Smoking a Habano (Cuban cigar) is a pleasure that requires the concentration of all senses. From the choice of the cigar to the place one decides to have it, everything will play an important role in the results one expects while smoking. Experts suggest a nice, quiet ambiance, not too ventilated nor completely closed, in order to enjoy its aroma in a proper way.
A Cuban cigar is composed of three main parts: the insides (the content or pipe tobacco), the cloak (which is the wrapping of the insides), and the external leaf, that is the ultimate presentation of the product. Almost all Cuban brands have a variety in sizes; and the size, in the moment of choosing, will speak of the time one has to enjoy it fully. The cigar people smoke occasionally is not the same as the one selected for smoking after a nice lunch or supper. The color of the cigar must also be even and shiny, even though green or white spots may appear due to the natural process of the leaf´s growing or curing.
The flavor of a cigar is unique and only by smoking it can one define its quality. If you do not desire to take risks, taking into account that you are not an expert, the best thing to do is to try a known brand or ask the experts that work in the Houses of Cigars or well-known stores that sell the product. Once you have chosen, you cut the cigar. Smokers have a ceremony to do that. It is important to have a cigar cutter well sharpened to avoid major breakings in the cigar. The cut must be precise and a bit of the insides must be visible. It is recommended to have the cut on the same line where the cap (the rounded piece of the external leaf that covers one of the ends) joins the external leaf. The cut is actually quite significant for smoking a cigar because it is going to decide the combustion of the cigar, which will, at the same time, benefit the appreciation of all the flavor of a cigar in the proper way.
The act of lighting a cigar has its art, as well. The cigar is put close to the flame and rolled between the fingers to accomplish an even burning. While you are doing this, you have to inhale a bit for the flame to penetrate the inside of the cigar sufficiently. The thicker the cigar, the greater the amount of time needed to light it. The best way to check if the cigar has been well lit is to blow on the lit end and verify if the whole area is incandescent. A high-quality cigar will not extinguish under normal circumstances, and if set aside will continue burning almost completely. It is not right to shake the ashes; if the cigar is high-quality, the ashes will be firm and, therefore, long.
When smoking a cigar, the smoke is inhaled but not swallowed. The smoke must be left in the mouth to be able to savor it and appreciate the nuances of the aroma. As recommended earlier, take your time… the flavor of a cigar intensifies through phases and it would be a waste to leave it halfway.
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About the Author:
This guide to enjoying a Cuban cigar was written by a Cuba travel expert from Cuba For Less, a specialist in fully customizable Cuba vacation packages.
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