Learn the Secrets of Cigars with The Consummate Cigar Book: A Three Dimensional Reference Guide
The Consummate Cigar Book: A Three Dimensional Reference Guide
If you are a cigar lover or want to become one, you need this book. The Consummate Cigar Book is not just another book about cigars. It is a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know about the fascinating world of cigars. From their history and culture, to their production and consumption, this book will teach you how to appreciate cigars in all their dimensions.
The Consummate Cigar Book: A Three Dimensional Reference Guide
In this book, you will learn:
The history of cigars, from their origins in the Americas to their global popularity today
The anatomy of a cigar, from its wrapper, binder and filler, to its shape, size and color
The art of cigar making, from the cultivation and curing of tobacco, to the fermentation and rolling of cigars
The art of cigar smoking, from the selection and cutting of cigars, to the lighting and puffing of cigars
The enjoyment of cigars, from the pairing and etiquette of cigars, to the storage and aging of cigars
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, this book will enrich your cigar experience and make you a more informed and discerning aficionado. You will discover the secrets and stories behind every cigar, and learn how to enjoy them with style and sophistication. You will also find useful tips and recommendations on how to choose, buy, store and care for your cigars.
This book is not only informative, but also entertaining and engaging. It is written in a conversational style that is easy to read and understand. It is also illustrated with beautiful photos and diagrams that enhance its visual appeal. It is a book that you will want to keep on your shelf and refer to often.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your copy of The Consummate Cigar Book today and embark on a three dimensional journey into the wonderful world of cigars.
The History of Cigars
Cigars have a long and rich history that spans centuries and continents. They have been enjoyed by kings and peasants, by soldiers and artists, by celebrities and commoners. They have been a symbol of status and power, of pleasure and relaxation, of celebration and ritual. They have also been a source of controversy and conflict, of regulation and prohibition, of taxation and smuggling. In this chapter, we will explore the origins and evolution of cigars over time.
The Origins of Cigars
The first cigars were probably smoked by the indigenous people of the Americas long before the arrival of Europeans. They used various plants, such as tobacco, maize, palm leaves and coca, to roll into tubes or cones and smoke for medicinal, religious or recreational purposes. They called these primitive cigars "cohiba" or "sikar", which means "to smoke" in their languages.
The first encounter between Europeans and cigars occurred in 1492, when Christopher Columbus landed in the island of Hispaniola (now Haiti and Dominican Republic). He sent two of his men, Rodrigo de Jerez and Luis de Torres, to explore the island. They came across some natives who were smoking dried leaves wrapped in palm or maize husks. They tried some themselves and brought some back to Columbus. They also reported seeing large plantations of tobacco plants on the island.
Columbus was not impressed by the natives' smoking habit. He thought it was a waste of time and resources. He also disliked the smell and taste of tobacco. He threw away the samples he received and forbade his men from smoking. However, some of his crew members became addicted to tobacco and smuggled some seeds back to Europe.
The Spread of Cigars
The spread of cigars across Europe was slow and uneven. Some countries embraced them, while others rejected them. Some people saw them as a luxury item, while others saw them as a vice. Some people smoked them for pleasure, while others smoked them for health reasons.
One of the first European countries to adopt cigars was Spain. The Spanish colonists in the Caribbean began cultivating tobacco plants and rolling them into cigars for their own use or for trade with other colonies. They also introduced cigars to their homeland, where they became popular among the aristocracy and clergy. The Spanish king Philip II even appointed a royal cigar maker in 1592.
Another European country that embraced cigars was France. The French explorer Jean Nicot brought tobacco seeds from Portugal to France in 1560. He presented them to the French queen Catherine de Medici as a cure for her migraines. She was so impressed by the effects of tobacco that she named it "herbe à la reine" (queen's herb) and promoted its use among her courtiers. The French word for tobacco, "nicotine", is derived from Nicot's name.
