Cigars 101

I've been asked to give a short class on cigars.

Personally, I think cigarettes are for women. Think for a second and visualize any man with significant power or influence. What is he smoking? An insignificant cigarette? No, A mighty cigar! Cigars have an ambient quality of style and confidence which no woman with any class will deny. The allure of a confident, engaging man who smokes a quality cigar is unimaginably sexy.

The caveat being you must smoke a cigar of quality. You can't walk around puffin' on a fvckin' Swisher Sweets and expect to pull a woman with style and self worth.

There are a couple of important things to note about cigars:
1. The wrapper. Comes in three basic colors. Natural - which is slight to medium tan. Earthy texture and tight on the pallete
Maduro - Aged until it becomes dark and chocolatey ( Very smooth and provides a heartier smoke. My personal favorite).
Candella - Dull green wrapper which is freshly picked and used.



Here is an inventory of what I currently have in my humidor:
Le Gloria Cubano Robusto ( 5" 52 rg)
Montecristo White Especial #1
Acid Kuba Kuba (Natural wrapper)
C.A.O. Gold
Ashton Maduro
Don Tomas maduro
Escudo Cubano Brazilia

I keep some flavored cigars on the top shelf of my humidor for the ladies whom I have over.

Thier favorites are:
Havana Honeys
C.A.O. Moontrance cigarillos
Ambrosia triple corona

Some advise and tips to help you get started.

1. DO NOT EVER USE YOUR TEETH TO CUT A CIGAR. Always use a cutter ( guillotine) or punch.

2. Always use a butane torch lighter. Never use a Bic or Zippo. The fuel in a Bic or Zippo type will get sucked through the cigar and ruin the taste of the smoke. Butane is odorless and flavorless and has the added benefit of burning hotter.

3. I keep a shot of Kahlua in the bottom shelf of my humidor which I rotate every 10 days. Along with hygrometer solution, I've found that the kahlua keeps the humidity at a wonderful 70 degrees.

4. I drink single malt scotch with my cigars, GlenLivet. Some guys'll tell ya that you have to be proper and drink only such and so with cigars but that's bullsh1t. Drink what you want. I'll even chug down a good dark lager every now and then. Nothing is gospel. It's all preference

I'll end this with a life lesson I've learned from cigars. Patience. With great cigars you must stop and relax and enjoy the experience of it. That has carried on into every other aspect of my life, Up to and including women.

I hope this has helped get you guys started with the wonderful world of cigars.

That ends session one of Cigars101. If any of you brothers have any cigar questions whatsoever let me know and I'll be more than happy to help you.



Karma

I love my cigars - there's nothing like a good cigar on the weekend - or hanging with buds.

I didn't know about the Kahlua - I will try that.

My favorite cigar is:

Boliva Royal corona.

Montecristo Double Corona Especial

I currently have in my humidor 8 Trinidad Rubusto's.

and 3 diplomaticos # 2 (Thanks dad).

Personally I like to drink Johnnie Walker Preferably Gold, but I'll take Black - with my Cigars. Either that or Glenlevitt, Glenevent or glenfiddich.

I'm not saying kahlua in your humidor is Gospel. I like it because it doesn't overweigh the essence of my cigars. I wouldn't advise using straight vodka or gin or spirit in that vein. Use something with some substance; tequila or Gran Marnier or maybe even a good fruit infused spirit.


Do what ya like. Oh, awesome selection by the way.

The Montecristo Double Corona's are beautiful sticks!



Karma

Cigars 101


Class #2 - Cutting and lighting your cigar



First we'll go over methods to cut or punch your cigar.

The guillotine cutter:
The cap of the cigar is meant to be cut no more than 1/8". Cutting more off the cap can result in unraveling the wrapper from the head of your cigar. This is the best way to cut your cigar if using a double edged or single edged guillotine ( Lie your cutter on a flat surface. Stand the head of the cigar in the middle of the cutter then with one quick snip clip the cigar. This has never failed me and gives the proper amount of room to allow the smoke to freely move through your cigar.

