Some information to introduce you to the world of cigars
Preparing for Tasting
The first step is a visual inspection of the cigar. Carefully examine it and gently squeeze to ensure it’s not too hard or soft in certain areas. This could indicate poor draw or even that the cigar is unsmokable. Also, make sure there are no bumps along the surface and that both the label and the tobacco at the ends are not discolored.
Cutting the Cigar
There are several ways to cut the cigar cap. Here are three:
Double-Bladed Guillotine
Choose the correct end of the cigar to cut. Identify where the “shoulder” of the cigar ends, which is the point where the curved end of the cigar begins to straighten. The cutting point is just above the shoulder, where the curve is still intact (about 2-3 mm). Hold the cutter between your thumb and index finger, using your dominant hand. Place the cigar in the cutter and close one eye to align it correctly.
Remember, it’s always better to cut slightly less than too much. Cut the cigar quickly with a single, smooth motion, applying as much force as possible. Hold the cigar firmly with your other hand, ensuring it doesn’t move until it’s cleanly severed.
Cigar Punch
A cigar punch simply makes a hole in the head of the cigar. There are three different types of cigar punches available:
Bullet Punch: Attaches to a keychain; rotating it reveals a small blade that creates a hole in the cigar head.
Havana Style Punch: Safer than a bullet punch, it has a recessed part that can be inserted into the cigar head and removes the tobacco residue after punching.
Multi-Blade Punch: Offers different blade sizes to punch cigars of various sizes.
Select one of the indicated punches, preferably of the most suitable size, and push the blade into the cap. Once the blade is inserted, rotate it to create a hole, then extract the blade along with the removed part.
V-Cut Scissors
Use V-cut scissors for a better draw. This type of cutter offers smokers superior draw by cutting deeper into the cigar. One downside of using V-cut scissors is that it sometimes causes an excessive draw, making the cigar smoke too hot.
A good V-cutter is considered a tabletop item and is too heavy to carry around. A small cutter is about the size of any other small cutter and can cost as little as 5 euros. A V-cutter does not remove too much of the head, which could cause the cigar to unravel. Hold the cigar in one hand and the cutter in the other (dominant hand), with the blades open. Insert the cigar into the notch of the cutter, being careful not to insert the cigar head too deep to avoid an excessive cut. Push the cigar toward the cutter and close the blades together. Remove any tobacco residue from the cigar by gently tapping it on an ashtray or lightly blowing on the cut.
Lighting the Cigar
Follow these principles:
Light the cigar with an odorless flame, always using long wooden matches or a butane gas lighter.
Take your time to do a perfect job (even if it takes several minutes).
Lighting the cigar involves two steps:
Toasting the foot: Preheat the foot of the cigar. Heating the tobacco makes it easier to light. Hold the flame under the foot without touching it and rotate the cigar a couple of times to ensure the foot heats evenly.
Lighting: Hold the mouth of the cigar at 90 degrees to the flame and rotate it until the surface is evenly lit. Place the cigar between your lips and keep the flame about 1 cm away, drawing until the flame reaches the mouth, continuing to rotate the cigar. Gently blow on the mouth of the cigar to check for an even burn.
It’s also possible to leave the flame near the cigar and rotate it evenly until the ember is fully formed.
The ash on the cigar helps in the cooling process, thus maintaining the ideal combustion temperature: try to keep the ash long enough for a reasonable duration. Finally, remember that a cigar should never be extinguished and relit, as this would alter the flavor.
Do not inhale, gently draw the smoke into your mouth to delight your taste buds. Do not remove the band (anilla) to avoid damaging the outer wrapper. If the cigar goes out, first remove the ash, then relight without any problems.
When the sad moment comes to part from your cigar, it should not be crushed like a cigarette but left to rest on the ashtray, where it will extinguish by itself.
A habano is a masterpiece cultivated through a tradition of perfection. Allow it to extinguish with dignity.
Cigar Storage
The cigar requires a special storage system to preserve its organoleptic qualities over time. Poor storage can lead to combustion problems and a pronounced bitter taste during smoking.
There are two parameters to consider when it comes to cigar storage: humidity and temperature.
Humidity
This is the primary parameter to monitor for cigar storage. The relative humidity percentage should always remain between 65% and 70% at a temperature of 16-18 degrees Celsius.
To help the cigar maintain this relative humidity percentage, you can use a humidor: a wooden cigar box containing a humidifying element soaked in distilled or demineralized water.
A cigar with humidity below 50% tends to dry out, losing its essential oils that give it aroma, becoming essentially flat and one-dimensional in flavor. A cigar with humidity above 70% tends to swell and becomes difficult to smoke because it will draw too little and tend to become bitter.
Temperature
The importance of this parameter is significant but more indirect, as it usually does not affect the cigar’s qualities but rather its longevity. Normally it should stay between 16 and 18°C and not exceed 20°C.
Below this, the cigar, being too cold, matures very slowly and may present some smoking difficulties. Above 20°C, on the other hand, it matures very quickly and can cause damage to the cigar’s preservation.