So you say to yourself, “I want to Puff, Sip, Chat, Repeat …. But where do I start?”
I figured I would begin this post by telling you about my first Cigar smoking experience along with the “why” and “what”, then we’ll move into the basics of what I’ve learned in the years since my cigar smoking journey began.
Now let’s see, I started the hard way.
I learned from someone coming up to me and saying, hey try this cigar. I tried it and didn’t necessarily like it. Don’t ask me what cigar was that I smoked back then I didn’t really care and didn’t really know that I should care but I thought to myself, there’s got to be a better way! That’s when I decided to pick up a book, ask questions and learn. I was introduced to cigars by great people but they aren’t what I would call cigar aficionado’s they’re just you and me… regular folk who like cigars. I figured that if I’m going to write a blog, create a weekly podcast and host smoker events I need to know a little something and hopefully save others from some of the early pitfalls I discovered when smoking cigars. I did EVERYTHING wrong; I didn’t ask what I should smoke and when I look back, it was likely a bold cigar based on how bad my headache was the next day; I lit the cigar with a regular cigarette lighter, which is also a no-no and I’ve never smoked cigarettes, but from watching smokers inhale like their life depended on it, I thought that’s what I was supposed do with my stogie. Well, let’s just say it was not one of my finest moments (trying to be grown can sucks sometimes) so I am here to help others. I could have easily listed 25 things for a newbie to consider but I’m not that smart and why overwhelm you; Let’s keep things simple.
Here’s StickMen’s 5 basic questions for cigar newbies:
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. What is a good cigar for a beginner?” answer-0=”When you’re just starting out there is no need to break the bank on a cigar. There are a number of great low cost cigars. So many brands to choose from, but here is the insider tip…cigars are broken down into three categories: mild, medium, and bold. Interestingly, this classification has nothing to do with taste, but simply how much nicotine is in the cigar. A mild cigar is great for beginners, a medium is what you can(it’s a choice) graduate over time, and then bold if you are really up for it. I do not think it hurts to smoke a medium or bold early on so that you actually know the difference between the two but take your time, there’s no rush. I myself happen to be partial to the Perdomo Fresco cigar or Insidious Asylum. Not only are they good mild cigars (oops, I just kind of told you a great mild cigar to get), it comes at a great price point and guaranteed to deliver on flavor, satisfaction and pairs oh so well with so many fine pours.” image-0=”2818″ headline-1=”h2″ question-1=”2. How should I cut my cigar?” answer-1=”There are three primary methods of cutting a cigar;
- The most traditional method is the Guillotine cut
- Then there’s the V-cut
- Finally there is the Punch cut
For beginners, I recommend a punch cut so that you may better control the intake of smoke. Using a punch cut, you are unlikely to get the full body blast of a cigar. If you’re new to Cigar smoking, there’s no doubt that you might puff a bit too intensely those first few times. In order to acclimate a bit more smoothly a punch cut will allow you to not be so overwhelmed by the initial taste. Even though I am a long-time cigar smoker, I have come to prefer the v-cut as my favorite. It’s the great blend between the punch cut and the guillotine cut. You will however, hear many Aficionado’s say the guillotine cut is the only way to go but my suggestion is to start with the punch but eventually try them all find out what works best for you.” image-1=”2819″ headline-2=”h2″ question-2=”3. How do you light a cigar?” answer-2=”As a new cigar smoker, it’s a good idea to learn the right way to light up. Those around you will notice this :-)… no pressure! Seriously, it does impact the quality of the smoke if done improperly. First thing…. NO regular cigarette lighters. Cigarette Lighters = Nasty odor and taste. True cigar aficionado’s would tell you that the proper way to light is with a cedar match but we’re going to skip that because we want this to be easy. The easy, most practical way to light up is with a butane lighter. Do not place the cigar directly into the fire, simply hold the cigar over the flame let the flame touch the entire tip of the cigar to burn evenly and draw deeply until the cigar is lit.” image-2=”2820″ headline-3=”h2″ question-3=”4. What should I drink with my cigar?” answer-3=”I mostly recommend single malt whiskies and bourbons but cognacs, rum, rye, and port all do well. Also, if I don’t want to go all in party mode, your favorite glass of red wine usually pairs well with just about any cigar. I stay away from most white spirits unless it’s a hot summer day, then I must have a bit of ice and sweetness.” image-3=”2821″ headline-4=”h2″ question-4=”5. How do I actually smoke my cigar?” answer-4=”The proper way is to not inhale like a cigarette. You can taste all of the body and richness of a cigar without inhaling it. Take your time with your cigar. It’s meant to be savored and enjoyed. It should take about 1 hour to smoke your cigar unless you are smoking a Corona which has a smaller cigar and can often be smoked and 20 to 30 minutes. As rule of thumb I usually smoke my cigars down to about two inches left. Hardcore smokers will go down the nub and you can too but be prepared for a much stronger flavor that may not always be pleasant depending on the cigar.” image-4=”” count=”5″ html=”true” css_class=””]
The last thing I will leave you with is, how should I store my cigars if I decided to take 2 or 3 extras home for consumption on the back porch after a hard day at work OR play? I recommend a small travel case with space to store a torch lighter and cutter. As you graduate and become more knowledgeable about cigars you will want to consider a tabletop humidor at some point in the future.
Off you go and remember….. Puff, Sip, Chat, Repeat…. and not necessarily in that order!
