Another Good Use for a Butane Lighter

OK, Clever Girls- I have got the goods. In order to present you with as much information on the male bonding ritual of smoking cigars- I went to a Very Clever Guy named Sabino for the scoop. Within the “man cave” called Cigar Factory on Inwood Rd in Addison, I was given insider’s info.

Yes cigars smell, yes they can taste bad, but neither of these issues are hard and fast. A good cigar has a compelling aroma and a pleasant taste, not only to the smoker but the kisser. Sexier than a woman who can grill is the woman who can, not only light a cigar properly, but one who is willing to put one between her lips.

While some enjoy the smoke, the tobacco flavor, most men would agree, the comeradarie is an important and undeniable aspect of the experience of sharing cigars with business associates, family or friends.

Whether it’s after dinner, coupled with cocktails or on the golf course- cigars bring people together (though it would seem the smell itself might be a repellant).

Women are a growing demographic for cigar smoking especially for those who enjoy a smoky treat but have sworn off the everyday habit of cigarette smoking. The industry is evolving to encourage you, ladies- so there has never been a better time to learn about this age old pastime.

Despite what you might have come to know- the most expensive and high quality tobacco comes from the USA- Connecticut to be exact and a cigar wrapped with a leaf from there will be one of the most aesthetically pleasing to be found.

Sabino likened the preferences and appreciation of cigar smoking to grapes and wine. The soil and the climate are differentiating factors for the flavor of tobacco- which makes Nicaraguan extremely strong in flavor, Dominican a more medium strength and the mild Honduran. The tobacco inside a cigar, the filler- can be of all different blends- which is why some have brand or flavor preferences.

Now for an anatomy lesson. We all know what a cigar looks like- but let’s name the parts. The open end is the foot and the sealed (round) end is the head. The cigar will require being cut at the head to light and enjoy. How do we do this? There are three methods (suddenly I am thinking about The Sopranos and how much it would hurt to have my pinky cut off by a cigar cutter).

The tip of the head can be cut with a cigar cutter. There is tremendous variety in cigar cutters and they fall into many aesthetic, cost and functionality brackets. The Rolls-Royce of cutters is the Xikar brand. These feature double surgical steel blades. Lesser expensive models have one blade which leads to an uneven cut and a duller blade can lead to a choppy cut. Imagine a guillotine- this is the single blade concept and the double blade features two blades coming together evenly to chop the head off evenly and well, surgically.

A punch is literally poking a hole in the end- the reason for this might be that you don’t have a cutter available (NOT CLEVER) or you prefer less smoke and less tobacco ending up in your mouth.

A V-Cut is literal. You slip the head in and the blade slides through creating a V-shaped cut across the top. I’ve heard this is the ideal cut as it produces a lot of smoke, but little tobacco ends up in your mouth.

What determines the preferred cut? It’s personal. Sabino equated it to the glass you use for a wine- and how they are designed to enhance the opening of the wine and the enjoyment. The same holds true for the cut.

Also like wine, a good cigar is aged longer than the typical six months. The finer sticks are ten to fifteen years old. As I said- the industry is beginning a women’s movement and the varieties of flavored cigars are increasing as well as the more petite options and brands such as the Altadis, Romeo & Juliet and Montecristo. Cojimar vanillas, Havana honeys and Al Capone cognac are all lovely flavors ideal for a woman with a delicate palate.

Now, the lighting of a cigar and this is where it gets interesting, Clever Girls. Let me stage this for you. A Clever Girl would NEVER go to a high end steakhouse without a butane lighter because you never know when the most spectacularly fascinating man in the room will purchase a cigar and head for the patio. While he examines his cigar and waits for the maitre’d to return with a lighter and ashtray you could, if you were So Very bold- move in.

“May I light that for you?” Pulling out the lighter. So James Bond, I know- but it he actually offered it to you this would be a moment in your life when a figurative spotlight would be square upon you. You are showing him in this moment a great many things. I might have fantastic shoes, but I am bringing more to the table that that interest- I am fearless AND we have a common interest.

Unwrap the cigar, cut the head off, poise the foot over the flame (not touching it) and gently rotate it so the end of the cigar begins to “roast and toast”- some people like to puff on the cigar while doing this- but it’s a good idea to give it a head start until you see the foot become a bit ashy and embers begin to glow. Then place the cigar between your lips and puff until you get a good smoke. A So Very Coy Clever Girl would hand it back to said fascinating gentleman and take her seat once again and wait for him to come to her.

Tomorrow I’ll unveil some of the more sought after cigars and how to work them into conversations. Expect some tips for Clever Girls who find themselves dining with men often and more.