1960 The U K B G Guide to Drinks (3 rd edition revised)

U. K. B. G. GUIDE TO DRINKS the popular practice of sniffing at the cigar or of placing it close to the ear, for a faint crackle can be heard even in a cigar that is immature. The novice who wants to enjoy a 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 all the way round, it should be torn off carefully, taking 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 draught that 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 most satisfactory for fighting 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 fill only the cigar. If this is expelled through the cigar, no smoke made harsh by fighting can spoil the palate. Whatever tricks may be preferred, there is no doubt that careful fighting and slow smoking are the only ways to ensure that the cigar burns evenly ; if it does not, the only

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