There's more to cigar appreciation than just huffing and puffing away like some kapre. Aside from an even smoke and good flavor, a good cigar must possess certain qualities of characteristics such as structure and construction that could determine the measure of its appreciation.

The first impression starts by rolling the cigar between the thumb and pointer finger near the ear and listening to the sound it makes. A crackling sound shows dryness or how moisture brought about by improper storage or low quality wrapper. A quiet and smooth roll on the fingers shows good moisture, especially if the left wrapper has a tan oily sheen to it. Keeping cigars at correct 70-72 percent humidity brings out the best in them. Most aficionados keep theirs in a humidor to bring out the oils and smoothness.

Most classy cigars with "long fillers" have long, firm ash at the tip that doesn't fall easily. The whiter the ash, the higher the quality of the tobacco denoting ideal soil conditions and better flavors. A good draw means the cigar is not too tightly rolled and can draw the smoked with relaxed ease. Too loose a draw, on the other hand, could be too hot on the palate. Now start cutting a rounded edge off the closed tip of the cigar slightly above the tapering on the edge with the cigar cutter.

Of course, there are several kinds of cutters that could affect the burn and the flavor of the cigar. A personal favorite is the Zino double-edged cutter that has two blades that meet and provide a clean cut on the tip. This model has been copied by several makers but the Zino is a well- engineered and studied tool. There are also Solingen scissor cutters that are very sharp and can accommodate bigger gauge cigars but sometimes leave a piece of wrapper on the last nick. Single-edge cutters are difficult first in calculating the angle of the cut, producing odd burns. I'd stay away from these, even the signature ones. There are also the V-cutters that create a "German" cut or a V or diamond kind of hole that concentrates flavor and smoke and the rotating bullet cutters that you turn on the edge of the cigar tip. These are recommended.

There is an art to lighting your cigar. One must never let the flame of your lighter touch the tip nor should let the chemical fumes of a newly lighted match start it either. Patience is needed in holding the cigar and lightning it with the other hand.

To eliminate the hassle and suspense, one can purchase mini butane torches in a cigar shop or to get them cheaper, at a good mall hardware store.

Tasting the cigar, one will notice that contrary to a novice's perceptions, big cigars are stronger than the small thinner ones - which does not exactly follow. Drawing on a smaller, tighter cigar could produce a hasher smoke but also all depends on the blend of tobacco used. Tasting is a subjective pursuit. A neophyte may not like the first time but will find enjoyment on subsequent occasions. Tastes can vary from sweet, bitter, acidic, dry and even possess food characteristics such as herbal, spice, peppery, creamy, coffee, woodsy, perfumy, etc. Aroma and finish or the last flavor notes could be another dimension of enjoyment. Some individuals reportedly get a "buzz" or light-headed feeling but personally, as the other cigar aficionados would agree, it provides a perfect ending to a good meal or serves as a great instrument for introspection when one is alone.

Brown spirits can be excellently paired off with your cigar. Classic matches are cognac and port wine at the end of a gourmet dinner. Casual affinities when one is relaxing could be Scotch, a natural with cigars, Bourbon or some premium Spanish brandies.

Purchasing cigars can be a treat, especially when one is out of the country. A personal selection of the local and imported cigars would be ideal. For Philippine cigars, recommendable are the 1881 robusto and coronas; Tabacalera; Flor de Filipinas; and 1881 pyramids. Fighting cock robustos are also a good regular smoke. For even milder flavors, uncurl a culkbra, an odd-looking snakelike cigar.

Certain places abroad are good value areas worth knowing where cigars are part of the lifestyle. Favorite places to buy are in Spain, the French countryside, Germany and, surprisingly, the U.S. particularly in Miami.

Start looking forward now, think of that Havana you're going to smoke. A Romeo Y Julieta Churchill? A Monte Cristo Numero Dos or a Cohiba Robusto, perhaps?

Source: Gene Gonzales