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It’s perfectly understandable for you to be a bit intimidated by all the information out there about cigars. You might even be a little anxious if you’re trying to figure out which cigar is best for you.

But consider this: do you have to be an expert in the nuances and eccentricities of baseball in order to enjoy a game? Do you have to possess an encyclopedic knowledge of whiskey in order to enjoy a nice after dinner drink? Do you have to know the ins and outs of hops, barley, and wheat just to enjoy a cold beer?

You see the point: an in-depth familiarity with cigars is not necessary to enjoy them. All you need to know are a few basic attributes about cigars, and you’ll soon be smoking them like a true connoisseur.

Time of Day

The first thing you should know is that certain cigars generally go better with specific times of day. Conventional wisdom maintains that if you are planning to smoke in the morning, then smaller, milder cigars are the most appropriate. Cigars of medium flavor and size are usually preferred during the afternoon hours. And if you are lighting up a stogie at night, you should choose the longest and boldest-flavored cigars in your collection.

Cost

It’s easy to assume that the more expensive the cigar is, the better its quality will be. But you should know that this is not necessarily the case. As with wine or cars, you can certainly find high-quality cigars in any price range. When you are at a smoke shop, don’t be afraid to reveal your budget to the sales associate. He can probably pick out a few cigars which would meet your needs without sacrificing quality.

Color

If you do any cigar browsing at all, you will see that there are dozens of possible different colors associated with cigars. But they all generally fall somewhere within this scale:

Double Claro: light green wrapper, very mild flavor

Claro: light tan wrapper, smooth and mild flavor

Natural: light brown wrapper, full bodied flavor

Colorado: reddish dark brown wrapper, robust and rich flavor

Colorado Maduro: dark brown wrapper, aromatic and rich flavor

Maduro: very dark brown wrapper, sweet and strong flavor

Oscuro: nearly black wrapper, very strong flavor

if you see a wrapper shade with a hue is slightly between the colors mentioned above, you can extrapolate what the flavor will be accordingly.

Size

Does cigar size really matter? The answer is: it depends. Different-sized cigars lend themselves to different cigar-smoking experiences. As you might expect, longer cigars take more time to smoke – which could translate into more enjoyment while you smoke them. But the length of the stogie is not related to the cigar’s actual quality.

That being said, you should know how cigars are measured. The length of cigars is recorded in inches. But the width of the cigar is denoted in what is called ring gauge. The ring gauge is shown in increments of 64th of an inch. So for instance, a ring gauge of 56 would mean that the cigar is 7/8 (56/64) of an inch wide.

Both of these measurements will be denoted on the cigar’s packaging, usually in this format: Length X Ring Gauge.

So if you see a cigar with the denotation of 6X64, you know that the cigar is six inches long and 1 (64/64) inch wide.

Country of Origin

You’ve probably heard about the mystique of “a great Cuban cigar.” While Cuba is home to a long tradition of fine cigars, the nation does not have a corner on the market. Many other fantastic cigars are produced in places like Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. And unlike Cuba, these countries have trade agreements with the U.S. – which means they can legally be purchased in America.

Brand

You may hear other people bandy about specific cigar brands, such as Cohiba or Montecristo. While those are names of top-quality products, there are many lesser-known brands which are just as flavorful and enjoyable. Some of these brands include Davidoff, Macanudo, Ashton, Dunhill, or Arturo Fuente.

One major advantage to these lower-profile brands is that they are all legal for purchase in the United States, while Cohiba and Montecristo cigars are not. So if you happen to see a Cohiba or Montecristo cigar in an American cigar shop, be warned: they are probably fakes or knockoffs.

Manufacture

This one is easy: choose hand-rolled over machine-rolled. Every time. You’ll be able to tell the difference.

The biggest thing to keep in mind when making your cigar selection is this: you decide what you like. Don’t automatically choose what some cigar magazine or website tells you is the best cigar. Do some experimenting with different brands, colors, and flavors. Develop your tastes and preferences. Then smoke the cigars that taste the best to you.

The biggest part of smoking cigars like a connoisseur? Knowing what you like and being able to pick out a cigar that lets you enjoy it to its fullest!

