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Cigars Rated: Yes You Can! 11/12/2014 4:21:22 AM
If you smoke cigars, you know that the experts have their own rating system. That system is based on a number of factors including the type of tobacco, where it is grown and its taste. Even with an informal cigar tasting mechanism in place, connoisseurs often find the ratings are wanting and may seek to come up with classification system of their own. Your personal rating system should reflect your own evaluation and it may be something you choose to keep solely to yourself.
How does it feel? The feel of a cigar can have a large bearing on whether you like it or not. It is that feel that can encourage someone to light up or to put it to the side for something else. Cigars can feel dry, spongy or marred and may feel light to heavy. When kept in a humidor it should be moist, what helps retain its flavor for a satisfying smoke advises the Florida Tobacco Shop.
Should you clip it? You can smoke a cigar as is, but many aficionados prefer to clip it slightly at the tip. Remove one-quarter to one-half inch at the end and you’ll have a better draw to experience. Clip it carefully to give you a more satisfying draw each time.
How will you light it? There is an art and science about lighting a cigar that must be appreciated. Most people use a butane lighter or a wooden match. Never use another source such as an open flame or a candle — if you do, you might bring in an outside flavor including a nasty chemical. If your cigar comes with a strip of Spanish cedar, then light it and then light the cigar. The strip will slowly toast the cigar and once it turns red, you’re ready then wait about a half minute before you smoke it.
Just enjoy it. Allow the cigar to rest in your mouth before taking your first draw. Take note of the feel of the cigar, including its various tobaccos, the leaf and binder used by the cigar maker. You’ll gain an appreciation for the work accomplished and will begin to search for the various flavors hidden within it.
Signs of cigar happiness. Unlike a cigarette, a cigar must be throughly enjoyed slowly. You cannot possible fully appreciate what it has to offer apart from a careful and thoroughly enjoyable smoke. When taking in the cigar smoke, allow it to linger inside your mouth. Do not inhale it. Slowly exhale through your mouth and take in the smoke. The creamier, the better. When the smoke is your mouth, take note of the different flavors present. The exact taste can vary among smokers as your taste bud and tongue feel out the smoke. Some detect coffee flavoring, others may find fruit or nuts, and still others insist that there is a hint of chocolate, vanilla or hazelnut present.
How does it burn? A cigar should burn slowly, allowing you to take in its full flavor without rushing. You can help it burn properly by turning it regularly to ensure an even distribution. You’ll extend your time with the cigar by attaining an even burn as you savor every breath.
Just rate it. Score a cigar in any way that you want. Some people prize exterior flavors over the dominant tobacco flavor, while others judge a cigar on its appearance, size, handling and the smoke emitted. Assign a letter grade from A to F for each category, then tally it to render a final score. By scoring a cigar you will know which ones you like best. Then, shop for the cigar and keep an eye out for specials.
Rating Considerations
Even if you choose not to formally rate a cigar, you may find it helpful to jot down certain information about that cigar to include: the producing company, country of origin, vintage year, binder and filler as well as its size.
If you use a humidor, keep in mind that it can affect cigar taste. If the humidity is too low your cigar may burn out fast. If it is too warm, it could attract mold. Temperature can affect taste and ultimately affect grading or what you think about any cigar.