The torpedo, which has a pointed head and a tapered body, measuring about 6 inches long and having a ring gauge of 52
The Churchill, which is longer and thinner than the robusto, measuring about 7 inches long and having a ring gauge of 47
The lancero, which is very long and slim, measuring about 7.5 inches long and having a ring gauge of 38
The presidente, which is very large and thick, measuring about 8 inches long and having a ring gauge of 54
The shape and size of a cigar affect its smoking time and intensity. Generally, longer cigars take more time to smoke and have a milder flavor, while shorter cigars take less time to smoke and have a stronger flavor. Thicker cigars have more airflow and burn cooler, while thinner cigars have less airflow and burn hotter. You should choose a cigar shape and size that suits your preference and occasion.
The Color and Flavor
Cigars also come in various colors and flavors, which are determined by the wrapper leaf. The wrapper leaf is the outermost layer of a cigar that gives it its appearance and character. The wrapper leaf can be natural or artificially colored, and can have different flavors depending on its origin, cultivation and processing.
The color of a cigar wrapper can range from light green to dark brown, with many shades in between. The most common colors are:
Double claro or candela: light green to yellowish green, mild and grassy flavor
Claro: light tan to golden brown, mild and smooth flavor
Natural or Colorado: medium brown to reddish brown, medium-bodied and nutty flavor
Maduro: dark brown to almost black, full-bodied and sweet flavor
Oscuro: very dark brown to jet black, very full-bodied and rich flavor
The flavor of a cigar wrapper can also vary depending on its origin, cultivation and processing. Some of the most popular wrapper origins are:
Connecticut: grown in Connecticut or Ecuador, mild to medium-bodied, smooth and creamy flavor
Cameroon: grown in Cameroon or Africa, medium-bodied, spicy and woody flavor
Habano: grown in Cuba or Nicaragua, medium to full-bodied, peppery and earthy flavor
Broadleaf: grown in Connecticut or Pennsylvania, full-bodied, sweet and chocolaty flavor
Corojo: grown in Cuba or Honduras, full-bodied, strong and complex flavor
You should choose a cigar color and flavor that matches your taste buds and mood. You can also experiment with different combinations of wrappers and fillers to find your ideal blend.
The Cutting Process
The next step to smoking a cigar is cutting it. This is necessary because most cigars have a closed head that needs to be opened before lighting. Cutting a cigar properly will ensure a good draw and burn. Cutting a cigar improperly will ruin its appearance and performance.
There are different types of cigar cutters that you can use to cut your cigar. The most common ones are:
The Guillotine Cutter
This is a device that cuts off the cap of a cigar with a single blade or a double blade. It is easy to use and produces a clean cut. To use it, you simply insert the head of your cigar into the hole of the cutter and squeeze the blades together. You should cut just above the shoulder of your cigar, where the head begins to taper. If you cut too deep, you will damage the wrapper leaf and cause it to unravel.
The Punch Cutter
, you will damage the cap and cause it to crack. Punch cutters are best suited for cigars with round heads and thick wrappers.
The V-Cutter
This is a device that cuts a V-shaped notch in the cap of a cigar with a wedge-shaped blade. It is also known as a cat's eye cutter or a wedge cutter. It is similar to a punch cutter, but it creates a larger opening for the draw. To use it, you simply place the head of your cigar into the groove of the cutter and press down the blade. You should cut deep enough to expose the filler, but not too deep to cut through the wrapper. V-cutters are best suited for cigars with pointed heads and thin wrappers.
The Lighting Process
The next step to smoking a cigar is lighting it. This is crucial because it affects how your cigar will burn and taste. Lighting a cigar properly will ensure an even and smooth burn. Lighting a cigar improperly will cause an uneven and harsh burn.
There are different types of flames that you can use to light your cigar. The most common ones are:
The Matches Method
This is a traditional and elegant way of lighting a cigar with wooden matches. It is preferred by some purists who believe that matches produce a natural and clean flame that does not alter the flavor of the cigar. To use this method, you need to strike a match and wait for the sulfur to burn off before bringing it near your cigar. You should hold the match at a 45-degree angle and rotate your cigar over the flame until the foot is evenly lit. You may need to use more than one match depending on the size of your cigar.
