Cigar Smoking Tips For a Newbie

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Traditionally, cigars hold a long-standing position in society, from the time honoured practice of new fathers passing out cigars to signify and celebrate their parenthood, winning athletes lighting up to bask in the championship glow of victory, or politicians puffing away as they pay homage to the importance of their lofty accomplishments (as well as themselves). More and more "average Joe's" are taking up cigar smoking, and the reasons for partaking are never-ending and subject to sociological debate from all corners. The simple fact is, enjoying a cigar, either in solitude or among friends and colleagues, is one of life's unexplainable guilty pleasures and cannot be adequately described by mere words. The absolute only way to even begin to appreciate this more often than not misunderstood ritual is to participate in the indulgence and discover what all the fuss is about.

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For the curious and adventurous who are considering taking up cigar smoking, be aware that there is an entire sub-culture devoted to the practice, including a cigar etiquette that may appear at first glance to be unnecessary or even frivolous to the uninitiated, but nonetheless, if you are serious about "joining the club," so to speak, at least a fundamental awareness of, and familiarity with the ground rules is highly suggested.

History of the Cigar

Even though the exact origin of the word "cigar" has long been a subject for debate, there are at least three fairly reliable and plausible theories. The Spanish "cigarro," or cigarette, likely derives from "sicar," a Mayan Indian term meaning "to smoke rolled tobacco leaves." The third possibility is also Spanish in origin, the "cigarra," meaning "cicada," (or grasshopper) which apparently was what the shape of early cigars reminded some early observers of.

Although tobacco cultivation and usage on the American continents can be traced back to at least 1000 B.C., it wasn't until the late 15th and early 16th centuries that the plant was introduced to Europe. Credit for this development is generally attributed to none other than the historic Spanish-sponsored Christopher Columbus expedition of 1492.

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In what is now the Dominican Republic, friendly natives were frequently observed indulging themselves by smoking fragrant dried leaves which quite naturally aroused the curiosity of their visitors. As best as can be determined, three of Columbus' crewmen were the first to be offered this mysterious substance (and ritual), and when the subsequent results weren't disastrous or lethal, the majority of the crew joined in and became converts. As the expedition continued its way throughout their many Caribbean island stops, more and more native cultures were also observed practicing this strange new foreign custom, with some of the more advanced tribes having learned to wrap the dried substance with palm or plantain leaves to allow for a more a more convenient and "civilized" smoking experience. By the conclusion of the historic expedition, this new experience had evolved into a regular habit among the crewmen, and large quantities of the dried plants were exported back to Spain. Eager for a unique and new experience from the "New World," the substance now known as "tabaco" became a smashing success, first in Spain, then quickly onto Portugal and France. Subsequent New World expeditions returned carrying more and more of the tabaco, and within a few decades, the practice spread like wildfire not only across the European continent, but even as far away as the Philippines, where the climate and soil conditions proved to be ideal for manufacturing the product. By the mid-18th century, the cultivation and marketing of tobacco became big business,

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and before modern mechanized manufacturing processes were developed, cigars were rolled by hand, providing welcomed and steady employment for untold thousands. By the early 20th century, there were an estimated 80,000 cigar-manufacturing businesses in the U.S. alone.

Notable Cigar Smokers

Throughout modern history, countless notable figures from all walks of life and professions have become identified as much for their cigar smoking as for their "other" accomplishments, including King Edward VI of Great Britain (for whom one of the world's most popular and best-selling cigar brands is named), U.S. Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton, humorist Mark Twain, psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, baseball legend Babe Ruth, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, literary legend Ernest Hemingway, screen legend Orson Welles, actor/comedians Groucho Marx, George Burns, Milton Berle and Bill Cosby and basketball legends Red Auerbach and Michael Jordan have all been cigar aficionados, Esteemed company indeed, to say the least. In fact, JFK was so fond of his cigars that prior to imposing a Naval embargo on Cuba during the 1962 missile crisis, he had a top aide (press secretary Pierre Salinger) acquire over a thousand Cuban cigars before approving and signing the Cuban blockade into effect, thus ensuring that one of the President's more guilty pleasures wouldn't be interrupted by something as trivial as global politics.

