How to store a cigar.
How to store a cigar……..
If you purchase a cigar and do not plan to smoke it straight away, we recommend that you store it in a cigar humidor. A humidor has a simple purpose – to ensure your cigars do not dry out by maintaining humidity and temperature levels.
What is a humidor?
A humidor is a wooden box with a lid that seals and locks in enough moisture to keep your cigars humidified. Humidors are made of Spanish cedar wood or manufactured with a cedar lining on the inside. The cedar wood maintains moisture and preserves the natural flavour the cigars possess to keep your cigars going for years!
A humidor does require a small amount of regular maintenance. Most humidors are fitted with a hygrometer, which measures the humidity level so that you’ll know when to add more water. The ideal humidity range is between 65-75%. A number below 65% means your humidifier needs topping up with distilled water (do not use tap water as it contains contaminants which can cause mould.)
When you don’t have a humidor, you can store your cigars in other ways. The easiest and most basic way to store cigars is in a plastic Ziploc-style bag or Tupperware box. You can then add Boveda packs or Boost pouches that fit into any size container to keep your cigars fresh for several weeks or months. These pouches self-regulate and require no maintenance. Just make sure you store your cigars at room temperature. You don’t want to leave cigars sitting out in your car, near a radiator or in the extremes of hot or cold weather.
Humidors and Boveda packs are available to buy at www.cigarnights.co.uk
How to hold a cigar
Every cigar lover has their own way of holding a cigar. Most of the time, we don’t give it a second thought as it comes subconsciously. However, there will always be individuals curious about the best way to hold the cigar. Right hand or left hand? Which finger? If you want the truth, there really is no right or wrong way to hold a cigar, it is entirely your own preference. Basically, each cigar is held in your hand and brought up to the mouth to puff, then brought back down with your fingers.
However, if you are more curious about the different methods of holding a cigar, read on…..
BETWEEN FOREFINGER & THUMB – This hold involves your forefinger wrapping around the cigar, while your thumb acts as a support. If you hold your cigar like this, you are considered to be a true connoisseur. Stable and secure, this hold will ensure that the cigar does not fall out of your hands. Furthermore, this method is highly practical if you are smoking a thicker ring gauge, as you can sufficiently adjust your hold to secure it better.
“THE PINCH” – A popular method of holding a cigar – you place the cigar between your forefinger and your thumb as if you are gently pinching the tobacco. When you are using the ‘Pinch’ make sure you are pressing gently, as there is a tendency to use pressure. Just hold it tight enough so that it does not fall off your hands.
“THE TRIPLE SUPPORT” – This is a very simple and extremely common way of holding a cigar. To execute this, you place your forefinger and middle finger on the band of your cigar, whilst your thumb is supporting from below.
“THE RESPECT” – This method of holding a cigar requires all your fingers to fully-support the stick of tobacco. As seen by Fidel Castro, he used all of his fingers to wrap the cigar, with the thumb supporting the base.
“THE PRIME MINISTER” – Winston Churchill, the famed Prime Minister, was rarely seen without his favourite accessory – the cigar. In many photos of Churchill, he would be seen to have his lips wrapped around a stick of tobacco. If you do decide to give the ‘Churchill’ a-go, just simply hold the cigar between your teeth – ensuring that you do not bite down too hard or drool too much! If needed, take the cigar out every now and then to prevent the smoke clouding your vision or the ash falling down your clothes.
Remember, the most important thing is that you are comfortable. In a world where there are countless methods of holding cigars, you should keep in mind that ‘comfort’ is the most important thing when figuring out how to hold a cigar. For any further information about hand rolled cigars please do not hesitate to visit our website www.cigarnights.co.uk or why not visit our beautiful cigar showroom in Brierley Hill, West Midlands UK.
How to light a cigar……..
When you purchase a cigar, there are two ends – the foot and the head. The foot is the end with no cap this is the end that you light. Unlike lighting up cigarettes or candles, lighting a cigar requires more thought and patience. The true etiquette is to burn the cigar in a flame, not light and draw on the cigar in your mouth as you would do with a cigarette. This is also the case when lighting cigars for others, it is always recommended to burn and light your own cigar, not light someone else’s.
To begin your smoking experience, you need to use a match or a butane jet lighter. Under no circumstances should you use a petrol fuelled Zippo lighter as it will destroy the cigar flavours instantly.
BUTANE LIGHTER – The Butane Lighter, also known as ‘Torch lighter’, is a common choice by cigar aficionados due to its ease-of-use. It releases a medium-to-strong flame, and as soon as it touches the cigar, the butane dissipates and creates a clean odourless burn.
MATCHSTICKS – matchsticks are another elegant method of lighting your cigar. It is the natural option that requires finesse and momentum to ignite the cigar. Cigar matches are a great option for indoor occasions; such as cigar lounges.
To light the cigar and ensure an even burn, it is essential to toast the edges of the foot, this will help ignite the outer layers (binder and the wrapper). Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle and a few inches from the flame. Rotate the cigar in the flame until it is lit, and you see an even orange glow. If this doesn’t work straight away, keep rotating the cigar between your fingers and thumb to get an evenly lit cigar. If this is not done correctly, it will affect the burn time and burning of the cigar and therefore compromise the enjoyment of your cigar. Lighting the cigar too closely can also ruin the flavours of the cigar as it gets too hot. Once the cigar is evenly lit, it is time to take your first draw. Release the draw slowly, taking long puffs of smoke – let the surge of flame shoot up from the foot of the cigar to a puff of smoke coming from your mouth. If you take short, quick puffs of smoke, it heats up the tobacco too quickly which could destroy the flavour of the cigar. Tip-over the cigar and examine the foot, checking that there is an even burn – if not – touch it up with your lighter until satisfied.
