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Cigar Smoking 101
What are the basics of cigar smoking? How do you light a cigar? Ho
w do you draw on the cigar properly? Do you inhale? What are the d
os and don'ts of cigar smoking? If you have ever pondered any of th
ese questions, read on. Here is a simple and accessible primer desi
gned to help you gain familiarity with the sometimes confusing, alwa
ys enigmatic world of cigar smoking.
First Step: Lighting Up
First, all new cigar smokers should learn how to properly light a ciga
r. Use a clipper designed for cigars to clip off the edge of the head
(the section you put to your mouth). If possible light the foot of yo
ur cigar with a cedar match. Avoid regular cigarette lighters. They
produce a nasty odor that can linger and ruin a good cigar. If you mu
st use a lighter, use butane lighter. These will keep the odor to a m
inimum. However, you should always strive to use a wooden match becau
se lighters can easily taint the foot of your cigar How do you light
up? Simply strike a match and hold the edge of your cigar over the f
lame. Avoid touching the cigar to the fire, simply hold the cigar ove
r the flame and draw deeply until the cigar is lit.
Second Step: Burn it down to a nub?
Should you burn your cigar down to a nub? Experts recommend you leave
at least two inches to your cigar. Even the finest cigars will tend
to get bitter if you let it burn all the way down. What about ashes?
Should you knock the ashes off of your cigar? Rather than knocking t
he ashes off the edge, let the cigar rest in the ashtray when you're n
ot smoking it. The ashes will fall off naturally.
Third Step: Relax and Enjoy
A cigar should never be rushed. By design, cigars should be savored
, preferably after dinner and with a glass of good brandy. Hold the
cigar between your thumb and fingers—anything else might be conside
red bad taste. Also, don't inhale deeply. The smoke should not rea
ch your lung. This is very bad for your health, and it will not hel
p you tast