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Getting Started

Now that you've decided to join the ranks of cigar-smokers, a little research is suggested. If you're already (or have been) a cigarette smoker, you possess a basic understanding of the fundamentals, but also be aware that there are several distinct (and important) differences. If you're brand new, it's suggested that one of the first steps you take is to conduct somewhat of a "smell test" to try and find an aroma that appeals to you. There are literally hundreds of different varieties of cigar scents, from cigars that barely emit an aroma to cigars that could rival a skunk in quickly clearing out a room. Perhaps you have cigar-smoking acquaintances that can advise you, but to be honest, your own sense of smell (and preference) should be the critical determining factor in choosing a cigar. Conversely, don't feel a sense of embarrassment or hesitate in approaching a cigar smoker for any tips or suggestions. Chances are they'll be more than happy to pass along their knowledge.

Also consider the size of your cigar when making your selection. Obviously, a long, fat cigar is going to last considerably longer, and it will also have a milder taste and not "heat up" quickly. A shorter cigar has a tendency to become hotter in less time, and also the taste will be stronger. For this reason, it's recommended that your initial cigar be of the former category, most definitely if you enter the proceedings as a (previous) non-smoker.

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Now that you've made a choice, the next step should be to inspect your cigar carefully. Before unwrapping, look for cracks on the wrapper, as you definitely want your initial experience to be a pleasant one. Cigars can dry out if stored past a reasonable amount of time, producing a harsh or mildewy taste that extends to the aroma. Gently squeeze the cigar with your fingers to detect any soft spots that are a tell-tale sign of an under-packed cigar, and using the same logic, a cigar with hard spots indicates too much tobacco, which can make the cigar tight and prone to clogging, making it difficult or even impossible to smoke. The latter is referred to as being "plugged," and usually a brisk finger massaging of the cigar will quite often alleviate this condition. Just be careful not to "over massage."

If the cigar you've selected is of relatively high quality, you'll no doubt notice it has a band. This easy to overlook accessory serves at least two important purposes: One, to identify the brand of cigar, and two, to provide a helpful point of reference on where to hold the cigar between the fingers while smoking. In most instances, cigar bands are attractive, and allows others to know what brand of cigar you're partial to. As you'll eventually come to realize, cigar smokers can determine quite a bit about another smoker by the brand they have a preference for.

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Cutting and Preparing the Cigar

Once you're relatively satisfied with the texture and uniformity of your first cigar, the next step is the cutting. If you've chosen a store-bought, packaged (or filtered) "ready to go" cigar, this step isn't necessary, but if your cigar is of the bigger, hand-rolled type, you'll need to cut or trim the tip of it in order to smoke it effectively. Cigar cutters are available (and relatively inexpensive) at most tobacco smoke shops and retail establishments. Much like the cigar, cutters come in many varieties of styles and brands, but if worse comes to worse, a good sharp heavier pair of scissors or a sharp knife will work sufficiently. And even if those implements are not available, a simple small hole poked into the "business end" of the cigar (by whatever tool is available and adequate, even a toothpick) will usually do the trick. The goal of this step is to provide sufficient passage (or airway) for the smoke to travel towards its ultimate destination. If cutting a cigar is your choice, simply cut (as straight and evenly as possible) at least 1/16th of an inch, perhaps a bit more, but be careful not to cut too much into the actual body of the cigar or it will begin to unravel, causing quite a mess, not to mention effectively ruining an otherwise perfectly fine cigar.

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Lighting the Cigar

Now that you've selected and prepared your first cigar as best as possible, the next step is to (obviously) light it. The suggested method is to use a cigarette lighter, preferably butane, or ordinary (but reliable) wooden kitchen matches (avoid cardboard matches which contain unwanted chemicals). Using a lighter fluid fuelled lighter (such as a Zippo) is not recommended because the scent created by them will greatly (and adversely) affect the taste of your cigar. When ready, slightly moisten the area around the "mouth" end to prevent the cigar from sticking to your lips, then position the cigar into your mouth, strike (or click) the fire source, and being very careful to not let the flame actually contact (or touch) the cigar, gently puff while slowly rotating (either clockwise or counter clockwise) the cigar for an even, complete and consistent lighting. Unlike a cigarette, it's important to NOT inhale, but instead puff gently and continue rotating until the circle on the outer ring of the lit end of your cigar is glowing and the resulting smoke is gently wafting. Test the lit cigar to ensure it's "drawing" easily and smoothly. This step may take some trial and error, so make certain you have an ample fire source supply. Caution: Trying to light a cigar from campfires, fireplaces and electric stove burners is highly discouraged, as well as being a definite fire and safety hazard.

