fear that you'll get it wrong! Here's my guide to choosing, smoking and enjoying a cigar correctly.
1. Choosing a cigar
There are two situations when you'll have to choose a cigar - one in a shop, and one in a cigar bar (if you can find one since the smoking ban). It is always best to go to a cigar bar first, and find a cigar that you like, before you go to the shop and select a box. Have a proper look at the cigar and feel it - it should not feel crinkly or dry, and when you squeeze it, there should be a little 'give' - but not too much. You want the cigar to be smooth - with no bumps or tears in the wrapper and no indentations.
There is very little to be gained from smelling the cigar, though - anyone who does this is just showing off! There are many types of cigar, so ask for an explanation and if you're a novice, start small and work your way up.
Go for a lighter colour, because this will be a lighter smoke, and you will ease your way into cigar smoking. If you buy cigars online, then you don't have the advantage of touch and feel, but you do have the advantage of better pricing and a wider range of stock. Buying at the airport or in a local shop does mean that you can snoop around, but taking cigars out of a closed box is not possible - you have to know which cigars you want, and then decide on the spot.
2. Smoking a cigar
The best bit! If you are in a cigar bar, ask the waiter to cut it for you - if on your own, you'll need a cigar guillotine to make a nice, clean cut. Hold the cigar, label end towards your mouth, and hold a match approximately one inch underneath the cigar, allowing the cigar to burn gently. Draw some air, and keep applying the flame until you have a consistent burn. There is conjecture over whether you should use a lighter or not - I say no, as the lighter fluid can cause a smell that affects your enjoyment of the cigar. Use a cedar wood match if you can find one, as it has the best aroma. The cigar should burn down slowly, and an ash cap will increase your enjoyment of the cigar, keeping it from heating up too much.
Only give the cigar a tap when you feel the ash is going to drop off. Don't inhale the smoke - you will choke and make yourself feel ill. Just let the smoke circulate around your mouth and gently release it. Don't blow smoke rings, that's just wrong. Don't make a show of it, either - cigar smoking is a private pleasure, not one that you should be showing off about. Never clench the cigar between your teeth (that's just rude), and never smoke in the company of people who don't enjoy cigar smoke.
When you think the cigar is becoming too bitter - you have probably smoked it down right to the end. Don't be crude and rub your cigar into the ashtray, just leave it upside down to smoke itself out.
3. Enjoying a cigar
What you will notice is that cigars come in thirds - the first third has a different taste to the second third, and the final third equally has a different taste to the first two. One of the secrets to enjoying a good cigar is to appreciate these thirds properly. Some cigar smokers have a different drink to accompany the cigar for each third. Others prefer to stick to the same drink.
Myself, I prefer a mojito in the summer, or a cognac in the winter. It is equally important that you find a relaxing setting - a tattered, comfortable armchair, or in the company of like-minded cigar smokers. That's up to you - however, the cigar is to be enjoyed for at the very least an hour, so ensure that you are comfortable.
This is just a short guide - and when you initiate yourself into the world of cigar smoking, you will doubtless find your own ways of enjoying your smoke.
by: Barry Hornwhistle
Understanding The Laser Treatment To Stop Smoking Nicotine-based Mostly Stop Smoking Aids "cough",..."snort"..."spit"... Smoking Is Still The Drawback Break The Chains Of Nicotine Addiction Forever! Are You Planning To Stop Smoking Cigarettes Permanently? Begin Utilizing These Effective Tactics! Stop Smoking With Hypnosis trying to decide avoid smoke Use Nrt Solutions To Quit Smoking Cigarettes Once And For All Smokeless Cigarettes - The Better Option Why Should You Switch To Smokeless Cigarettes? Which Is The Safer Cigarette? Stop Dying Day By Day - Quit Smoking New Rules Take Effect For Tobacco Industry