Unlike some non-smokers believe, cigar aficionados do not burn cigars for a quick fix or to take the edge off. Rather, it is a delicate experience appealing to many of our most tangible senses – sight, smell, and taste. Cigar smoking brings the much needed relaxation and enjoyment by creating a ‘slow down’ moment in our busy lives. Just like any hobby, there is no strict rules for enjoying a cigar, and the tips that we have provided here (and more to come!) are only ways to help you receive optimum results each time you light up, guide your exploration through the wealth of cigar flavors that appeal to your senses, and further enhance your smoking experience. Let us begin by discussing the draw and puff of cigar smoking. The Draw The draw of a cigar is vital for maximum cigar enjoyment. If the draw is too tight, the level of flavor your taste buds receive will be hindered because not enough smoke will be able to reach the palate. The amount of aroma noticed will also suffer, since the less smoke one pulls in with each puff, the less smoke one exhales. Being surrounded in a cloud of exquisite tobacco aroma from a fine cigar is definitely a pleasure worth learning about. What causes a tight draw? Sometimes, a tight draw is the result of excessive moisture in the cigar, which causes the filler leaves to expand and restrict airflow. For this reason, storing cigars should be stored at a humidity level slightly lower than 70% (see more under the Cigar Storage section). To correct, one can massage and pinch the cut end of the cigar to work out some of the ‘knots’, or use a draw poker to open larger airways through the body by loosening the filler. On the opposite end, a draw can be too loose. The most common cause of this is a poor roll, which also results in less smoke hitting the palate. The 1-2-3 Method of Puffing
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