How to Smoke a Fine Cigar

Few pleasures in life rival smoking a fine cigar. For centuries, the initiated have enjoyed the fine aroma and delicate taste of a fine handmade cigar. The correct way to smoke a fine cigar is to maximize the enjoyment and fully appreciate the craftsmanship and tradition rolled into every single one. Here are tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cigar snip, cutter, plugging tool or pocketknife
• Cigar matches or lighter
• A fine, hand-rolled cigar

1. Remove the cigar from its tube or wrapper. Squeeze it gently; it should be firm but pliant, almost supple. A dry cigar will be prone to cracking when squeezed and is not a good smoke. Smell the cigar and savor the aroma.

2. Cut the tip, use a tool to poke a few small holes, or remove a plug from the end. Do not bite the end off a cigar.

3. Light the cigar by drawing shallow breaths through it while rotating the end through the flame to light it evenly. As the lighting process ends, a sharp exhalation through the cigar will create a smoother smoke.

4. Draw smooth breaths through the cigar. Hold them in the mouth to appreciate the flavor, but do not inhale. Allow smoke to linger. Some smokers enjoy smoking a fine cigar in conjunction with food or drink to complement the flavor of the smoke.

5. Remove the band only when it is in danger of igniting, or the cigar is done. Some smokers consider the band the end of the smokable section of the cigar and that the smoke becomes harsh after that point.

6. Save the band if keeping a cigar diary to record impressions of various brands. A cigar diary should chart brand, style, wrapper characteristics and size.

7. Allow the cigar to burn itself out when finished. Snubbing will only cause a harsh smell.

Tips & Warnings

• Traditionally, cigars are lit using an extra long wooden match (a cigar match), although any lighting method may be used. Some feel that lighters mar the cigar with a chemical flavor, while many younger enthusiasts feel that using a Zippo brand lighter adds a modern flair to smoking a fine cigar.
• Do not smoke fine cigars or anything else if you are a minor.

[topapito]

on 8/16/2007 Whoever said you don't inhale a cigar's smoke is crazy beyond belief. Why on earth would you even light it? That's like taking a girl home to bed just to talk. Please stop telling people you are not supposed to inhale the cigar.

I am from Cuba, a lifelong cigar smoker, and I have never seen anyone not inhale. Cigars are made to inhale. Not play around with like idiots.