The Lighter Method
This is a modern and convenient way of lighting a cigar with a butane lighter or a torch. It is preferred by some enthusiasts who believe that lighters produce a strong and consistent flame that can light a cigar quickly and efficiently. To use this method, you need to ignite your lighter and hold it an inch or two away from your cigar. You should not touch your cigar with the flame, as this can scorch it and ruin its flavor. You should hold your lighter at a 45-degree angle and rotate your cigar over the flame until the foot is evenly lit.
The Smoking Process
The final step to smoking a cigar is smoking it. This is the most enjoyable part of the experience, as you get to savor the flavor and aroma of your cigar. Smoking a cigar properly will enhance your pleasure and satisfaction. Smoking a cigar improperly will diminish your enjoyment and waste your money.
There are different techniques that you can use to smoke your cigar. The most common ones are:
The Puffing Technique
This is a technique that involves drawing smoke from your cigar into your mouth without inhaling it into your lungs. It is the correct way of smoking a cigar, as cigars are meant to be tasted, not inhaled. To use this technique, you need to take gentle and slow puffs from your cigar every 30 seconds or so. You should not puff too frequently or too forcefully, as this can overheat your cigar and make it bitter. You should also not hold the smoke in your mouth for too long, as this can dry out your palate and dull your taste buds.
The Ashing Technique
The Enjoyment Process
The last step to smoking a cigar is enjoying it. This is the ultimate goal of the experience, as you get to relax and indulge in your cigar. Enjoying a cigar properly will enhance your pleasure and satisfaction. Enjoying a cigar improperly will diminish your enjoyment and waste your money.
There are different techniques that you can use to enjoy your cigar. The most common ones are:
The Pairing Technique
This is a technique that involves pairing your cigar with a drink or a food that complements its flavor and aroma. It is a great way of enhancing your cigar experience and discovering new tastes and sensations. To use this technique, you need to find a drink or a food that matches the body and flavor of your cigar. You should also consider the occasion and the mood that you want to create.
There are different types of drinks and foods that you can pair with your cigar. The most popular ones are:
Whiskey or whisky: This is a classic and versatile pairing that can suit any cigar. Whiskey or whisky can range from mild to full-bodied, from smooth to peaty, from sweet to spicy. You should choose a whiskey or whisky that matches or contrasts with your cigar's body and flavor. For example, you can pair a mild cigar with a milder whiskey or whisky, such as a blended whiskey or a Canadian whisky. You can pair a medium to full-bodied cigar with a medium whiskey or whisky, such as a bourbon whiskey or an Irish whiskey. You can pair a full-bodied cigar with a full-bodied whiskey or whisky, such as a single malt whiskey or a Scotch whisky.
Wine: This is another classic and versatile pairing that can suit any cigar. Wine can range from light to full-bodied, from dry to sweet, from fruity to woody. You should choose a wine that matches or contrasts with your cigar's body and flavor. For example, you can pair a mild cigar with a light wine, such as a white wine or a light red wine. You can pair a medium to full-bodied cigar with a medium wine, such as a rosé wine or a medium red wine. You can pair a full-bodied cigar with a full-bodied wine, such as a port wine or a dark red wine.
Coffee: This is an excellent and convenient pairing that can suit any cigar. Coffee can range from mild to strong, from smooth to bitter, from plain to flavored. You should choose a coffee that matches or contrasts with your cigar's body and flavor. For example, you can pair a mild cigar with a mild coffee, such as an Americano or a latte. You can pair a medium to full-bodied cigar with a medium coffee, such as an espresso or a cappuccino. You can pair a full-bodied cigar with a strong coffee, such as a Turkish coffee or an Irish coffee.
a chocolate that matches or contrasts with your cigar's body and flavor. For example, you can pair a mild cigar with a light chocolate, such as a white chocolate or a milk chocolate. You can pair a medium to full-bodied cigar with a medium chocolate, such as a dark chocolate or a flavored chocolate. You can pair a full-bodied cigar with a dark chocolate, such as a bitter chocolate or a cocoa powder.
