1953 The U K B G Guide to Drinks

CIGARS

cigar should choose one that is not too big—a half-Corona size is suggested—and, after examining the"wrapper the only further test is to press it gently between the fingers. It should feel even and firm through its whole length ; if it feels soft, it is probably immature or badly filled ; a brittle crackling is an obvious sign of dryness. After experience it is possible to discover whether the "filler"is uniform. On Smoking a Cigar Since every smoker of experience has his own fads and foibles, in the matter of smoking it is dangerous to_ be dogmatic. So much is a question of taste and opinion. Nevertheless there are a few important points which give the cigar a chance to offer its best. After pressing the band lightly with finger and thumb aU the way round, it should be torn off carefully, talcing care not to damage the "wrapper". Some of the ways of piercing and preparing the butt end of the cigar run the risk of damaging it and of making an unsatisfactory aperture. The most satisfactory is a clean"V "-shaped cut made by a cigar-cutter, because this ensures the removal of the broken leaf and provides a free draughtthat will not concen trate all the smoke upon a small area of the tongue. The tip of a pointed cigar should be removed with a cutter or turned against the blade of a sharp knife and cut straight across. After piercing or cutting,the cigar should be tapped lightly on the finger to remove particles of tobacco. The broad flame of a match or spill is the mostsatisfactory for lighting and this should be done carefully and without hurry. Some smokers prefer to hold the tip in the flame until it glows evenly and then gently to draw in enough smoke to flll only the cigar. If this is expeUed through the cigar, no smoke made harsh by lighting can spoil the palate. Whatever tricks may be preferred, there is no doubt that careful lighting and slow smoking are the only ways to ensure that the cigar burns evenly ; if it does not, the only remedy is to smoke as slowly as possible until the burning corrects itself. The retention of the ash helps to keep the smoke cool but, although it should not flake, the length of 285