Cigars 101

Introduction
Why You Should Smoke Cigars & Why You Shouldn’t
Your Local Tobacconist – Your Best Friend
Shapes, Sizes and Shades
How to Choose a Cigar
Off With Its Cap – How to Cut a Cigar
The Art of Lighting a Cigar
Cigar Storage
Cigar Repair
Cigar Etiquette
Cigar Transportation
Glossary of Common Terms
In Closing

HOW TO CHOOSE A CIGAR

Choosing a cigar is very similar to choosing your favorite alcoholic beverage.  If your not 21, it would be the same as choosing your favorite fast food joint to drive thru.

Each of us has differing tastes when it comes to cigars, but to the newbie just trying to start enjoying cigars this can be one hell of a daunting task.  There are thousands of cigar manufacturers that create millions of different cigars in a billion sizes and shapes. Just where does one begin with all this?

Price

We live in a day where money drives a sale and it can't be ignored that an excellent cigar that is overpriced will not be a cigar you smoke often.  Believe it or not, cigar manufacturers make cigars for every budget so pick a price a get ready to go shopping.

Size

The size of a cigar is a very important aspect in how to choose a cigar.  How much time are you going to take in smoking a cigar?  The more time you have, the larger the length and the width of the cigar that you want to purchase.  If you are on smoke break and only have 15 minutes, you don't light up a Churchill or a Double Corona... ...a Robusto or a Petite would serve you much better.  Figure out how much time you have and shop for a size that reflect it.

Flavor

This aspect of choosing a cigar is difficult to pen down because it is different for each smoker.  What is smooth to me is not always smooth to you but what needs to be thought of as you purchase cigars is how did it smoke the last time?  How does the cigar smell when you open it from the wrapper/box? When you first lit the cigar, what was the initial taste you received? Did the cigar change as you smoked it and if it did, did you enjoy it?  Does the smoke that the cigar creates pleasant or acrid? Did you taste the cigar after the draw?  Was it a clean finish with enjoyable flavors or was it harsh and nasty?  Choose what aspects of flavor you enjoy and then go shopping.

Potency

This is another one of those aspects that is difficult to describe and pin down because again, it's different for each smoker.  Cigars come in differing strengths.  Some people describe a purchased cigar as one that "Knocks you on your ass"  This aspect deals with how the chemical in the cigar effect you.  All cigars contain nicotine and few experienced smokers have never had the experience of being light headed after smoking a particular cigar.  There are certain cigars which I will not smoke while driving because I'll get sick if I do. (nicotine and motion/activity)  What I am trying to get at is each cigar you purchase will effect you is a specific way.  Some you will not notice any change in you at all while others... ...well you better sit down when you smoke this one.  Choose cigars that will reflect you activity level and then go shopping.

Your Local Tobacconist... ...your best friend and mine

I left this for last because in the end, when you know nothing about cigars or you need a new experience, these people are the best source of information for you.  Please read the excerpt on your local tobacconist to understand more on what these special people can do for in in assisting you in purchasing the right cigar.