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Cigar Ash, Re-lighting and Disposal

Nearly all cigar smokers, at one time or another, participate in the unofficial sport of "how long can I keep the cigar ash from dropping?" It may seem like a harmless exercise, but few things are as unsightly (or embarrassing) as a trail of cigar ash spilled on the front of a shirt or in the lap, drawing unwanted (and unneeded) attention. This cigar faux pas undoubtedly contributed greatly to the development of the fashionable (and functional) "smoking jacket." Also, allowing a cigar ash to accumulate runs the risk of the cigar (especially the less expensive varieties) developing an interior air pocket, subsequently causing the ash to fall suddenly and unexpectedly, creating the afore- mentioned "mess." The general rule is to tap the ash off once it reaches a length exceeding 1/2 of an inch. If your cigar happens to go out, it is usually the result of a prolonged period of smoking inactivity. If (and when) this occurs, merely tap off the cigar ash and relight it. As a beginning cigar smoker, this unintended occurrence is generally accepted, but you'll probably encounter any number of cigar "purists" that would consider relighting a "used" cigar as sheer blasphemy, a sure sign of "cigar disrespect," subjecting the offending party to (at the least) ridicule. Lastly, once you've determined that you've had enough, disposing of your cigar is actually one of the simplest steps in the entire cigar smoking process. Unlike cigarettes, a cigar should never be snuffed out unceremoniously into an ashtray or similar receptacle. Instead, because cigars are devoid of the many inflammable chemicals primarily found in cigarettes, if left alone, a cigar is 100% self-extinguishing. Simply place the cigar butt in an ashtray and it will eventually take care of itself.

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Care and Maintenance of Your Cigars

Once the actual initial first steps are completed and you've become a cigar smoker, you will want to take some basic steps to ensure that your cigars enjoy a long shelf life, and provides an enjoyable and satisfying experience every time you partake. The first step should be to consider purchasing a cigar humidor in which to store your new "friends." As cigar smokers quickly come to realize, the type of "house" you provide for your cigars will go a long way in enhancing your experience.

Humidors

Temperature consistency in regards to housing cigars is an absolute must. Cigars should be stored in an environment of relatively low humidity, generally between 68-72% for optimum results. For that reason, a humidor must be more than just a box. As with their occupants, humidors are available in a wide variety of sizes, styles, functions, and of course, prices. The most popular humidors are constructed of various waterproof woods such as cedar, cherry, mahogany, rosewood, walnut, and many other hardwoods. Humidors are also constructed of stainless steel and even high-tech plastics, but basic wood is the overwhelming humidor of choice among cigar aficionados.

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They generally contain a humidifier, either a simple sponge contained in a metal or plastic case. The humidifiers work tirelessly to prevent and eliminate moisture, which can quickly render a cigar (or cigars) virtually useless. Some humidifiers are modern marvels of technology, utilizing hygrometers to regulate moisture levels, but for beginning smokers, a simple but sturdily- constructed and functioning wooden box should be more than adequate. With a wide variety of styles and features available, finding the humidifier that best fits your needs can be a time consuming and costly endeavour, but one that is an absolute "must-have" for the serious cigar smoker who understands the absolute necessity of keeping their cigars healthy, safe and secure.

Cigar Do's and Don'ts

As with any activity that can be considered a part of the "social construct," cigar-smoking etiquette is another area that cigar smokers need to familiarize themselves with and practice. The days of smoke-filled sports arenas, concert venues, and public recreational areas are long gone, and smoking in most public places is now either banned completely or strictly regulated, forcing smokers to adapt to the new health and "green" statutes that are constantly being tweaked by the ultra-concerned authorities.

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Be aware of or make inquiries in your local municipalities for regulations regarding smoking, whether it be cigars or cigarettes. And it's only basic and fundamental common sense to avoid smoking in large (or even small) groups of people. It's always best to refrain from lighting up in locales in which regulations and restrictions aren't always crystal-clear or at least understood.

New cigar smokers will undoubtedly undergo many stops and starts before they master the noble practice, but once you have the fundamentals down, you will discover it's just like riding a bicycle. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors, sizes or brands, of which the options are nearly limitless and ever increasing.

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