Some individuals hold that cigars should only be smoked halfway. There are many axioms such as these and there are enough individuals who adhere to them to keep them alive. Like most such axioms, this one is based more in myth than in reality.

Is this true or not? The question is bandied about an awful lot, perhaps more than is truly merited. It’s more of an academic question, really. The real answer is, of course, that smokers should smoke however much of their cigar they desire and, if someone objects, that person can smoke their own cigars halfway if they so choose. There are various reasons why this debate endures.

Relighting the cigar is the origin of much of this debate. A cigar which is relit must be lit in the same fashion as is a fresh cigar. One takes a match or a high-quality lighter”Nibo lighters are popular with cigar aficionados”and toasts the tobacco a bit before lighting. This ensures a good light. Many half-smoked cigars are simply plunged into the flame which results in a much harsher taste due to excessive temperatures. Remember to relight a cigar with the same care afforded a fresh stogie.

Of course, as one smokes more tobacco their taste buds become desensitized to the flavor at the same time. This is part of the reason a relit cigar tastes strong during the first few puffs. Not only is the tobacco possessed of a higher tar content, the individual has presumably not smoked in a while and their sensitivity to the taste of the tobacco has returned. There are ways to mitigate this change in flavor when relighting but, when smoking a cigar straight though it is essentially inevitable.

To relight a cigar that’s gone out, the process is the same as the first light. The cigar must be warmed before lighting again. If one is outdoors, a wind resistant lighter is preferable to matches for this process. After relighting, the difference in taste will be more pronounced than when the cigar is smoked completely in one sitting. It is perhaps from such relighting that this myth has originated. A cigar is a personal thing. Its’ meant to be enjoyed by the individual and anyone who puts down the money for a fine cigar should smoke as much of it as they wish.

Brian is a business consultant for an online butane lighter store and has expert knowledge of triple flame torch lighters.

Tags: Poker

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