Like a fine wine, single malt scotch or a historic work of art, a hand-rolled cigar is one of the finest things in life.What makes a cigar great?There are some steps to enjoy a masterfully created stogie.
Step 1: It's a good idea to note the "feel" of a cigar.
Is it flexible?Is it dry?Is that Marred?Is it heavy, with uniform firmness from tip to tip, a beautiful, unmarred leaf with no visible veins, and a moistness that you would expect from a cigar in Nicaragua--at 70 degrees and 70% humidity?The cigar is ready to be smoked.
Step 2: The cigar should be clipped about 1/2 from the tip.
The ideal draw will come from this.A punch will give you a hole to draw the smoke, but it will be hot and concentrated.If you want an open draw, clip the stogie.
Step 3: It's almost an art to light a cigar.
The benefits are well worth it, even though it may seem cumbersome.Light a strip of Spanish cedar and "toast" the end of the cigar after it's clipped.The tobacco will give off smoke when the flame chars it.You're trying to ignite the tobacco if you blow on the charred end.When the tip of the cigar is glowing red, do this again and again.
Step 4: Wait 45 seconds once the tip is glowing red.
The cigar should reach smokeability.Be patient.
Step 5: The smoke will escape from your mouth if you lightly puffed the cigar.
The blend of tobaccos, leaf, binder, and wrapper is delicious.
Step 6: The cigar should be puffed once or twice every 60 seconds or so.
The sign of a wonderful cigar is the clouds of creamy smoke.Before blowing it out, let the smoke linger in your mouth.Allow it to bathe your tongue and taste buds.What do you like to eat?Are you talking about Oak?Are you talking about Hickory?Is fruit like strawberries or mango?Maybe toast or buttered toast?Coffee accents, or a "chocolatiness"?It's common in the best cigars.Let your mind wander and ask yourself what you like in the smoke.You should breathe through your nose as you draw the smoke from the cigar.The smoke from the burning tip of the cigar will mingle with the smoke you take into your mouth.What new flavors and aromas do you sense?Is roasted meat burning leaves?The Master who designed the cigar wanted you to experience every part of it.
Step 7: It is time for you to understand that you should be taking notes about this cigar.
Begin the notes by opening your cigar diary.Writing your impressions first is the best way to remember what you're tasting and smelling.If applicable, fill in the information about the company, country of origin of wrapper, binder and filler, vintage year, size, length and ring gauge.
Step 8: Burn:
Is the cigar burning?Keeping things as even as possible is why you should be turning it constantly.Is it working?The burn should be consistent and regular, without the coals running up the side.The burn should be manageable and consistent.
Step 9: Don't rely on a cigar to taste good past the halfway point.
If it does, make a statement!It's time to smoke it to the NUB!You should report it highly in your diary.If you bought a cigar online, you should report it highly on the website from which it was purchased.
Step 10: Give each category a rating
A few stars, say.Smokes can be tracked using the same scale.Look for deals on that brand, length and ring gauge, so you know what to order next time.
Step 11: Give the cigar a score by combining the ratings.
It should be noted at the top of the page in your cigar diary.Review often.