| Starting up a new hobby can be intimidating. Going | | | | than someone who makes a big deal out of smoking a |
| golfing for the first time with a bunch of guys who | | | | cigar. Cigar holders and fancy smoking techniques are |
| have been doing it for years can make a beginner feel | | | | the antithesis of the cool guy casually smoking a cigar. |
| self-conscious about his lack of prowess on the links. | | | | You are allowed to blow smoke rings though. That's a |
| People just learning to play guitar will go for years | | | | cool trick that's not overtly flashy. |
| refusing to play in front of others. Even someone | | | | The best way to look natural smoking a cigar is to find |
| learning to cook might be embarrassed to share a less | | | | one that you enjoy. In the beginning, it is best to start |
| than savory meal with his family. | | | | with a milder cigar and work your way up to fuller |
| Some people might not consider smoking cigars a | | | | flavors. The Montecristo #1 is a legendary |
| hobby, but it certainly is a pastime and it has its own | | | | Cuban-inspired cigar that is made in the Dominican |
| intricacies just like anything else. There are traditions | | | | Republic. |
| and faux pas when it comes to smoking cigars that | | | | 6. Don't chew on it. You are not Peter Parker's grizzled |
| any old puffer at the country club will notice and call | | | | boss at the newspaper. You are not a grunt in World |
| you out on in a heartbeat. | | | | War II. Unless you are being shot at or trying to ruin |
| Good-natured as the ribbing may be, it can't hurt to | | | | Spider-Man's good name, chewing on a cigar is just |
| brush up on some cigar "do's and don'ts" before you | | | | plain gross. |
| have a cigar among the aficionados. Included are | | | | Fine cigars can be works of art and the Griffin's |
| some suggestions for classy cigars and accessories | | | | Robusto Natural is not something that you chomp |
| that will show off your sense of refinement and good | | | | away at. It has a rich and mild taste that smokers of |
| taste. | | | | every level can enjoy. |
| 1. It is not a race. Smoking a cigar should be a leisure | | | | 7. Don't ask for a light. Seriously, you are a cigar |
| activity. The best way to start is to smoke as if it is no | | | | smoker now. You should be carrying your own lighter |
| big deal. Take your time and enjoy it. | | | | around. In the worst case scenario, ask the bartender |
| The Ashton Magnum is a smooth and creamy cigar | | | | for a pack of matches. |
| that is perfect for new smokers. The aroma and | | | | The refillable Xikar EX Windproof Flame Cigar Lighter |
| flavor is remarkably consistent so you won't ever get | | | | is far more practical than it sounds. It looks good and is |
| a bad draw. Ashton Magnums are made from | | | | affordable without appearing cheap or flashy. It is a |
| Dominican leaves and shade-grown Connecticut | | | | functional, fantastic lighter that gets your cigar lit. What |
| wrappers. It is truly a cigar to be savored. | | | | else could you want? |
| 2. Trim the end of your cigar with a cigar cutter. Don't | | | | 8. Don't be afraid to let it go out and re-light it later. If |
| try to bite it off with your teeth. This may look cool in | | | | you have spent some money on a nice cigar, there is |
| the movies but it will just leave you with an unsightly | | | | no need to smoke it all at once and no need to waste |
| and decidedly uncouth mouthful of tobacco. | | | | it. Just scrape the ash off and rotate it over a flame |
| The Double Blade Stainless Round Cigar Cutter from | | | | for a moment to catch it again. |
| Orleans is an inexpensive yet fully functional cigar | | | | The Davidoff Millienium Churchill is a full-bodied, hearty, |
| cutter. In other words, it is perfect for beginners. It | | | | Dominican cigar that you won't want to let go to |
| works with a dual-blade guillotine action, which ensures | | | | waste. These cigars are top-notch and have a |
| a shred-free cut. It is housed in a durable stainless steel | | | | complex blend of aromas and flavors. Don't be afraid |
| case for a long lifespan. | | | | to let it go out and enjoy the rest later. |
| 3. Don't grind out a cigar in an ashtray. Let it go out on | | | | 9. Take your time warming up the end before you light |
| its own. This is a handy technique for being able to | | | | it. This prevents you from charring the tobacco. |
| re-light a cigar later on. It is also polite to not leave the | | | | The Vector Vulcan Triple Flame shoots out a powerful |
| smudged out remains of tobacco scattered around in | | | | trident flame that will allow you to perfectly light your |
| an ashtray. | | | | cigar without over-toasting it. |
| In your own home, it is also nice to have a relatively | | | | 10. Don't smoke one after another. You are not chain |
| clean ashtray. The Flor De Gonzalez Ashtray is made | | | | smoking cigarettes here. Cigars are meant to be |
| of simple black porcelain with the company's logo in | | | | savored. Take your time and enjoy it. When it's done, |
| the center. It is square with resting places for your | | | | it's done. Get on with your life for a while before |
| cigar in all four corners. | | | | having another. |
| 4. If there is less than a quarter left, let it go out in an | | | | If you find yourself enjoying your new pastime of |
| ashtray. When a cigar starts to get that short, it will | | | | smoking cigars, you are going to want to eventually |
| begin to lose its flavor. Nothing gold can stay. When it | | | | invest in a humidor to keep them fresh. The Capri |
| gets to the ¼ mark, it is time to let it go. | | | | Humidor is a lovely, affordable way to keep your |
| Another practical and stylish ashtray is the Hexagon | | | | cigars tasting fresh for a long time. |
| Crystal Cigar Ashtray from Orleans. It looks incredibly | | | | Smoking cigars isn't like smoking cigarettes. It is a |
| luxurious for its modest price. It has wide stirrups (that's | | | | hobby, not a habit. It is the difference between enjoying |
| where the cigar rests) to accommodate bigger cigars | | | | a fine glass of wine and slamming whiskey before |
| and a deep bowl for plenty of ash. | | | | noon. Take to heart these tips and smoke in |
| 5. Don't show off. Nothing screams amateur more | | | | moderation and you will be on your way in no time. |