Cigars.

All throughout modern history cigars have been a part of our culture. From the brilliant minds of Winston Churchill, Alfred Hitchcock, and Clint Eastwood; you are not embarking on a lifestyle, but a way of life. Welcome to the world of Cigars.

Merriam-Webster defines cigars as a small roll of tobacco leaf for smoking; first used since at least 1730. However; Archeological studies suggest the use of tobacco in around first century BC, when Maya people of Central America used tobacco leaves for smoking. -National Library of Medicine.

So how does one start with cigars? We should first take a look at the different parts of a cigar's makeup. All cigars are made up of three parts: the filler, the binder, and the wrapper.

The Filler is the innermost layer of tobacco leaves found from the top of the tobacco plant. Called Ligero, these darker and aromatic leaves make up the bulk of cigar and attribute to the cigars overall taste. With more of these leaves in the filler, the stronger the cigar. Many regions around the world contribute to the different tastes, notes, and strengths found in their tobacco plants. it is common for a cigar maker to blend different leaves together to make more complex flavors, and add to the cigars personality.

The layer of tobacco that holds the filler together is known as the binder, also referred to as Seco. This layer is what gives the cigar its signature shape and, depending on how tightly it is wrapped, adds to the cigars draw.

Finally, the last layer; the wrapper is a single tobacco leaf that wraps around the cigar. This layer is the most flavorful part of the cigar and its leaves come from the bottom of the tobacco plant. Known as Volado, it burns evenly and helps the cigar smoke uniformly. Because of this, the Volado can be the most expensive part of the cigar as it has to be flawless to ensure uniform wrapping and flavor.

The above three layers makeup the cigars anatomy, and knowing this will help you on your journey to cigar smoking. While Cuban cigars are notoriously known for their highly desired and smooth flavors; you can expect Nicaraguan, Honduran, and Dominican Republic cigars to be of the finest quality and taste. Look out for the tobacco region your cigars come from the next time you choose a cigar.

Cigars come in a wide range of shapes and sizes like Toros, Coronas, Robustos, Churchills, etc; but they all have one interesting thing in common. While a cigar varies in size and shape, there is no connection between the size of a cigar and its strength. A large Churchill cigar made with a mild tobacco, known as a Connecticut, will be very mellow and slightly sweet. Compare that to a smaller Corona cigar with a heavier bodied tobacco, known as Maduro, would be very strong. Cigar makers mix and match sizes and strength to make unique and eventful cigars.

The next time your at Havana House, ask one of our specialists to recommend the best cigar for an event or to help narrow down your desired flavor profile.

Once you purchase your first cigar you well on your way to exploring the many flavors, and notes the cigar has. But first, you need to get yourself a lighter and a cutter.

A good cutter should really only be sharp, smooth to operate, and clean. There is nothing worse than snipping the end of the cigar, known as the cap, with a dull cutter and it damaging the cigar. There are, however, different cutter types. Mainly Punch, Straight or Guillotine, and V-cut.

Punch cutters are pressed into the cap of the cigar and create a small hole, about 1/4 inch in diameter. This cut type is great for smaller cigars or for those who want a tighter draw. Fun fact, many lighters we will discuss below have an integrated punch cutter already.

Next up is the Straight or Guillotine cut. This cutter is likely the one you are imagining or have seen. usually held between the middle finger and thumb, the Straight cutter "snips" the cap off between two blades allowing as much air flow through the cigar. You should keep in mind not to cut to high up the head of the cigar as the wrapper could start to unwrap, not to mention that is just cutting too much of the best part! This cutter is best for larger ring gauge cigars and those who want a looser draw. Note that the cigar can also burn a little hotter with this type.

Finally we have the V-cut. A well balanced cut, the V-cut works like the Straight cutter in that it cuts a notch in the cap of the cigar. This allows a tighter, yet smoother profile on the cigar draw. It combines the best of the Punch and Straight cut and I think is best for beginners who are looking to get the best flavor from the cigar while maintaining a steady draw.

A torch lighter really the way to light up these days. While historically matches and Zippo lighters were used, the idea is light up the cigar as evenly as possible. a torch lighter allows very concentrated heat to ignite the tobacco leaves and create a stable combustion. I find it best to heat the end of the cigar evenly first before taking those first few puffs while still lighting. This allows the tobacco to first "light up" then smoke, just be sure to blow out the flame that may appear if the tobacco was too dry or heated up to much.

Always use a quality butane fuel with your lighter, this will prevent gumming up and allow the lighter to last you many enjoyable years. If the lighter has issues lighting, check the fuel level or purge out air from the bottom of the lighter with a paper clip.

At this point, you should be enjoying your cigar. If not, then you may want to store that stogie. While a cigar can last in a ziplock for a day or two, a quality Humidor will give your stogies months, even years of freshness. In fact a cigar that houses in a well regulated humidor longer, ages better. Like fine wine, you want your humidor to maintain its optimal humidity level for best results. Just be sure to recharge your humidor with reverse-osmosis water or distilled water. Never use tap water in your humidor. A humidor should be kept around 70 percent relative humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

At this point you have all the equipment, aside an ashtray, to start enjoying cigars. Havana House has everything you need to get started and to continue your cigar journey. Check back every now and then for new posts on cigar smoking. And as always.

Have a Smokin Day!