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Smoking cigars has become a renewed pastime for both the rich and famous as well as the average working man. Smoking cigars is about so much more than just lighting a match and inhaling smoke. In this article, we’ll show you how to properly handle a cigar so that you get the most possible enjoyment from the experience.

Once you’ve selected a well crafted, perhaps hand rolled cigar, the next step is to light it. The tip of it should be lit using a wooden match or a lighter. Try not to use candles, paper matches or lighters that use lighter fluid because the chemicals and odors can affect the taste of the tobacco.

The best tool for lighting one is a butane lighter. If you’re using a match, wait until the sulfur burns off before lighting up. Start the lighting procedure by holding it at a 45 degree angle over the flame.

Without allowing the flame to actually touch the end, gently roll the edges close to the flame until it is lit. While never letting the flame touch the cigar, slowly puff and rotate it around the flame. Take a look at the foot and make sure it is burning evenly.

After the cigar is lit, you can savor the rich, aromatic nuances. It’s best to take long draws instead of short puffs. This technique will help ensure that it burns steadily and evenly. Rolling it in your fingers as you smoke is another way to help ensure a smooth and even burn.

When smoking, you should always be aware of the length of the ash at the end of the cigar. Most premium handmade varieties will hold a very long ash before falling off while cheaper ones produce ashes that fall off more frequently. To protect your clothing and furniture, gently tap the ash off the end, as required.

Perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of smoking cigars is re-igniting one that has gone out. Those that aren’t puffed on every few minutes tend to go out, so re-lighting is commonplace. However, try to avoid re-igniting one that hasn’t been smoked in more than two hours.

When re-lighting, hold the flame in front of the foot and blow out to help expel any old gases or ash that may have become trapped and then follow standard lighting procedures. It’s also important to put it out properly. To extinguish, just let it go out by itself in an ashtray. Stubbing one out produces an unpleasant stale odor that can linger in a room.

Smoking cigars can become an almost ritualistic experience to enthusiasts. Many have a number of accessories purchased from a cigar shop and will use these items to improve the experience. Whether you choose to go to a cigar club or you prefer to enjoy a stogie in your own backyard, take your time and slowly savor the pleasure of a well crafted product.