Top 10 Tips for the Cigar Aficionado

True cigar experts know that you don't have to waste money on expensive cigars to enjoy a full, rich and flavorful stogie. As a matter of fact, many people buy expensive cigars and do not get to experience the full flavor of their tobacco. No matter what kind of cigar you choose, you will not indulge in a cigar's full potential unless you apply the following tips:

1. Cut: you should cut your cigar tip at about 1/8 or 1/16 of an inch. It is extremely important to have a high quality cutter with a sharp blade to prevent the cigar tip from breaking off jaggedly.

2. Cigar Box: invest in a good cigar box as all boxes are not created equal. You need make sure your cigar does not lose moisture as it ages. The way to do this is with a high quality cigar box. Newer cigar boxes are equipped with climate controls that insure your cigar will be kept at the proper temperature and humidity. No matter how expensive your cigar is, you will lose most of the flavor if it is not kept at the right temperature.

3. Test: if you are not sure whether you kept your cigar at the right temperature do a short cigar test before you begin to smoke. Pinch the cigar with two fingers, is it soft and spongy? If so, your cigar is way too moist. If you lightly pinch the cigar and it feels hard and brittle then it is much to dry. Note: do not throw out dry cigars; some moisture can be replaced if you put cigars in a Zip lock bag for a day.

4. Timing: if your cigar is smoked after you have eaten foods with strong, distinct spices then your cigar's true flavor will be lost.

5. Storage: don't put a partially smoked cigar in the cigar box with other stogies. This cigar's strong smell will contaminate the others. If you desire to keep the partly smoked cigar then buy a box for lightly smoked stogies. Or, place the solo cigar in a zip lock bag to maintain its moisture.

6. Age: age your less expensive cigars in a temperature controlled cigar box for 6-12 months before smoking.

7. Clear: when you place your cigar in the ashtray between drags, buildup begins to accumulate, weakening the cigar's flavor. To decrease buildup, gently blow out through your cigar.

8. Pull: it's important to pull lightly on your cigar. Taking long drags heats up the tobacco and lessens its true taste.

9. Humidor: don't buy a humidor that is not lined with Spanish cedar. Spanish cedar reacts best to humidity and gives off an aromatic odor.

10. Sample: if you have tried the above tips and are still not happy with your cigar's flavor, try out a new blend.

According to recent surveys, avid cigar smokers spend between $50 and $100 on a single cigar. These same cigar smokers were given a taste test using a variety of unmarked cigars, including their favorites. The conclusion to this test was: cigar smokers can't tell the difference between a properly cared for $10 cigar and a $100 stogie.