As the New Year approaches, many of us take the opportunity to reflect on the past year and set goals for the year ahead. For cigar enthusiasts, this is a great time to consider how to make the most of their cigar-smoking experience in the coming year. Whether you are a seasoned smoker or just getting started, all cigar smokers should consider making a few New Year's resolutions.
Best Cigar New Year’s Resolutions
As a cigar smoker, there are many ways to make the most of your experience in the new year. Whether trying new cigars, investing in a humidor, learning about cigar etiquette, finding a community of fellow enthusiasts, or taking care of your cigars, there are plenty of resolutions to choose from. By making one or more of these resolutions, you'll be able to enhance your cigar-smoking experience and fully enjoy all that this wonderful tradition has to offer.
New Year’s Resolution #1: Try New Cigars & Expand Your Horizons
One of the best things about being a cigar smoker is choosing a cigar that perfectly matches the moment. There are cigars to fit almost any situation or mood. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, relaxing on the patio with a drink, or taking a break after dinner with friends – there's a cigar for every time and place. That said, it's easy to get stuck in your ways and repeatedly smoke the same cigars. The new year is ideal for branching out and trying new brands or blends. You might discover cigars better suited to your tastes than those you regularly enjoy.
Trying quality cigars, especially at BnB Tobacco, is an affordable way to expand your repertoire and can even save you money in the long run. If a new cigar happens to be a dud or you don't like it as much as your usual smoke – at least you know and now have a better idea of where you stand on that particular cigar. The hard part is knowing where to start. One of the easiest ways to get started with branching out is by purchasing sampler packs from your local tobacconist.
New Year’s Resolution #2: Invest in A Proper Humidor
If you've been smoking for any length of time, chances are that you have tried at least one cigar with some quality control problem. There are quite a few cigar aficionados who will not even consider smoking a cigar that has had an issue with it.
Good news, most cigars are perfect right out of the box and do not need to be "aged" or "aged in humid." However, some cigars only taste their best after being given time to rest in your humidor. The aging process only enhances the flavors and characteristics of a cigar. For smokers who like to experience full-bodied and oily smoke, a humidor will make your smoke more satisfying. This is because aging enhances a cigar's flavor, aroma, and body.
New Year’s Resolution #3: Learn More About Cigar Etiquette
Cigar smoking is a ritual that dates back to the 16th century. Over the centuries, many "inventions" have become common practice for cigar smokers. These customs and traditions will vary from country to country and region to region. While some of these traditions will seem odd or even downright strange at first – they should be respected just like any other cultural or religious custom. The following is a list of common practices associated with smoking cigars:
- Always cut your cigar with a guillotine cutter or v-cutter before lighting up. Using a punch (or cutting the cap with your teeth) can lead to an uneven burn. An uneven burn can drastically reduce the quality of your smoke.
- Never put your cigar down without ever letting it go out. Anytime a cigar goes out, it is usually ruined. The only exception is if you are planning to smoke another later in the day and want to save it for later.
- Only use a clean pair of hands or a wooden match when you light up. Never touch or move your cigar with tools like toothpicks, screwdrivers, etc., as they could leave bits behind that could affect the flavor or draw of your cigar.
- Never take a puff of your cigar until it reaches its optimum temperature. Lighting it too soon can make it taste worse and diminish the smoke quality. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least 10 minutes after you light your cigar up before taking the first puff.
- Never pass a cigar still burning in someone else's mouth. This is one of the most common "proper etiquette" practices in cigar smoking circles but tends to be broken most frequently by new smokers. If you want to pass a cigar, hand it off while it is still lit and give your fellow smoker a chance to toast or cut their end before smoking properly.
- Avoid putting a lit cigar in your mouth while it is burning. The heat and flames can burn the roof of your mouth and cause a nasty burn. Best to wait at least 10 minutes after lighting the cigar before putting it in your mouth, so the flame doesn't distract you from enjoying the taste.
- Only smoke one cigar at a time; never smoke more than one at any given time because it can become a hassle trying to keep track of them. If you are smoking cigars with friends, each person should have their own "stash" that they have smoked enough of, to relight them again without changing the flavor profile significantly.
- Don't chew on your cigar. It is perfectly acceptable to suck the smoke in through your mouth rather than inhale it. Moistening the inside of your mouth with saliva will enhance flavor and may make it easier to draw a long puff from the cigar.
New Year’s Resolution #4: Find A Community of Fellow Cigar Enthusiasts
Are you a member of a cigar forum? If not, you are missing out on all the fun! A cigar forum is ideal for meeting like-minded people who enjoy all aspects of cigar life. Whether your interests lie in collecting stogies or simply smoking them, there is a forum out there that will appeal to your interests. And if you don't want to join an online community, why not make friends with other cigar smokers at your local tobacconist? Getting together with like-minded people and discussing the finer points of stogie culture can be one of the most rewarding parts of being a cigar smoker.
New Year’s Resolution #5: Build A Proper Smoking Spot
Even the best cigar will taste awful if you smoke it in a poorly ventilated-space. Before puffing away, ensure that your designated smoking area is well-ventilated and provides a smoking session conducive to your specific needs. A proper smoking area should be out of direct sunlight, be free of dust/trash/cigarette butts, be located near a source of drinking water, and should provide adequate ventilation (even if you prefer to smoke cigars with an open flame).