Table of Contents s197

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

MOMMY, WHERE DO CIGARS COME FROM - Origins

VIRGIN TERRITORY – Tips for New Smokers

HOW TO BE SEEN AS A TRUE CIGAR AFICIONADO THE WHOLE IS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS – What’s In A Cigar?

TALK THE TALK – Glossary

THE NAME GAME – Shapes and Sizes

TASTY WRAPPERS – Flavor Cues in Wrapper Colors

I GIVE IT A 75, DICK – How To Rate A Cigar

START SMALL – Selecting The Perfect Single

BE A CUT UP – How to Trim Your Cigar

NIPPERS, CLIPPERS AND SCISSORS – Cigar Trimming Tools

TORCH JOB – Lighting Your Cigar

A HOME OF THEIR OWN – Humidors

CONSUMER GUIDE – Buying a Humidor

ALTERNATIVE LIVING – Other Storage Methods

AGE-DEFYING SECRETS – Aging Your Cigars

FIREMAN, SAVE MY STOGIE! – Refreshing a dry smoke

GO BLOW – How to Blow Smoke Rings

DRINKING AND SMOKING – Perfect Together

SMOOTH MOVES – Etiquette

DO’s AND DON’Ts CIGAR FUN FACTS – Famous People and Stories about Cigars

STOGIES IN THE COURTROOM INTRODUCTION

“If I cannot smoke cigars in heaven – I shall not go” – Mark Twain

Where were YOU in ’92? Not 1992…1492!

Before you grandfather’s grandfather was even a sparkle in HIS grandfather’s eye, Christopher Columbus was out discovering America and something else, too – tobacco! From lowly tobacco came the most elevated of pleasures – the fine cigar.

It really was the beginning of a whole New World! Cigar popularity burned a path back to the continent, setting Europe afire before finding its way back to America again.

When Victoria was queen, cigars were king in England, but their enjoyment was limited to private clubs and residences. Cigars were kept behind closed doors until the ‘enlightened’ time of King Edward.

In 1901, the new monarch ascended to the throne and his first words as King were,

"Gentlemen, you may smoke!"

In America in 1901, it’s believed that 4 out of 5 men in the U.S. were cigar smokers! The stogie was prized by statesmen, royals, gentlemen and generals. Its popularity has never stopped growing.

Today, men and women freely share the myriad pleasures of a good premium cigar. A renaissance of cigar bars and a renewed interest in ‘cigar culture’ is a worldwide phenomenon…a phenomenon that you’re about to join.

You’ll be in great company. Cigar aficionados are known around the globe as connoisseurs of the finer things in life; men and women who appreciate the best food, wine and liqueurs. There’s no better time to enjoy a cigar than after a meal with dessert and coffee, or perhaps with cognac or a glass of port.

Of course, cigars aren’t just for after dinner. Kick back after a day at work with a smooth corona. Take your pooch out for a walk and enjoy a mild panatella. Enjoy a walk along the shore with…well, you get the idea! The best time to have a cigar is ANY time you want to relax and enjoy being youself.

Author’s Note: Throughout the book, we’ve mentioned some interesting brand name products. These references are purely subjective and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product. But rest assured that no manufacturer, distributor or on-the-line cigar roller has paid us to have his/her product mentioned in this book.. CHAPTER: MOMMY, WHERE DO CIGARS COME FROM? – ORIGINS

There’s no question that cigars were made in heaven – aromatic, flavorful, a perfect end to a perfect day. But although cigars may PHILOSOPHICALLY be heaven-sent, they come to your tobacco store by far more earthbound means.

Growing tobacco requires exceptional artistry and experience. Plants are lovingly nurtured in strictly controlled conditions until the little seedlings are ready to be transported to fields.

Fun fact: Two tablespoons of seed can produce 10 acres of cigar tobacco!

First comes the harvesting of the leaves, in itself a thoughtful and careful process. Leaves that are harvested from the bottom of plants (Valdo) have the mildest flavor. Middle level leaves (Seco) deliver middling flavor, while the top leaves (Ligero) have the greatest exposure to the sun, and therefore the most pronounced taste.

These pre-sorted leaves are re- sorted according to size and texture. They’re bundled and hung to dry (cure) for 6-8 weeks. During curing, the tobacco leaves must be able to release moisture (sweat or ferment) rid themselves of toxins like ammonia and other chemicals that develop during the process. If proper fermentation has not occurred during curing, the resulting tobacco will not burn steadily and will have a harsh, bitter taste.

