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Gifts for Cigar Fanatics

Cigar fanatics consider cigar smoking an art or a skill, depending upon the cigar smoker questioned. Rituals accompany cigar smoking, with the rituals becoming almost as important as the smoke itself. While movie cowboys like John Wayne and Eastwood bit the end off of their cigars before lighting up, today's cigar aficionados use various types of cutters instead. Cigar cutters, as well as many other cigar-smoking accessories, make good gifts for cigar fanatics.

Gift Certificates
- Many cigar smokers are committed to one type of cigar, but many others enjoy variety and trying new brands or styles of cigars. If the cigar enthusiast's favorite brand is known, a gift of cigars or a certificate to a brand-specific website is a gift sure to please. However, a gift certificate to a store or website that offers a variety of cigars makes a good gift for the adventurous smoker.
Cigar Cutters
- The end of the cigar that goes in the mouth is sealed and must be removed or broken so air can be drawn through the cigar for smoking. Special cutters or punches are used to open the seal without damaging the cigar wrapper, which would cause the cigar to unravel. Cigar cutters come in many different styles. V-cutters make a wedge-shaped opening that reduces tar released into the mouth. Guillotine cutters make a straight cut that creates an even draw and burn. Bullet or punch cutters make holes in the cigar cap and reduce release of tar into the mouth. Scissor cutters are the best cutters for large cigars.
Lighters
- Lighting a cigar is a process with many steps. The end to light is called the foot. The foot is first warmed over a flame, with the cigar slowly rotated for even warming. Rotation and warming continue after the cigar is placed in the mouth. The goal is for the foot to light evenly. Because cigar lighting takes time, a sustainable flame makes the best lighter and a good gift. Long, thin strips of Spanish cedar, called cedar spills, are luxury lighters, often reserved for special occasions. Butane lighters are preferred over gasoline lighters, as gasoline imparts a bitter taste. Long cedar matches also make good cigar fanatic gifts.
Humidors
- Providing the right amount of humidity is essential to the life and quality of a cigar, so cigars are stored in humidors. Humidors provide either active or passive humidification at a range of 68 to 72 percent humidity at room temperature when working properly. Active humidors have a power source to operate a fan, which circulates humidity evenly throughout the box. Passive humidors have receptacles for water, which evaporates and provides humidity within the box. Humidors range in size from travel size to large cabinet or chest-style boxes.

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