Cigars have been an important part of American culture for many years. In the 19th century, cigar smoking was extremely common, while cigarettes were still comparatively rare. The cigar business was an important industry, and most of the fine cigars in the US were imported from Cuba, the cigar haven of the world. However, after President John. F. Kennedy imposed a ban on imports from Cuba due to political reasons, cigar sales took a back seat. At that time, cigarette sales picked up very quickly.

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We are all aware there are certain occasions in one’s life where lighting a cigar is as integral as breathing itself. There are moments when it is expected everyone on hand will have a cigar in hand, smoking away in a puff of celebration. While some people may smoke cigars during infrequent occasions – a divorce, a lottery win, an early release from prison – there is a set list of standard occasions when a cigar is nearly required.

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There is nothing like hands-on-experience to help people learn. By trying a variety of cigars, you not only learn what you like, but you learn what you don’t. While this is obviously based on your opinion – a cigar that you hate may be one another smoker loves – this trial and error exposes you to a variety of cigars, which is the number one factor in becoming a connoisseur. Even if you have a favorite cigar, and prefer to smoke it regularly, every once in a while go out on a limb and smoke something different. And, when those with expert cigar taste suggest that you try something, appease them. You might be pleasantly surprised.

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For new smokers, lighting a cigar can seem as daunting as learning to choose a good single. Here are four tips to guide you in lighting a cigar for the first time.

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Even most non-cigar smokers have heard some of the lore surrounding the Cuban cigar. Long revered as the finest and best tasting brands in the world, they have traditionally been extremely difficult to procure. Consequently there exists a very profitable market for importing and distributing Cuban cigars to cigar-lovers worldwide. There are many brands of Cuban cigars available, but some of the most well known include Coronas Especiales (rumored to be one of Fidel Castro’s favorites) and Montecristos.

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