Cigar smoking is a lifestyle. Smoking a cigar is a gentleman’s/ladies’ recreation. A cigar lounge is one of the few places you will see a Congressman sitting next to a truck driver having a meaningful or frivolous conversation, but thoroughly enjoying each other’s company. They can talk about any subject from politics to sports and still hold their composure and never offend the other. There is an old-world politeness within cigar smokers. They are the kind of people that still give up their seat to a woman on the train and say sir and ma’am to their elders. Where do you meet this elite crowd? Your local cigar lounge.
Now you are at the lounge standing in the humidor. Find the tobacconist and let them guide you. Too often the beginner chooses a cigar that is too bold for a first-time go. Many beginners don’t even understand the difference between things like cigars, cigarettes and vapes. We could write a whole article on the difference between the three, but learning the difference can take a bit of experience, so you might want to read up on things before selecting your chosen cigar. You may find a vape is better suited to you, for example.
The most asked question is how to select a cigar. The answer is usually to look at the wrapper and question: is it dark or light; toothy or smooth; glossy or dull? It all depends on what you are in the mood to smoke. Where is the tobacco in the cigar from? Do you want Nicaraguan spiciness, Dominican earthiness, or any number of combinations and blends? Who makes the cigar? What about the flavor profile. What sizes do they have?
The response to this elaborate answer is usually, “Really?” I laugh and say, No. I mostly look at the band and think whether I have smoked this one before and do I want to try something new or one that I know I like.”
When helping the newcomer pick a cigar, I start by asking them whether they have smoked before. The answer will tell me where I am going to start. If they have never smoked before, then I am going to want to move them toward a milder cigar with little to no pepper notes.
I always want them to enjoy the experience. We relish helping people choose their first cigar as well as guiding them through the lifestyle.
If the new cigar smoker has smoked cigarettes previously, I will usually move them toward a medium strength cigar with a little more spice. A sun grown or Maduro is my normal starting point so they can begin to appreciate the feel and tastes of a cigar. I will also remind them not to inhale and don’t quickly blow out the smoke. A cigar’s smoke is to be drawn into the mouth and then allowed to slowly escape. I remind them to take it slowly; no more than one puff per minute. This is a time to relax and reflect on the life you have or the life you want to have. This is cigar time. Enjoy it to the fullest.
As you come back we will help you move through regions and flavor profiles in the new cigars you choose. You will experience cigars with black pepper, white pepper, citrus, leather, grass, and other flavor notes and full body. You get to decide what you like and what you don’t. This is the beauty of the cigar lifestyle. There are so many options to choose from that you can try any cigar that tickles your fancy and know that the only thing that counts is what is right for you.
Enjoy your new cigar lifestyle with great conversation, whiskey, scotch, wine or favorite food.
By Tara Maloney