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