The Scrap Booking Club

have a cigar

Any cigar aficionado will tell you that a superb stogie is as enjoyable as a fine wine. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to cigar smoking, so a little research will help you buy quality cigars without burning your pocketbook. In this article, we’ll tell you what to look for in a cigar shop and how you can become an expert in cigars without spending a fortune.

The best place to look for cigars is at your local tobacco shop. Shopping at a tobacconist’s shop will allow you to inspect the cigars and you’ll get sound advice. Begin by squeezing the cigar gently. If the cigar gives a little when squeezed, it is a sign of a good quality cigar. Ideally, the wrapper should have a sheen, be smooth and wrapped tightly around the cigar. The tobacco is the essence of a cigar, so make sure that it contains good quality tobacco and that the color is uniform throughout the length of the cigar. You can do this by inspecting the end of the cigar. Some variation is acceptable but if there is a big change in color it’s possible that the cigar wasn’t rolled correctly. That can result in a stogie that burns unevenly and produces cigar smoke that has an unpleasant smell.

If you’re inexperienced with cigars and don’t know what to try first, longer cigars are a good choice because they often have a milder taste. More experienced smokers may prefer the richer flavor of thicker cigars. Thicker cigars are more robust and give off more smoke because it contains more tobacco or a blend of various leaves. Color also plays an important part in choosing your cigars. The darker the wrapper, the more full-bodied and sweeter a cigar is likely to be.

You can’t call yourself a cigar aficionado without first getting all the bells and whistles associated with cigar smoking. Cigar boxes, a personalized cigar lighter, a humidor and Cigar cutters are just some of the accessories that you can purchase. Besides being attractive, these products also have very important practical uses. Many cigars need to be aged to maximize the flavor potential. They can be stored in a cigar box, but a humidor prevents your cigars from drying out or becoming infested by insects. Cigar cutters are used to remove or penetrate the cap of a cigar before smoking it. The type of cut to make is based on personal preference and the size and/or shape of the cigar. The straight cut is the most common and the cutter will have a guillotine blade.

If you just want to put your feet up and have a cigar, almost any cigar will do. However, if you want to make cigar smoking a luxurious experience, you’ll need a quality product. As any cigar aficionado will tell you, every cigar is different, so sample a wide variety of brands. Flavor may be a matter of personal taste but craftsmanship is universal, so ask other cigar lovers what their preferences are. You may ending up finding a new favorite cigar!

Filed under: 01-Articles on May 5th, 2009