Smoking cigars is akin to an art form, which can be why many people find it challenging to start. While anyone can smoke cigars, it’s much more fulfilling to understand the lifestyle behind cigar smoking.
From aromas and flavors to rituals and relaxation, cigar smoking is backed by a rich community and long history. So if you’re new to the world of cigars, here are five smoking tips that will introduce you to the culture.
1. Start With a Mild Cigar
If you’ve never smoked a cigar before, a mild cigar is your best option to start. There are cigars with stronger and bolder flavors, but these can be overwhelming and can ruin the experience.
Mild cigars also tend to be cheaper, so they’re best when just starting a cigar-smoking hobby. Lighting and cutting a mild cigar is also easier for beginners, allowing you to learn the proper way without ruining an expensive cigar.
Browse these cigars to find the perfect one to start your hobby.
2. Is a Humidor Necessary?
Cigars are one of the most preferred ways to smoke tobacco. Whether they’re hand-rolled or machine-made, properly storing a cigar is key to an enjoyable smoking experience.
Many cigar connoisseurs have a humidor to store their cigars. These are boxes that optimize the humidity to keep your cigars fresh for an extended period of time.
Humidors aren’t necessary if you only have a few cigars to start. But if you want to get into the hobby and want to store cigars for future use, a humidor will be your best friend.
3. How to Cut a Cigar
Unlike other tobacco products, cigars take a little preparation before you begin smoking. First, you must properly cut your cigar with a cigar cutter, scissors, knife. You should never bite or use a dull instrument to cut the cigar.
Use a cigar cutter or another sharp object to remove about an eighth to a sixteenth inch off the head of the cigar. You’ll want to be careful not to cut any of the body as that can lead to the cigar unraveling.
4. Don’t Smoke on an Empty Stomach
Smoking on an empty stomach can lead to you feeling dizzy or nauseous. It’s one mistake that beginner smokers don’t realize they’re making. Because of nicotine’s latent effects, these feelings can hit you after you’ve finished a cigar.
So, before you start smoking, get yourself something to eat. An energy bar will do, but a full meal is better.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
Smoking dries out your mouth, so be sure to have plenty of water near you during a smoking session. You’ll enjoy the cigar much more if you’re not focused on the chalky feeling dehydration can leave you with.
Cigar Smoking Tips for Those New to the Culture
From creation to the last puff, cigars are an art form as well as a culture. There is a rich history and thriving lifestyle that surrounds this smoking experience. But that shouldn’t intimidate people from starting.
Cigar novices can use these smoking tips to help them gain the knowledge needed to enter the cigar lifestyle. Soon, you’ll be able to impress other members of your cigar lounge with all you’ve learned.
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