Expert: James Yee - 7/23/2007

Question
Hi James, I wonder if you would have any special advice for a complete newbie about to try her first cigar :-)
I have just returned from the best holiday of my life in Cuba, and while there did a fascinating tour of the factory behind capitolo in habana vieja and bought a box of Cohiba Esplendidos in the shop, so my first experience will be with one of these.  Would be very interested in any advice you can give, many thanks Fiona  

Answer
Hi Fiona,

First, congratulations on what sounds like a great trip to Cuba!  I’m glad to hear you were able to visit a cigar factory while in Cuba as well as pick up a box of premium cigars such as the Cohiba Esplendido (great cigar btw).

For a beginning cigar smoker, the most important rule to remember is to take your time and smoke at your own pace.  Rushing a cigar or speed smoking can seriously upset your stomach so try to smoke in a relaxed environment and at a very calm, slow pace.  The basic rule of thumb for smoking cigars is to take one to two “draws” (puffs) per minute.  This keeps the cigar burning but doesn’t cause it to burn too hot (which creates a harsher flavour.)  Casually sipping a glass of ice water while you smoke will also enhance your smoking experience as the water will constantly refresh your palate and keep your mouth cool and refresh.

Here are some more tips on enhancing your smoking experience:
-   Use matchsticks (preferably cedar matchsticks) or butane lighters when lighting your cigar.  Lighter fluid-based lighters (such as a zippo) can compromise the cigar’s natural flavour.
-   When lighting a cigar, gently apply the flame (either match or cigar lighter) to the foot of the cigar and lightly “toast” the entire foot before taking a draw.  This will create an even burn.  Don’t let the flame touch the cigar when lighting it.  Also, don’t scorch the foot or burn too much of it as it can cause a crooked burn.
-   When cutting a cigar, use a guillotine cutter (either single or double bladed; preferably double) and don’t cut too much off the head of the cigar.  Cutting too much can cause the cigar to unravel during smoking.
-   Try a glass of Cuban rum, scotch, cognac or whiskey with your cigar as they can enhance the cigar’s flavour (the cigar can also enhance the drink!)
-   Don’t inhale the cigar smoke (not advised for beginners!)
-   Smoke on an empty/full stomach; whichever agrees with your body the most.  (Most people smoke on full stomachs; after a good meal.)
-   Know when to stop.  When smoking, remember to stop smoking a cigar when you’ve had enough.  Stop smoking a cigar when it begins to taste too strong for you.  (Typically, most people discard their cigar after smoking ¾ of it.  This is when the cigar begins to build up in strength and flavour.)  Don’t push yourself if you can’t finish a cigar.  If you feel like you’ve had enough, trust your instincts and stop smoking.
-   Periodically inspect your cigars for either tobacco beetle holes or white/grey/bluish-green cigar mold.  Cigars with tobacco beetle holes must be thrown away immediately and cigars with mold can be saved to a certain extent.  If your humidor is properly maintained, your cigars will less likely get bugs and mold.

If you have a humidor, store your cigars in it asap to keep them fresh (make sure your humidor is 70/70; 70% humidity & 70 degrees Fahrenheit).  Dried out cigars can taste bland and crack during smoking and this is never a good thing.  If you don’t have a humidor right now, what you can do is purchase a humi-pouch which is basically a Ziploc-style bag with a humidified lining inserted between the plastic.  This will keep your cigars fresh and properly maintained for up to 90 days before you need to replace the bag.  (The bags vary in size and cost between $5 - $15 per bag.  They’re available at any reputable tobacconist/cigar shop.)

There are a lot more tips but this is a good starting point for beginners.  The more you smoke, the more tips you’ll learn, create and discover on your own.  (And I’ll be happy to help you along the way.) :)

Hopes this answers your question. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I’ll be happy to help.

Regards,
James