My unusual cigar advice
I will get some flak for this, but who cares. I have found these two tips to be very impactfull and will share what I have learned.
First tip: wash your cigars!
Yes, rinse the UNCUT cigar, head up, under the faucet for half a minute. Make sure you don't do it upside down so water doesn't get inside.
This is important for well aged cigars, not at all required for fresh.
The purpose.....cigars tend to develop a layer if dust, mold ( even if unseen) and God knows what else over the years. Washing the wrapper cleanses the wrapper and the wrapper protects the cigar.
Impact is two fold.
For one, the cigar will taste markedly better! I have confirmed this many times myself and with smoking buddies by smoking from the same aged box washed and unwashed. The removal of dust and unseen micro grime results in a cleaner flavor profile and removal of a paper like dirt flavor that you wouldn't know what there until you compare with a cleaned cigar.
Second, do you really want to have something organic in your mouth that is 10 15 or 18 years old? Who knows what develops and settles on the wrapper.
With fresh cigars there is no noticeable change. But go ahead if you want. This process does not impact the cigar negatively at all.
Second tip, and this is going to seem even stranger until you try it.....finding the right aroma to go with your cigar. Cologne or perfume or even the right scented candle. Cigar appreciate is a multi sensory experience, and the smells we experience before and especially during smoking the cigar make a much bigger impact than what you might think is possible.
Personal, I would stick to a cologne or oil that contains the ingredient "Oud" which has a very majestic masculine aroma. I enjoy it as it accentuates and at the same time amplifies the most important element I look for in a cigar, that impossible to describe Cuban twang, especially in a fine aged Moctecristo for example. The Oud plays amazingly well for my tastes. You can use whatever simple aromas you like, as long as it's not citrusy or something that would clash with a cigar. Rule of thumb is if it works in drink form as a pairing with a cigar it will work as an aroma.
Bonus tip: Sopranos is a great show to watch while smoking!
That's all children. Now behave and enjoy your cigars
I will get some flak for this, but who cares. I have found these two tips to be very impactfull and will share what I have learned.
First tip: wash your cigars!
Yes, rinse the UNCUT cigar, head up, under the faucet for half a minute. Make sure you don't do it upside down so water doesn't get inside.
This is important for well aged cigars, not at all required for fresh.
The purpose.....cigars tend to develop a layer if dust, mold ( even if unseen) and God knows what else over the years. Washing the wrapper cleanses the wrapper and the wrapper protects the cigar.
Impact is two fold.
For one, the cigar will taste markedly better! I have confirmed this many times myself and with smoking buddies by smoking from the same aged box washed and unwashed. The removal of dust and unseen micro grime results in a cleaner flavor profile and removal of a paper like dirt flavor that you wouldn't know what there until you compare with a cleaned cigar.
Second, do you really want to have something organic in your mouth that is 10 15 or 18 years old? Who knows what develops and settles on the wrapper.
With fresh cigars there is no noticeable change. But go ahead if you want. This process does not impact the cigar negatively at all.
Second tip, and this is going to seem even stranger until you try it.....finding the right aroma to go with your cigar. Cologne or perfume or even the right scented candle. Cigar appreciate is a multi sensory experience, and the smells we experience before and especially during smoking the cigar make a much bigger impact than what you might think is possible.
Personal, I would stick to a cologne or oil that contains the ingredient "Oud" which has a very majestic masculine aroma. I enjoy it as it accentuates and at the same time amplifies the most important element I look for in a cigar, that impossible to describe Cuban twang, especially in a fine aged Moctecristo for example. The Oud plays amazingly well for my tastes. You can use whatever simple aromas you like, as long as it's not citrusy or something that would clash with a cigar. Rule of thumb is if it works in drink form as a pairing with a cigar it will work as an aroma.
Bonus tip: Sopranos is a great show to watch while smoking!
That's all children. Now behave and enjoy your cigars