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Beginners & Cigars
Smoking cigars is a centuries-old tradition. A cigar is made from dried and fermented tobacco leaves, then hand-rolled and stuffed into a long, thin tube called a “puro” or “perfect” shape. Many different cigars differ in the type of tobacco used and the wrapper leaf used in their construction. But you should know a few things before you buy your first cigar, like how to store them properly, what to do if they get wet, and where to purchase them. Below are some tips for buying your first cigar, as well as some up-to-date facts about cigars.
Types of cigars that are available
There are three main types of cigars: aparejos, figurados, and tubos. Parejos are the most common cigars and can be found almost anywhere. These cigars are made with a single type of tobacco leaf. The most popular shape of this cigar is the “parejo” or straight-sided shape. This shape is very similar to a cigarette but with a larger diameter. The parejo is the easiest cigar to smoke and the least likely to get plugged or damaged.
The figurado cigar is made with two or three types of tobacco leaves and has a much more complex flavor profile. This shape has many different varieties, including figurados that are tapered at both ends, have a bulge in the middle, or are twisted into a corkscrew (torpedo). The figurado shapes can be very difficult to smoke and, if not smoked correctly, may get plugged or burn unevenly.
The tubo cigar is made with four or more tobacco leaves and has an even more complex flavor profile than the figurado. Most tubos are tapered at both ends, but some may have bulges in the middle or be twisted into corkscrews like their figurado counterparts. The tube shape is similar to the parejo but always longer and thinner than any other cigar shape. The tube shape is very difficult to smoke, just like the figurado, but very rewarding if done right.
The tobacco used to make cigars is grown worldwide, but most of it comes from three countries: Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua. Cuban cigars are made from a particular type of tobacco called “puros” and are highly sought after by cigar smokers worldwide. The Cuban government has strict laws about importing Cuban tobacco, and only certain companies that they allow to do so may produce Cuban cigars. Therefore, many fake Cuban cigars are made in other countries using inferior tobaccos and passed off as real Cubans. The best way for cigar smokers to avoid buying fake Cubans is to buy them from a reputable tobacconist or online store that can guarantee their authenticity.
Cigar smoking is a very social activity. It’s common to smoke and drink alcohol while doing so. In fact, in many countries, it’s illegal to do so unless you are 21 years of age or older. There is a difference between smoking cigars and cigarettes: cigars are meant to be smoked slowly, while cigarettes are meant to be smoked quickly. Cigars are often enjoyed with a beverage of choice, such as beer, wine, or whiskey (whiskey is usually for more experienced cigar smokers).
The best way to enjoy your cigar is to take your time with it and savor the experience. First off, choose the cigar you want to smoke by looking at its size and shape. Is this what you had in mind? Next, look at the wrapper; does it have any visible imperfections? If so, do you like them? Remember that this will be what everyone sees when you’re smoking your cigar. Once you’ve chosen the cigar you want, light it up and take a couple of puffs. Don’t inhale, just puff. Once you’ve gotten some smoke in your mouth, slowly blow out through your nose. This will get the tip of the cigar nice and smoky. Now you can take a few more puffs, this time inhaling a bit more.
Pricing
Cigars come in a wide range of prices, from $3 to $30 per cigar. Don’t feel like you have to spend a fortune on your first cigar, but make sure you don’t buy the cheapest ones. As with any other product, cheap cigars don’t cost as much for a reason. They taste bad and are made out of inferior tobacco leaves. You can find some great deals online if you look hard enough or ask around. You can also buy from renowned dealers.
