Cigars are a definition of refined life and class. Unlike cigarettes, cigars have some sense of style that earns them respect and recognition. But, if you do not know how to light one properly or rather puff one correctly, it could cost the style and class associated with cigars. Smoking a cigar is pretty straightforward, but it can be challenging for beginners.
Cigar Cigar Info is a great starting point if you are a beginner looking to learn and understand the world of cigars. In this article, you will learn how to puff a cigar correctly and other essential things as far as cigars are concerned.
How to Cut a Cigar
How you clip the cigar at the end contributes to how easy or difficult it will be when smoking it. First, ensure you have a functional clipper, preferably a purpose-built cigar clipper. Cutting with a knife is acceptable in the event you do not have a clipper. But, this does not deliver a clean cut. You should also avoid biting the end off for the same reason the cut will not be uniform.
For the best results, snip the end of the cigar with a quick and strong motion. It will prevent you from tearing, which can negatively impact your smoking experience. You can work with what you have, but it is best to use a clipper for the best results.
Lighting a Cigar
Achieving a quality puff requires you to light the cigar properly. There are a lot of options to choose from, but a torch lighter is the best option. Wooden matches can work just fine, but they are harder to keep lit for an extended period. This makes them a poor choice for beginners who need a little more time to get the cigar started.
If you do not have a torch lighter, you can use a cigarette lighter. However, experts advise against the use of cigarette lighters as they can affect the tobacco’s flavor, mostly when they stay in contact with the cigar for long periods when lighting.
Whatever option you have, start by holding the cigar in your hand and placing the tip above the flame. Sticking it directly in the flame can affect the flavor, but this is acceptable as a beginner, and you probably will not notice the difference. After lighting, do not puff it yet. Wait to burn the end and prime the tobacco. Also, ensure you spin it around as you light it for an even burn.
How to Puff
Once you see a bit of an orange glow on the end, you can go ahead and puff. Start by putting the stogie in your mouth and start puffing. Do not inhale the smoke, and if you do, you will cough, and that should not worry you as a beginner.
A rule of thumb is to avoid drawing air with your diaphragm. If it is hard for you to draw in the air, pretend you are sucking something through a straw. Fill your mouth with smoke, and then blow it out. Do this a few times, about four to five times, until your cigar produces a thick white cloud of smoke.
At this point, you can slow down on drawing air and puffing. The thick white smoke shows that the cigar is sufficiently lit and will burn on its own for a while. Constant puffing at this point is unnecessary, and you can save the effort for occasional puffs. Take a drag or two once every minute, relax and enjoy the flavor.
Premium cigars require more time to develop than standard ones. When you puff too quickly, you risk burning the cigar too hot, resulting in a bitter taste and an uneven burn. The size and the shape of the cigar matters as not all cigars are rolled with the same density. Therefore, give your cigar a chance to rest, ensuring it burns slowly and evenly.
During Smoking
Depending on your stogie’s size, smoking it to completion may take anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours. As you smoke, your cigar will develop a full-blown head of ash at the tip. Unlike cigarettes, you do not need to tap off the build-up every so often.
You can leave the ash build-up there for a while. Again, having bigger ash building up at the end of your cigar is an indication of quality. There is no harm in letting the ash build up but do not let it get super long.
Too much ash on the end of the cigar can hinder proper airflow, resulting in irregular burning of the tobacco. This can affect the flavor and the ease of puffing as it builds up. Ensure the build-up does not go beyond an inch or so to ensure a clear way for the air. When ashing it, do not tap the cigar as you would if you were smoking a cigarette. Roll the cigar gently on the ashtray until the build-up breaks off.
