Cigar Smoking: An Art in Itself
There is a fine art to cigar smoking that is more than just exuding an air of class and one should be aware that cigar smoking is a culture of its own and one has to learn how to cut a cigar, light it and then smoke it. It may all begin with choosing the cigar itself and factors that may influence in its selection includes the length as well as diameter of the cigar which is related to the cigar s intensity. To ascertain the quality of the cigar, one may need to squeeze it a bit to ascertain that there are no lumps and also ensure the tobacco at the end has not lost color. In the United States, Cuban cigars would be difficult to obtain and when buying the cigar, ask if the cigar contains hundred percent tobacco as that is what is required.
Cigar Types
There are also various cigar types that are distinguished from one another by where they are made and the tobacco leaves used. Some of these cigar types include Churchill, Corona, Pyramid, Robusto, Torpedo, Panatelas, Culebras, Diademas as well as Perfecto. Once one has chosen a particular cigar, one can then get down to the nitty-gritty of cigar smoking and the first step in that direction would be to cut the cigar so that there is enough of an opening to smoke the cigar in comfort and also maintain the original shape of the cigar.
The next step in cigar smoking is of course lighting up which follows the selection and cutting of the cigar and plays an important role in maintaining one s image by properly lighting up the cigar. The ideal tool for lighting the cigar is to use a cigar lighter as matches give off ammonia that may spread to the cigar and change its taste as well as smell. It is advisable, in cigar smoking, to not use matches, cigarette lighters or candles, and the last is especially not recommended.
The final step in cigar smoking is of course, smoking the cigar and for this, there is a proper etiquette that calls for the removal of the band at some point during the actual smoking experience. This is done in order that before smoking of the cigar the band will prevent the cigar from tearing and once the cigar has been lit, there is no need for the band any longer. One should savor the stogie and remember not to inhale and having had a dozen or so puffs remember that the band needs to be removed, that is, if it hasn t fallen off already because of the heat.