So You Want To Buy A Ciagr As A Gift

Is there a cigar aficionado on your gift list? Wondering how to choose a decent cigar for a friend or loved one? Even if you know nothing about cigars or choosing a good cigar, just learning a few basics can help you sniff out (sometimes literally) a good cigar to give to a friend.

Fortunately, cigars have now entered the mainstream. Once the symbol of the rich and powerful, it’s easier than ever for just about anyone to purchase a good cigar. Of course, you probably won’t be able to buy your friend a box of top-tier Cuban cigars, but you can definitely buy them a good quality cigar that will put a smile on their face.

First, visit your local tobacconist or specialty smoke shop for the best quality and widest selection. Avoid ‘drugstore’ cigars. Although they may be inexpensive and convenient to purchase, drugstore cigars are usually filled with preservatives and generally of poorer quality. They may contain, at minimum, saltpeter, paper, glycerin, and other preservatives and irritants. You should make sure that the cigars you purchase are made of 100% tobacco. If you have any questions regarding the cigars ingredients, ask the salesperson. An experienced and knowledgeable sales clerk will be able to tell you extensive information about the ingredients.

Your local tobacco shop is a good place to shop because you will generally be allowed to smell and touch the cigars. Squeeze the cigar gently. A good quality cigar will give a little when squeezed. The cigar should be firm, with no excessively soft or hard spots. Never buy a lumpy cigar. Look at the wrapper. If you notice any drying or discoloration, best not to buy it. Ideally, the wrapper should be tight and smooth. Inspect the color of the tobacco to make sure it is even. Do this by inspecting the end of the cigar. Some color variation is normal, but if the color changes abruptly, chances are the cigar was not rolled properly. A cigar that is not rolled properly may result in an uneven burning and unpleasant odors.

If you’re not sure how much your friend smokes, choose a longer cigar. Longer cigars tend to have a ‘cooler’ taste

How To Properly Age a Cigar

Experienced cigar enthusiasts know well the pleasures of a well-aged cigar. The subtle flavors and complex constitution of a well-aged cigar is indescribably and unforgettable. Like wine, many cigar aficionados swear by the process of aging. A great cigar, the argument goes, is an aged one. How can you attain a well-aged cigar that provides the mellow, complex flavors you crave? You can always fork over a good deal of your money and purchase a box of expensive vintage cigars. If you would rather save the money and experiment with aging on your own, here are a few tips to help you get started.

First, know that you will have to be patient if you want a properly aged cigar. You will have to age your cigars for about a year in order to achieve the flavors and complex subtleties of a well-aged cigar. Also, know that in order to achieve the rewards of a well-aged cigar; you must begin the process with a high quality cigar. If you try to age a lower quality cigar, chances are any amount of aging won’t improve their flavor significantly. Many high quality cigars that you find too strong or odorous are perfect candidates for aging. In fact, almost all high quality cigars can be improved through the process of aging.

To age your cigars, purchase a good quality humidor. Cigars must be stored in a constant and stable environment. Follow the 70-70 rules. That means the humidity must be at a constant humidity of 70%, and at a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Of course, the environment in which they are stored is crucial. Follow the usual 70-70 rules for temperature and humidity. Any more and your cigars will get moldy; any less and the aging process begins to be stunted. Maintaining a stable environment for your cigars is key – a constantly fluctuation environment can be disastrous. Swings in temperature and humidity cause cigars to expand and contract, cracking their wrappers and it may disrupt the aging process. Ideally, the space in the humidor should be about twice the volume of cigars. The lining should be cedar – cedar wood is highly aromatic wood, full of its own oils. With the passage of time, the interaction of the tobacco oils amongst themselves, and with the cedar oil of the wood it leads to a mellowing and blending of flavors resulting in that subtle complexity you can only get from proper aging.

The Surprising Popularity Of Cigar Smoking

The practice of cigar smoking has been on the rise in the U.S. since the early 90′s. In part due to a reputation as a glamorous alternative to cigarette smoking, the increase can also be tied to its popularity among celebrities, as well as to the social nature of its practice. 

But whatever the reason, it is clear that cigars are big business in the U.S. with higher sales of premium brands each and every year. 

Magazines like Cigar Aficionado portray cigar smoking as alluring, and perhaps slightly risqu

All Styles and Sizes: The Basic Types of Cigars

For the new smoker, the different styles and sizes of cigars can seem mind-boggling.  It helps to know that all cigars can be divided into two broad categories:  parejos and figurados.

Parejos refers to cigars that are basically straight.  They are subdivided into three categories:  coronas, panatelas, and lonsdales.  Coronas come in a variety of styles and famous brands.  They are known as cigars with an 'open foot' (or tip) and a rounded head.  Panatelas are generally longer than coronas, are thinner.  Lonsdales are also longer than coronas, but are thinner than panatelas. 