Novice cigar smokers are like newbies at any other occupation or hobby. They need a little guidance to learn what works best for them or what suits their individual tastes. When it comes to cigars, it’s wise to start with a mild one and work up to bolder smokes.

When deciding on a starter cigar, begin with your eyes. Look for cigars that are of a medium size and have a light brown or even a tan wrapper. The color of the wrapper should be uniform. The wrapper should be of a medium thickness. Avoid any cigars that have discolored wrappers or whose wrappers appear cracked. Next, lift the cigar to your nose and test the scent without lighting it. It should have a fresh aroma—you’ll know the difference as soon as you smell one that doesn’t. The cigar should feel firm but not hard. Too loose and it will burn too fast or fall apart. Too tightly packed and it may prove difficult to draw upon.

Buy your first cigars from a reputable dealer, not from a machine. Talk to the staff at a reputable tobacco shop that specializes in a wide variety of cigars and then go with their recommendations. Take advantage of their smoking rooms so that you can focus on the experience of each new cigar as you try it. Like fine wine or rich chocolates, the better quality cigars will be obvious. Your favorites will also quickly rise to the fore.

The Wrapper

The outside of the cigar is the first sign of a quality cigar. They also contribute to the flavor and aroma of smokes, and should be taken into consideration when choosing your first cigar. Darker wrappers should be avoided at the beginning as these generally encase bolder flavored cigars. While the novice smoker may eventually prefer cigars of stronger flavor, it is wise to focus on the mild to medium smokes at first.

Connecticut Shade wrappers are considered by many to be the best non-Cuban binding for today’s cigars. They are also the most common wrappers used on mild cigars. But mild never means cheap. Connecticut wrappers are expensive and, as a result, they wrap most of the expensive cigars made today. Sweet and woodsy, they are grown in the shade and primarily in the Connecticut River Valley of the United States.

Colorado wrappers are medium brown in color—perhaps with a hint of red—and they bring a smooth taste to the cigars they wrap. They are usually associated with Cuban or Dominican tobaccos, and are a favorite among cigar smokers.

Claro wrappers are light tan and they have an extremely mild taste. Shade-grown in Cuba, these are removed from the tobacco plants before the plants are fully mature. They are slowly dried until they are ensured of providing smooth flavor to any cigar on which they are used.

A Few Cigars to Try

One of the classic cigars, the Macanudo Hyde Park has a mellow flavor that comes from double-aged Dominican tobaccos and silky medium brown Connecticut Shade-grown wrappers. This relaxing smoke leaves a hint of vanilla on the palette.

If you think you’d like a hint of coffee in your cigar, try the Arturo Fuente Chateau Fuente. These cigars have a velvety taste that appeals to new smokers. Surrounded by Connecticut broadleaf wrappers, they use only the highest quality tobaccos, ensuring smoker satisfaction.

Ashton Cordial Natural cigars are made from aged Dominican tobacco and wrapped in Connecticut Shade-grown wrappers. Creamy in flavor and aroma, these cigars are perfect for beginning cigar smokers.

The Baccarat Churchill Maduro is blended with mild Honduran tobaccos. It is a hand rolled cigar with sweet, dark wrappers. In this case, don’t let the dark wrappers make you step away from this cigar. Mild and affordable, this is a cigar that is enjoyed by beginning smokers as well as connoisseurs.

Antonio y Cleopatra brand cigars offer mild taste that is created in Puerto Rican. Although machine made, these reasonably priced cigars are made with tobacco that comes from Cuban seed. The sweetness of these smokes begins mild but rises smoothly to a more medium flavor. These might provide that next step up in flavor for beginning smokers who are ready to try something a little stronger.

Another mild tobacco comes in the form of the La Flor Dominicana Macheteros cigar. These premium cigars are handcrafted using Dominican tobaccos rolled in mild or medium Connecticut wrappers. The flavor and aroma are perfect for the beginning connoisseur.

Don’t Be Overwhelmed

A cigar smoker in training can easily feel overwhelmed at the choices that are available in cigars. Differences in color and size, flavor and aroma, and price must all be considered. That is why it’s a wise newbie who seeks advice and then follows it from those who were beginners before him.

