Stick
I like a smoke that will last me anywhere from and hour to and hour and a half. I prefer ring sizes between 52 and 56, though thorough enjoyment of a 48 or smaller isn't unheard of. When smoking the smaller rings I will choose a natural or candela wrapper, as the smaller ring will produce a hotter, spicier burn that can be too much when coupled with the richer flavors of the dark wrappers. Conversely, I prefer darker wrappers when smoking a thicker cigar. A thick maduro is rich and smooth.
Cutting
I'll use a bullet cutter on a round cap and a guillotine for a torpedo. Where I cut a torpedo depends on what kind of draw I'm in the mood for (cigars are all about mood). For an easy draw, I'll cut the cap just past the middle, leaving maybe 30% of the cap to hold the cigar together.
The technique for the guillotine is pretty strait forward. Pick the spot, then squeeze gently but firmly until the end clips off. Not too fast, because if the cigar is touchy (to dry, odd construction), I may damage it. Cutting slowly gives me time to react.
When using the bullet, I might hold the cigar in my mouth off and on for a little while to dampen the cap (not soak it). It may do nothing; but I imagine it softening the cap for an easier cut. This is to prevent splitting. I grasp the cigar firmly but gently between my thumb and four fingers with my palm pointing up (almost as though I'd just dump a drink on someone standing in front of me). With the foot pointing away from me I press the bullet cutter into the cap (say it with me) gently but firmly, putting a light twisting pressure back and forth on the cutter. I may do this two or three times to ensure a well centered cut.
The Band
I like to remove the band when I smoke. I will hold the cigar again between my thumb and fingers - usually in my left hand - with the palm side toward my face. With my thumb index and middle fingers of my right hand, I'll gently grip the band and lightly twist to see if it's glued to the cigar. If so, I'll roll the band between my fingers to try and break it free. Then I'll find the edge of the band and tear it free from itself, pulling it off as a strip. If the band is particularly loose, I may attempt to slide it off the cap end of the cigar without tearing it.
After I prepare a cigar, it may sit on my desk for a couple of hours before I get around to it. I may even put it back in my humidor for up to a couple of weeks.
Lighting
I use a Phillies cigar lighter from the local Bartell drug store (I've had the best luck with it).
Again holding the cigar between my thumb and fingers of my left hand, this time with the foot pointing to my right. I'll roll the foot back and forth with the flame just touching the edge. My objective being to get the wrapper edge thoroughly lit. I'll stop to make sure I don't foul the cigar, give it a couple of seconds and then draw on it or blow gently through it to feed the struggling embers.
Once the edge of the wrapper is completely lit, I put the lighter away and nurse the cigar to a full healthy burn.
Holding
As in many of the steps above, I like to hold my cigar between my thumb and fingers. Once I get it going, I hold it in my right hand. I may switch hands. I may also hold it in my hooked index finger. It depends on how well constructed the cigar feels. I find the thumb and fingers hold to be the least disruptive to the structure of the cigar.
Smoking
What can I say? It's a Zen thing.
Finishing
I try to smoke it all the way down to the cap. I try to keep my humidor stocked with sticks I can do that with (My current favorite is CAO Brazilia Gol).
The things that will finish a smoke for me include:
- Having smoked it down to the point where it's too hot to hold
- The remainder has an overpowering taste (usually because I smoked it too fast).
- I run out of time (but I try not to start unless I know I have the time).
For what it's worth,
Gyrepin
I like a smoke that will last me anywhere from and hour to and hour and a half. I prefer ring sizes between 52 and 56, though thorough enjoyment of a 48 or smaller isn't unheard of. When smoking the smaller rings I will choose a natural or candela wrapper, as the smaller ring will produce a hotter, spicier burn that can be too much when coupled with the richer flavors of the dark wrappers. Conversely, I prefer darker wrappers when smoking a thicker cigar. A thick maduro is rich and smooth.
Cutting
I'll use a bullet cutter on a round cap and a guillotine for a torpedo. Where I cut a torpedo depends on what kind of draw I'm in the mood for (cigars are all about mood). For an easy draw, I'll cut the cap just past the middle, leaving maybe 30% of the cap to hold the cigar together.
The technique for the guillotine is pretty strait forward. Pick the spot, then squeeze gently but firmly until the end clips off. Not too fast, because if the cigar is touchy (to dry, odd construction), I may damage it. Cutting slowly gives me time to react.
When using the bullet, I might hold the cigar in my mouth off and on for a little while to dampen the cap (not soak it). It may do nothing; but I imagine it softening the cap for an easier cut. This is to prevent splitting. I grasp the cigar firmly but gently between my thumb and four fingers with my palm pointing up (almost as though I'd just dump a drink on someone standing in front of me). With the foot pointing away from me I press the bullet cutter into the cap (say it with me) gently but firmly, putting a light twisting pressure back and forth on the cutter. I may do this two or three times to ensure a well centered cut.
The Band
I like to remove the band when I smoke. I will hold the cigar again between my thumb and fingers - usually in my left hand - with the palm side toward my face. With my thumb index and middle fingers of my right hand, I'll gently grip the band and lightly twist to see if it's glued to the cigar. If so, I'll roll the band between my fingers to try and break it free. Then I'll find the edge of the band and tear it free from itself, pulling it off as a strip. If the band is particularly loose, I may attempt to slide it off the cap end of the cigar without tearing it.
After I prepare a cigar, it may sit on my desk for a couple of hours before I get around to it. I may even put it back in my humidor for up to a couple of weeks.
Lighting
I use a Phillies cigar lighter from the local Bartell drug store (I've had the best luck with it).
Again holding the cigar between my thumb and fingers of my left hand, this time with the foot pointing to my right. I'll roll the foot back and forth with the flame just touching the edge. My objective being to get the wrapper edge thoroughly lit. I'll stop to make sure I don't foul the cigar, give it a couple of seconds and then draw on it or blow gently through it to feed the struggling embers.
Once the edge of the wrapper is completely lit, I put the lighter away and nurse the cigar to a full healthy burn.
Holding
As in many of the steps above, I like to hold my cigar between my thumb and fingers. Once I get it going, I hold it in my right hand. I may switch hands. I may also hold it in my hooked index finger. It depends on how well constructed the cigar feels. I find the thumb and fingers hold to be the least disruptive to the structure of the cigar.
Smoking
What can I say? It's a Zen thing.
Finishing
I try to smoke it all the way down to the cap. I try to keep my humidor stocked with sticks I can do that with (My current favorite is CAO Brazilia Gol).
The things that will finish a smoke for me include:
- Having smoked it down to the point where it's too hot to hold
- The remainder has an overpowering taste (usually because I smoked it too fast).
- I run out of time (but I try not to start unless I know I have the time).
For what it's worth,
Gyrepin