Congratulations! You have finally lit your cigar and you can now sit back, relax and savour the gorgeous, curated tobacco. Savour the notes, the flavours and the experience.
Remember, you cannot go wrong when taking the time to light the cigar until all the edges are lit.
All cigar lighters and hand rolled cigars are available to buy at www.cigarnights.co.uk
Davidoff Cigars Announced for Cigar Taster Evening at the Duke William Friday 23rd March 2024
We are excited to announce, not 1, not 2, but 3 Cigars we will be smoking at the Cigar Taster Event at the Duke William Pub in Stourbridge on Friday 23rd March will be The Davidoff Winston Churchill Late Hour Petit Panetela, The Davidoff Winston Churchill Raconteur Petit Panetela and the Plasencia Cosecha 151 La Musica. For this event we will be joined by Anthony John Rossouw from Davidoff U.K. to talk about all 3 x stunning cigars we will be smoking. Tickets are £45.00 each we only have a few , so be quick book now by clicking on our tickets section.
How to cut a cigar ?
When you purchase a cigar, there are obviously two ends – the foot and the head. The foot is the end that you light. The head is the end you need to cut. At the head end there is a cap you will need to remove. Look carefully at the cap and you will see a shoulder. Identify where the shoulder of the cigar ends. The shoulder is where the curved end of the cigar starts to straighten out. Right above the shoulder, where the curve is still intact, is where you will want to cut the cigar. If you look closely there will be a line – this is the cap – it is the last part that has been added to the cigar by the cigar roller. This is the part you need to cut. If you cut too much of the cigar this will cause the cigar wrapper leaf to unravel so it is best to cut too little rather than too much. You can always go back and remove more if needed. When you have cut the cap from the cigar, you can test the draw by bringing the cigar to your lips and sucking the air into your mouth to see if there is enough air coming through the cigar, this is called a ‘dry draw’ if there is not enough air, you can remove and cut a bit more. When cutting your cigar, it is always recommended to use a cigar cutter. You can choose from either: a cigar guillotine cutter, a cigar punch, a V-cut cigar cutter, a cigar knife or cigar scissor cutter.
All cigar accessories are available at www.cigarnights.co.uk
Do I inhale a cigar?
As an avid cigar smoker for over 30 years, I am often asked whether you should inhale a cigar. The answer is no! The focus of cigar smoking is the combination of flavours that you can detect by holding the smoke in your mouth. When you draw on the cigar, you inhale into the mouth for around 4-5 seconds before you blow out the smoke. As you smoke your cigar you can then move the cigar around the mouth and inhale from different positions, this will change the flavour notes by using different taste receptors on your tongue. Remember a cigar is not the same as a cigarette and is meant to be enjoyed over a period of time while you relax. If you inhale into the lungs this could potentially make you cough and feel nauseous as a cigar is made from a long filler tobacco leaf and is created to enjoy different flavours in your mouth rather than taken into the lungs.
Cigar Taster Events For 2024
Come and join us for some fun filled events enjoying some amazing cigars with like minded people
Friday 29th November 2024 at the Green Duck Beer Company, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY9 7ND 7pm-11pm Tickets £45.00 Each (Includes 2 x Hand Rolled Cigars) for this evening we will be joined by George Frakes Managing Director of 1573 Cigars and he will be on hand to discuss two of the fabulas cigars that are included on the night Olmec Robusto and Highclere Castle Victorian Robusto
Book Tickets online www.cigarnights.co.uk or visit our showroom in Brierley Hill, West Midlands Tel 07711 392797
Saturday 23rd November 2024 at Wolverhampton Racecourse Cigar Nights will have a trade stand with a wide range of hand rolled cigars and accessories for sale. Gates open 2.55pm First Race 4.55pm Last Race 8.25pm. Come and join us for a great day at the horse racing.
Buy tickets at www.tickets.wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk
Saturday 14th December 2024 at Wolverhampton Racecourse Cigar Nights will have a trade stand with a wide range of hand rolled cigars and accessories for sale. Gates open 3.00 pm First Race 5.00pm Last Race 8.30pm. Come and join us for a great day at the horse racing.
Buy tickets at www.tickets.wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk
Thursday 26th December 2024 at Wolverhampton Racecourse Cigar Nights will have a trade stand with a wide range of hand rolled cigars and accessories for sale. Gates open 12.00pm First Race 2.00pm Last Race 5.30pm. Come and join us for a great day at the horse racing during the festivities.
Buy tickets at www.tickets.wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk
Friday 27th December 2024 at Wolverhampton Racecourse Cigar Nights will have a trade stand with a wide range of hand rolled cigars and accessories for sale. Gates open 1.30 pm First Race 3.30pm Last Race 7.00pm. Come and join us for a great day at the horse racing during the festivities.
Buy tickets at www.tickets.wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk
Cigar Nights Opens Up New Cigar Showroom in Brierley Hill
We are extremely excited to announce Cigar Nights have opened a brand new cigar showroom, from the ground up our showroom has been totally custom made using the finest materials available, with bespoke humidors using state of the art humidification systems to keep all of our cigars in tip top condition. Now our customers can book an appointment and experience viewing our full range of hand rolled cigars and accessories in opulent surroundings befitting to the world class cigars we sell. Book your appointment today tel 07711 392797 “I look forward to welcoming you” James Bird Managing Director Cigar Nights Ltd
Highlights of 2020 Trip to Brazil with Royal Dutch Cigars
In February 2020 James was yet again given another trip of a life time to Brazil care of Royal Dutch and Ritmeester Cigars UK. During this trip we would visit the Terra Dannemann spiritual home in Bahia Brazil, having a behind the scenes insight on how Royal Dutch grow, harvest and cure their tobaccos.
