Novice smoker with some questions

[shinta]

i just started smoking cigar as well, and I find water the best beverage for a clean smoking experience. I thought I was weired for liking water with cigar, but found out many said the same on this board!

[vinvango]

David, First visit websites like: Cigar International (they have an online catalog you can view), "JR Cigar", "CubanCrafters" and so on. They will have specials like: Hand full of good cigars, cutter and maybe even a lighter (oh, please dont use book-matches or liquid lighter fluid lighters, use only wood matches and butane lighters).

First: Get an assortment of cigars to try (the above websites will have variety packs to order)

Second: Make sure you get a cutter. Sometimes you can get a free one w/order or buy a gillatine cutter( self sharpening double blade is preferred) for around $10-20. And if you really dig cigar smoking buy a desk-top humidor.

Third: Ring Gauge (48-52) is common, length: 5" to 8" long, the longer the cigar, the longer you will spend smoking it. On avg. a robusto (5 X 50) will take about 45mins.

Fourth: Drink with your cigar?, you know, its up to you if you like scotch, cognac, beer or wine etc. First find a line of cigars you like and then ask us what goes good with that cigar!

Fith: the members are right, dont inhale and dont smoke cheap cigars.

Six: Cigar in hand, cut 1/8" from cap, heat the tip with the heat from flame, dont put the flame itself on the cigar, now roll your cigar with your fingers while using the heat from your lighter to get the cigar going. blow on the tip if it needs a little jump start, re-light area of tip thats not burning even. puff about every 30seconds to keep cigar relatively cool. I do believe your on your way.

And Seven: And on the seventh day God takes a break to smoke cigars!!!

[CoventryCat86]

There's nothing wrong with liquid filled (Zippo) lighters.....

[vinvango]

Why do you think they started selling "Zippo Inserts". Answer: when you light up a great cigar, you dont want it tasting like a BBQ gone wrong. David, use wood matches-untreated or a good torch single, double or triple flame. OH yeah, Bic lighters work with no damage to your cigar.