If you're new to the world of cigars, trying your first Smokers Choice filtered cigar can be an exciting yet daunting experience. With so many flavors and options to choose from, how do you know where to start? Here's a guide on what to expect when firing up your inaugural Smokers Choice, so you can sit back and enjoy your first rewarding cigar experience.
Picking Your First Smokers Choice Stick
With Smokers Choice cigar flavors ranging from Sweet to Menthol, Honey to Cognac, selecting your first smoke can be tough. The Sweet or Honey infused cigars offer mild, smooth draws with a touch of sweetness that newcomers tend to love. Or go for a traditional Natural Leaf if you just want pure tobacco flavor. Consider aroma and your individual flavor preferences when making your selection.
Prepping the Cigar
Before lighting up, take a minute to prep your Smokers Choice cigar. Using a double guillotine cutter, make a straight cut an eighth of an inch into the cap. Avoid cutting too deep into the shoulder. Also avoid punch cutters, as they can compress the cigar. Gently toast the foot of the cigar evenly over a flame to prep it.
Lighting Technique
Use long, even puffs to evenly light the foot of the cigar without scorching it. Rotate the cigar slowly as you light. Avoid torch lighters, which can impart petrol flavors. Once evenly lit, blow on the foot gently to extinguish any side embers. A properly lit cigar produces thick, cool smoke.
Start Slow with Puffs
New cigar smokers often make the mistake of puffing too frequently when starting out. Take slow, 1-2 second puffs only every minute or so early on. As the cigar progresses, you can increase puff rate and volume to keep it burning evenly. Don't feel compelled to keep puffing constantly. Let the cigar rest between draws.
The Flavor Profile
Expect smooth, subtle tobacco flavor with whichever infusion you chose - whether it's sweet, menthol, or vanilla. Smokers Choice cigars offer mild flavor that is easy-going without harshness. Retrohaling will intensify the flavor. The aroma should align with the chosen infusion.
Watch for Burn Issues
Keep an eye on the burn line, and correct it if needed with delicate rotations or touching up with the lighter. The cigar should burn evenly and hold an ash at least an inch long before falling off on its own. Tunneling or canoeing means it wasn't properly humidified.
Finish When it Stops Delivering
Smokers Choice cigars will begin falling off in flavor towards the last third of the cigar. At this point, you can safely put it down guilt-free instead of forcing it. Smoking it too short can lead to a bitter, hot experience. Enjoy the flavorful first two-thirds.
Hopefully this Smokers Choice cigar primer helps you dive into your first rewarding cigar experience. By following these tips, you'll be puffing like a pro in no time!