In preparing a premium cigar, the blender will carefully sort and strip the three components of a smoke – the filler, the binder and the wrapper. All this must be completed prior to the creation of the unique combination (recipe) of tobacco and wrapper that will result in a perfect smoke.

The blender assembles a special combination of tobacco leaves to make the filler. Depending on the type of cigar, its size and ring gauge, there may be as few as two and as many of four tobacco leaves in the mix. Blending is an art unto itself.

The next art is shaping, and the ‘hand’ of the expert is revealed in a consistent shape and texture. A buncher forms the filler leaves into a neat cylindrical shape. A binder leaf comes next. Then, the entire cigar is placed into a mold to gently and slowly ‘massage’ it into a perfect cigar shape.

When the shape has been achieved, a roller applies the outer wrapper leaf of tobacco and voila – cigar perfection…almost. After the cigar maker has ‘introduced’ the elements of the cigar to one another, the stogies are placed in the "marrying room" for a 3-week (minimum) honeymoon together. The ‘marrying room’ is actually a tobacco aging room, usually made of cedar, in which temperature and humidity are carefully controlled.

During this time, Nature brings the various tobacco components together to synethesize their best qualities into the richly layered taste of a fine cigar. CHAPTER: VIRGIN TERRITORY (Tips for New Smokers)

“Love is like a cigar. If it goes out you can light it again, but it never tastes quite the same.” -- British Field Marshal Lord Wavell, 1943

New to smoking cigars? Don’t worry. Even Winston Churchill had to start somewhere.

Cigar Secrets is filled with lots of information about choosing cigars, lighting and smoking them, accessories, etc. But this page is devoted to answers to questions many ‘virgins’ ask. A Cigar Newbie’s FAQ, if you like. (And don’t be too hard on yourself – some of the, shall we say, more ‘experienced’ smokers who are reading this book could do with a refresher in these basics too.)

So start here and keep on reading. And why not enjoy a good smoke while you do?

 What’s a ‘premium’ cigar? Only cigars handmade by experts from a choice blend of top-quality tobaccos and aged to perfection may truly be referred to as premium.

 If I can pick up a cigar at my local drugstore, why should I spent all that money at a fancy tobacco store? I can buy a Twinkie at MY local drugstore for a lot less money than a muffin at the French bakery down the street, but do you really think the quality is the same? Come on. Don’t be coy. You know better.

Pre-packaged cigars often include non-tobacco ingredients like paper, PG or Glycerin (to prevent drying) and even saltpeter! Quality cigars, the ones that you’ll purchase from a reliable merchant, contain only tobacco. Further, better cigars are rolled with top of the line leaves and are made with leaves that run from end to end (called ‘top filler’).

 Is the price of a cigar indicative of its quality or its consistency? High prices do not guarantee good cigars. It's the smoker's (happy) dilemma to judge their relative worth. This is one situation where trial and error can be fun…albeit a bit costly.

 What’s the story with ordering cigars by mail? Mail order cigar distributors – and there are a wealth of them on the Internet – offer the advantage of a good product and great prices, usually highly discounted over what your local merchant will charge. The downside is the minimum purchase requirement – Don Diego’s Casa de Cigars wants you to spend $100 for a box, not $5 for a single. You should also remember that your local tobacconist is a source of information and advice, as well as cigars and accessories. Stop by the shop to see and smell what’s new.

 Speaking of what’s new, are cigars supposed to be aged or fresh? The word ‘fresh’ is probably not the best adjective to apply to a cigar. Premium cigar rollers utilize tobacco that has been aged for 18-24 months before rolling and then the manufacturer may age them an additional year before releasing them to distribution outlets.

So any way you smoke it, your stogie is hardly ‘fresh.’ Many people still savor the flavor of pre-Castro Cubans, and we’ve even read about cigars from the 1940’s which still taste great. In fact, some people have such a preference for ‘vintage’ cigars that they age their stogies themselves.

 Can I figure out how a cigar will taste just by knowing what country it was made in? Cigars are a global industry and each country’s cigars have textures and flavors that reflect different rolling techniques, unique curing or aging processes, even the difference in soils from one region to another. You could spend a lifetime getting to know the subtleties and nuances of each. (Sounds good, huh?)

