What Makes a Great Cigar Smoking Experience?

Last Updated on January 21, 2021 by Bharat Saini

 

Do you occasionally enjoy indulging in the joys of a fine cigar? Perhaps you find it fulfilling to channel your inner P.G. Wodehouse and relax with a Romeo y Julietta or a Montecristo at the end of a hard day’s work.

You may want to take the time to ask yourself, what is it exactly that makes for a great cigar smoking experience? There are a considerable number of variables indeed, so perhaps bearing a few of these aspects in mind will help inform you when trying out a new brand for the first time.

Here are some points to consider if you would like to expand your knowledge:

The Cut

It is important to remember that the quality of your smoking experience can be deeply affected by the cut itself. A rough cut may end up ruining the cigar entirely, so you might want to consider some options that can efficiently combat this.

This can be especially important for more expensive products, as a bad cut can cost you a substantial amount of money should you harm the integrity of the premium cigar. You might find it beneficial to learn much more about the best cigar cutter.

The Correct Lighting Methods

Despite what the movie industry might portray when it comes to lighting a cigar, there is a refinement required to make sure that you get the most out of your experience.

Try to avoid using smaller lighters that may not light the cigar evenly due to the nature of the flame. It might be worth investing in a lighter specifically built for cigars in order to ensure your smoking experience is as smooth as possible.

Lighting the cigar takes a little patience, so you may want to consider a lighter that does not have the potential to burn your hand if the process takes a while.

The Drink Pairings

Perhaps one of the best parts about the experience is being able to relax and unwind while enjoying your cigar. There are many different types of spirit you may want to consider drinking to accompany your smoke and make for an all-encompassing feeling of bliss at the end of the evening.

White spirits like gin may be overshadowed by the strength of your cigar if your smoking choice possesses a bold flavor. You may want to try a darker spirit like a cognac or a whiskey, should you want the chance to indulge in both flavors simultaneously.

Ultimately, it is about the way that the flavors complement each other to allow for a balanced pairing, should you want to make the most out of the experience.

Choosing the Right Time

When thinking about the right time to enjoy a cigar, the decision is obviously down to your personal preference. However, it might be worth noting that the taste of a cigar has the ability to dampen your sense of taste before eating, especially if it is a larger brand. When you bear in mind the intricacies of cigar smoking, you might find you open yourself up to an exciting new experience altogether.