CIGAR NOVICE
If you
are not already enjoying a fine cigar while checking out this issue, please light one up,
sit back, relax and enjoy as we take a look at cigar accessories and cigar dinners. Before
we begin, I just want to share a quick story with you. At the first cigar dinner I ever
went to with my buddy Jeff, about a year and half ago, we checked in at the front desk and
a gentleman was handing us our cigars for the evening. We each took one out and noticed he
was holding this funny looking pair of scissors and he held his hand out for our cigars
(keep in mind we were both greenhorns at cigar smoking). Well, I don't know about Jeff,
but I was a little reluctant to give what seemed to be a very nice cigar back to this guy
holding that wicked pair of scissors. However, in lieu of looking as if we did not know
what we were doing, we gave our cigars to him. He asked us how we liked our draw. Hmmmm.
What the #&!@*& is a draw? At this point we decided, ah what the hell and said,
"Mister, we're beginners and have no idea what the devil you are talking about."
This refined man was very accommodating and proceeded to tell us that the draw of a cigar
can be determined by the amount of the tip that is cut off. By cutting off a small piece
of the end you will have less of a draw than by cutting off a large piece. Well, the moral
of the story is if you don't know, ask.
Of all the cigar folks I have met, not one ever made me feel silly for asking a question.
In fact, most are more than willing to share their knowledge. Having said that, let's take
a look at some cigar accessories.
There are five essential accessories every cigar smoker should have. They are as follows:
1. Cigar Cutter |
There are many fun cigar accessories on the market today but we will only concentrate on
the 5 essential ones. It's amazing what some of these marketing people come up with. I'm
still waiting for little turtle neck sweaters to keep your stogies warm on those cold
winter nights.
The Cigar Cutter
There are many different types and brands of cigar cutters on the market. The most popular
is the guillotine type which slices off the end of a cigar with a straight cut. This is
the type I prefer. They make both a single blade and a double blade guillotine cutter. The
double blade is nice because it cuts the cigar from both sides which helps prevent tearing
of the wrapper and they are generally self-sharpening.. Guillotine cutters range in price
from two dollars for the inexpensive single blade type to more than fifty dollars and up
for some of the double bladed type. Another type of cutter punches a circular hole in the
end of the cigar. These plug cutters are relatively inexpensive but do not allow you to
control the draw of the cigar ( unless you have three different sizes). The third type
cuts a V shaped notch into the end of the cigar (also called a "cat's eye"). I
have not seen too many of these in use, however, your local cigar shop will have all three
types. You can also find a mini-drill which you can use to make one to three holes in the
cap based on your preference. Experiment by trying all types of cutters before buying to
make sure you get the one you prefer. Here is an emergency tip; if you're on the golf
course and you forgot your cutter, wet the end of your cigar (by mouth), take a clean tee
and push the pointed end into the center of the cap of the cigar and push it in
(slowly)about half way then pull it out gently. I have found this works fairly well as
oppose to biting the end off, which in MY opinion, is a terrible thing to do to a
beautiful cigar.
The Lighter
At last count there were about 3.2 zillion different lighters available. Here's what you
need to know. Find a butane lighter that has as wide a flame as possible. Period. There
are many different types and brands and designs of lighter. Like pens, I seem to
frequently misplace mine and therefore opt for an inexpensive lighter. I was at Allan
Kern's office (senior editor of CLM) the other day and he was showing me this lighter that
was literally a blow torch. The thing would light a stogie in 100 mph winds. It also comes
in handy in case you have any welding to do around the house. When using your lighter to
light your cigar, be sure to allow the flame to burn for three to four seconds prior to
lighting your cigar to let any residual butane burn off. Enough already on lighters, let's
move on.
Ashtrays
When selecting an ashtray, the operative theory should be the bigger the better. There is
nothing worse than trying to set a nice big churchill sized cigar in a tiny little ashtray
(well, a few things may be worse). I like a nice big square cigar ashtray, that has
notches in each of the four corners, to hold a cigar. Your local cigar shop will have a
large selection of ashtrays from which to choose. It might not be a bad idea to pick up a
couple extra for those occasions when your cigar smoking cronies visit.
Carrying Case
It is a good idea to have a case to carry some cigars with you. It is a relatively
inexpensive way to keep your cigars from getting squashed and broken. There are basically
two different types, a leather type and a stainless steel cylindrical tube type. Both are
an excellent way to transport cigars without damage and keep them fresh. Both come in
different sizes to accommodate the number and size of cigars they will carry. The same
criteria used in selecting the ashtray should be used here, the bigger the better, You can
carry a lonsdale cigar in a case big enough to hold a churchill but the reverse is not
true. I also recommend a case that can hold at least three cigars.
The Humidor
Last, but not least, in my opinion, the most essential item to keep those cigars fresh and
enjoyable. There are several key factors to consider when purchasing a humidor. The first
is size. Do not buy a small humidor (one that holds less than seventy five cigars). The
second is cost. A humidor is something you will have for a long, long time. Make sure you
get the one you like, even if it costs a bit more. In the long run it will be worth the
investment. Go to several cigar shops when looking for a humidor. Each shop will have a
pretty good selection, but be sure to visit several to make sure you find the one with
which you're happy. Humidors are also available through catalogs but unless you have seen
it first, do not buy it. Take your time when making your selection and your diligence will
be rewarded with a quality humidor you will enjoy for many years to come!
Now that we have covered the essential accessories, let's talk about cigar dinners. Cigar
dinners are a wonderful way to meet exciting people who also enjoy the attributes of a
fine cigar. I have been to several different cigar dinners, making new acquaintances each
time. Some cigar diners are better than others. I highly recommend you try several until
you find the establishment you prefer. The better cigar dinners I have attended start with
a cocktail hour serving quality single malt scotches, single barrel bourbons and fine
ports. They have included anywhere from two to five cigars. I suggest you bring your cigar
case along with one of your own cigars just in case you do not care for the cigars that
are given. There is usually a three to five course meal served and price ranges from about
$45.00 to a as much as $350.00. I highly recommend you give these a try. Call up your
buddies or your girl friends and make a night of it. I guarantee you will have a good
time!
Another fun idea is to have your own cigar dinner at a cigar friendly establishment in
your area. This allows you the flexibility of time and date. Just call the establishment a
few days in advance and most will give you the option of making a pre-set dinner menu for
a fixed price or just ordering off the menu. This is great way for you and your friends to
unwind and relax after a busy and hectic week.
I read somewhere, not to long ago, that the median net worth of the average cigar smoker
is upwards of a million dollars. Well, I'm here to tell you I am one of those guys that
skew that statistic. If a cigar dinner is above and beyond your current financial
obligations or you would like to get together more often with your cronies but don't want
to spend $100.00 or more, here is a great idea that I myself have tried with great
success. Throw your own cigar dinner at your own place. You will find that you can have
the best steaks, fine wines, and great cigars for less than $25.00 a person, and if
everyone pitches in, it will be a piece of cake