subject: Learn How To Smoke A Cigar In Three Simple Steps [print this page] Smoking a cigar is a unique pastime that takes time and practice in order to enjoy it to the fullest. One of the most important things to remember when you first start smoking is to savor and enjoy the experience. While it may seem overwhelming your first time, it's actually not that complicated - there's really only three things you need to learn: cutting, lighting and smoking. Read on to learn how to smoke a cigar in these three simple steps.
Cutting
First things first, you need to cut your cigar. When a cigar is hand rolled, a cap is put on the head of the cigar to keep it from unraveling and drying out - that means that you shouldn't actually cut the cigar until right before you are ready to smoke it. So first, find the cap at the head of the cigar. The cut should be made about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch down, just above the cap line before the curved end of the cigar begins to straighten. If you cut too low on the cigar, you won't create a big enough opening, making the cigar difficult to smoke. If you cut too high up on the cigar, the wrapper may start to unravel, which would ruin the smoking experience.
In the past there was no actually cutting involved; men (or women) would simply bite off the end of the cigar with their teeth. But these days, most experts suggest you use a single or double-blade guillotine or cigar cutter to make the cut, as this produces the cleanest edge. Hold the cigar with one hand and the guillotine or cigar cutter with the other hand, and then insert the head of the cigar into the guillotine and cut into the cap. Make sure you remove any excess tobacco. If you don't, you will be chewing tobacco when you start smoking it.
Lighting
To light your cigar, first strike a match (or ignite your lighter) and crisp the cigar by putting the end over the flame. Be sure to roll the cigar slowly between your fingers to make sure the entire foot is evenly warmed, but do not let the flame touch the cigar. This will make the tobacco in the cigar more easily accept a flame. After doing this, put the cigar in your mouth at a 45 degree angle and draw while you light it. (To draw is a term that means to slowly inhale and draw the flame to the foot of the cigar.) Make sure you move the cigar around so you can get an even burn. An even burn will give you the best draw and the most enjoyable smoke. Depending on the size and type of the cigar, you may have to continue puffing while turning the cigar above the flame for at least 10 to 20 seconds, until the tobacco begins to glow, and the smoke begins to easily draw.
Always use wooden matches or a butane lighter to light your cigar. All other lighting devices (especially paper matches and gas lighters) contain chemicals that may give the cigar an off-putting chemical taste. If your cigar goes out, don't worry; it's normal for a cigar to go out, especially if you have already smoked half of it. Simply tap it to remove any clinging ash, blow through it to clear out any stale smoke, and relight it as you would a fresh cigar.
Smoking
Unlike cigarettes, cigars are not meant to be smoked in a hurry or on the go. In order to smoke a cigar properly you should always budget a good amount of time - some cigars can take as long as an hour or more to smoke. Just sit back and enjoy the cigar. Be sure to not inhale. Cigars are for their taste only. Taste your cigar slowly and savor the multifaceted flavors and aromas of the smoke along with a good drink.When you are done with the cigar, don't stub it out in the ashtray as you would with a cigarette. Simply place it on the side of the ashtray and it will go out on its own. Now that you know the three basic steps of smoking a cigar, it's time to find yourself a nice relaxing place to sit with a comfortable chair, make yourself a nice stiff drink, and practice, practice, practice!
