As in any situation where personal taste is a factor, there are no rules for selecting a cigar. The wide variety of styles, brands and sizes make delineating a set of rules an impossible task. However, there are a few very general guiding principles which may be of some help.

Wrapper color: Filler blend contributes the majority of a cigar’s flavor, but the color of the wrapper can offer a clue. Lighter wrappers generally indicate a milder flavor.

Ring gauge: As apprentices learn their craft on smaller cigars, the larger ones tend to be the best constructed. In addition, their thicker girth allows more ligero tobacco to be used in the filler, yielding a richer, fuller taste.

It is suggested that those new to the pleasures of cigar smoking emulate the cigar-rolling apprentices and start with smaller cigars. A panatela in a claro wrapper is a good beginner’s choice. By starting slowly, the novice smoker can grow into a deeper appreciation of the artistry of a fine cigar.

Most connoisseurs have a particular favorite, but variety provides spice to each of life’s occasions. A fine cigar provides a satisfying finish to a fine meal, and matching smoke to cuisine enriches the experience. A light lunch would call for a light cigar; a rich dinner settles well as a Churchill or double corona is savored. A similar consideration impels the smoker to choose lighter cigars earlier in the day, saving the bigger, fuller- bodied choice for the relaxation of an evening.

As we said, personal taste should be the smoker’s guide. Personal taste can only be developed through experience. Fortunately, this is a very enjoyable process.

Storage

Cigars are a natural product like food or wine and require appropriate storage conditions. The ideal environment for cigar storage is 65 - 75oF (18 - 24oC) with a humidity level of 70 - 73%, protected from direct sunlight and salt air. Fluctuations of temperature and humidity should be kept to a minimum. A good humidor is essential for the proper storage of premium cigars. Preserving the optimum moisture balance in the cigar keeps it at the peak of aroma and flavor. Although some recommend storing cigars in plastic bags, the boxes they came in, or even the refrigerator, these are make-shift solutions at best. The serious cigar fancier understands that improper storage impairs the quality of a fine cigar. Just as you would take care to store fine wines in climate-controlled conditions, so too should you do for you cigars.

With the wide selection of humidors that are available, choosing one is no simple task. A few guidelines may be helpful:

Look for quality construction. A good humidor should have an accurate hygrometer, a reliable humidification system, and a closefitting lid. An unfinished, natural cedar lining is a great plus.

Select the appropriate size. Your humidor should hold a one or two month supply at most. More than that, and the constant opening and closing of the humidor over a longer period term may have a deleterious effect. If you have a larger cigar reserve, you may want to invest in a cabinet or have your tobacconist store them for you in his humidified room.

Look for details: Trays and dividers make rotating your stock easier, as well as separating different cigars from each other. A drawer to hold your cutter and lighter can be helpful.

Choose one that harmonizes with the appointments of your smoking room and which suits your taste.

Placement of your humidor is also important. The ambient temperature should remain in the optimum range of 65 - 75oF (18 - 24oC). The humidor should not be placed near radiators or other heat sources, ventilators, or direct sunlight. Monitor the humidity level every other day for several weeks to establish the reliability of your humidifier and a refill schedule. Use only distilled water to fill your humidifier to avoid precipitated mineral dust from settling on your cigars.
 

The Sensory Experience

Smoking a fine cigar should be a total sensory experience. One can argue for one’s favorite taste, but taste is an individual matter, and we take no sides here. However, one can enhance the preferred taste by careful attention to the esthetics of the cigar.
 

Sight: Before lighting, survey the wrapper for consistent color, smoothness, and sheen. After lighting, inspect the ash. A firm white ash bespeaks good soil and more taste. The cigar should be burning evenly.

Touch: Experience will familiarize you with the texture of your preferred cigar’s wrapper, whether it’s a silky Cuban or a toothy Cameroon.

Smell: Savor the scent as you open your humidor as well as after you’ve lit your cigar.

Sound: Listen....the subdued crackle as you light your cigar, the soft exhalation as you release the smoke...these are the sounds of satisfaction.

Taste: The raison d’être of cigar smoking. Roll the smoke around your mouth. Let the rich bouquet of varied flavors bloom. Pause to enjoy the finish. And congratulate yourself on your great taste.
 

Cutting

Before a premium cigar can be smoked, the closed end must be opened. The range of tools for this purpose is large, and includes single- and double-edged guillotines (such as Davidoff’s Zino Cutter) wedge cutters (also known as cat’s eye cutters), knives, and "round" piercers or picks.

Every tool has its advocates and its detractors, but each can be effective if used properly. For example, an improperly pierced cigar will "plug" resulting in a hard draw and harsh flavor. A poorly cut cigar can burn too hot or even fall apart. To use a piercer or pick, simply push the sharp end into the closed end of your cigar. Rotate the tool slightly and withdraw. For cutting tools, a steady hand and a sharp blade are imperative to success. A good rule of thumb is to cut 1/16" from the head of the cigar. This is sufficient to give you a good draw, without the risk of loosening the wrapper.

A specialized tool like the Davidoff Round Cutter can make achieving a clean, perfect cut very simple. This instrument will cut cigars of all ring gauges due to its three, different sized blades. Simply push the cigar gently onto the blade of choice and rotate.

A sharp cutter will prevent tearing and ruining your cigar. The classic and elegant Davidoff Cigar Scissors pictures are always a fine choice.
Some cigar fanciers swear by the oldest method - using one’s teeth. We will say only
that this method requires great finesse, not only in biting off precisely the correct amount,
but also in disposing of the end.
 

Lighting

Purists might insist that a wooden match or a cedar spill can be used to light a premium cigar. However, any source of flame will impart a taste to the cigar if the proper method is not observed. A steady source of wide flame is required so that one’s attention can be focused on the lighting process. The IM Corona windproof lighter provides the perfect flame for as long as you require. To achieve the perfect light with your IM Corona lighter, follow these steps:

Pick up your IM Corona or ST Dupont lighter. Notice the comfortable heft in your hand. Take a moment to admire the case and reflect on its personal meaning to you. Consider that you hold in your hand one of the pinnacles of American design and craftsmanship. This ritual will relax you in preparation for the enjoyment of your cigar.

Now, open the lighter lid, allowing the windproof chimney to breathe for several seconds. You will smell the fuel; this is your assurance that trapped fumes are being dissipated.

Spin the flint wheel to light the wick. Give the flame three or four seconds to mature. This pause burns off residual and steadies the flame. You are now ready to light your cigar.

Do not let the flame touch the cigar. Hold the cigar just above the flame at a 45o angle so that the heat, not the flame, causes combustion.

Rotate the cigar so that the outer ring of the foot is evenly lit.

Bring the cigar to your lips. As the ring burns toward the centre, blow out lightly through the cigar. This will dissipate any fumes from the lighting material.

Rotate the cigar through the first few puffs to assure an even burn.

Using this method will guarantee a great-tasting smoke. With its steady, reliable flame, a IM Corona windproof lighter gives you the leisure to light it right the first time, every time.


To revive a cigar:
Carefully knock off the ash.  Slowly rotate the end of the cigar in the tip of the flame of your IM Corona lighter until all the accumulated tars have burned off. This will take about eight to ten seconds.
Blow through, then draw, on your cigar. It should smoke like a fresh one.