Cigar aficionado

For a cigar aficionado there is a whole world opening up. Cigar smoking can become a great passion that will give moments of enjoyment, of fellowship and of learning. Every new cigar is an experience and will provide an education for the palate. That's why there is no such ting as a bad smoke, all the tests will give you a broader view of what a good cigar requires and you will start to develop your own preferences.

A cigar aficionado must first know how to prepare for the moment of truth. Start out by the softer and milder flavors and your own palate will tell you when you are ready for something stronger. Check that your cigar is in good conditions for smoking, a little bit soft, with no cracks as these indicate that the cigar became dry and will not taste good. Also, go for the cigars that have nice aroma first, this will help you get used to the smoking experience.

Plan ahead for the time you will dedicate for your smoke, best time is after diner or after a meal, also some brandy or cappuccino along would be nice company. The time it takes to smoke a cigar will depend on the size of it, but at least 30 minutes to an hour are needed, large cigars will take you two hours.

As a cigar aficionado, you need to cut the cigar, use a very sharp object to cut through the cap of the cigar without breaking it. The more you are able to remove, the better, as this will allow your cigar to breath and will give you a better taste. The cap is what holds the cigar together, so if you cut too much of it the cigar will unfold. To begin with you can get a guillotine, cigar scissors or cigar punchers. All these items serve the same purpose, to cut the cap as much as possible.

Make your cigar light evenly and enjoy the taste. One or two puffs would do, let it rest for a minute before you give it another go. This will allow you to appreciate what you are smoking and to let the cigar cool. The hotter a cigar gets the bitterer the taste will be.

For the cigar aficionado this time is your time, a time for relaxation or for a good chat. The mood created while smoking a cigar is very important, too many distractions will not allow you to enjoy the real taste of your cigar.