Frequently Asked Questions
Should I keep the cellophane wrapper on my cigars?
Ideally, cigars should not be kept wrapped in cellophane. Storing your cigars unwrapped gives them the opportunity to breathe and mellow over time. If you have a good quality humidor that's been properly set up, you can safely store your unwrapped cigars. If you smoke through your cigars pretty quickly, you can leave them in the wrapper.
How much of the cigar tip should I clip?
A good rule of thumb is to clip off about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch keeping the cap intact. Always use a good quality cutter with a sharp blade. There are other ways to open up the cap such as a plug punch or a notch cutter. Experiment with different cuts to see which you like best.
What's the best way to light my cigar?
There are lots of different ways to properly light a cigar. You can use butane torches, wooden matches or cedar strips. Whatever method you choose, light your cigar gently and evenly. Don't rush it. Big Daddy's Cigar Lounge carries a full line of cigar lighters and cutters.
Do I need a humidor?
The short answer is "yes." Cigars need to keep a certain level of moistness to achieve their best taste and you'd be surprised how quickly they dry out in Southern California. Humidors can be anything from a fine, hand-crafted box lined with cedar to a plastic bag with a small humidifying device. You can also purchase a cigar locker at Big Daddy's to store your purchases.
Should I remove the cigar band before I smoke it?
Removing the band could result in tearing the wrapper, so its probably best to leave the band on when you first light your cigar. As you smoke the cigar, the moisture & heat will loosen up the band and you'll be able to remove it if you want.
What is a ring gauge?
Ring gauge is the diameter of cigar, usually measured in 1/64s of an inch. The follow is a list of classic cigar styles by length and ring gauge.
- Churchill - 7" x 50
- Robusto - 5" x 50
- Toro - 6" x 50
- Double Corona - 6 3/4" x 49
- Rothschild - 4 1/2" x 49
- Grand Corona - 6" x 46
- Corona Extra - 5" x 46
- Londsdale - 6 1/2" x 44
- Corona - 5 1/2" x 42
- Petite Corona - 4" x 40
- Panatela - 7" x 36
What's the difference between a light, medium and full-bodied cigar?
The "body" of cigar refers to the impact it has on your smoking palate. Light bodied cigars are milder and have less impact than a full-bodied cigar, which is stronger in flavor and has a much greater impact. It all boils down to your own personal taste. Try a few and see which ones you like. Save the bands or keep a journal.
When should I tap off the ash of a cigar?
The ash on a fine cigar is fairly sturdy and will stay put for around 3/4 to 1 inch. Consider tapping your cigar after about 1/2 to 3/4 inch to keep it from falling in your lap or on the floor. The ash absorbs some of the heat and allows the cigar to burn cooler, so you should keep some ash in place.
How far down should I smoke my cigar?
This is really a matter of personal preference. Smoke it as far down until you don't enjoy it anymore. For most cigars, that's about 3/4 of the length or until you hit the label. By the way, when you're done smoking your cigar, don't stamp it out. That only creates lots of smoke and smells. Just leave it on your ashtray and it will go out by itself after a few minutes.