It’s likely that the first cigars you choose will be from the Caribbean.

If you’re looking to start out with a mild smoke, go Jamaica. On the other end of the scale are cigars from Nicaragua and Honduras which are considered strong and heavy. In between are cigars from the Dominican Republic. And, at the top of the list – cigars from Cuba, the richest and most prized in the world. CHAPTER: HOW TO BE SEEN AS A 'TRUE' CIGAR AFFICIONADO AT HOME AND ON THE MOVE

“A youth with his first cigar makes himself sick; a youth with his first girl makes everybody sick” – Mary Wilson Little

Even before you know what you’re doing, you can ‘look the part’ of an accomplished cigar smoker. Armed with these four essential items, only YOU need to know the truth.

CIGAR CUTTER There are just some things a cigar smoker can't do without. This is one of ‘em. Sure you can chew off the end of you cigar and just spit it out, but nothing says you’re a true connoisseur better than pulling out your own personal cigar cutter. (We’ve devoted 2 chapters to the art of cutting and the science of selecting a good tool.)

LIGHTER If you’re spending a goodly sum on your cigar, don’t let your investment go up in smoke (the wrong way) because you didn’t invest in a decent cigar lighter. With all due respect to the little plastic wonder, a disposable Bic from the drugstore really doesn’t make the grade. Proper lighting is a key factor in ensuring that your cigar will taste its best!

Avoid a regular gas lighter as the fumes will be passed on to the cigar itself, and spoil the more delicate flavors. The best implements are odorless butane lighters and good old wooden matches (Our chapter on lighting your cigar gives you some special tips about matches. Don’t miss it!)

Smokin’ Product: Colibri offers a huge range of high-tech pocket lighters, including many combination types with integrated tools and cigar cutters.

CIGAR TUBE/CARRYING CASE Not to be confused with the humidor, a carrying case is a home-away-from-home for a cigar ‘on the go’. Tubes help seal in moisture, allowing you to keep a well- conditioned cigar fresh for up to 2 days outside a humidor. Tube come in glass or metal, and there are beautiful leather cases available, too.

Don’t continually open your tube to smell the tobacco. You'll be letting in dry air which will contribute to their deterioration. And try to avoid tubes with cork stoppers since they slowly exchange moisture with the "outside" air.

ASHTRAY What makes a cigar ashtray different from a normal ashtray? Most importantly, cigar ashtrays make it possible to rest the cigar without disrupting the ash, which can definitely improve the way the cigar burns

An excellent (and growing) range of cigar trays in a variety of materials and styles are being offering from well-known cigar brands including Dunhill and Perolo. Some ashtrays are feature famous cigar logos such as Cohiba, H. Upmann and others.

Many of the Hillwood ashtrays match their wood and leather humidors, making an attractive ‘smoking bar’ at home. Dunhill's crystal ashtrays are also popular and come equipped with up to four cigar rests. Though more rare, porcelain ashtrays may also be found. CHAPTER: THE WHOLE IS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS – WHAT’S IN A CIGAR

If you dissected a cigar, by slicing it down the middle with a razorblade, you’d find three separate and distinct components: the wrapper, the binder, and the filler. These quality of these components (and the craftsmanship of the roller) will affect every aspect of your cigar experience – from flavor to aroma, from light- ability to draw.

The Wrapper This is the element of a cigar that’s evident to the naked eye. A good wrapper is smooth, thick and slightly oily. The veined leaves vary in color from green to black and are harvested around the world. Industry experts say that 75% of a cigar’s flavor resides in its wrapper.

The world’s most popular wrappers hail from the U.S. (Connecticut), Cameroon, and Cuba (of course!)

The Filler Filler leaves are found at the center of a cigar and compose the majority of its contents. Usually a blend of leaves, the filler may be a mixture of tobacco from different fields on a farm, different regions in an area, or even completely different countries.

The evolving art of blending is thanks to master blenders whose “recipes” combine the leaves of different plants and harvests in an effort to achieve the smooth, balanced flavor that is the hallmark of a fine smoke.

The Binder The binder leaf is the hardest work leaf in tobacco-dom. Found between the wrapper and the filler, the binder is responsible for keeping the cigar ‘true to form’ – appropriately shaped.