These are just some examples of possible pairings. You can experiment with different drinks and foods to find your own favorite combinations.
The Etiquette Technique
This is a technique that involves following some basic rules and manners of cigar smoking in different settings. It is a respectful way of smoking your cigar without offending or annoying others. To use this technique, you need to be aware of the etiquette of cigar smoking and follow it accordingly. Some of the etiquette rules are:
Don't bring an outside cigar into a cigar lounge. This is considered rude and disrespectful to the lounge owner and staff. If you want to smoke your own cigar, buy it from the lounge or ask for permission first.
Don't stick a cigar up to your nose. This is considered unhygienic and unpleasant. If you want to smell a cigar, sniff the foot or the wrapper gently.
Don't chain-smoke cigars. This is considered wasteful and unhealthy. Cigars are meant to be savored, not consumed. Take your time and enjoy each cigar fully.
Don't offend non-smokers with the smell of cigar smoke on your clothes or breath. This is considered inconsiderate and impolite. If you smoke a cigar, make sure to change your clothes and brush your teeth before meeting non-smokers.
Don't ask, don't tell if it's a Cuban cigar. This is considered tacky and unnecessary. Cigars are not about labels or origins, but about quality and taste. Enjoy your cigar for what it is, not for where it comes from.
Don't cut or light another person's cigar without their consent. This is considered intrusive and presumptuous. Cigars are personal and subjective, and each smoker has their own preference and style.
Don't hold your cigar between your index finger and middle finger. This is considered vulgar and improper. Hold your cigar between your index finger and thumb, or between your thumb and ring finger.
Don't bother removing the cigar band. This is considered unnecessary and pretentious. The band does not affect the smoking experience, and it can help you identify your cigar among others.
Don't smash your cigar in the ashtray when done. This is considered disrespectful and messy. Let your cigar die gracefully by leaving it on the ashtray until it goes out by itself.
Don't store a half-smoked cigar back in your humidor. This is considered disgusting and foolish. A half-smoked cigar will stink up your humidor and ruin your other cigars.
Don't dip your cigar in your alcohol. This is considered gross and wasteful. It will ruin both your cigar and your drink.
Don't chew your cigar. This is considered uncouth and unattractive. It will make your cigar soggy and bitter.
Don't smoke while walking or working. This is considered rude and distracting. Cigars are meant to be enjoyed in a relaxed and comfortable setting.
These are just some of the etiquette rules of cigar smoking. You can learn more about them by reading books, articles or blogs on cigars, or by asking experienced smokers for advice.
The Conclusion
Cigars are more than just tobacco products. They are works of art that require skill, patience and finesse to create and enjoy. They are also symbols of status and power, of pleasure and relaxation, of celebration and ritual.
In this book, we have shown you how to appreciate cigars in all their dimensions: their history and culture, their anatomy and types, their art of making and smoking, their enjoyment and etiquette.
and discerning aficionado. You will discover the secrets and stories behind every cigar, and learn how to enjoy them with style and sophistication.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your copy of The Consummate Cigar Book today and embark on a three dimensional journey into the wonderful world of cigars.
The FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about cigars that you may find useful:
Q: How do I store my cigars properly?
A: You need to store your cigars in a humidor, which is a device that maintains the optimal humidity and temperature for cigars. Ideally, you should keep your cigars at around 70% relative humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also avoid exposing your cigars to direct sunlight, heat sources, or strong odors.
Q: How long can I keep my cigars?
A: You can keep your cigars for as long as you want, as long as you store them properly. Cigars can age and improve over time, just like wine. However, not all cigars age well, and some may lose their flavor or strength after a certain period. Generally, mild cigars age better than full-bodied cigars, and natural wrappers age better than maduro wrappers.
Q: How do I know if my cigars are fresh?
A: You can tell if your cigars are fresh by looking at them, feeling them, and smelling them. Fresh cigars should have a smooth and oily wrapper, with no cracks or holes. They should feel firm but springy, with no soft spots or hard lumps. They should s