So you have purchased and decided to smoke a cigar. It is essential to master the art of preparing your cigars. The following post explores how to cut a cigar, light a cigar and store your cigars properly.
How To Cut, Light & Store Cigars
Cutting a Cigar
Now that you’ve got an idea about the types of cigars, let’s move onto how to cut them—a very crucial
step. If you cut your cigar incorrectly, you stand to ruin the whole thing.
There is nothing worse than a tear in the wrapper that can unravel while you are smoking. Cutting cigars is the most critical next step.
Luckily there are many tools out there for precisely this. In our opinion, the best types of cigar cutters are double blade guillotine or v-cut cutters. Ideally, you want to cut the cigar in one smooth motion.
There are many cigar cutters on the market, but the type of cutter you use will entirely depend on the cigar you purchase.
In general, guillotine cutters will make adequate cuts for all types. They provide a very fast, sharp, clean-cut, and many cigar aficionados will use them.
The next best to the guillotine style cutters are v-cut cutters. These create a wedge in the cap, which is where you inhale the smoke.
A little tricky to do initially, but after some practice, you may like this method. Some cigar smokers prefer the V cut as it slightly lessens the bitter taste of some cigars.
Regardless of the cutter you use, the most important thing is that you don’t tear the wrapper or have it unravel. If you cut the cigar wrong, this is most likely to happen, which will be the end of your cigar.
Lighting A Cigar
Now that you’ve cut your cigar, it’s time to light it. The most popular, most comfortable, and best way to light a cigar is with a torch/butane lighter.
It would be best if you never lit them with candles, BIC lighters, paper, etc.
The reason is that the chemicals, residues, and fuel will transfer from the flame and onto your cigar. It will alter the taste, aroma, and flavor that will completely change your smoking experience.
Now you will need to prime your cigar. Do not place a cigar directly in a flame; you need to keep about a two fingers gap between the cigar tip and light.
Once you have lit it, after a few seconds, rub your thumb or fingers over it, this will ensure a clean burn.
Once you notice that it is glowing orange and lit, you can start to take puffs. You may need to take 5-6 breaths before the cigar is well lit and producing enough smoke. Do not inhale the smoke.
The idea is to have a drag every 2-4minutes, but again that will change with the cigar and mood/style. Puff on the cigar, and swirl the smoke around in your mouth, enjoying the flavors before blowing the smoke out.
Enjoy your cigar and first smoking experience!
Storing and Maintaining Cigars
An essential part of cigar smoking is to store them correctly. Cigars need to be kept in a humidor or
controlled environment. If the climate is dry, the cigars will dry out. If there’s too much moisture, the cigars will absorb it.
An overly moist cigar will be extremely hard to light and burn. The smoke will be rough, and your experience most likely unpleasant. With dry cigars, the smoke will be aggressive and too strong to enjoy the flavors.
A humidor controls the environment for your cigars. They are an absolute must if you hope to store your cigars. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, and there are humidors to suit every style.
If you are on a budget, then it is possible to make your own and even create temporary humidors.
Bottom Line
Although we have covered cutting, lighting, and storing stogies in great detail, it is crucial to learn and master them. To do so correctly almost guarantees you a positive cigar smoking experience. Check out these twenty accessories you will love!
