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Cigars - How do you smoke a Cigar

Cigars - How do you smoke a Cigar What could be simpler than smoking a cigar? Well, probably nothing. But smoking a cigar correctly, now that's a different matter. Correctly? Oh, how snobbish, you say. Maybe, but being a snob sometimes is the result of having higher standards. You judge.

The most basic tip is what not to do: don't inhale. Cigars are not fat cigarettes. They're not designed for the smoke to be inhaled. Nothing will prevent you the first time. The second time, you will prevent yourself.

Puff a few times and slowly blow out the smoke. Smoking cigars is a relaxing activity. Don't rush. Hold the cigar a few inches from your face, or put it down and have a sip of your favorite Cabernet Sauvignon or cognac. Actually, if your budget allows it, try some Armagnac. Very similar to cognac, but definitely a more high-toned cousin. More snobbishness, perhaps. You judge.

A good cigar will stay lit all by itself for a few minutes, but eventually go out. In this case, ignore the snobs and re-light it boldly and unashamedly. You'll find it still tastes fine. And, all rules, aside, taste is the bottom line.

After a few minutes, the band can be removed. When cold, tearing it off may pull the wrapper loose from the cigar. Best to be careful. As the cigar heats up, the heat will pass through its length and soften the glue on the wrapper, making it easy to remove safely.

Debates continue about whether and when to flick the ash. Good cigars will retain ash much longer than cigarettes will. Some aficionados make a kind of contest out of seeing how long an ash they can produce. Well, to each his own.

But, anything longer than an inch is likely to wind up on your pants or the carpet. That would make maintaining any kind of dignity difficult. Being a snob isn't easy, you know.

Smoke as much or as little as you want. Naturally, as the cigar becomes shorter, you may find the taste becoming stronger and the smoke hotter. Whether you like that or not is strictly an individual affair.

If you decide to stop, just put down the cigar in an ashtray in such a way that it won't fall out or in. In a few minutes, the cigar will stop burning spontaneously. Don't tamp the cigar out, since that will introduce unpleasant odors if you decide to re-light it.

True cigar snobs will insist that a half-smoked cigar should never be stored (such as in a glass tube) and re-lit later or the next day. Perhaps. But, if you paid $15 for a really fine macanudo and only smoked half, you may decide that being a snob is simply too expensive. Let your conscience be your guide.

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