How to cut a cigar – By Churchills Fine Liquor and Cuban Cigars

Ah, the fine premium cigar. There truly is nothing to compare to the experience of a fine cigar, a glass of really good cognac, and an evening in the shade. It is a peaceful experience to say the least.

However, have you ever looked at your high-profile smoke and wondered what the events were that led to the making of it? Most true cigar aficionados have at one point or another.

The chain of events that led to the production of the cigar that you now hold in your hand is a long one, spanning back over 500 years. It all began when a brave explorer by the name of Christopher Columbus decided to throw caution to the wind and risk it all to prove that there was more to the world than everyone knew at the time. In 1492, he found success, along with a little something in the new world called tobacco.

Ironically, Luis De Torres of a Spanish Envoy to America decided to take some back to his home for personal use. After spotted lighting it, he was arrested for witchcraft and sentenced to a decade in prison.

The presence of tobacco popped up again as Cortez stumbled upon a tribe of Aztec natives that are smoking tobacco. Through Cortez, the tobacco makes its way throughout Spain. From there, the pipe-smoked substance began to grow in fame and use. By the mid 1500’s, tobacco had made its’ way all the way to France where the first seeds were planted and cultivated by a monk by the name of Andre Thevet.

From there, tobacco made its’ way to the distant lands of Portugal, Russia, Turkey, and Italy. The Portuguese, via a trade route, introduce it to the Japanese. Onward it spreads to Morocco, Egypt, and even to the Philippines. Finally, in the early 1600’s, it makes a full historical circle as documents reveal that the husband of Pocahontas, John Rolfe, brings tobacco to the state of Virginia.

By the early 1600’s, Cuba has built a solid name for fine tobacco growth and becomes the major supplier for the majority of the known world.

In the mid 1700’s, the infamous Catherine the great creates the cigar band as a concept. It seems that Catherine would smoke cigars so often that her fingers would take on a brownish colored stain. Therefore, to avoid this, she had a band designed so she could hold her cigars without the irritating stain.

From there, it is only a matter of time until the major brands began to establish themselves. Cohiba, H. Upmann, Partagas, El Rey del Mundo, Sancho Pancza, Romeo y Julieta, Hoyo de Monterrey, Montecristo and the rest of the premium cigars that you and I enjoy today become very notable over the next century.

That brings us to the here and now. Today, we can sit back and enjoy our fine cigars knowing that they have a history that dates all the way back to Christopher Columbus. So when you enjoy that next high-profile smoke, blow a plume and say, “Here’s to you Chris!”.

Every day, we make ways to keep our lives in order. We follow steps and rules to make sure that everything works properly. Whether it be our cars that need regular oil changes, running the virus scans on our computers, or seasoning a cigar humidor; without the proper attention and time, these expensive investments will not last.

Cigar humidors are one of the most expensive investments a cigar enthusiast can spend on. Although lots enthusiasts have this expensive accessory, only a few of them truly know how to season them the right way. Most of them end up destroying these fine pieces of cigar accessories.

Cigar humidors are a good gift to cigar enthusiasts; especially those who are only beginning to appreciate cigars. However, receiving this gift can be a problem, as not all of them know how to use them and, what’s worse is that, it does not come with instructions on how to properly season it. Properly seasoning a cigar humidor is important to keep your cigars fresh. If you own a cigar humidor and dont know how to properly season a cigar humidor, you will end up with cigars you would rather throw in the garbage instead of smoking them.

Spanish cedar or mahogany is used to line the interior of cigar humidors as they are known to absorb moisture well and hold the humidity within it. They are also known to repel fungus. But before these woods are used, manufacturers must first dry them up; this makes them more sensitive to humidity. If you encounter these kinds of wood in your humidors, and you don’t know the proper way to use them you will end up with too much moisture in your cigar humidor and will end up destroying them. One of the key tricks in cigar humidor is using only distilled water. Distilled water is important because it will not cause buildup in the humidor; you will also need a brand new sponge.

