| ere a cigar lover on your gift list? Or are you simply | | | | knowledgeable sales clerk will understand the |
| curious about how to choose a decent cigar for one | | | | merchandise and will be able to tell you whatever |
| of your friends or loved ones? The good news is | | | | you need to know about a cigar’s ingredients. |
| that even those who know nothing about cigars or | | | | The best place to look for cigars is at your local |
| about choosing a great cigar can learn these few | | | | tobacco shop. At these places, you will generally be |
| simple tips on how to sniff out (sometimes literally) a | | | | allowed to smell and touch the cigars. Begin by |
| good cigar for your friend or relative. | | | | squeezing the cigar gently. If the cigar gives a little |
| In case you haven’t noticed, cigars have now | | | | when squeezed, it is a sign you’re handling a |
| entered mainstream culture. While the use of cigars | | | | good quality cigar. The cigar should be firm and should |
| was once the symbol of the rich and powerful, it's | | | | contain no spots which are excessively soft or hard, |
| now completely acceptable and affordable for just | | | | avoid buying a lumpy cigar. |
| about anyone to purchase a good cigar. This | | | | Make sure you look at the wrapper. If you notice |
| doesn’t mean, however, that you will be able | | | | any drying or discoloration of the cigar, it would be |
| to buy your friend a box of top-tier Cuban cigars. | | | | best not to purchase that one. Ideally, the wrapper |
| Instead, you can feel comfortable that you are | | | | should be smooth and wrapped tightly around the |
| buying a good quality cigar that will put a smile on | | | | cigar. Inspect the color of the tobacco. Make sure |
| your friend’s face. | | | | that the color is even throughout the length of the |
| The first tip involves visiting your local tobacconist or | | | | cigar. You can do this by inspecting the end of the |
| specialty smoke shop for the highest quality and | | | | cigar. Some variability in color is acceptable; however, |
| widest selection of cigars. Avoid buying cigars from | | | | if the color changes widely, it is likely that the cigar |
| the drugstore or grocery store. While they may be | | | | wasn’t rolled correctly. When you smoke a |
| inexpensive and convenient to purchase, these cigars | | | | cigar has not been rolled correctly, you may end up |
| are usually filled with preservatives and are generally | | | | with uneven burning and an unpleasant smell. |
| of poorer quality than those you’ll find at a | | | | If you're not sure if your friend is a heavy or light |
| specialty shop. Drugstore cigars may contain | | | | cigar smoker, it’s best to choose a longer |
| saltpeter, paper, glycerin, and other preservatives | | | | cigar. Longer cigars often have a 'cooler' taste and |
| and irritants. When you visit the tobacco shop, you | | | | are an excellent choice for beginners. If your friend is |
| should ask to purchase only those cigars that are | | | | an expert on cigars and regular smoker, choose a |
| made of 100% tobacco. If you’re | | | | cigar that is of a thicker diameter. Thicker cigars |
| inexperienced about the ingredients in cigars, feel | | | | often display richer flavor which is greatly appreciated |
| free to ask the salesperson. An experienced and | | | | by the most experienced smokers. |