CHRISTOPHE KAENZIG: HOW TO APPROACH TO THE WORLD OF CIGAR

THE CIGAR EXPERT CHRISTOPHE KAENZIG INTRODUCES US TO THE WORLD OF CIGAR

The cigar world may seem impressive. Indeed, this universe reminds us of luxury, big names like Churchill, class and elegance. The number of brand, format, size and provenance requires respect. It can all be intimidating and going into the unknown is always terrifying.

It is imperative to approach this environment with the greatest possible openness. In fact, the cigar world is full of interesting and passionate people. Whether you are on a terrace or on a bench, when two people light a cigar, a certain complicity arises. It’s as if the protagonists know each other, or at least, share the same passion and have from the start a bond that united them. The cigar unites! As a result, a beginner is greeted with the same fervor as a veteran. Each new aficionado enters directly into the big family of leaf lovers!

Then comes the big moment, the big jump: to get started. Dive into the unknown and be surprised. Do it, and you will thank me later. This goes through the choice of cigar. But which one? Which country? What brand? What size? At what time of the day? Where to buy it? All questions that deserve reflection and for which I will guide you, because the answer is ultimately relatively simple when it comes to the first cigar. The main thing is that you have the best experience possible from your first cigar.

I advise you to buy your cigars from a reputable merchant or a reliable website. The cigar world is full of good people, but the profiteers are always around, ready to rip you off at the slightest misstep. I therefore suggest that you inquire about a store that has a good reputation. If you go to the store, explain to the owner that you are new to the world of cigars and discuss with him what you could taste as your first experiment.

I suggest you select a relatively sweet cigar to start with and a modest size. Too strong or too long might be a bad idea to start with. If you want to try a Cuban, I always recommend a little Robusto from Hoyo de Monterrey. This cigar is relatively soft, of a pleasant size, suitable for the beginner, an affordable price and finally, it is a sure value. Once purchased, you will have to smoke it within 24 hours, as a cigar dries and loses its flavor.

Now you own your first cigar, it will be time to cut it, light it and smoke it. We will discuss these points in a near future. Congratulation on your first purchase and welcome in the big family of the brothers and sisters of the leaf!

Interview with Christophe Kaenzig ( instagram: @vitolaslover).