In addition to its shaping duties, the binder is also important to controlling the burn of a cigar. If a cigar is lit too quickly, the filler will expand and rip or tear the binder, causing a run up the side and a smoke headed prematurely for ‘Cigar Heaven.’ CHAPTER: TALK THE TALK – Words you need to know

Every art, science, game and hobby has its vocabulary. You know – the cool words that make you sound in the know and part of the scene.

But there’s more to talking the talk than trying to sound impressive. If you’re serious about cigars and cigar culture, you need to be able to communicate clearly in order to make sure you get what you want.

So here are some important terms and terminology for you to master. (We haven’t included cigar names that refer to shape and size as you’ll find them in a separate chapter.)

 Amatista—a glass jar usually containing 50 cigars (sometimes 25), sealed and sold "factory fresh

 Band-- A ring of paper wrapped around the closed head of most cigars, often bearing the name of the brand, country of origin, and/or indication that the cigar is hand-rolled.

 Barrel - the body of a cigar; the shank.

 Binder leaves - the intermediate leaves that hold the leaves of the filler tobacco together

 Blend-- The mixture of different types of tobacco in a cigar, including up to five types of filler leaves, a binder leaf and an outer wrapper.

 Bloom – a harmless white film caused by tobacco oils rising to the surface of the cigar wrapper. Usually indicates a strong taste.

 Bouquet—used to describe the smell of a fine cigar and, of course fine wine, but strangely not the smell of a fine bunch of flowers.

 Bunch - the intermediate cluster of filler tobacco in a cigar

 Cap – the small flag of wrapper leaf and vegetable gum-based glue that a cigar roller uses to seal the head of a cigar

 Chaveta - the knife used in a cigar factory for cutting the wrapper leaf.

 Cigarillos - thin, three-inch cigars, popular in Europe, generally machine-made, and often with homogenized wrappers

 Credo – a humidification device that CHEMCIALLY regulates the environment of a humidor. Now a generic term, Credo was the brand name of a manufacturer of PG- based humidification devices for humidors.

 Draw--the amount of air that gets pulled through a lit cigar.

 Flag Leaves-- used instead of a cap. Flags are sometimes tied off in a pigtail or a curly head.  Hot – a cigar draw that is too easy, often because it has been under-filled during rolling

 Inhale – the big No-No of cigar smoking. Do you inhale? Just say NO!

 Long Filler - The bunch of tobacco found at the center of the cigar which contains the whole leaf running from head to foot. (See also Short Filler)

 Foot - the end of the cigar that you light.

 Head - the end of the cigar that you put into your mouth. (see Cap)

 Humidor – a cigar storage box with controlled humidity. Humidor is most likely used for wooden boxes with unfinished interiors. (See also Igloodor and Tupperdor)

 Hygrometer – a device to measure relative humidity (no good humidor should be without one)

 Igloodor - an insulated storage container for cigars, usually somewhat large.

 Long Filler - Tobacco leaf that is long enough to run the entire length of a cigar's bunch.

 Piercer – Used to cut/pierce a small hole in the end of a cigar (also called a ‘lance’)

 Plugged – a cigar draw that is too tight, (A little massaging of the cigar may relieve a plugged draw)

 Propylene Glycol (PG) - employed n the humidification of tobacco products. (Amaze your friends – PG is also used in cosmetics, lotions, and ointments).

 Ring Gauge - The diameter of a cigar's barrel, expressed in 64ths of an inch. A half-inch cigar would be a 32 ring. (32/64)

 S.A (Sociedad Anonyma). – the Spanish-language equivalent of Incorporated – Inc. that is likely to appear on any box of cigars

 Short Filler - The bunch of tobacco found at the center of the cigar comprised of scraps of tobacco sometimes the trimmings of long filler. (See Long Filler)

 Shoulder - where the head of the cigar meets the barrel.

 Tobacco Beetle – Scourge of the aficionado, destroyer of precious cigars.

 Tunneling—the uneven burning of a cigar

 Tupperdor - A air-tight plastic container used for storing cigars. (Slip and say ‘Tupperware’ and you’ll be laughed out of the tobacco store).

 Vuelta Abajo-- a valley in Cuba which arguably produces the best cigar tobacco in the world.

