Cigars 101: How to Become An Aficionado in 10 Minutes

 

Many people smoke cigars without really knowing what they are doing.  Light and puff.  But there is much more to a real cigar experience.  To help you fully enjoy your smoke I have put together a list of essentials.  They will also make you look like an aficionado at the next cocktail party.  Enjoy.

 

How can I tell if a cigar is fresh?

Cigar wrappers that have a rich, oily sheen show hat the cigar has been properly humidified and the leaf is high quality.  However, even a dull-looking wrapper can be of good quality.  One way to tell if a cigar is fresh or not is the ‘pinch test’.  Lightly pinch or squeeze the cigar using your thumb and forefinger.  If it feels firm with a little spring to it, but not hard, then it is good.  But if it feels like a piece of dead wood or if it’s very soft in spots it’s no good.

 

How much of the cigar tip should I clip?

Careful not to cut to much of the cap!

You only need to shave off between 1/16 and 1/8 of an inch, no more.  You are trying to keep the cap intact.  If you clip too much of the cap then, as you smoke your cigar, it will open wider and the cap will very likely peel off all together.  This isn’t necessarily a bad thing but many smokers find it sloppy.

 

How should I light my cigar?

The thing to remember here is to light the cigar gently, evenly, and slowly.  

• Hold the cigar horizontally.
• Hold the flame underneath the end in direct contact with the cigar, this is called ‘warming’ the cigar.  Careful not to ignite the wrapper in this step.
• Slowly rotate the cigar until the end is evenly charred over the entire surface.
• Put the cigar in youre mouth and hold the flame just close enough to the end without letting the flame touch it.  Draw on the cigar slowly while rotating it until it is evenly lit.
• Gently blow on the burning end to make sure it’s burning evenly.
• Enjoy.

This may take you a minute, but the cigar will taste the way it is supposed to taste.  And you’ll definitely gain style points.

 

The ring is more powerful and indicator than length.

How does ring gauge and length affect the taste of a cigar?

The ring gauge has a significant affect on the cigar’s flavor and fullness.  Length is not as important but longer cigars do tend to smoke a little ‘cooler’.

 

 

 

How do I ‘revive’ dry cigars kept in a cigar box?

If they are very dry it may be difficult to get them to a satisfactory state.  However, this simple technique should be able to save most dried out cigars.  Place the box of dried cigars, put a damp sponge in the bag, then wait.  The bag should have a small opening.  Rotate the cigars every few days by bringing the bottom to the top.  Be patient, this can take a couple weeks to more than a month.

 

 

Why are my cigars peeling?

Slight peeling can be fixed with a little moisture.

This should happen less with premium cigars but it is actually quite common with all types.  There are usually two reasons for wrappers peeling:

1. They were not properly wrapped at the factory.
2. The cigar has become dry.

If the wrapper is peeling at the head you may be able to fix it by moistening it with your tongue.  It is not recommended to continue smoking a cigar with a peeling wrapper.

 

Do I need a humidor?

No.  Not unless you are collection a lot of cigars very fast or are trying to ‘home age’ your cigars.  However, it does look very nice and can keep that distinctive cedar wood fragrance.

 

 

Box-pressed Olivas

 

 

What is a “box-pressed” cigar?

“Box-pressed” or “square-pressed” is when the cigars are pressed into the box so the box pressure creates a perfectly square shape.  Originally this was done to save shipping space.  Now, however, the process is said to cause the cigars burn longer, giving the smoker a more flavorful smoke.    Examples of these cigars include Perdomo La Tradicion, Sacho Panza, Don Tomas Dominican Selection, and Aspira.

 

What are those little tan spots I sometimes see on the cigar wrapper?

Don’t be alarmed. Also referred to as “sun spots,” no one really knows for sure what causes them. It is generally believed they are caused by moisture droplets that have marred the leaf after drying, but they will not affect the taste of the cigar.

 

What is the white powdery substance that sometimes appears on the cigar wrapper?

It looks like mold, but is usually just bloom.  Bloom is what results when the oils in the wrapper cause the lead to mature.  Bloom is harmless and actually a sign of your cigar being in good, healthy quality.  

 

this blue fungi can be deadly, trash them.

 

 

I see blue bloom, is that good too?

No!  That blue fungi is deadly.  Throw the cigar away immediately.

 

Why can’t I draw on my cigar?

There may be a plug, or a blockage that occurs in cigars.  This could be a piece of leaf that’s packed too tightly or a stray stem that got into the cigar.  Most plugs occur at the head (drawing end) which makes the cigar very difficult to smoke.  To unplug the cigar, massage it gently between your fingers.  While doing this, be careful not to crack the wrapper.  To help this, moisten your fingertips before massaging.  

 

Should I remove the band before I smoke?

It is proper etiquette to remove the band but many people want others in the room to know exactly what they are smoking.  

Impress your friends, learn cigar etiquette.

What style cigar am I smoking?

By ring gauge and length, the styles are:

•  Churchill - 7″x 50
• Double Corona- 6 ¾” x 49
• Londsdale - 6 ½” x 44
• Panatela - 7″ x 36
• Toro - 6″ x 50
• Grand Corona - 6″ x 46
• Corona Extra - 5″ x 46
• Corona - 5 ½” x 42
• Robusto - 5″ x 50
• Petite Corona - 4″ x 40
• Rothschild - 4 ½” x 49

 

Should I keep my tubo cigars tubed when they are in my humidor?

Yes, either remove them completely or remove the cap.  This is so moist air will be able to circulate within the tube.

 

What is the difference between ‘handmade’ and ‘hand-rolled’ premiums?

Hand-rolled cigars are rolled by hand but machine-bunched.  Handmade cigars are made entirely by hand.

 

You are now in the top 10% of cigar smokers.  Congratulations.