Cigar Basics

Whether you've been smoking cigars for a while or are just starting, it's always good to know the basics of cigar smoking.  Here's some information that can be helpful to you:
 
Selecting a cigar

Cigar aficionados usually have a favorite size and shape of cigar. The most common is the regular corona size or the bigger churchill. There are cigars of every shape and every size for every occasion. Cigar smokers usually try a variety and settle for one that suits them best. 
 
The following table lists 14 well-known shapes that are currently being offered by Tabaqueria de Filipinas.

Cutting and Lighting

The first step to enjoying a cigar is the cutting of the cap. The cap must be removed in order to allow air to easily flow through the cigar. The preferred method today is the guillotine cut which removes the cap across the entire top of the cigar. This allows more air to flow and provides the full range of flavor to the smoker. Some smokers, however, use other methods such as a cigar "punch" (also quite popular today), a piercer (less popular) or a "V-cutter", so named for the shape of hole it leaves in the top of the cigar. Only a few people still bite off the cap of the cigar. Do this only when you really can't find a cutter.  
 
Always choose a cutter that's sharp to ensure a clean cut. Cheap cutter blades get dull quickly and the plastic housing can actually break after a few uses. Once cut, you can light up!  
 
If you're using a lighter, butane is the best because of its odorless and tasteless flame. Apply it gently just below the end of the cigar. Though nothing can come close to an elegant and expensive lighter, expert cigar smokers today usually prefer the "torch" lighter which offers a very hot, windproof flame. Some torch lighters even provide two or three flames, ensuring a quick light and a quick need to re-fill the lighter. 
 
A fast light is not always a good light, however. It is essential to ensure that the entire end of the cigar is lit. This is most effectively done by turning the cigar as you light it, exposing all of the end to the flame. Remember, "Turn and Burn."  Check your light by turning the lit end toward you, blowing gently and checking to see that the entire end is hot. Then enjoy!