 Wrapper – a leaf of (usually) high quality tobacco wound around the center of the cigar. The wrapper leaf is chosen for it’s texture, veining, elasticity and complexion. CHAPTER: THE NAME GAME – Cigar shapes and sizes

“What this country needs is a really good 5-cent cigar “ – American politician Thomas R. Marshall, 1920

“There are plenty of good five-cent cigars in the country. The trouble is they cost a quarter. What this country really needs is a good five-cent nickel.” -- U.S. Journalist Franklin P. Adams, 1920

Although it has it’s ins-and-outs, let’s face it: cigar smoking is not rocket science and it was never intended to be. Identifyting cigars by their shape and size is simply a matter of study and practice.

Cigar have two dimensions: length and ring gauge. Ring gauge is a measurement divided into 64ths of an inch, and refers to the cigars diameter. A cigar with a ring gauge of 32, for example, measures 32/64ths of an inch in diameter – aka a half-inch cigar.

Quick tip (and it rhymes, too!): The larger the gauge, the fuller the flavor; the longer the length, the cooler the favor.

CHAPTER: CLASSICAL CIGAR SHAPES

The following is a list of cigar shapes and sizes. The first measurement is length (in inches); the second is ring gauge. (Don’t know about ring gauge? Check our glossary of terms!)

PANATELAS More popular in years past than today, panatelas have more variation in length than almost any other cigar size.  Small Panatela (5 x 33)  Short Panatela (5 x 38)  Slim Panatela (6 x 34)  Panatela (6 x 38)  Long Panatela (7-1/2 x 38)

CORONAS  Petit Corona (5 x 42)  Corona (5-1/2 x 42)  Corona Extra (5 1/2 x 46)  Robusto1 (5 x 50)  Long Corona (6 x 42)  Toro (6 x 50)  Lonsdale (6-1/2 x 42)  Grand Corona (6-1/2 x 46)  Churchill (7 x 47-48)  Giant Corona (7-1/2 x 44)  Double Corona (7-3/4 x 49-52)) FIGUARDOS  Petite Belicoso (5 x 50)  Belicoso (6 x 50)  Torpedo (6-1/2 x 52)  Pyramid (6-7 x 52-54)  Giant (9 x 52)

EXOTIC  Culebra - This most exotic shape is actually three panatellas braided together and banded as one cigar. You smoke them separately. They are usually 5 to 6 inches in length, most often with a 38 ring gauge. Culebras are hard to come by today. CHAPTER: TASTY WRAPPERS

"Never judge a cigar simply by the look of its wrapper. You could be disappointed or, worse, you could miss the smoke of your life." John Oliva, Oliva Tobacco Company

The most obvious of the three cigar components - wrapper, binder and filler - wapper leaves present readily present themselves for inspection when you’re making your purhcase. Some industry experts claim that up to 75% of the flavor of a cigar comes from wrappers, so be sure to get to know them well. “Kick the tires” so to speak of each new stogie you buy.

To pass muster, wrapper leaves should be thick and have an oily feeling. They should posess a smooth and uniform color, with small veining running throughout the leaf. The veins should be subtle, not prominent, and no blemishes should mar the leaf

With all these tests to pass, it’s no wonder that wrapper leaves are carefully grown, aged and selected…and often a place where ‘unscrupulous’ manufacturers will try and skimp.

Wrappers are actually categorized by country of origin, but for most cigar smokers it’s easier to identify wrappers (and their flavor) by color than by country.

Quick tip: The darker the color, the greater the oil and sugar content of the wrapper and the sweeter and stronger the flavor is likely to be.

SHADE-GROWN VS. SUN What influences the color of wrappers? Cigar leaves that have no shading during growing develop a richer reddish hue with more robust flavors. Tobacco grown in the shade, often utilizing cheesecloth, produces pale brown/khaki- colored leaves.

Darker wrappers often come from high altitudes where exposure to the sun causes the leaves to produce oil as a form of self-protection. The sun also promotes the production of sugar through photosynthesis. Other dark wrappers may have spent more time at the tobacco ant and aged naturally, or they may have been fermented longer.

Here’s what you should now:

 CLARO  Shade grown tobacco – protected from harsh light by large canopies -- is usually light tan in color (claro). It offers a smooth smoke with a neutral flavor.

 CONNECTICUT BROADLEAF  From the Connecticut River Valley, this leaf is grown in the sun, which results in a coarser, darker, sweeter wrapper.

