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One thing that really pops out in my mind when I began smoking cigars is the intimidation factor of all the choices, the knowledge, and constant reminder that I lacked experience.  I guess you can call it the class “outsider” situation.  Now that I look back, I wish I had asked more questions, looked around for a tobacconist that was friendly and knowledgeable, and relaxed a whole lot more.  So I thought I’d give a little refresher course, and hope that I can touch a few beginners to get into the fabulous world of cigars.

First Impressions:

-There are MANY types of cigars.  They vary in size, texture, color, flavor, region, and strength just to name a few.

-Size does matter.  A typical cigar smoking session can range about an hour.  The smaller the cigar, the shorter the time frame. 

-A dark cigar doesn’t always mean that it’s stronger then the lighter ones, although you do get a much more rich taste.  If you are worried about strength, take the safe route and pick a lighter colored cigar, which are sometimes called “Natural.”

-If you see any splits in the wrapper, do not purchase it.  This is often caused by poor humidification or poor handling of the cigar.  It won’t smoke well and most likely cause a bad or harsh taste.  The outside of the cigar should not show any cracks, holes, tears, or blemishes of any kind.  Leaf markings are ok, since it is a cigar leaf, but anything outside the ordinary should be considered bad.

-The thickness of the cigar is considered the ring guage, much like measuring the rings that go on our fingers.  Some say that the bigger the cigar, the cooler is smokes.  I have found this is not always the case, but just look for something that you won’t feel would be too much.  I suggest to try various sizes and see what you enjoy the most.

Lighting Up:

-The first thing that you need to consider is cutting the cigar.  This is typically done by a cigar cutter, scissors, or a punch.  Often, tobacconists can cut a cigar for you if you are ready to smoke the cigar after purchasing it.  A punch is a round circular blade that removes a tiny hole at the end of a cigar, but this doesn’t work with all cigars.  A cutter chops off a straight cut at the head of the cigar and leaves a flat end for you to puff on.  Either can be purchased for less then $5.

-When lighting the cigar, try not to let the flame touch the cigar.  You can hold it about 1/4 to 1/2 inch away from the tip of the cigar.  When you puff in, it will draw the flame in and heat up enough to light.

-While lighting, you should rotate the cigar.  This allows the cigar to be lit evenly and helps with burn consistency.

-Letting the ash stay on the cigar doesn’t change the taste.  I’ve read that some people suggest the ash makes the taste of the cigar stand out, and I’ve read the opposite saying that it makes it more harsh.  I don’t believe either.  The long ash on the tip of a cigar is nice to see, shows a well packed cigar, but to ash or not to ash doesn’t change the cigar.

Sit back and enjoy!  The best advice I received was to not buy a box and try out all the different styles and sizes.  You’ll start to recognize which ones you enjoy the most, and get into your comfort zone.  Reading reviews is often a good way to find the best cigars, but don’t take someones word to heart.  There are a few poorly reviewed cigars I like, as well as some great reviewed cigars I don’t like.  Find your style, consider your smoking situation, and enjoy a lifestyle that’s been around for many years.