How do I open the end cap?
The most common way is with a cigar cutter. This means you will clip the rounded end cap off. Other methods are discussed in detail here.
Is there a correct way to light a cigar?
Absolutely. Your goal is light the end as evenly as possible. When lighting the cigar, it is best when you apply as little of the flame to the end of the cigar as possible. This will prevent the tobacco from getting charred, or carbonized, and imparting an unpleasant taste unto it. To do this, hold the flame about 2 inches away from the cigar, and slowly draw long puffs of air through the cigar. The flame should jump up to the cigar. With each new puff, rotate the cigar about a quarter of a turn. Continue this for 4-5 puffs and then inspect your work. If there is a tiny unlit spot, you can blow on it to accelerate the glowing coal to drift over to it. Then, take one or two steady puffs and then leave the cigar alone for at least 2 minutes, as the first 1/8th to 3/16th of ash builds. You have laid the foundation of a cigar that will burn perfectly.
How come my cigar does not always burn evenly?
Most uneven burns are a result of poor lighting technique. Therefore, patience should be applied during the lighting to insure that the cigar burns properly, and does not "tunnel" or "canoe". Your cigar is tunneling when the inner filler is burning down, and the outer layers, including the wrapper and binder, are still unlit. This will taste unpleasant, as you are not smoking the balanced blend. It will ultimately go out, as the inner core suffocates from lack of air. If your cigar tunnels you can try to fix it by using your cutter and clipping down the unburned exterior and then try to relight the cigar. A problem that is more common than tunneling is canoeing. This is when your cigar is imitating a canoe, by one half burning slower than the other. It can be caused by improperly lighting the cigar, or by smoking too quickly, puffing away like mad. The best way to fix this is to leave the cigar alone and let the slow side catch up as soon as you notice it is happening. The sooner you "back off", the sooner the cigar will even up. If you ignore it, it will get more and more pronounced. I do not recommend "flash burning" the slow half, as it will usually leave a burning taste on the rest of the cigar as you smoke it. Both of these syndromes can be prevented by correctly lighting the cigar. Very windy conditions can also make the cigar canoe to tunnel. Unfortunately, this is out of your control and is no mark against your ignition techniques.
Can I use any type of flame to light my cigar?
The goal is to use a flame that will impart as few impurities into the cigar as possible. The historical method was to use a splint of cedar, known as a "spill", to light the cigar. More practical and handy are wooden matches or mechanical lighters that use butane, both of which burn clean. Paper matches are undesirable because they have two elements that can taint the taste of the cigar. First, many paper matches are dyed with a pigment. Second, they are often treated with an accelerant chemical, which you can see as it boils off the first 1/4" of the match right after it is struck. By the time this chemical has boiled off, the match is too short to light the cigar. When using wooden matches, I recommend that you use two matches at once, spread approximately 1/4" apart. This will create a flame broad enough to light the whole end in one attempt. Rarely can you get the entire cigar lit with just one match, and if you need to start a second match you have already started the cigar off on an uneven burn. Other than a thin cedar spill, these are the only two sources for flame that I would advise. Never use a candle, or a lighter that used any fuel other than butane. And certainly never use a gas stove or stick your head into a campfire, as you risk lighting you hair up when you lean over it.
Do I remove the cigar ring?
Removing the ring may damage the cigar, as the adhesive used to attach it is often attached to the cigar as well. It can be removed gently once the coal has burned down near it, as the heat will loosen it. It should be mentioned that in England and Europe it is considered vulgar to leave the ring on the cigar. There, proper etiquette dictates that gentlemen do not show off whatever prestigious brand they are smoking, and they sit around smoking "naked" cigars. However, following this decorum risks tearing the wrapper. At the risk of insulting any European smokers in the room, I would rather keep my wrapper untorn.
The ash is very sturdy and will hold up at least 3/4" of an inch, or more. Therefore, you should not be so concerned as to look for the ashtray after every puff, as you can damage the cigar by constantly trying to tap off a fresh ash. It can be easily knocked off about every 1/2" or so.
How far down can I smoke the cigar?
You can smoke a cigar as far down as long you still enjoy it. A great cigar will tempt you to burn your finger tips trying to get that last puff. When you have finished the cigar, drop it into the ashtray and let it burn itself out. Do not crush it down, as the exploded butt will smell terrible.
What are the do's and don'ts when holding or feeling a cigar?
Premium cigars are delicate and require care when handling. They can be damaged by squeezing, pinching, or dropping them. The two ends are the most susceptible to damage. The rounded, or closed end (nearest to the cigar band), is called a cap. The cap can be split if it is squeezed too tightly. The best place to hold a cigar is anywhere in its middle section, at least 1 inch away from the ends.