 CONNECTICUT SHADE  This wrapper leaf develope its distinctive golden hue under the protective shade of huge tents in the Connecticut River Valley. It is a direct descendent of the Hazelwood strain of Cuban seed.

 COLORADO  A reddish dark brown wrapper with an aromatic smell and rich, robust taste.

 COLORADO CLARO  Brands including as Dominican Partagas use this medium brown wrapper.

 COLORADO MADURO  Slightly more aromatic than Maduro, the dark brown leaves of Colorado Maduro are found in many of the fine Honduran cigars, giving them a rich, deep flavor.

 DOUBLE CLARO (aka CANDELA or AMERICAN MARKET SELECT)  Double Claro distinctive green/greenish brown color is achieved by picking the leaves early, before they reach full maturity. A rapid drying process readies the leaf which has very little oil and a mild, almost bland flavor.

 ENGLISH MARKET SELECTION (EMS)/NATURAL This term refers to a natural color wrapper usually light brown to brown in hue. It is different than claro or lighter shades, and maduro or darker shades. Most often sun grown, EMS leaves offer a smooth, but full-bodied flavor.

 HABANA 2000™: is an exciting new wrapper made from Cuban Seed tobacco grown in Nicaragua.

 MADURO  Mexican wrappers are often Maduro,with more texture and veining than the lighter wrappers in it’s deep dark brown leaves. They are often described as oily looking, with a stronger taste - sweet on the palate with a unique aroma.

 OSCURO  The strongest tasting of all wrappers, Oscuros tend to hail from Brazil, Mexico and Nicaragua. With a dark brown, almost black appearance, these leaves offer a potent flavor.  TBN: Shade-grown in Indonesia and carefully fermented, this dark wrapper was created by marrying special strains of Java with Connecticut tobacco. CHAPTER: IT HAD A GOOD BEAT AND I COULD DANCE TO IT – RATING CIGARS

There are a variety of cigar attributes that you’ll be considering in your quest for your favorite smoke. As you become increasingly knowledgeable, you’ll be able to look at an unfamiliar cigar and have a good sense of whether or not it’s right for you based on experience AND on the criteria listed below.

HOW IT LOOKS AND FEELS You can’t judge a book by it’s cover, and you can’t really judge a cigar just by its wrapper. Handmade cigars won’t (and shouldn’t) be as uniform as a machine- made product.

When you eyeball a cigar, the first thing you should notice is NOTHING – no flaws, no inconsistencies, no problems. The wrapper should be smooth with a uniformity of color and shape. There shouldn’t be any large veins visible.

When you hold the cigar in your hand, it should be firm with a slight give. It’s very important that the firmness is consistent throughout the cigar; without it, your stogie will burn irregularly.

If your cigar is not wrapped in a plastic wrapper or in a tube, you should be able to feel a slight oily moistness from the leaves. If all you feel is arid dryness, that should alert you to the quality of the smoke you’ll get.

THE TASTE Part of the intrigue of different cigars is the distinctive taste of each. But regardless of the unique flavor a specific selection has to offer, a true premium cigar will always taste smooth and mild.

In evaluating the taste of a cigar, go with your own preference, but be sure to look for the foundation of flavor an aficionado knows is the mark of a good smoke.

THE SMOKING EXPERIENCE Smoking a premium cigar should be a pleasure from start to finish. A good cigar will light readily and burn steadily (evenly), providing a smooth, mellow flavor throughout.

A badly made or improperly stored cigar will burn unevenly or too fast. If the wrapper is too tight, you’ll pull hard to get the cigar to draw and end up with a mouthful of smoke that’s too hot to be enjoyed. . CHAPTER: START SMALL – SELECTING THE PERFECT SINGLE

CIGAR STORE ETIQUETTE Smelling a cigar is frowned upon in most cigar stores. Use your eyes and your hands, not your nose!

Let’s be honest – when you walk into a well-stocked humidor, it may feel a little bit like Tennyson’s “Charge of the Light Brigade’ – cigars to the left of you, cigars to the right of you. Dozens of brands, hundreds of sizes in attractive, appealing nests from floor to ceiling. It’s positively overwhelming!

