Choosing your first cigar is like going to the candy store for the first time with a pocket full of change. With so many different shapes, color and sizes it can be tricky to choose the right cigar. My first experience was a good one because I had an experienced cigar smoker to guide me. He kindly pointed out the different cigar brands and the similarities and differences between them. And just like he guided me, I too, will guide you in choosing the right cigar-staying right by your side as you smoke it.
When people try something new and have a bad experience they tend to write it off for good. That is why it's imperative to not buy your cigars online until you know what you like. My first suggestion is to find a proper tobacco shop that only sells cigars, pipe tobacco and Briar and Meerschaum pipes. It also helps to have a couple friends to enjoy the experience with.
Cigars can be mild to full bodied. For your first cigar stick with a mild hand-rolled cigar. Romeo y Julieta, Royal Jamaica and Macanudo are brands that make wonderful mild cigars. A fair price for a good cigar is $8 to $11 dollars, which is right where you want to be.
One of the first things you may notice when looking at a selection of cigars is the many different shapes and sizes they come in. Corona is a thin mid-sized cigar about 5 inches in length, double corona is about double the size of a corona and robusto is a short thick cigar. There are more categories, but these are the most popular. Purchase a corona for your first cigar. Have the shop attendant cut the cigar for you, or purchase a $2 dollar guillotine cutter.
Lighting a cigar can be tricky if you don't know what you are doing, however, I am here to show you that it's a snap. Use a butane torch or wooden match stick to light your cigar. Place the cigar in your mouth and slowly rotate it as you barely touch the tip of the cigar to the flame. Take slow easy puffs over a few seconds. Turn the cigar around and check that the entire surface if glowing red. If there are parts not glowing red, repeat the process.
Once the cigar is lit find a comfy chair and relax. Do not hold the cigar between your teeth but place it to you lips and gently sip on it as you would a glass of red wine. Take slow long draws and let the smoke excite your taste buds before exhaling. Please do not inhale the smoke.
The reason we take at least 45 second between each puff is because smoking a cigar is not a race. It is a relaxing time that should never be rushed. Also, by letting the cigar rest between puffs keeps the smoke cool and smooth in your mouth. If you notice the cigar heating up around you fingers then let it settle for a couple minutes.
A cigar will stay lit 3 to 5 minutes if left alone. Never light a cigar after it has gone out for more then 25 to 45 minutes. Relighting a cigar after a long period of time will cause a bitter taste from tar covering the end of the cigar.
Ashing a cigar is very different than cigarette smokers ash cigarettes. Cigar smokers let the ash build up to half-an-inch before they gently tap it on the ashtray. If the ash does not fall off when you tap it, then it is not ready to be ashed.
By following this guide you are increasing the chance that your cigar will burn evenly and smoothly from start to finish. Purchase a few more cigars as you leave the shop. Try different sizes (Robusto, corona and double corona) and compare the differences in strength, draw and flavor. If you do not have a humidor to keep them moist, you can keep them in a zip-lock bag, but for no longer than a week. Happy cigar smoking!
