If you’re new to cigars, then you probably have some questions about them. You’re in luck because our team of expert cigar smokers and lovers are here to answer the most commonly asked questions about cigars to help you get the most out of your smoking experience. From how to cut a cigar to how to smoke it, you’ll find answers to all your cigar smoking questions here!
Q. I've noticed a powdery substance on several of my cigars. What is this, and need I will be concerned about? A. Some cigar makers use a thin layer of barn dust to prevent cigars from drying out in storage. Often mistaken for mold, barn dust is harmless and can be easily wiped off with a soft cloth. If you have questions about your specific cigars, call your tobacconist or check out our cigar FAQs section. Search barn dust on any product page and you'll find more information about that topic. And don't forget to visit CigarFinder for reviews of thousands of different cigars! We've got information on flavor profile, construction quality, as well as user ratings – making it easy to pick out your next favorite smoke!
Q. My cigars are over humidified. What can I do to restore the humidor to optimal conditions? Can the cigars be saved? A. The cigars themselves can be saved, but you have to act quickly. Depending on how humid your humidor is, these steps may work for you: Place a bag of desiccant silica gel beads in the bottom of your humidor to absorb excess moisture. These silica beads can be found at most home goods and hardware stores and will suck up any extra moisture like a sponge. Remove all cigars from your humidor and place them in a plastic zip-lock bag (without seal). Store them somewhere cool, dry, and relatively dark for 2–3 days.
Q. What Is The Best Way To Store My Cigars? A. Proper cigar storage is one of the most important factors in protecting your investment. Depending on where you live, it can be one of the hardest tasks to maintain. The first question a new cigar smoker should ask himself is Where am I going to store my cigars? If you’re not already storing them properly, chances are they will be ruined very quickly. Here are some options for storing your prized sticks options for storing your prized sticks: Humidor: The preferred way to store cigars, humidors take up quite a bit of space and have a fixed capacity; however, they maintain proper humidity levels and allow you to enjoy each stick at its peak freshness.
Q. I've been told you should only smoke a cigar halfway. Is this true? How can I tell when a cigar is done? A. This is one of my favorite cigar myths. Not only can you smoke a cigar all the way down, but most people agree that it tastes better when it burns within an inch or so of its end. If you let your cigar go out and then try to relight it later, there's a chance that re-lighting will make your cigar taste bitter. Of course, if you have time and are not in a rush for a particular experience, there is something to be said for letting your stogie rest in-between puffs. Doing so can help develop flavor nuances and reduce tar buildup by eliminating excess heat from burning too quickly. But don't tell me what I should do; I'll decide when my cigar is done!
Q. What is the best way for me to age my cigars? A. Aging your cigars properly is a vital step in smoking good cigars. It allows you to store and mature your cigars so that they will taste better once smoked. In general, cigar aging refers to allowing freshly rolled cigars to rest in controlled conditions for a period of time. There are several ways that cigar aging can occur. The first method is natural aging, which occurs after a cigar has been rolled by storing it for an extended period of time in ideal climate conditions. The second way is called artificial or forced aging, which happens by storing cigars in specifically designed environments with humidity levels below 70 percent and at 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit for an average of eight months before packaging them for sale to consumers.
Q. How Long, Does It Take To Smell Good Again After Smoking A Cigar? A. If you’re not familiar with cigars, you may be wondering how long it takes to re-scent your clothing. It all depends on whether or not your smoking jacket or clothes can stand up to cigar smoke. If they are made from natural fibers like wool, hemp or cotton (or a blend) then these materials will be able to absorb cigar smoke without any real lasting damage. Even blends of these materials (like sweatshirts and jackets) can withstand the smell; however, cotton shirts that contain spandex may lose their shape if exposed to cigar smoke.
Q. Many cigars are sold in individual cellophane overwraps. Should I remove the cellophane prior to placing the cigars in my humidor? What about tubes and bands? Are cigars best stored naked
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A. For best results, leave both cellophane and bands on until you're ready to smoke. Leaving them on means your cigars will arrive at their destination in perfect condition. Cigar tubes are designed specifically for humidified cigars—leaving them in their tubes is completely fine. There are a few exceptions: If a cigar has an extremely long ring gauge (larger than 64) or is unusually fragile, it's best to remove it from its overwrap or tube for storage purposes.
Q. My grandfather always dips his cigars in Cognac or rum. Is this a good idea? Why does my tobacconist warn me against it? A. Many cigar smokers are familiar with this popular ritual, but not many understand why it can be harmful. My grandfather always dips his cigars in Cognac or rum. Is this a good idea? Why does my tobacconist warn me against it? This is one of those classic misconceptions that took hold long ago because it seemed like a good idea at first. While dipping your cigar does provide a slightly different flavor and scent, most experts agree that it damages your cigar and reduces its lifespan—meaning you won’t have as much time to enjoy it. Also, other than burning off some of your alcohol or tobacco scents, nothing much happens when you dip your smoke in booze; I would recommend pairing scents instead.
Q. How can I tell if my cigar is fresh? A. Freshness is very important in cigars. It’s also one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing a cigar and determining how your cigar will taste. The best way to tell if your cigar is fresh is by inspecting its band and wrapper. If there are any discolorations, tears or wear spots, chances are your cigar has been around for a while. While these don’t necessarily mean your cigar is stale, they do mean that you should take extra care when smoking it. You should also avoid cigars with badly applied bands as these can come loose and ruin an otherwise great smoke. If you do find that your new stogie isn’t fresh or turns out to be old, ask for a refund from whichever retailer sold it to you!
