Tuesday, October 30, 2007

The Art Of Smoking Cigars

Smoking cigars is in vogue once again, and aficionados will tell you that there is nothing better than a well aged stogie. However, there are etiquettes to be followed when smoking one and in this article, we'll burn through the basics of smoking a cigar properly.

Once you've selected a well crafted, perhaps hand rolled cigar, the next step is to light it. The tip of it should be lit using a wooden match or a lighter. Try not to use candles, paper matches or lighters that use lighter fluid because the chemicals and odors can affect the taste of the tobacco. The best tool for lighting a cigar is a butane lighter. If you're using a match, wait until the sulfur burns off before lighting up. Start the lighting procedure by holding it at a 45 degree angle over the flame. Without allowing the flame to actually touch the end, gently roll the edges close to the flame until it is lit. While never letting the flame touch the cigar, slowly puff and rotate it around the flame. Take a look at the foot and make sure it is burning evenly.

Now it's time to slowly enjoy your cigar. Draw the smoke into your mouth and savor its flavor. Take long draws instead of short puffs. This will help ensure that the cigar burns evenly from end to end. Rolling it in your fingers as you smoke is another way to help ensure a smooth and even burn. Most premium handmade cigars will hold a very long ash before falling off. The ash on cheaper cigars tends to flake easily and fall off more frequently. It's always wise, as you see the ash starting to gain length, to gently tap it off.

Perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of smoking cigars is re-igniting one that has gone out. Cigars that aren't puffed on every few minutes tend to go out, so re-lighting is commonplace. However, try to avoid re-igniting a cigar that hasn't been smoked in more than two hours. When re-lighting, hold the flame in front of the foot and blow out to help expel any old gases or ash that may have become trapped and then follow standard lighting procedures. It's also important to put it out properly. To extinguish, just let it go out by itself in an ashtray. Stubbing one out produces an unpleasant stale odor that can linger in a room.

Whether you've invested big bucks into a deliciously spicy Cuban cigar or picked up a stogie at a newspaper stand, it is best enjoyed slowly. Take the time to taste the blend of the leaves and take deep breaths to appreciate the aroma. You deserve an occasional treat and smoking cigars truly is one of life's great pleasures.