Here Are Some Methods that Can Maximize the Flavor of Your Cigars
More than simply a luxurious hobby, enjoying and collecting fine cigars is a pastime steeped in tradition. Whether you're just discovering the fine art of selecting and enjoying great cigars or you're a seasoned aficionado, retaining and maximizing the flavor of your acquisitions is of paramount importance for a complete appreciation.
Fortunately, with a few important yet simple steps and the help of some select gadgets and devices, you can be well on your way to making the very most of each and every cigar you purchase. Read on to find out how you can keep your cigars in tip top condition while in storage and how to enjoy them properly on those special smoking occasions.
Temperature and Humidity Control
Once you've moved beyond the buy-and-smoke stage of cigar appreciation to the point where you're ready to start a real collection, one of the most important issues you must confront is how to store your acquisitions. The two factors that make the biggest difference in quality, long life and preservation for you cigars are temperature and humidity.
The point of temperature and humidity control is maintaining a constant moisture level in your cigars. However, temperature plays an additional important role as well. Cigars can sometimes run the risk of carrying a few unhatched eggs of the tobacco beetle. These beetles can eat holes through a box of cigars in remarkably short periods of time, rendering them completely useless.
Keeping your cigars at a constant temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit offers an ideal temperature to keep your collection at a persistent humidity level-around 70 percent-while still being cool enough to keep any errant tobacco beetle eggs from hatching. The danger zone for this problem begins at 75 degrees. If for some reason an outbreak should occur, immediately dispose of any affected cigars and freeze the rest for at least 48 hours to kill any surviving insects.
Proper Storage
The easiest way to keep your collection at the ideal temperature and humidity level is storing it in a good humidor. Some factors to consider when picking out your ideal humidor is capacity, material and climate control devices. The following examples of good quality humidors offer an excellent overview of humidors on the market today.
Bally IV Glass Top Humidor
Representing a classic styled, solid humidor, Bally's IV Glass Top model offers enough room to fit about 100 regular cigars in a single tray. This medium sized box sports the traditional styling of dark mahogany wood veneers and is lined on the inside with Spanish cedar.
The front of the box is adorned with an analog hydrometer and built in humidifier, to keep your favorites in just the right conditions. The box also offers keyed entry and a generous viewing window on the top so you can look over your best cigars without exposing them to the air.
Perfecto XLT Travel Humidor
When business, vacations or other occasions put you on the road for extended periods, there's no need to give up the quality of your cigars. The Perfecto XLT Travel Humidor offer plenty of space for protecting and humidifying 8 regular sized cigars while on the go. The durable yet attractive black plastic case telescopes to perfectly accommodate any length of cigar without the risk of bruising.
Turn the case on end to discover the ultra convenient built in hydrometer, which lets you keep a close eye on the climate levels maintained by the unit's built in humidifier. This attractive case includes a fragrant Spanish cedar divider as well. The perfect choice for carrying cigars for you and some close friends for special occasions, the Perfecto XLT also makes a great gift.
Cigar Cutters
Of course, another key piece of equipment for getting the most out of your cigars is the cutter, that is, of course, unless you are an aspiring cowboy and prefer the seasoned bite off and spit method. While the type of cutter you choose is ultimately a matter of personal tastes, it helps to know the differences between styles before picking one out for the first time.
•V - These popular cutters are best suited for smaller cigars. They often can't handle larger ring sizes or torpedo shapes. Their advantages include offering ideal air circulation while keeping tar and bitter tastes away from your mouth.
•Guillotine - These cutters can handle nearly all types and sizes of cigar, but they require a bit of practice to yield a clean cut. The cuts they leave may also let tar or burning tobacco contact your mouth.
•Bullet Punch - These inexpensive cutters have the advantage of offering smaller holes, but sometimes they can result in too little air flow.
With a bit of experience and experimenting, not to mention some handy products, maximizing the flavor of your cigars will become second nature in short order.
Kelly Elizabeth is a freelance writer who writes about luxury items such cigars
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com
