Cigar Smoking - The Art of Smoking a Cigar

Selecting your first cigar might be as difficult as choosing a particular ice cream from the large number of varieties available in the shop. I did not face this problem, being accompanied by a cigar smoker who gave me proper guidance. He thoughtfully explained to me the qualities of various cigars and their main characteristics. Similarly, I would prefer to guide you correctly so that you could make the right choice and enjoy cigar smoking



It is advisable not to place order for cigar online until you gain full knowledge about it. You should actually select an exclusive shop that stocks only cigars, Briar and pipe tobacco. It would be nice to have a few friends who could join you in enjoying cigar smoking.



Cigars vary from being mild to strong. You should start smoking a cigar which is hand rolled and mild. Royal Jamaica, Romeoy Julieta and Macanudo are the known cigars which are mild. Good quality cigars cost between $8 and $11.



While selecting a cigar you should first look at their length and shapes. Caronas length is 5 and is mild. Double Carona is twice its length. Robusto is a cigar which is thick and short. These are the famous brands. Carona could be your first choice. You should get the cigar cut at the shop itself or procure a Guillotine cutter costing $2.



Unless you are familiar with the method of lighting a cigar, it could be complicated. Wooden match stick should be used for lighting of cigar. After putting the cigar in the mouth rotate it slowly in such a way that just the tip of cigar touches flame. After taking slow puff for a few seconds rotate the cigar and see that complete surface becomes radiant red. If some parts are not bright red, the process should be repeated.



Cigar should not be kept between the teeth. It should be kept between the lips. Sip gently as in the case of a glass of wine. Have long draws slowly and permit the smoke to stimulate the taste buds. You should not breathe in smoke. Smoking is not done in a hurry. Gap of 45 seconds is given between puffs to make it enjoyable. This makes the smoke in the mouth smooth and cool. Cigar should be allowed to settle for a few minutes, if it gets heated up close to fingers.



Cigars last for three to five minutes. It should not be lit after a gap of 25 to 45 seconds. It is likely to cause bitter taste. Cigar ash should not tapped on the ashtray till it builds to .5. When tapping your cigar, you should only tap ever so slightly so as not to disrupt the taste.



If you follow the given instructions you would certainly relish the delicate fragrance of cigar. You should taste various types of cigar and try and compare them to understand their worth. Just make sure that you always preserve your cigars with appropriate preservation techniques such as a quality humidor or at the very least with some form of cedar trays.

About the Author

I have been involved in the cigar industry for over 20 years and I have written extensive guides on such products as the Travel Humidor, and the Palio Cutter. Also, see some of my latest guides on one of the best cigar accessories, the Cigar Caddy

Cigar Accessories What You Should Know

Once upon a time, cigar smoking was considered as a status symbol; only the rich and esteemed have access to cigars. However, as time passed, cigars have become more accessible to the common man. This is due to the fact that over the years, more and more entrepreneurs are selling cigars and accessories, and at the same time, prices have become more affordable. Because of this, the number cigar enthusiasts have increased immensely. It is no longer extremely expensive to smoke cigars or to acquire cigar accessories.



The significant increase in the interest on cigar accessories has prompted cigar stores and websites to provide more information about cigar smoking culture. In fact, it has become easier for people to gift enthusiasts with accessories as there is a lot of information available. Gone are the days where friends are clueless as to which is the right accessory to give to their friends. There are many kinds of accessories to choose from, but the basic items an enthusiast needs are lighters, humidors and cutters. Regardless of the brand, knowledge about these accessories are vital so that anyone can find the right accessory for their needs. There is a wealth of information available about cigar smoking and cigar accessories in general.



Cigar humidors are the most important accessory because they are the ones that maintain the flavor of the cigar. Nowadays, a lot people prefer portable humidors, so that they can enjoy fresh cigars wherever they go. A humidor is essential because they are the ones that maintain the cigars taste through the right humidity and temperature. Some brands are much more expensive than the others, but this does not necessarily mean that they keep the cigars fresher than the cheaper ones. Like anything else, there is a huge variety of choices to fit almost any budget.



Another kind of accessory, a more popular one, is the cigar pipe. There are many designs and styles of cigar pipes, so you are sure that you will find one that will suit your personality well. These designs and styles are only for aesthetic purposes, and do not affect the purpose of the pipe itself. What you need to consider is the quality of the material of which the cigar pipe is made. Apart from the material, you should also be wary of the fact that the cigar pipe should be hand and have a nice holder.



Another important accessory is the cigar cutter, and you should definitely check it before purchasing it. A good cigar cutter creates a smooth cut on the cigar cap. If there are no clean cuts on the cigar, you wont have the full flavor of the cigar. This could perhaps be one of the most important accessories you purchase so it is advisable to take considerable care when choosing the proper cigar cutter.



Last, but not the least is the ash tray. This accessory is cheap but important; the ash tray keeps the surroundings clean and ash free. Much like the cigar pipe, ash trays come in many designs and styles that suits just about any personality.

About the Author

I have been involved in the cigar industry for over 20 years and I have written extensive guides on such products as the Travel Humidor, and the Palio Cutter. Also, see some of my latest guides on one of the best cigar accessories, the Cigar Caddy