It is certainly possible to prepare and smoke a cigar with nothing but your teeth, hands, and a lighter, but you won't get the most out of it. There are techniques and accessories that will allow you to fully enjoy the flavors, aromas, and multiple nuances of your smoke.
There is a multitude of cigar accessories that can make your next cigar more enjoyable, such as humidors, cigar cutters, cigar cases, cigar lighters, and air purifiers. Some of them are essential, while others would make a nice gift for yourself or a loved one.
Discover in this article all the useful accessories for smoking a cigar under the best possible conditions.
A cigar humidor
A cigar humidor is a crucial accessory for all cigar smokers, especially if you buy multiple cigars at once or plan to store or collect them.
Without these ideal storage conditions, the cigar can become too dry, causing the wrapper to crack, or it can become too humid, spongy, and equally unsmokable!
When you have invested in a selection of cigars, these are flaws that you definitely want to avoid. A humidor is your best option to ensure the safety of your cigar stock!
Cigar humidors regulate the humidity of their internal environment to prevent cigars from drying out, allowing them to last almost indefinitely, depending on the quality of the humidifier. To preserve their flavor and strength, it is essential to maintain your cigars at an optimal temperature of 21°C and a humidity level of around 70%.
There is a wide variety of cigar humidors available at different price levels; the key is to choose one that matches your own sense of aesthetics.
You should match the type of humidor you purchase with what you want to achieve. If you want to keep a few cigars protected and fresh during your next vacation, a travel cigar case with a humidifier is perfect.
If you want to store and age your cigars, a cigar humidor is ideal.
A hygrometer
A hygrometer is an accessory used to measure humidity. While most cigar humidors come with one, some may not. Having a hygrometer will allow you to ensure that the microclimate of your cigars is well maintained.
A cigar case
Keep your cigars safe while on the go with a cigar case that protects the cigar from any damage it might suffer if simply stored loosely.
Cigar cases with a slot are also known as cigar tubes. They are ideal for keeping a single precious cigar safe in your pocket, bag, or suitcase. With their reinforced ends, your cigar won't be crushed or damaged when you're on the move.
A cigar cutter
The head of a cigar needs to be cut before smoking, and a high-quality cigar cutter is essential if you want to achieve a clean and precise cut every time.
Generally pocket-sized, cigar cutters can also be carried with you wherever you go, making them the perfect choice for those who enjoy smoking on the go!
Although technically you only need one cutter, most cigar smokers have at least one of each type. They have different functions that can help you maximize your experience with different shapes and sizes of cigars.
Guillotine cigar cutter
This type of cigar cutter is the most commonly used. It simply allows for a straight and clean cut and is small and safe enough to be carried in a pocket.
There is also a double-blade version that provides a much better cut and has a longer lifespan.
The goal is not to crush the cap, as it can cause it to crack or split. A sharp blade is therefore essential. Remember to only cut the cap. The aim is simply to open the cigar; if you cut too deeply into the cap or shoulder of the cigar, you risk the wrapper coming undone.
V-cut Cutter
The V-cut cutter removes a small V-shaped portion instead of cutting the entire cap. Particularly useful for larger ring gauge cigars, it allows for a deep cut without risking damage.
Having this tool in your arsenal will allow you to experiment with different cigar variations and enjoy a slightly different smoking experience.
Punch Cutter
Instead of slicing or cutting the end of the cap, this type of cutter punches a hole in the end of the cigar to allow for air draw. Generally, this type of cut may not provide as easy a draw as a guillotine or V-cut cutter.
However, some smokers prefer this type of cutter as it reduces the amount of tobacco in direct contact with your mouth.
Clean and simple, this type of cutter is highly appreciated as an accessory.
A cigar lighter
Lighters are perhaps the most essential part of a cigar smoker's accessory kit. A good-quality and suitable lighter is indispensable for achieving a proper cigar ignition. There are many ways to light your cigar, which you can find in this blog article.
However, the vast majority of smokers agree that nothing beats a cigar lighter.
The most preferred type of lighter among cigar smokers is the torch lighter or storm lighter. Offering a stable and powerful flame, it is an excellent way to efficiently light your cigar, ensuring even combustion. These lighters are also wind-resistant, which greatly facilitates outdoor lighting.
Choose your lighter based on your preferred cigar. Small ring gauge cigars are ideal for single-jet lighters, while larger diameter cigars require a multiple-flame lighter, such as those with three jets.
Never light your cigar with a petrol lighter as the fuel can alter its subtle flavor. It is recommended to use a butane lighter to fully enjoy the flavors of your cigar.
An ashtray
Wherever you choose to smoke, you will need an ashtray within reach when you light your cigar.
In addition to being an excellent tool for collecting falling ashes while keeping your home, clothes, and furniture clean, the ashtray is also used as a resting place for your cigar when you decide to take a break.
Placing your cigar on an ashtray allows it to cool down and maintain an even burn.
The ash should be gently tapped off the cigar to avoid damaging the wrapper. So keep this in mind when purchasing an ashtray. The classic wide and shallow square tray is a classic for a good reason: it provides a resting and rolling surface. You will also find many ashtrays equipped with cigar holders.
Air purifiers
If your friends and family don't appreciate the distinctive aroma of cigar smoke as much as you do, an air purifier is exactly what you need. It is designed to eliminate cigar smoke and odors from the air.
Make sure to choose an air purifier that is powerful enough for the size of your room. As a general rule, an air purifier should be capable of filtering the air 5 times per hour to be fully effective. This process is referred to as ACPH (air changes per hour).
Conclusion
While a cigar and something to light it with are all you need to enjoy a good smoke, these accessories will enhance your experience. Have fun experimenting with the accessories listed in this article and savor your cigar as it should be.