The punch:
The only thing you need to do with a punch is make sure you have the punch centered on the head of the cap. No real issues. I'm not a big fan of the punch as it's a tad restricting regarding draw and you'll get fragments of the filler when you try to draw the smoke. Not good.



Lighting


Lighting a cigar properly is more of a ritual than a routine. Each cigar has it's own characteristic and lighting it evenly is an art unto it's own.

#1. Roll the cigar lightly in your hands to release the oils in the leaf. Ten seconds is plenty of time ( depending on the size of your cigar, of course).

#2. Check to make sure the foot is intact and even. You want to hold the cigar in your hand with the foot toward your body. As I've said before you only want to use a butane torch lighter. Ignite your lighter and hold the cigar roughly 1/2" above the flame. NEVER ALLOW THE FLAME TO TOUCH YOUR CIGAR. The point is to roast the cigar by slowly rolling it over the flame. When you see that the foot is becoming cherry around the rim bring the cigar to your lips and slowly rotate the cigar while taking a couple of gentle puffs. By now the cigar should be lit and you can sit back with your beverage of choice and enjoy!


As always let me know if you have any questions or concerns.


Karma

I hope you're not lighting up cigars around women ...

I only associate myself with women of class and structure. I don't give a sh1t whether she likes it or not. I'm a man and make zero excuses for what I like and what pleases me.

Obviously by your statement you don't have any balls and delegate all decisions by what "she" thinks. . . That's a pretty sad philosophy.

This isn't what this thread is about. It's about schooling guys about the nuances of cigars and the pleasure derived thereof.

women love cigars.

light a cigar up around any woman you want. as long as you aren't in a closed room where she's choking from the smoke it will turn her on.

who knows why. probably cuz it looks like a big d*ck.

J

Originally posted by joekerr31
women love cigars.

light a cigar up around any woman you want. as long as you aren't in a closed room where she's choking from the smoke it will turn her on.

who knows why. probably cuz it looks like a big d*ck.

J

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Hmmm? I've never considered the phallic symbolism with cigars regarding women? It certainly isn't why I love 'em! :crackup:


I'll be back for another installment shortly.

How much do quality cigars run at? Such as the ones you have listed.

the best part about smoking cigars to me is that it forces you to slow down and REALLY enjoy the moment..

very meditative.. relaxing.. awesome.

I LOVE a quality cigar but I quit smoking them. I used to smoke about 1 a week but Im too concerned with my health so I decided to get back in the gym, jog and lift weights. Now maybe once every six months I'll lite one up. But for the most part Im trying to part with my Cigar and Cognac weeks

Just for those new to cigars... you don't inhale them. You CAN if you like, but personally I see it more as enjoying its aroma and flavor. Smoking can be very unwinding and I enjoy one now and again

Originally posted by Egoist
hey you lazy ass, start writing!

its been like years since the last installment.. and a LOOOONG ass time since i had my last cigar..

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Ok ok, geez leweez! You act as if I'm not out layin' down the pipe to the lovelorn! Here we go . . .


Cigars 101 Class #3


Humidor care


If you are planning on keeping your cigars for longer than 1-2 weeks, you will need a humidor. Cigars must be kept below the maximum temperature of 73°F (23°C) and between 65-72% humidity. Ideal conditions are 70°F (21°C) and 70% humidity.

Proper cigar storage is crucial. If you don't store your cigars properly you may encounter some of the following problems: uneven or too rapid burn, harsh or bitter taste, broken wrapper, difficulty lighting or keeping the cigar lit, mold, and tiny holes in your cigars, a sign of tobacco beetle infestation (nasty buggers!).

