In a cigar elegance is the name of the game. How gracefully does the roller combine the leaves? How smooth are the leaves? How seamless is the wrapper? Is there a triple cap on the head of the cigar? The origin of the leaves doesn't quite matter as much as the selection of the right leaf. You can have leaves from anywhere or everywhere, it's the elegance of the blender's selection that will make perfection.
That being said, a man(or woman), should take time to enjoy such things. It is a requirement, no, an oath, that one takes when selecting a cigar.
The proper selection of a cigar requires taking note that the cigar has all the aforementioned attributes. However, it will take an experienced tobacconist to help guide you through the ever-changing names, sizes, and blends, as well as selecting the correct strength for you. If you follow the selection process correctly, you'll find yourself at the beginning.
It is my belief that a cigar should only be enjoyed in one of two settings: 1.) A completely quiet place devoid of any distractions such as TVs or 2.) A lounge with other cigar smokers also devoid of TVs.
Number 1.) is for strict concentration in any case where one may fully evaluate the cigar and contemplate the day's decisions. Or tomorrow's adventures. It also makes an exceptional muse for writing or a seasoned companion for writing.
Number 2.) is for socializing. Most cigar smokers find common ground somewhere in the lounge. It is an excellent place to consort with all different types of people. Most often they are brimming at the chance to meet new people like yourself and are always at the ready to provide you with advice on a range of topics from cigar suggestions to the best local hotspots. I believe firmly that TVs in lounges are the worst idea ever. Lounges are for socializing not for vegetating in front of a TV. No matter what is on it.
Now that you've selected your environment, I suggest one final thing before start: a drink. It doesn't have to be alcohol but it should never over power your palate. You want to taste your cigar not the kiwi in your lemonade. I would suggest water for the purest smoking experience. However, a well-paired beer, wine, or liquor, is hard to beat. Take care not to partake too much because not only will you not fully enjoy the cigar, you could end up worse if you plan on driving.
You've picked your elegant cigar, your setting is ideal, and your beverage is at hand. Before you can smoke your cigar, you'll have to clip what's called the cap. It's easy to notice because it's the end that isn't exposed tobacco. The best cigars, as noted before, will have a triple cap. This means that the roller took 3 small round cuts of tobacco, laying each one over the end in layers. This helps the cigar to maintain it's shape without unraveling while smoking. You must take care to clip slightly off the first cap at the very edge of the cigar, and then check for a smooth draw by bringing air through this opening. Less is more when clipping a cigar, so take care not to clip too much.
You've clipped your cigar, now it's time to light up that stick! When lighting your cigar, the most efficient means of lighting is the cigar torch. Some people prefer cedar matches, some prefer soft flame, some prefer cedar planks. I find that the torch is the best. It is clean burning, lacking the odor that zippo lighters, and incredibly hot. At first you need to 'toast the foot,' this is a phrase for heating the end. Take the foot, and take care to make the end of the cigar evenly red. Don't place the end directly into the flame, but right above it. When the surface is evenly toasted, place the cigar in your mouth and begin puffing on it while you slowly spin it. Once everything is evenly lit and your cigar is started, you're on the right track.
While smoking, I find it better to take a breath before breathing the smoke into the mouth, this way you're less likely to inhale the smoke directly. When you draw the smoke into your mouth, make sure it is an even, long puff. Hold it on your tongue for a few seconds and then slowly blow it back out. When you're smoking a cigar, the flavor is all taken from the palate. Over time, as you develop you palate you will notice differences in the leaves, as well as overall differences in brands and sizes.
The basic anatomy of the layers of the leaves of the cigar is that the outer most leaf is called the wrapper, the one beneath that is the binder which holds the internal leaves, the filler, together. The larger the ring gauge, the more influence the filler has. The smaller the ring gauge, the more influence the wrapper has. When trying new cigars, trying to go for the original size that the blender created the blend for, that will give you the best flavor.
Now that you're smoking, continue to learn, and enjoy. Don't get discouraged if you meet a few bad seeds, and don't get too worried about buying a bad smoke. You have to start somewhere, and your local tobacconist will help you best. Do yourself a favor, buy locally, and keep mom and pop shops around. Not only will they help you the best, but they'll be glad to do it.
--Hook
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