Here are the basic steps to seasoning a cigar humidor

The first step is to soak a sponge with distilled water and wipe down the insides of the cigar humidor. It is important that all the surfaces in the interior are wiped well. The next step is to fill up the humidification device according to the specifications of the cigar humidor and soak the sponge for a second time. Place the sponge inside it and let it sit for 24 hours.

After 24 hours, take the sponge out of the humidor and wipe its interiors once again. The last step in seasoning your cigar humidor is to refill the humidification device. Once you have properly seasoned the cigar humidor the interiors will retain the humidity and will keep your cigars as fresh as the day you bought them.

Now you know how to keep the humidity in your cigar humidor, the next thing you should know is why you should control the humidity.

One of the biggest myths in humidity in the cigar humidors is that the lower the temperature will ensure a higher humidity level inside it and vice-versa. However, this is not true.

This myth claims that if you are maintaining 70% humidity at 70 degrees in your cigar humidor and the temperature falls by 5 degrees, then you should increase the humidity level by 5% to compensate the loss. The reality is that regardless of the temperature drop or increase, the humidity level should be definitely kept at 70%.

The reason why the humidity needs to be controlled is because a cigar needs just enough water to keep its tobacco fresh but not so much as to soak it with moisture. Whatever the change in temperature is, it is important that the level of humidity is kept at the same level. This is because the humidity the hygrometer is reading is not the level inside the cigar but the moisture level inside the cigar humidor. The reading on the hygrometer should be kept at 70%.

Knowing the proper way of seasoning a cigar humidor is the only way to preserve your precious cigars. Once you know the proper way, you can start enjoying your cigar smoking experience.

Cigar lighters are not like any other fluid filled lighter, or match, which could potentially destroy your fine hand made cigar.

A fluid filled lighter for cigarettes can contain fuel which will contaminate your cigar as it will leave a taste upon the end of your cigar which will be sucked through the whole of the cigar damaging the tastes and aromas of the cigar from the beginning to the end.

It’s important to use proper cigar lighters as these contain purely triple filtered or even higher Butane. Butane is a gas which is odourless and tasteless. This means that it is specifically used in cigar lighters as when you light up your cigar with this lighter it will not affect the taste and aromas of the cigars.

It is also important to make sure that you do not use a match to light your cigar. This will again ruin the aromas and tastes of the cigar as a match is dipped in sulphur to help it spark up, which when breathed in will contaminate the whole of the cigar. Also lighting a cigar with a match will almost always mean that the cigar will be lit unevenly.

It is particularly important to use real cigar lighters to light up your cigar as a cigar is a finely produced product, which will have gone through different tobacco curing techniques to produce different aromas and tastes. A fine cigar will also have been hand rolled by someone who can roll hundreds of identical cigars a day. Also a cigar may have then been further matured in a special wooden box for years to produce its final aromas and tastes. Lighting a cigar without a cigar lighter will ruin the cigar and make this fine process worthless.

The best cigar lighters have a double, triple or torch flame. This will mean that that flame will be intense and a colour of blue or green. An intensive neat flame will ensure that when lighting the cigar, you will achieve an even light. When you light the cigar with your cigar lighter slowly turn the cigar while drawing in the air slowly. The cigar lighter will ensure that the cigar is not spoilt by unwanted tastes or odours, leaving you to enjoy your cigar to its full potential.

The indigenous inhabitants of the islands of Mexico and the Americas smoked cigars as early as 1100 A.D. This is evidenced by the discovery of a ceramic vessel at a Mayan archaeological site located at Uaxactun, Guatemala. A painted figure of a man smoking a rudimentary form of cigar adorns the vessel.
 
It was the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus who officially inaugurated Europe to the pleasure of smoking tobacco. Because of this, he is credited with being the catalyst for the advent of the modern handmade cigar. He visited the indigenous population and noticed that they used tobacco for medicine, tribal rituals and for spiritual practices.
 
