I have been smoking
real cigars for over thirty years.
But actually started I smoking them a bit when I was a teenager, starting with Hav-a-Tampa Jewels. That way I could smoke the cigar and then gnaw on the birch tip.
I learned all I know about cigars when this guy's shop was so small the window rattled when someone came in.
http://www.humidorsat.com
Great guy. He taught me how to look a the cap, judge the wrapper, observe the smoke, cut the cigar, and just as important, how to light it.
When I started smoking the good stuff, there were no plastic cutters with razor blades in them to crudely chop the end off the cigar. When you do that, you destroy the work of the craftsman that fitted and shaped the cap to the cigar; it goes in the trash. As instructed, I cut a "V" in the end of the cigar preserving an important component of the smoke.
Hey... come on... look where we are! What do you think those mini pen blades, small wharncliff or sheepsfoot blades are really for?
Get 'em sharp enough to shave, then a quick strop, and they are perfect cigar "V" cutter.
Oddly, this came up at the cigar club last week, and a guy there now has a plastic "V" cutter with a razor in it. Who knew?
I use the classic method of lighting, and that is to toast the end of the cigar until it is lit, then light it by drawing slowly and smoothly until the ember is across the end of he cigar.
Light with wooden matches (might take two or three) or a butane lighter. Zippos or others impart an oily taste to the cigar. I was advised against the Zippos, but did it anyway as I had one in my pocket when I smoked cigarettes. When I quit cigarettes, I left the Zippo at home and would light up at the store. Big difference.
His son now runs that shop as the fellow that owned it passed.
It isn't the same.
But...
This store is about a mile from my house in the other direction, and he has tobacco in his blood. He is fourth generation in the tobacco business, and he loves what he does.
http://www.finckcigar.com
I cannot keep up with the amount of cigars I smoke, or the brands. He discounts in the store, sells odds and ends left over from huge orders, tries out different brands, and all of it winds up one way or another at the store. It is like a chocoholic living by a candy factory for me.
I highly recommend them for their product and prices.
Robert
