cigar education
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions that will assist in the cigar smoking experience. Tap the question to get the answer.
Straight Cut
Known as a traditional cut.
They are easy to use and it suits all ring gauges. With this cut you have a more open draw making your experience less intense. You want to cut Straight across the top of the cigar, but not low enough to damage the tip
Punch Cut or Hole Punch
Small and easy to travel with, the punch cutters are perfect for on the go cigar smokers. However, this cut only works well on cigars with a round cap. Simply punch a small hole in the tip of the cigar and enjoy the smoke.
V-Cut or Wedge
Tailored for medium to large ring gauges, this cut, while not the simplest, is perfect if you desire a more focused and enriching draw experience. Slice a wedge in the tip of the stick and unlock the concentrated flavor you seek!
When you put out a cigar and save it for later, you should smoke the cigar within the next two days.
1- The first thing to do is to put out the cigar. The best way to extinguish a cigar is to let it go out on its own. Never smash the cigar into the ashtray.
Simply stop puffing on it, and it will gradually go out as it burns down. This method minimizes the chances of introducing unpleasant flavors into the cigar.
2- Cut about a half-inch from the ash line and blow it out.
This will clear out some of the rustiness.
3- Put the cigar back in the wrapper or in a plastic bag. Don’t put it back in the humidor.
How to Ash a Cigar
When you smoke a cigar, there’s no need to keep tapping the ash like you would with a cigarette. Handmade cigars are crafted from long-filler tobacco, resulting in a more solid and lasting ash compared to cigarettes.
When dealing with a high-quality cigar, too much fiddling can accidentally extinguish the burning end (known as the cherry), prompting a relight.
Enjoying a cigar requires a touch of patience. Instead of constantly flicking off the ash, wait until it’s around an inch long, or if you spot a crack forming
1- Aroma. Smell the wrapper (outside of the cigar) and the filler (inside of the cigar- at the burn end). These flavors may or may not show up in the smoke, but you should still familiarize yourself with the aroma.
2- Pull it. Take a draw and hold it. Try breathing out of your nose as you do this. Hold your tongue close to the roof of your mouth.
1- Cool It. After lighting the cigar. Let it cool. Do this by taking slow, even pulls. Try to draw no more than 1-2 puffs per minute.
2- Chew It. Hold the smoke in your mouth and chew on it. This allows the flavor to bathe you taste senses.
3- Smoke Pocket. While holding the smoke in, try smacking your tongue up and down or holding it close to the roof of your mouth.
4- Slow Out. Blow the smoke out as slow as possible so that the flavor lingers on the palate.
5- Retrohaling. Blow the smoke out through your nose if you can do so without inhaling it. This is easier for beginners with mild cigars.
6- Finishing. When the cigar begins to taste bitter and tarry, the smoke is over. Put the cigar down. Just allow it to extinguish itself, never smash it, this makes the cigar release a harsh smell that with kill the experience.
1- Use a butane torch or wood matches. Regular cigarette lighters contaminate the cigar with harsh fumes.
2- Use patience. Do not use the direct flame to light the cigar. Use the heat from the flame by holding the flame a few inches away from the foot of the cigar. High heat destroys the delicate oils in the cigar.
3- Never light the cigar in your mouth or while pulling on it. This will push the burning taste into your mouth, destroying the taste of the smoke and kill the experience.
4- Slowly wave the heat underneath the cigar while rolling the cigar in your hand to evenly distribute the heat until the foot of the cigar begins to turn red all around.
5- Blow on the lit end of the cigar to evenly distribute the heat and assist in the lighting.
