start smoking

Posted on 25. Jan, 2010 by NakedCity in op-ed

words and photos > KYLE WILLIAMS

Think cigars are all about stodgy, old men talking about their latest business venture? Wrong. A younger generation is currently driving the fine tobacco business. Looking to find a new way to indulge, many in their 20s and 30s are finding cigars as a great way to kick back, relax, and enjoy the company of others.

So you’ve never had one but are interested? No one wants to be the rookie, sitting at the table coughing their lungs out. That’s why we’ve hooked up with the fine gentleman at The Humidor, Wichita’s newest cigar store and lounge, featuring cushy leather couches, gourmet coffee, and even Playstation 3. We’re going to show you the ropes when it comes to getting your Jack Nicholson on.

Picking your cigar. Ask a professional tobacconist. You can find a tobacconist at most cigar shops in the city. Tell them you’re new to smoking and how much you would like to spend. They will give you some great suggestions. If you’re too embarrassed to ask someone, find a cigar that feels firm but doesn’t crack when lightly pressed—if it cracks its too dry. Inspect the cigar and make sure there are no holes or imperfections, and you should be ready to smoke.
Cutting your cigar. There are plenty of different ways to properly cut a cigar, but for the sake of simplicity and efficiency, we’re going to go with the straight cut. The straight cut requires a guillotine cutter, similar to what you see mob bosses cutting fingers off with in movies. Most cigar shops will provide a cutter for you to use, but if you would like to invest in one, you can get a suitable cutter for about five bucks. Find the closed end of the cigar and cut about 1/8th-inch off the end. This should provide a satisfactory hole to draw the smoke through.
Lighting your cigar. First and foremost, be careful about using a disposable lighter; these lighters can taint the taste of your cigar. Only light your cigar using wooden matches or butane lighters. Many aficionados use a method called “toasting,” this is where you hold the cigar and slowly singe the end with your flame, warming up the cigar and preparing it for an even burn. After the cigar is toasted, put the cigar in your mouth, hold the flame to the end, and rotate it while puffing. Once the cigar is lit, pull it away from your mouth and blow on the end to make sure it has lit evenly. If there are still black, unlit areas, focus your flame on those areas and puff. Once the end is fully lit, you’re good to go.
Smoking your cigar. This is the easy part. Take a slow drag and let the smoke fill your mouth, but remember, do not inhale. This is all-natural tobacco, with no filter. The last thing you want is this smoke filling your lungs. Coughing until you hurl is never a good look. Let the smoke sit for a moment, then blow out; wait about 3–4 minutes and repeat. Like wine, different cigars have different notes. Try to pay attention to these, and it will enhance your experience.
Ashing your cigar. This is not a cigarette, so don’t flick it like one. Let the ash stay on the cigar for as long as you can. It helps cool the smoke and keep the burn consistent. When the time comes, either rest the cigar on an ashtray and gently roll the ash off, or hold the cigar over the ashtray and lightly tap until the ash falls. When done, don’t stub out a cigar—it will cause a foul odor. Just let it sit and go out on it’s own.
Dealing with your cigar breath. When you’re done, your breath is not going to be the freshest. So keep a toothbrush or some Altoids on deck.

For more info on The Humidor: Cigars and Lounge visit their website at smokesomethingbig.com.