A cigar is not something that can be made and then left to sit around in just any sort of setting. This is because cigars are crafted from tobacco leaves that can absorb moisture, lose moisture, and even take in some of the odors and flavors within their environments. Consider the use of humidors – these keep a relatively level humidity within in their interiors thanks to their built in humidifiers and hygrometers. When a cigar is kept in a balanced humidor it will age nicely and retain its original flavors, though their tobaccos will tend to blend and mellow a bit over time.

The first thing to know, however, is that the humidor is the final destination and not the embarking point. If you happen to have a few empty humidors or one that is not currently serving in a humidifying capacity you can start the restoration process there, but if not, you can just bust out the largest plastic zip locking bag you have. You will have to ruin it by poking some air holes in it, but it will be worth the sacrifice. Next, you will need to find a relatively stable location, such as a cupboard or closet where the humidity and ambient temperature are fairly steady and reasonable. You can leave the cigars in this spot for the next three or four days.

The first step requires the use of a humidor that is currently not in operation – meaning no humidifying is going on inside of it – or even a large plastic bag with several holes poked into it will work too. The size of the humidor is important because it will need to allow the air surrounding the cigars to remain steady for the next two to three days. The humidor should be in a place of consistent ambient temperature, and must be left in place until the next phase of re-hydration begins.

Once the two-week period of slow hydration has come to an end, the cigars can safely be put into a humidified cedar box for permanent storage or aging. They should not yet be smoked, however, and should enjoy at least another thirty days of mellowing to allow them to reach optimal smoking condition.

After this fourteen day process has been completed, the cigars can be transferred to a fully-balanced humidor. They should remain here for another month (at least) before being smoked to ensure that their humidity and flavor have been completely restored.

Dave Sabot is the owner of an online specialty cigar lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including nibo group lighters, Dave also owns a premier online cigar accessories store.

The wrapper is an integral part of your cigar. Before you begin applying your lighter to just any old cigar, you need to know the difference the type of wrapper makes. Numerous different types of wrapper exist and they all play a role in how much you enjoy your cigar. Do you know the difference between a Claro and a Colorado wrapper? What is a Maduro wrapper? How does the type of wrapper used affect the enjoyment of the cigar? Here, you will find a bit of help in understanding the role played by the wrapper.

Oscuro: This wrapper type is made from leaves that grow at the very top of a tobacco plant. These dark wrappers generally have a stronger taste and may be considered a bit harsh to a first time smoker. This type of wrapper is more widely preferred by seasoned cigar smokers.

Double Claro: Making for an enjoyable smoke due to a slightly sweet taste, the Double Claro wrapper is light green in hue but is not widely found due to the decrease in it's use for cigar production.

Colorado: A brown wrapper with shades of red included, the Colorado wrapper is grown in shade so as to lead to a thinner leaf. However, this type of wrapper is not to be underestimated and will still hold up before and during a cigar smoke.

Claro: Different from the Double Claro, this wrapper is also grown in the shade and has a tan hue. The most distinct difference in the Claro wrapper is that, generally, it is more mild in comparison to most other wrapper types.

Maduro: Providing an extremely smooth smoking experience, the Maduro wrapper ranges in color from brown to black. The benefits of a lengthy curing process are brought out during the lighting and smoking of a cigar in this style of wrapper as it is very smooth.

Of course, there are several other types of wrapper out there. You'll find Colorado Maduro wrappers, Colorado Claros and several other common types. However, the wrappers mentioned above are the most frequently encountered. Finding the right wrapper type can have tremendous benefits for your smoking enjoyment, just as choosing the right option from the many different types of butane torch lighters can influence how you enjoy your smoke.

Choosing the right cigar wrapper style can be a fun journey and can also help you widen your palet by experience a variety of cigars from around the world.

Cigar cutters

Quality cigar accessories can enhance the experience of indulging in a great stogie and there are a few tools that serious aficionados should not be without. In this article, we'll tell you which surprising goodies from a cigar shop or grocery store can make smoking one a luxurious treat.

Cigar cutters are used to remove or penetrate the cap of a cigar before smoking it. There are three basic types of cuts: the straight cut, the wedge or "V" cut and the hole punch. The type of cut to make is based on personal preference and the size and/or shape of the cigar. The straight cut is the most common. The double blade guillotine is preferred by many aficionados because it usually makes a cleaner cut. The wedge or "V" cutter resembles the guillotine cutter, but the shape of the blade slices a wedge into the cap of the cigar instead of cutting it completely off. The hole punch is used to put a hole in the cap of the cigar instead of just cutting it off. If a cutter or hole punch isn't available, a hole cut can be made in a cigar using a pen or pencil.

If you are one to purchase expensive varieties, like a Cuban cigar, then here is a cigar accessory you'll definitely need. Unlike a cigar box, a humidor prevents your cigars from drying out or becoming infested by insects. For private use, small wooden or acrylic glass humidor boxes will store a few dozen. Humidors of all sizes use hygrometers to keep track of the humidity levels. The ideal humidity in one of these units is around 65-75%.

As stated, one of the most important cigar accessories to own, is a humidor to keep the cigars moist. If they dry out, you will unlikely ever enjoy the rich aroma. However, while many people enjoy the rich fragrance of a good cigar, there are others who find it overwhelming. Wearing artificial fibres will minimize the amount of odor that your clothes absorb. Store your clothing in a plastic bag with baking soda before they can be cleaned. To keep a room smelling fresh, use a spray deodorizer expressly formulated for tobacco smoke. This isn't as effective as an air purifier but it will help. Lastly, take vitamins to flush nicotine from your system and freshen your breath. Chlorophyll and parsley extract will make your mouth fresher. Vitamin A, vitamin C, aged (kyolic) garlic extract, spirulina, wheat grass and young barley grass will all help to cleanse nicotine from your system.

Personalized cigar boxes or lighters are great but not all of your cigar accessories will come from a smoke shop. To avoid offending people who don't share your appreciation for the aroma of cigar smoke, keep a few key products around your home to get rid of the smell and pay attention to your personal hygiene. This will make cigar smoking pleasurable for everyone.