Cigar smoking has a long and storied history. The first recorded evidence of cigar smoking dates back to Mayan civilization in the 10th century. Since then, cigars have been enjoyed as a pastime in many cultures worldwide.

Whether you’re an experienced smoker or just getting started, cigars can be an enjoyable indulgence. This guide will teach you the tips and techniques you need to get the most out of your cigar-smoking experience.

Considerations Before Buying

The strength, length, and ring gauge are essential to consider when picking out a cigar. If you’re just starting cigars, go for something milder. The flavor, aroma, and appearance of the cigar depend largely on its wrapper—you might have to experiment with different wrappers before finding the perfect one.

Suggestions for Cigar Selections

Here are a few great starting points if you’re just getting started with cigars. For mild cigars, try some of the smaller-ring gauge cigars, such as smaller coronas and robustos. For medium cigars, try a 5×50 robusto or 6×50 toro. For full-flavored cigars, try larger coronas or a 7-inch salomones. Furthermore, look for cigars that use a variety of tobaccos and wrappers, as these tend to deliver more complex and interesting flavors.

The Right Tools for the Job

To get the most out of cigar smoking, it’s important to have the right tools. The essential tools are a cigar lighter, cigar cutters, and an ashtray.

Cigar lighters are used to light the cigar, and there are a variety of styles to choose from. Common types include torch lighters, soft flame lighters, and butane lighters. The best way to choose a lighter is to try a few different styles and find the one that feels most comfortable for you.

Cigar cutters are used to cut off the cigar’s tip before it is lit. Common cutters include scissors, guillotines, V-cutters, and piercers. Again, the best way to choose a cutter is to try a few different styles and find the one that works best for you.

Lighting a Cigar

Once you’ve got the right tools, it’s time to light up your cigar. It’s important to be mindful and take your time when lighting a cigar. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to light a cigar:

  1. Cut off the tip of the cigar with your cutter of choice.

It’s essential to make a straight cut and not to cut off too much of the wrapper.

  1. Hold the cigar about one inch away from the flame of your lighter.

Slowly rotate the cigar in circles until the entire circumference around the entire circumference of the wrapper is lit using a st dupont gold lighter. This is called “toasting” and helps to evenly burn the cigar and reduce any potential bitterness.

  1. Once the cigar is toasted, take a few short puffs to get it going.

This helps to establish an even burn.

Tips to overcome common lighting mistakes

The most common mistake when lighting a cigar is to use a flame that is too close to the cigar. This can scorch the wrapper and create an unpleasant bitter taste. To avoid this, it’s important to hold your lighter at least one inch away from the cigar and take your time when toasting.

Another mistake is to cut off too much of the wrapper when cutting the tip. This can reduce the flavor of the cigar and can also cause the cigar to unravel. If you want to avoid this, it’s essential to use a sharp cutter and make sure to make a straight cut.

Storing Cigars

It’s essential to store your cigars properly to ensure they last and preserve their flavor. Here are a few tips for storing cigars to ensure long-term aging and quality:

-Store your cigars in a cool, dark, and dry place.

-Avoid exposing your cigars to direct sunlight or heat.

-Make sure your cigars are stored in a humidor. A humidor is a box or container designed to keep your cigars at a constant humidity and temperature level.

Mistakes to avoid when storing cigars

When storing cigars, it’s essential to use an airtight container. If not, the cigar will dry out and lose flavor. It’s also vital not to store your cigars in the fridge as this makes them dry out, creating an unpleasant taste. Additionally, you must steer clear of anywhere with direct sunlight or heat as this dries out the cigar, causing it to burn unevenly and thus producing a bitter taste.

Conclusion

Cigar smoking is a favorite pastime for many worldwide, and it can be an enjoyable experience with the right knowledge and tips. This guide has provided essential advice on how to get the most out of your cigar-smoking experience, from selecting the right cigar to lighting and smoking it properly.

Now that you know the tips and techniques, you can start enjoying and savoring your cigar. No matter your experience level, there’s something to be enjoyed in cigar smoking, so get out there and start enjoying it!