Cigars for Beginners: Discover the Art of Cigar Smoking
Ah, cigars! They are so much more than just smoking, they are an experience! And for many, a symbol of refinement, charisma and relaxation. Maybe it is the way the smoke curls through the air like a ribbon or the ritual that goes with it: the cutting, the lighting, the slow combustion. There is something about lighting and smoking a cigar that exudes timeless charm. If you are new to cigars, you may not know where to begin. So join us in discovering the art of cigar smoking, so that you can enjoy your first cigar like a true pro.
The Ritual of the Cigar: What Makes It So Special
Cigars are different from other forms of tobacco. You're not going to consume them quickly during your lunch break.
No, smoking a cigar takes time. Time to celebrate the craftsmanship and attention that goes into each cigar. A moment to enjoy that age-old luxury.
Furthermore, when smoking a cigar, you do not inhale, but you taste the flavor in your mouth and then exhale the smoke. Cigars are much larger and have a much more intense flavor palette than cigarettes, for example, which is why they develop a thicker smoke.
When you smoke a cigar, you use all your senses. There is the rich smell of the tobacco, the feel of the cigar between your fingers and the complex palette of flavours. Just like tasting a fine wine or whiskey, discovering which flavours suit you best is part of the fun. Because every cigar is unique.
Where to Start: Cigars for Beginners
When it comes to cigars, we talk about different sizes, flavors, and aromas. Which one is most suitable for you depends on your personal preferences and, importantly, the time you want to invest in tasting the cigar. As a beginner, it is best not to immediately choose a cigar that is too strong and intense, but to go for a mild to medium cigar with soft flavors that do not overpower your senses. Therefore, choose a thicker, easily digestible cigar. This is easier to smoke than the thinner varieties that are often spicier.
Some examples from our collection (exclusively available in our store) are the Cigar Kings from Nicaragua, a soft cigar with pure tobacco, the Inca from Peru, the first Peruvian cigar, and the Placencia from Nicaragua, an organic cigar without additives.
The composition of a cigar
A cigar always consists of filler, binder and wrapper. The filler consists of either tobacco shreds (shortfiller - not in our collection because it is usually machine-made) or rolled tobacco leaves (longfiller). This provides the basic taste of your cigar. The filler is usually a mix of different types of tobacco from different countries. The binder and especially the wrapper provide a unique taste. The two leaves lying on top of each other avoid minuscule holes that cause air loss.
The cutting and lighting: the technique
Don't go chewing on the end of a cigar like a cowboy in a fancy western. No, cutting a cigar is a delicate matter. The most important consideration is how much of the cap (the rounded tip of the cigar) you want to cut off. Choose a small opening for a more concentrated flavor or a larger opening for better smoke passage. If you cut off too much, there is a chance of loose tobacco pieces in your mouth. Therefore, use cigar scissors to make a precise, clean cut. A cut of about 3 mm is generally recommended.
Lighting a cigar is also an art in itself. The goal is to get the cigar to burn evenly for a consistent smoking experience. It is best to use a jet lighter with butane or cedar matches, as these do not emit any odors that could affect the flavor of your cigar (other lighters or candles often contain chemicals). When lighting the cigar, hold the flame just below the cigar without touching it directly with the flame. Rotate the cigar slowly to ensure that the foot (the open end of the cigar) is lit evenly.
A few pro tips: wet your cigar with your lips before you cut it. Smoke it cold first to taste the flavor (this is called a Cold Draw). The first drag on your cigar should be slow and easy so you can really taste the smoke. Inhale slowly into your mouth (not your lungs), hold for a second to fully savor the flavors, then exhale slowly. Repeat. Relax. Enjoy.
If you smoke a cigar and it gets a bit bitter, you can blow on it really hard. That will balance the cigar. You can cut off a cigar and continue smoking it later, but never put it out. Just let the cigar go out by itself (to avoid a smelly ashtray ).
Cigars & whiskey: a match made in heaven
What goes better with a cigar than a good glass of whiskey ? Both cigars and whiskey have complex, layered flavors, making them perfect companions. Beginners should choose a smooth, slightly sweet whiskey to complement your cigar in flavor rather than overshadow it. More experienced cigar smokers can pair their stronger cigars with more powerful, smoky whiskeys. An example from our collection is the Condega cigar, a spicy, medium-bodied, powerful cigar with pure tobacco.
Preserve the taste: the humidor is your best friend
When thinking about cigars, you should also think about the right storage. Cigars are delicate and need to be stored in the right humidity. Too dry and your cigar will burn too quickly and lose its flavor, too humid and your cigar will burn less well or develop mold. Enter, the humidor! This ensures that the quality of your cigars is preserved by maintaining the perfect humidity (usually 65-72%). As a beginner, it is best to invest in a small 'desktop' humidor to protect your cigars. Are you on the road a lot? With a travel humidor you can take your favorite cigars with you without any worries. Your cigars will thank you.
Conclusion: smoking a cigar is more than just the act itself. It is about a moment for yourself, slowing down and enjoying handmade luxury. An experience worthy of Loosterman!
