Steps to Enjoying Your Cigar

Now that you've chosen your cigar, Do you know what to do with it?  Lets look at the basic steps to cigar smoking:

First Step:  Lighting

First, all new cigar smokers should learn how to correctly light a cigar.  Use a clipper designed for cigars to clip off he edge of the head. If possible light the foot of the cigar with a cedar match. Don't use regular cigarette lighters as they produce a nasty odor that can lruin a good cigar.  If you must use a lighter,only use a butane lighter.  They will keep any odor to a minimum.  However, you should always try to use a wooden match. We'll talk specifically about how to light a cigar later.

Second Step:  Burning

Should you burn your cigar down to a nub?  It is ecommended that you leave at least two inches on your cigar.  Even the best cigars will tend to get acerbic if you let it burn all the way down.  And what about your ashes?  Should you knock the ashes off of your cigar?  Rather than knocking the ashes off, let the cigar rest in the ashtray when you're not smoking it and they will fall off naturally. 

Third Step:  Enjoying

A cigar should never be rushed.  By design, cigars should be relished, preferably after dinner and with a glass of good brandy.  Hold the cigar between your thumb and fingers.  Also, don't inhale deeply.  The smoke should not get to your lungs.  If it does, it is very bad for your health and it will not help you savour the cigar any better.  Also, you should always be considerate of those around you.  If possible, smoke with other cigar smokers. A good cigar can be enjoyed alone but even more so with acquaintances. 

Now that your know how to enjoy a cigar, let's look more in depth at the parts of a cigar.