The second basic category consists of the figurados.  Figurados refers to cigars with that are irregular or somehow hand-shaped so that they are not strictly straight.  The smallest type of figurados is the belicoso cigars, which are known for a larger foot and a smaller, rounded head. Another basic figurado cigar is the pyramid, which have pointed heads that taper to a large foot.  The perfecto is a figurado cigar that is tapered on both the head and foot, with a thinner middle.  The largest figurado is the diademas, known as the 'giant' of cigars because it is always eight inches or longer. 

The Parts of a Cigar

What are the different parts of a cigar?  Many long-time smokers enjoy their stogies without learning the basic parts of their cigar.  While it's true that you can enjoy a cigar without knowing how it was put together, learning the basic parts of a cigar can be instrumental in helping you choose the best quality cigars.

The first thing many smokers notice about a cigar is the wrapper, the layer of tobacco on the outside of a cigar.  A cigar's wrapper is very important because it provides much of the flavor of the cigar.  The best quality tobacco leaves are usually used to construct the wrapper.  They range in color from very clear (claro) to very dark (oscuro). 

Binders are known as the 'intermediate leaves.'  They are used to hold the tobacco filler together.  Binders can vary considerably. 

Last but certainly not least is the filler used to make a cigar.  The filler is the tobacco.  Generally, filler can be either long or short.  Long filler consists of whole tobacco leaves, while short filler consists of scraps. 

How to Choose the Perfect Single

Wondering how to choose the perfect cigar?  If you're a newcomer to the world of cigar smoking, here are a few tips to choosing the best cigar.

First, note the texture of the cigar. Squeeze it gently. Is very soft, or rigid?  Ideally, the cigar should give slightly, but not too much.  Very gently, squeeze the length of the cigar to check for lumps.  A good cigar will have a consistent texture.

Next, inspect the cigar for flaws.  Any cracks or discolorations are the signs of a lower quality cigar.  The cigar's wrapper should be wrapped smoothly. 

Finally, look at the ends of the cigar.  Pay particular attention to the exposed end where cigar is lit.  If you're new to cigars, it can be difficult to gauge the quality of the tobacco.  The simplest way to judge the tobacco quality of a cigar is to inspect the color of the tobacco.  If you note any abrupt color changes, this may indicate that the tobacco leaves were not laid out properly.  Look for a cigar with a smooth blend of tobacco. 

Rashaad's Cigar Smoking Etiquette

Smoking cigars may be a great source of pleasure in your life, but the courteous smoker knows that not everyone enjoys the taste (or smell!) of a good Cuban.  With the fervor of anti-smoking campaigns still in full swing, the importance of enjoying a good stogie while not offending others cannot be stressed enough.  Simply remember that while you are smoking a cigar, it can be difficult to gauge the smell that others are experiencing.  And don't forget that cigar smokes can leave a mighty strong residue on clothing, furniture, and even the walls!  In order to enjoy your stogie without a heavy conscience, learn to become a considerate and courteous cigar smoker.

If you live with non-smokers, try to find a well-ventilated area of your residence where you can smoke comfortably.  Although it may be tempting to lock yourself away in an office or bedroom, it's probably not a good idea to smoke in an enclosed area unless it has a window.  Make sure you have easy access to the window.  Never smoke in a closed area!  You are more likely to inhale the toxic air from your own cigar.  If possible, go outside to smoke.  Pull up a lawn chair; relax on the porch, or any other open area where you can smoke comfortably.  Get as far away as possible to non-smokers, especially children and the elderly.  Remember that cigar smoke contains many carcinogens that can be easily inhaled by non-smokers.

If you must smoke a cigar outside your home, remember that the courteous and respectful smoker will only light up where legally permitted.  Do no light up in a bar, hotel, or restaurant where smoking is clearly prohibited.  The courteous cigar smoker will also make sure to smoke in the company of other smokers.  If you are with someone who does not smoke, ask his or her permission.  If they agree, be considerate about it.  Make sure the smoke isn't wafting in their direction.  Sit near an open window or space.  Make sure the air conditioner or current is moving the smoke in their direction!  Also, make sure no one around you is eating.  The secondhand smoke from a discourteous smoker is a surefire way to ruin a meal. 

A courteous cigar smoker will also be aware of their ashes.  If you must smoke outside your home, make certain to dispose of your ashes in a safe and appropriate container.  Don't forget that ashes can easily blow away, especially in lower quality cigars.  Don't litter with ashes, and be careful they don't blow near anyone around you.