Enjoying a fine cigar like those hand-rolled by the expert craftsmen at Bocock Cigars is one of life’s greatest pleasures. However, there is some etiquette surrounding the proper way to select, handle, light, and smoke premium cigars that can enhance the overall experience. Follow this beginner’s guide to cigar etiquette to make the most out of your Bococks.
Choosing Your Cigar
Walk into any licensed tobacconist and you’ll likely find a well-organized humidor showcasing diverse cigar brands, sizes, shapes, and wrappers. While the variety can be visually striking, it can also be downright confusing for novice aficionados. When selecting a cigar, consider your personal tastes as well as the occasion. Bold, full-bodied maduro wrappers pair well with spirits like bourbon or rum. Earthy, nutty shades like Bocock’s Connecticut broadleaf wrap nicely with Scotch or wine. If in doubt, ask your tobacconist for a recommendation.
Bocock uses high-quality tobaccos that have been properly aged to produce complex flavor profiles. But don’t be afraid to start mild if you’re new to premium handmade cigars. You can always work your way up to the stronger blends.
Handling Your Unlit Cigar
Once you make your selection, refrain from excessively fondling or squeezing the cigar while handling it. This can damage the wrapper and binder leading to an uneven burn later. Gently pinch the cap with your fingers if you need to examine the construction.
Use a double guillotine cutter to nip off just a small piece of the cap right before you intend to light up. Cutting too much can ruin the draw and sabotage the mouthfeel. If using a single straight cut, aim for shallow cut at a 45-degree angle.
Lighting and Smoking Your Cigar
Avoid using gas lighters as they impart a fuel taste and exhaust gases that can ruin the intended aromas. Matches work in a pinch but torch lighters are ideal. The blue flame is clean and hot enough to evenly toast the end for proper ignition.
Hold the match or lighter approximately one inch from the foot and rotate the cigar at a 45-degree angle to evenly heat the end. Draw slowly and gently to pull the flame into the cigar without scorching it. This may take several draws to accomplish. Once evenly lit, blow on the end gently to extinguish the flame.
Resist the urge to puff rapidly on the cigar like a cigarette. Slow, steady draws enable you to pick up the nuanced flavors as the smoke coats your palate. Retrohale gently to push some smoke through your nasal passage to pick up aromas. Allow at least a minute between draws to let the cigar burn at its intended pace.
When not actively smoking, don’t let the cigar smolder unattended in the ashtray. It will waste tobacco and ruin the burn. Gently tap off any clinging ash before setting it to rest. If you do not intend to finish it, properly extinguish it in a water glass or moist sponge before saving for later.
Following some basic cigar etiquette guidelines enhances the overall enjoyment of a fine cigar like Bocock. Armed with the right techniques, you can fully appreciate the complex balance of flavors locked inside the tobaccos they use to create a sublime smoking experience.