The world
of tobacco is so interesting and complex that even the simple fact of smoking
is associated with a ritual, compliance with which is important to ensure full
enjoyment of the moment. Actually, these are some practical guidelines whose
compliance will help you avoid setbacks that, although slight, are better to
avoid. Here we tell you some of them.
Cut too
much cigar
Cutting a
cigar is part of the ritual that many smokers carry out while enjoying their
favorite smokes. The tip of a cigar contains a vegetable-based adhesive called
gumma that prevents the tobacco wrapper from falling apart. Therefore, if you
cut the head of the cigar too far, you risk the wrapper leaf falling off and
also causing it to burn faster than intended. Typically, it should be cut just
above the rounded shoulders of the cigar head.
Learning
how to cut a cigar correctly ensures that every time you go to smoke one, you
can start with a clean, smooth cut to prepare it.
Light
the cigar with clean fire
Not all
fire is created equal. The flame you use to light your cigar must be clean to
prevent its impurities from passing into the tobacco. Therefore, it is
advisable to use butane lighters or wooden matches. The best way to light it is
to preheat it by placing the tip over the lighter, turning it slowly and making
sure it doesn't directly touch the flame. When the edges of the wrapper are
slightly darkened, the cigar is ready.
Cut the
cigar in half to share
Cigars are
not mixed symmetrically or evenly. The tobacco used for one end of the cigar
can be different than the other end because, to ensure a dynamic and changing
smoking experience from start to finish, the manufacturer places very specific
tobaccos in different positions. So forget about that possibility if you don't
want to ruin the enjoyment of your cigar.
Inhale
the cigar
The
enjoyment of a cigar occurs on the tongue because it is where the taste buds
are located and it is precisely a matter of appreciating its flavor, aroma and
resonance. Therefore, do not inhale the smoke because you would be tasting only
a small part of the cigar that you are smoking. Besides, it could hurt you.
Inhaling
too often
Inhaling
too frequently can cause the cigar to overheat, which could lead to a bitter
taste. One recommendation is to wait at least 30 seconds between puffs, to
allow the cigar to stay fresh.
Put out
the cigar
The best
thing to do when you finish smoking the cigar is to place it in the ashtray and
let it go out on its own. Crushing it out like a cigarette just opens up the
binder and creates more plumes of smoke as a result.
Use the
cigar box as a humidor
Although
cigar boxes come sealed by the manufacturer, it will not keep your cigars fresh.
The truth is that as soon as you open it, the cigars will begin to lose
moisture. Keep that in mind to keep your cigars in good condition.
Putting
a half-smoked cigar in the humidor
Once the
cigar has been lit it begins to give off combustion aromas that can easily
impregnate your humidor with odors that can be difficult to remove. Like
clothes, humidors and cigars absorb aromas, which could contaminate the rest of
the cigars that are stored there. Also, there is a chance that your humidor
could be damaged. So never put a half-smoked cigar in your humidor.
Storing
cigars in a refrigerator
A humidor
provides your cigars with a temperature and humidity controlled environment,
which has nothing to do with the dry cold of a refrigerator, designed to keep
food cool, not moist. So never put your cigar in a refrigerator.
Ref:
www.cigaraficionado.com