Cigar Guides

Why would I need a cigar guide?
You need one for the same reason you need any other kind of guide. It gives you information and guidance. Everything from smoking ban information to cigar lounge etiquette can be found in cigar guides. Advice for beginners as to what the best brands are can almost always be found in these sources as well.

What would a cigar guide tell me?
If you are new to cigar smoking, It will also teach you many things about cigar products like humidors, cigar cutters, the humidification process, accessories, and helpful tips about health and legal issues that relate to cigars.

Do cigar guides give a lot of information on the types of cigars and how they are made?
Oh yes. Most cigar aficionados prefer to smoke hand-rolled cigars. This is very important; because machine-rolled, mass produced cigars are common at the low end of the price scale. The cigar connoisseur needs to be aware of how the cigar he or she is considering purchasing was made.

Country of origin also matters to cigar smokers. Places like Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic are world renowned for cigar quality. The cigar guide can and should give as much information on the origin of cigar fillers and wrappers so smokers can make a quality decision about what they are buying.

Cigar guides can also provide information on what is happening in the world’s top cigar companies. Some even give detailed information on how the filler and wrappers used by these companies are grown and prepared, and how these cigars are rolled.

Do cigar guides give tips on cigar smoking?
Yes. Beginning cigar smokers are often surprised when they learn that everything about a cigar is different from a cigarette. For example, you have to focus very intently on lighting a cigar correctly. If lit unevenly, the cigar will not burn evenly. Most importantly, do not inhale cigar smoke like you do cigarette smoke. It is far stronger and will do you no good to smoke in this way. The point of smoking a cigar is to draw the smoke into the mouth and taste its flavor and enjoy its aroma, nothing more.

Cigar guides also can give you a wealth of information on choosing a cigar and cutting the cigar correctly. Many guides also give advice on how to choose a humidor and properly humidify cigars.

Do cigar guides give advice on cigar etiquette?
Yes. Cigar smoking is a lifestyle unto itself. Like all lifestyles in this big beautiful world of ours, it is has its own protocols and formalities. The lifestyle of the aficionado is never that of a cold-blooded elitist, but at the same time, the aficianado does walk upon the earth with an aura of sophistication and class that speaks of refinement.

It’s more a matter of being suave than being stiff as a board—but you still need to know how to act when you go smoke at a cigar lounge.