How to Pick Your First Cigar And Enjoy It

By: Jafree Gurner Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Choosing your first cigar is like going to the candy store for the first time with a pocket full of change. With so many different shapes, color and sizes it can be tricky to choose the right cigar. My first experience was a good one because I had an experienced cigar smoker to guide me. He kindly pointed out the different cigar brands and the similarities and differences between them. And just like he guided me, I too, will guide you in choosing the right cigar-staying right by your side as you smoke it.

It is very important that your first experience with a cigar be a good one. People tend to write-off a new hobby if the first experience is a bad. For this reason, do not buy a cigar off the Internet until later. My first suggestion is to gather a couple friends and go to your local tobacco shop, and talk to the most experienced attendant.

Cigars can be mild to full bodied. For your first cigar stick with a mild hand-rolled cigar. Romeo y Julieta, Royal Jamaica and Macanudo are brands that make wonderful mild cigars. A fair price for a good cigar is $8 to $11 dollars, which is right where you want to be.

Cigars are categorized by their size and thickness. Robusto is a short thick cigar. Corona is mid size (I suggest corona for a first cigar). Double corona is a few inches longer than corona. Quality hand-rolled cigars need to be cut. Purchase a $3 guillotine cutter or have the shop attendant cut it for you. Never use your teeth to cut a cigar.

Now that your cigar is bought and cut I will discuss how to light it properly. You can use either a wood matchstick or a butane torch to light your stogie. Place the cigar in your mouth and graze the tip of the cigar to the flame. As you graze the cigar with the fire take slow and easy puffs while rotating the cigar. Flip the cigar around to see if the entire surface is glowing orange. If there are still dark spots then continue the process.

Find a comfortable chair and some good company. Treat the cigar in your hand like a fine glass of wine-sip, savor and enjoy its aroma. Take slow easy draws, at most, every 45 seconds, and let the smoke tantalize your mouth before you release it. Do not inhale

The reason we take at least 45 second between each puff is because smoking a cigar is not a race. It is a relaxing time that should never be rushed. Also, by letting the cigar rest between puffs keeps the smoke cool and smooth in your mouth. If you notice the cigar heating up around you fingers then let it settle for a couple minutes.

Unlike cigarette tobacco, cigar tobacco is moist and will stop burning after 3 to 5 minutes if left untouched. If your cigar does go out, relight it using the same technique you used to light it. If a cigar has been out for more than 30 minutes, throw it away. The tar that settles on the tip of the cigar will cause it to taste harsh and sour.

Let the ash build up to almost an inch before you ash it. Gently tap you cigar on the edge of the ashtray. If the ash does not fall off then it is not ready to be ashed and you should continue smoking.

By following this guide you are increasing the chance that your cigar will burn evenly and smoothly from start to finish. Purchase a few more cigars as you leave the shop. Try different sizes (Robusto, corona and double corona) and compare the differences in strength, draw and flavor. If you do not have a humidor to keep them moist, you can keep them in a zip-lock bag, but for no longer than a week. Happy cigar smoking!

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About The Author: Jaff Gurner loves Zippo lighter memorabilia, and is a self proclaimed cigar aficionado. If you're looking for a place to order zippo lighter products, feel free to visit www.tobacco-barn.com/s-85-zippo-lighter.aspx