When you first set up a humidor, you must check the humidity level at least every two weeks to ensure that the humidity does not vary. Once a month (more often in arid weather conditions) add distilled water to the humidifier. Once your humidor is stable and you have been taking care of it for a while, you will learn how long you can go without adding water or activation solution.

Use only distilled water. Never EVER use tap water as it contains minerals and chlorine that can clog the humidifier’s pores and inhibit operation. It's best to use hygrometer solution. I order mine through Thompsoncigar.com

Store your humidor in a cool, dry place to prevent mold growth. Avoid placing your cigars in direct sunlight. If the temperature and humidity get too high, cigars can develop a potentially damaging fungus or mold. Another hazard of cigars stored in too hot or humid an environment is an infestation of worms called lacioderma. The worms lay eggs inside cigars and burrow out, forming tiny holes in the wrapper and metamorphosing into tiny, brown beetles. If you discover the presence of worm holes in your cigars, remove and destroy the affected cigars immediately, and then carefully inspect all the cigars in your humidor for signs of infestation.

Do not keep your cigars in the refrigerator as it will suck out the moisture content of your sticks. Freezing your cigars is an extreme measure to be used only in case of bug infestation at the risk of damaging the cigars (but getting rid of the bugs is a victory of its own!).

A humidor’s proper moisture and temperature must be created before storing cigars. To setup your humidor, follow these simple instructions:

Submerge the black plastic humidifiers in distilled water until well saturated. Dry off the surface of the humidifier and place on a towel for approximately one hour to make sure that no dripping occurs.
With a clean, soap-free sponge dampened with distilled water; thoroughly wet the entire interior of the humidor.
Leave the damp sponge in the humidor resting on a plastic bag. Make sure there is no direct contact between the sponge and the humidor.
Attach the humidifiers and the hygrometer to the inside of the lid. Also, place the humidifiers in the bottom holders of the humidor if applicable.
Close the empty humidor for at least twelve hours or overnight.
Open the humidor and remove the sponge and the plastic bag.
Close the humidor again for an additional twelve hours. Your humidor is now ready to store cigars. When placing cigars in the humidor, make sure the cigars do not block the humidifier’s vents.
To check if the hygrometer is reading correctly, use the salt method to test its calibration. You just need to:

Place some salt in a bottle cap or small cup and dampen it with a few drops of water (without dissolving it).
Carefully place the wet salt and the hygrometer inside a see-through container and close tightly. You can use a zip lock bag provided it seals well and you leave some air inside as well.
Let it sit for at least 6 hours and note the reading on the hygrometer without opening the container. If you follow these instructions correctly you should have a stable humidor that will keep your cigars in perfect smoking conditions for a very long time.

Dutch Master Cigars

I completely agree!! A dutch master cigar is the best of the best. I have approached so many chicks while smoking a nice dutch master! Have any of you ever had the dutch master cigar? If not I recommend you try it immediately!

Re: Dutch Master Cigars

Originally posted by pimpdog420
I completely agree!! A dutch master cigar is the best of the best. I have approached so many chicks while smoking a nice dutch master! Have any of you ever had the dutch master cigar? If not I recommend you try it immediately!

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Did you compliment that Dutch Master with a 40 of 8-ball or Wild Irish rose? I bet the 'ho's dug that, right mack?


Thank you for the contribution

Is there anything better then a Phillies Blunt?

If there is, I want none of it, thank you!

cigars smell nasty

Originally posted by joekerr31
women love cigars.
who knows why. probably cuz it looks like a big d*ck.

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Big d*ck? You have read too much Freud.
It looks more like big bucks. Cigars seem attribute of wealthy men, so women simply assume if you smoke cigars you should be as wealthy as those dudes in movies.

Originally posted by penkitten
cigars smell nasty

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If all you've been around are the aformentioned Dutch Masters or Phillies blunts, I would agree with you.

Try a Partagas or Montecristo white and you'll have a completely changed mind my dear.


Class 4 will be coming soon

what do cuban cigars taste like?