good ol' days cigars^® ...
"smokin' in the smokies"

The ritual of cutting and lighting a cigar, when done with ease and perfection, is a sure sign of a true aficionado. It is important for a cigar smoker to master the procedure because an improper cut can destroy a good cigar. The smoke can become hot, the cigar may burn unevenly, or the wrapper may unravel. The goal of the guillotine cutter or cigar scissors is to clip off enough of the end to expose the filler leaves, but to leave enough of the cap or flag on to keep the wrapper on the cigar.  That usually means cutting about 1/16th to 1/4th of an inch from the end of the cap or flag. Double blade guillotines seem to cut the best, as long as the blades are sharp, otherwise the tobacco could be pushed in or the wrapper may tear.

The use  of a wooden match or a cedar strip called a "spill" is still the most elegant way to light a cigar, but is probably the most time-consuming as well. Therefore, a good butane lighter is an effecient alternative. Keep in mind that oil-based fluids can impart a taste to a cigar so you should be careful not to draw too heavily at first when using this type of lighter.

A "cool" smoke is the goal of a perfect light. There is a simple rule to follow... Never let the cigar touch the flame. When you light up, hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle above the flame, just far enough away so that the tip of the flame dances up to the cigar but never quite touches it. Then, to assure a proper light, rotate the cigar in your hand so that the foot of the cigar lights all the way around. When a lightly burning ring surrounds the tip of the cigar and begins to creep toward the center of the foot, blow out lightly through the cigar. This first exhalation will rid the tobacco of any unwanted flavors from a lighter or sulfur from a match. Continue torotate the cigar as you take your first few puffs to regulate the burn evenly. A cigar can be relit, but the more you relight it, the more harsh the smoke will become. A good rule of thumb is to take a puff once every minute to ensure a consistant, even,  cool smoke...  Now Relax and Enjoy !!!