How to Smoke a Cuban Cigar on Vacation?

When it comes to Cuban cigars, the experience transcends mere smoking. It is a ritual steeped in history, tradition, and an almost spiritual reverence. These handcrafted marvels are not just tobacco rolled into a cylinder; they are an embodiment of Cuban identity, a testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage.

For centuries, the indigenous inhabitants of Cuba have been partaking in the art of cigar smoking, infusing it with mystical significance. These ancient ceremonies were not merely about pleasure; they were a means to connect with the elements, to forge a bond between the earthly and the divine. Even today, a Cuban cigar is more than just a source of enjoyment; it is a conduit that links the land, the mind, the body, and the soul, undergoing a magical metamorphosis as it ascends from the earth to the heavens.

Setting the Stage

Before indulging in the sublime experience of smoking a Cuban cigar, it is essential to create the perfect ambiance. This is not a mere act of consumption; it is a celebration, a moment to honor oneself and embrace the finer things in life.

The environment in which you choose to savor your cigar can be as intimate as a solitary retreat or as convivial as a gathering of close friends. Regardless of the company, the goal is to curate an atmosphere that fosters relaxation, indulgence, and the appreciation of the finer things in life.

Harmonious Accompaniments

While a Cuban cigar can undoubtedly be enjoyed on its own, it is often elevated to new heights when paired with the right accompaniments. A strong, Cuban-style coffee, for instance, can be a delightful prelude or a palate-cleansing finale, with its rich flavors dancing in harmony with the tobacco’s nuances.

However, the true companion of choice for a Cuban cigar is undoubtedly a fine rum. This pairing, known as a “maridaje” (marriage), is a union of flavors that requires careful balance and consideration. Just as in any successful marriage, the key lies in finding the perfect match, where the strength and character of the cigar are complemented by the rum’s sweetness, depth, and complexity.

Mild cigars are best paired with light, sweet rums, while their more robust counterparts demand the boldness of aged, dark rums. The cigar’s warmth softens the rum’s alcohol bite, allowing the drinker to savor the intricate notes of nuts, vanilla, honey, and fruits that would otherwise be overpowered.

For those who prefer a departure from the traditional, whiskies, brandies, and wines can also be harmoniously paired with Cuban cigars, provided the flavors and strengths are carefully matched.

Tailoring to Your Mood

Just as one might choose music to suit a particular mood, the selection of a Cuban cigar can be a reflection of one’s emotional state. With a vast array of brands, types, and sizes to choose from, the options are endless, allowing for a perfect pairing with one’s feelings and desires.

For celebratory occasions or light-hearted moods, a bold, full-bodied cigar might be the ideal choice, while moments of contemplation or melancholy might call for a milder, smoother smoke. The size of the cigar, too, can be tailored to one’s needs – a shorter vitola for a quick indulgence, or a longer, more substantial offering for those seeking a prolonged, meditative experience.

Iconic brands like H. Upmann, Romeo y Julieta, Montecristo, Cohiba, and Partagas offer a diverse range of flavors and sizes, ensuring that every mood and occasion can be perfectly complemented by the right cigar.

The Unboxing Ritual

The journey of savoring a Cuban cigar begins long before the first puff is taken. As the ornate box is opened, the senses are immediately awakened by the alluring aroma of fine cedar and freshly rolled tobacco. This is the moment when anticipation builds, and the cigar’s natural texture and appearance are first appreciated.

A deliberate, deep inhale of the cigar’s aroma is a priceless moment, a prelude to the sensory experience that awaits.

Preparation and Lighting

As with any work of art, a Cuban cigar demands respect and adherence to tradition. Just as skilled artisans meticulously crafted it, it is the smoker’s duty to honor their labor by consuming the cigar properly, allowing the full breadth of flavors to be appreciated.

The first step in this process is to create a small opening at the cigar’s foot, typically three millimeters from the edge, using a guillotine cutter. This opening allows the cigar to breathe, ensuring a smooth and unimpeded draw. Punching a hole through the cigar, on the other hand, is a cardinal sin, as it disrupts the carefully rolled leaves and compromises the smoking experience.

Once the cigar is properly cut, the lighting process is equally crucial. To preserve the cigar’s natural flavors and avoid any unwanted contaminants, a cedar stick or cedar matchstick is the preferred method of ignition. Conventional lighters, with their butane fuel, can impart undesirable tastes and aromas, tainting the cigar’s delicate nuances.

With the cigar held at a 45-degree angle to the cedar stick, the smoker gently rotates the cigar, allowing the flame to evenly distribute across the foot. Once a complete ring of ash has formed, a gentle puff or wave of the cigar ensures that the ember is evenly lit and ready for the first draw.

The Inaugural Puff

The moment of truth arrives with the first puff, a ritual that must be executed with care and reverence. Unlike cigarettes, Cuban cigars are never inhaled; instead, the smoke is drawn into the mouth, where it lingers, allowing the palate to savor the intricate flavors before being slowly exhaled.

This inaugural puff is a lengthy one, designed to ensure that the cigar is evenly lit and ready for the journey ahead. With the cigar gently gripped between the teeth, the smoker draws three consecutive puffs, each one followed by a gentle exhale.

As the cigar is savored, the smoker may choose to hold it in various positions, rotating it periodically to ensure an even burn. A long, compacted ash, clinging steadfastly to the cigar’s foot, is a testament to the cigar’s exceptional quality and construction.

The Art of Moderation

While the allure of a Cuban cigar is undeniable, it is essential to approach the experience with moderation and respect. These handcrafted masterpieces are crafted from natural, fermented tobacco leaves, with a nicotine content typically less than 10%.

To ensure a balanced and enjoyable experience, it is customary to divide the cigar into three distinct sections. The first third is for acquainting oneself with the cigar’s unique character, the second for fully immersing in its flavors and nuances, and the final third is left unsmoked, a symbolic gesture of respect for the cigar’s age and heritage.

Crushing or extinguishing the cigar against an ashtray is considered a grave disrespect, for a Cuban cigar is revered as an elder, deserving of the utmost consideration and deference.

The Lasting Impression

Smoking a Cuban cigar is more than just a fleeting indulgence; it is a treasured experience that lingers long after the final puff has been exhaled. It is a moment to honor oneself, to embrace the finer things in life, and to connect with a rich cultural heritage that spans centuries.

By following the time-honored traditions and rituals, one not only savors the exquisite flavors and aromas of the cigar but also pays homage to the skilled artisans who crafted it, the fertile lands that nurtured its tobacco, and the generations of Cubans who have elevated this simple pleasure to an art form.

The Enduring Legacy

As the smoke dissipates and the final embers fade, the true essence of a Cuban cigar lingers – a testament to the island’s rich heritage, the skill of its artisans, and the enduring allure of a tradition that has captivated generations.

In a world where mass production and automation often reign supreme, the act of savoring a Cuban cigar is a defiant celebration of the handcrafted, the artisanal, and the timeless. It is a reminder that some pleasures in life cannot be rushed or replicated, but rather must be savored and appreciated, one puff at a time.

So, whether you are a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, embrace the art of smoking Cuban cigars. Immerse yourself in the rituals, the flavors, and the stories that have made these rolled masterpieces a symbol of Cuban pride and a true embodiment of the island’s indomitable spirit.

—

Be sure to tag us in your photos and videos @resortcaribbean, and follow our socials: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube.