Despite increased anti-tobacco legislation and regulation combined with an overall decrease in cigarette smoking, cigar use has actually increased during the past decade. Although many members of the younger generation learn to appreciate the pleasure that thick, aromatic smoke from specially cultivated tobacco can offer, widespread ignorance of its correct use persists. When cut and wrapped properly, a burning cigar can rapidly awaken one’s senses in unimaginable ways. Follow these helpful hints for maximum enjoyment of tasty tobacco treats:
Correct cigar cutting
All cigars have two ends; one is open while the other is closed off with a cap. The mouth must be placed on the closed end after cutting the cap to allow sufficient air entry. No smoke can be inhaled unless this cut is made first. Be aware that biting off a cigar tip is not the best way to accomplish this. For one thing, ragged edges usually block airflow while allowing tobacco strands to enter your mouth. Such undesirable circumstances detract significantly from tobacco smoking pleasure. Avoid this by using a single-edged blade or special cigar cutting to form a clean cut. Slice a straight horizontal line across the end to avoid tearing outer wrappings. A V-cut or hole punch can also be made. Whatever method you select is purely a matter of personal preference.
Lighting a cigar
Cigars were never intended to be lit the same way that one would light a cigarette. Correct cigar lighting consumes far more time. Prolonged flame application ensure full and even ignition of its end and non-adulteration of tobacco flavor by sulfur, gas, or other flame accelerators. Cigar lighters which contain odorless butane are the best choice, as any other alternative can adversely alter cigar taste. Special sulfur-free wood matches are also available for cigar lighting.
How to Smoke Cigars Correctly
All cigar lovers know that cigars are meant to be savored. Thus, you never inhale cigar smoke as you would cigarette smoke. Neither should you frequently tap or flick cigars to remove accumulated ash, as ash is the natural barrier that maintains quality low-heat slow burn. Merely let ashes fall away naturally. Take off the bond after heat begins to loosen it. Smoke only half of a cigar to optimize overall taste. Never consume a cigar until it becomes too small to hold. Simply place it in a nearby ashtray and it will self-extinguish without no smoker snubbing whatsoever.
Adhering to the basic guidelines above enhances cigar enjoyment considerably. As cigar tobacco is definitely an acquired taste, novice smokers would be well-advised to start with milder or medium flavors prior to graduating to bolder full-flavored cigar blends. Visit your local smoke shop or browse online tobacco vendors’ venues to find your best brand.
Since 1929, the Tobacco Barn has been proudly serving the needs of cigar and pipe smokers. If you are looking for a zippo lighter or a cigar lighter, please visit tobacco-barn.com.