Rodrigo de Jerez and Luis de Torres, two crewmen who sailed with Columbus, are said to have been introduced to tobacco for the first time on the island San Salvador in the Bahamas. There, during the famous voyage of 1492, natives offered them fragrant dry leaves with an aroma that lingered after it was lit. Further exploration revealed that tobacco was widespread among the other island tribes, such as Cuba, which is the location where Columbus and his men established their first official settlement.
 
Columbus exported tobacco back to Europe and it was immediately all the rage. In fact, tobacco was such hit that, to much of the European population, the idea of farming tobacco served as a rationale for the colonization of North America, South America and the Caribbean.
 
Ship manifest records of 1592 recorded that the Spanish galleon, San Clemente, brought 50 kilograms, or 110 pounds, of tobacco seed over the Acapulco-Manila trade route to the Philippines. There the seed was allocated to Roman Catholic missions, where the clerics discovered that the climate and soil were ideal for growing high-quality tobacco.
 
In the centuries that followed, the use of tobacco became widespread. Its use for recreational purposes and as a stimulant became popular among people who worked long hours. By the 1700’s, Cuba became the premiere location for the best tobacco and for the development of what we know today as the modern cigar. The origins of the English word “cigar” come from the Spanish word cigarro, which in turn was a derivative from the Mayan word for tobacco, siyar.
 
From the 1700’s to today, Cuban cigars and Cuban tobacco became recognized as the world’s finest. However, the Communist take-over of Cuba by Fidel Castro in the early 1960’s, and the subsequent U.S. embargo, challenged that country’s title. Former Cuban cigar-makers took their skills and seeds to the Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Honduras and Mexico, producing high-end cigars categorized as premium and super-premium.
 
Today, the exquisite pleasure of the premium cigar remains one luxury that connoisseurs enjoy worldwide. Handmade cigars that are part of this remarkable heritage may be obtained online through premium companies.
 
Enjoy laughter. Enjoy life. Enjoy a fine cigar.

Most cigars go out in between, and this is considered normal. Even an ardent cigar connoisseur will have to relight a cigar from time to time. In this matter, smoking a cigar is different from smoking a tobacco cigarette. One of the differences is that you do not take in the cigar smoke fully. Instead, the cigar lover would let the smoke linger in his mouth; and afterwards, he smoothly blows it out. Surprisingly, there is a lot more to smoking a tobacco cigar in the right manner. The seasoned and true cigar connoisseur does not enjoy the entire cigar at one go. He would not smoke it past the ribbon because it will not taste better and it is also against proper cigar smoking etiquettes. Cigar connoisseurs usually sit indoors alone or with some friends to enjoy the experience of smoking a cigar. However, some people prefer to smoke a cigar outside, wherever they like. But it is believed that you will be able to extract the most from your tobacco cigar and enjoy the flavour better, if you take time by being with some good friends.

A cigar connoisseur does not stub out a cigar. Instead, he would enjoy the smoke up to the ribbon and would place the cigar in the ashtray; there, the cigar goes out by itself, and that is the way it is done. He usually holds the cigar with his thumb and index finger. If he is smoking a longer cigar, he might use his thumb, index finger, and the middle finger as well. Sticking to the etiquettes, do not hold it between the index finger and the middle finger as in the case of a cigarette.

Cigars taste even better when served with some hot drinks like cognac or brandy. It is considered a mark of elegance and sophistication to smoke a cigar while having cognac. The drink will help conceal the taste of the ash you have in your mouth as you smoke. It will also act up as an enhancer to the cigar smoking experience. However, even if you do not drink, the cigar would still taste nice.

When a cigar company manufactures its own cigars, it is likely to take ample time to produce a perfect tobacco cigar. Although the manufacture of these cigars requires hard work and precision, do not forget about growing the main ingredient, the tobacco plants. It takes more care and dedication to have a good crop. Actually, this aspect pushes the tobacco company to grow only the finest tobacco plants and use it as fillers for their cigars. This will help the company offer the much needed customer satisfaction.

With quality above everything else, some of the leading cigar companies use this principle in their business practices. They offer cigars at affordable prices; the quality of cigars is guaranteed and the customers will come back for more tobacco cigars of the same brand. With a unique taste and a smooth, yet strong, draw, these fine cigars are sure to offer a delightful taste.