It appears that women are smoking cigars in larger quantities than ever before. According to Norman Sharp, president of the United States Tobacco Association, the market has changed significantly since the late 1980s. For those who are new to the hobby, here are five quick tips to help you smoke cigars like a boss. Collatos, a ceramic artist from Boston, wears an elegant gold cigar cutter inherited from her grandfather and smokes two to three cigars a day. Women have been gathering in smoking clubs to network, socialize and exercise their power.
In the past, doctors even prescribed hand-rolled cigars and tobacco pipes to their female patients. Premium cigars like Bolivar Belicosos Finos are blended by experienced tobacco manufacturers to offer a consistent flavor in each cigar. Edmark, who created the popular TopsyTail hair accessory in 1989 and now markets his new product, the Bowertte Collection, knows that people might assume he's making a statement by smoking a cigar. In trendy clubs such as Le Cigar at Tatou and Cigar Bar in Manhattan, Big Smokes, and George Sand Society events, women are becoming more visible as cigar fans. Diana Silvius-Gits is part of the board of directors of the United States Conquests Association and was president of Retail Tobacco Dealers of America, Inc. Women are buying cigars with more knowledge and authority than ever before. To fully access the rich flavor and aroma offered by fine cigars, it is essential to know how to cut a cigar and how to light it correctly.
Here are five tips for women cigar smokers.
- Choose the Right Cigar - When selecting a cigar, consider its size, shape, color, texture and aroma. The size of the cigar will determine how long it will take to smoke it. The shape will affect how it burns. The color will indicate its age and quality.
The texture will tell you how tightly it is packed. And the aroma will give you an idea of its flavor.
- Cutting Your Cigar - Before you can light your cigar, you must cut off the end. This can be done with a guillotine cutter or a punch cutter. A guillotine cutter is best for larger cigars while a punch cutter is better for smaller ones.
Make sure you don't cut too much off or you may end up with an uneven burn.
- Lighting Your Cigar - Lighting your cigar is an art form in itself. You should use a butane lighter or wooden match to light your cigar. Avoid using regular matches as they contain sulfur which can affect the flavor of your cigar. Hold the flame about an inch away from the end of your cigar and rotate it until it is evenly lit.
- Smoking Your Cigar - Once your cigar is lit, take slow draws on it until you get a good draw.
Don't inhale the smoke as this can make you feel sick. Instead, just let the smoke linger in your mouth for a few seconds before exhaling.
- Storing Your Cigars - Once you have finished smoking your cigar, it is important to store it properly so that it doesn't dry out or become moldy. The best way to store cigars is in a humidor which will keep them at an ideal humidity level.
