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