Indulge In The Good Life The Cigar Ritual
Friday, January 27th, 2012
Anyone who smokes cigars will tell you: this is a hobby, not an addiction. People looking for a quick nicotine fix smoke cigarettes; cigars are for connoisseurs. A cigar is best enjoyed on the golf course or in a comfortable chair after a good meal. True hobbyists utilize specialized tools of the trade including a cutter, a cigar torch lighter, and a special ashtray. Cigars are to be smoked slowly and tasted thoughtfully. Smoking a cigar is not a means to an end, it is an experience in itself.
For this reason, most cigar aficionados take great pains to carefully arrange their smoking ritual. Everyone will have their own particular taste, but there are several aspects common to all smokers. Obviously, the first and most important choice will be the cigar itself. There are thousands to choose from, and only experimentation will lead you to the perfect cigar. You can narrow down the options, however, by considering the following:
- Body. This refers to the strength of the cigar and can range from mild to full. You will want something rich and tasty, but not overwhelming.
- Size. A long thick cigar can take hours to smoke. This will be an important consideration based on the occasion. Length is generally described in inches while the ring, or thickness, is described in 60ths of an inch.
- Rating. This is a system developed by cigar aficionado magazine that rates cigar brands on a scale of 0-100. Anything under 70 is generally not considered worthwhile, while a cigar rated at 95-100 is a classic. Obviously tastes will vary among smokers, but this rating is a good indication of cigar construction, appearance, and how it smokes as well as more subjective considerations like aroma and taste blend.
Now that you have chosen a cigar, it is time to consider the accoutrements of the ritual. The first article is a cutter. While movie gangsters bite off the end, a sharp cutter will offer a cleaner, more enjoyable smoke. It’s also a nice touch when trying to impress clients. There are several makes and models. Choose one that suits your style and that is made from quality materials.
Any old book of matches will get the job done when it comes time to light up, but a cigar torch lighter is a much better choice for sanctifying the ritual. Clean burning and hot, these lighters are impressive little machines in their own right.
Finally, a cigar ashtray will be essential for a relaxed smoke. Consider that a cigar lasts a long time: you will want to put it down once in a while. Ashtrays with special slides that fit a cigar will keep your stogie burning properly as well as keeping the ash off of your lapels.
Half of the fun of smoking cigars is indulging in the ritual. Cigars are a symbol of the good life, so don’t skimp on the important extras and enjoy it to the fullest. Experiment with different types of cigars, an elegant cutter, a cigar torch lighter, and an appropriate ashtray and enjoy. Welcome to the good life.
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