The True Art Of Cigar Smoking And Enjoyment

The art of cigar smoking is a truly cultural fraternity with members from around the world.

To get the most out of your cigar smoking, you need to master the skills of preparation which includes selecting the finest cigars to enjoy.

A key factor that may influence the selection process is the length and diameter of the cigar which is related to the cigar’s intensity. A test to determine the quality of the cigar is the squeeze test. The aim is to squeeze the cigar to make sure there are no internal lumps and also to ensure the tobacco at the end has not lost it's color.

Main Types of Cigars

There are a huge range of excellent cigars on the market  which are distinguished from one another by where they are made and the types of tobacco leaves used. Some well known brands include the Churchill, the Corona, the Pyramid, the Robusto, Torpedo, Panatelas, Culebras, Diademas and the Perfecto.

Many people are members of a 'cigar of the month' club that delivers new cigar experiences each month from different countries around the world. This is an excellent means to broaden your  cigar smoking experienece and enjoyment.

When you get down to the nitty-gritty of cigar smoking, the very first step is the correct cutting to ensure there is enough of an opening to smoke the cigar in comfort and also maintain the original shape of the cigar.

Lighting up is next on the agenda  and plays an important role in the ritual of cigar smoking.

The ideal tool for lighting the cigar is to use a dedicated cigar lighter. The use of matches is frowned upon as the burning chemicals of the match can contaminate 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.