Take a deep breath (not just to relax…you’ll enjoy the smell!) and remind yourself that buying a cigar isn’t rocket science, it isn’t even weird science, it’s just an interesting and enjoyable way to spend your money. So that you won’t spend ALL your money on cigars that don’t suit your fancy, you can start small and instead of buying a box, buy a single. The reward will be well worth the risk!

People who work in tobacco stores are fountains of information. If you need some advice, feel free to ask. And don’t worry that your merchant will be offended if you don’t follow that advice. Cigar smoking is a completely subjective experience. Let the advice be your guide, not your jailer!

Ask for What YOU Want You can ask your tobacconist for a recommendation, and what your merchant will suggest is a cigar that appeals to his/her palate. Instead, why not describe the kinds of flavors YOU like – spicy, smoky, deep, layered. That way, the professional can steer you in the right direction.

Just Who Are “They” Anyway? Cigars get rating numbers intended to convey information about quality and characteristics. Ignore ‘em! You’re much better off consulting reviews (rather than ratings) since they’ll give expanded information on things like flavor, finish, draw, etc. Using reviews, you can develop your own ratings, giving extra weight to the characteristics (spicy taste) to the things that matter most to you. (Hey, it’s all about you!)

Humble Beginnings Tobacco derives much of its flavor from the soil and climate in which it’s grown. If you’re doing some comparison shopping, you might want to pick up a smoke from Jamaica, Hondouras and Cuba to compare and contrast. This will give you a sense of regional differences in cigars.

Once you’ve enjoyed a cigar from the Caribbean (for example), you can generally expect to like other selections from that area. And in the future, if you’re confronted with a choice between an unfamiliar cigar from a country you know and a smoke from an unfamiliar region, you can be confident when you say, “I think I’d prefer the Jamaican.”

Cooler, Cleaner, Better If you want a cool, clean smoke, think like McDonalds and ‘Super-size.” A long cigar with a high ring gauge (circumference) is something of a self-filtering device. The tobacco filters itself as you draw, delivering the flavor of the tobacco without the heat.

Size Matters How a cigar feels in your hand is important, too. If you’re uncomfortable with a big, cumbersome 9-inch Figuardo, try a 5-inch Belicosa in the same variety.

Wrapper Up The wrapper should be smooth and tight, and damage-free on both ends. Big veins should be rejected, but keep an eye out for small veins. They’re a GOOD thing and a cigar with a thin-veined wrapper often provides a nice, smooth smoke.

Tobacco Expose Give some attention to the tobacco you see on the exposed end of your cigar. A subtle variation in color will let you know that a blend of tobaccos was used. If the variation is too dramatic, extreme or abrupt, however, it may be a sign that interior leaves were used, or that the leaves were corrected assembled during the bunching stage. Avoid these color extremes as they may result in an off- taste experience and a bad burn. Some variation of color is normal, as most cigars are made from a blend of tobaccos. What you're watching for is extreme or abrupt color changes. This sometimes means an inferior leaf was used, or the leaves weren't laid together properly in the bunching process. Off tastes and uneven burning will often be the result.

Daring? Do! You should let yourself go and experiment with different cigars. Sampling and evaluating the differences is one of the great romances people have with cigar smoking. Here’s a tip, though: if you’re feeling adventurous, but are on a big of a budget, you should sample brands that are familiar to you and leave the “off- brands,’ ‘no-names’ and ‘generics’ for someone else.

Off-brand cigars frequently have problems with their consistency, within the cigars themselves (uneven burning, hot spots) and also from cigar to cigar (no reliable flavor). So even if you love the no-name cigar you buy today, the chances of being able to duplicate its quality tomorrow are slim.

Wet Behind the Ears Cigars are shipped ‘wet’ by manufacturers to slow the drying process and should be stabilized for at least a week before smoking. If the moisture content isn’t allowed to stablize, they will burn unevenly. You can age your own cigar, OR when you’re visiting your tobacconist’s humidor, simply look for boxes that have already been open and have been there for a while. That way, you can light up and go.

Feel ‘Em Up (and Down) The way a cigar feels will tell you volumes about its quality. Squeeze the cigar gently. It should have some "give" without feeling mushy or loose. Then run your fingers up and down the body to look for lumps or other irregularities.

CIGAR STORE ETIQUETTE: Don't roll a cigar in your fingers, as some suggest. This can cause damage to the wrapper and the construction and leave the tobacconist with a cigar that you don’t want…and no one else will either