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Cigar Tip: Don’t Worry, Be Happy

25 Feb 2013

If you’re a new cigar smoker, this is for you. These are a few thoughts I wish someone had shared with me when I started. They might ease your path on a wonderful journey.

cellophaneFirst, don’t worry too much. About anything. I remember vividly when I was a beginner I heard and read so much about being careful not to clip too much off the head that I was nearly petrified of using a guillotine cutter.

I was certain I’d destroy the cap and the cigar would unceremoniously unravel completely in my hands. For years, I used a punch or V-cutter, which is fine. But my fear was misplaced. A little common sense and careful observation probably would helped. Just don’t cut down too far and there’s no problem.

Then there’s the perennial cigar question, the one I think Aristotle asked when he lit his first Padrón: “Cello on or cello off?”

The truth is, it’s up to you. Cellophane has been used for decades. It helps protect cigars, particularly in transit, and it slows, but doesn’t stop, the transfer of air and the aging process.

Some manufacturers use it, some don’t. Though you can always find a discussion on the topic in one cigar forum or another, most smokers just go with the way they came.

In other words, don’t worry too much.

And my final tip along those lines is about what you’re tasting. Everyone’s different, and most smokers experience an evolution. What you find in cigars now will likely be different six months or a year from now.

Don’t get hung up on why you didn’t enjoy a cigar others are raving about. Or be too quick to adopt a favorite or two. Let yourself experience lots of cigars with different tobaccos, different sizes, and different origins.

Relax. Don’t worry. Enjoy.

George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

One Response to “Cigar Tip: Don’t Worry, Be Happy”

  1. Swede214 Monday, February 25, 2013 at 8:26 pm #

    Well said,it only took about 18 months for me to come to that conclusion. Thanks for your words of wisdom,smoke and enjoy.