Beginners Guide to Cigar Smoking
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Cutter: A good quality cigar cutter is essential for cleanly and precisely cutting the cap of your cigar before smoking. There are different types of cutters available, including guillotine cutters, V-cutters, and punch cutters. Choose one that suits your preference.
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Lighter: Invest in a reliable lighter specifically designed for cigars. Opt for a butane torch lighter or a wooden match to ensure an even and efficient lighting of your cigar. Avoid using regular lighters or candles as they can introduce unwanted flavors.
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Humidor: If you plan to store cigars for an extended period, a humidor is crucial. A humidor is a humidity-controlled box or cabinet that helps maintain the ideal environment for cigars, keeping them at the proper humidity level to prevent drying out or becoming overly moist. Make sure to choose a humidor with a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels accurately.
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Humidification System: In addition to a humidor, you'll need a reliable humidification system to maintain the appropriate humidity inside the humidor. This can be in the form of humidification devices like Boveda packs, gel jars, or electronic humidifiers. These devices help regulate the humidity and prevent fluctuations.
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Ashtray: An ashtray is a must-have accessory for safely and neatly holding your cigar while you enjoy it. Look for an ashtray specifically designed for cigars, with wide and deep rests to accommodate different cigar sizes. Some ashtrays also have cigar holders, which can be convenient.
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Cigar Stand: A cigar stand can be useful if you need to put down your cigar temporarily without it coming into contact with any surfaces. It helps prevent the cigar from rolling off the table or getting damaged.
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Cigar Case or Travel Humidor: If you plan to take cigars with you on the go, a cigar case or travel humidor is handy. These portable storage solutions offer protection and maintain the cigars' quality during travel.
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Cigar Rest: A cigar rest is a small, portable device that holds your cigar securely when you need to put it down. It can be clipped to a table, a golf cart, or other surfaces, ensuring your cigar stays in place.
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Cigar Cutter/Punch Keychain: For the ultimate convenience, you can consider a cigar cutter or punch integrated into a keychain. It allows you to have a cutting tool readily available wherever you go.
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Cigar Books and Guides: While not essential for smoking cigars, having some informative books and guides on cigars can enhance your knowledge and understanding of the hobby. They can provide insights into the history, production, and enjoyment of cigars.