Cigars - From novice to expert in one course

In this lesson I’m going to review: 

• Shape, Size & Color and its effect on flavor in cigars
• Recognition of shapes & sizes
• Wrapper color identification & how it relates to flavor

A cigar shape and size can vary greatly from brand to brand, so describing a cigar by its size as well as shape is important. Here you'll learn how a cigar is measured. Parejos & Figurados are the two broad categories of cigar shapes. Parejos is what you are probably thinking of when you think of a cigar. They have many shapes that fall into these categories. Here you'll learn what they are! 

Figurados are the other shape of the two broad categories of cigar shapes. Figurados are the "funny" looking ones. Ever seen a "braided" cigar? Neither have I; but they exist.  Here you'll learn what they are! 

Cigar wrappers come in a wide array of colors, from the palest of greens and yellows to dark black. The colors are more than just for looking good, each color has a flavor of its own. Want to learn more?!

To conclude, I hope that you have a better understanding of cigar shapes, sizes, colors & flavors. This is the basis of all cigars and once you understand this, selecting and looking like a professional in a cigar shop will be no problem! 

In this lesson we’re going to review:

• Tobacco growing regions 
• Parts of a tobacco plant 
• Parts of a cigar 
• Rolling a finished cigar

The process of selecting plants and choosing which leaves to pick at what time is a tedious process but when the experts put it all together it finishes with a wonderful product. 

With so many variations, everyone can find a tobacco type they enjoy. We'll discuss the various types of tobacco including the most popular like Connecticut Shade, Habano and Maduro.

Curing must be done to take the fresh tobacco, to what you can smoke. Here we'll learn about that!

It’s actually pretty interesting as it not just as simple as grow the plant, pick the leaves and then roll it up and smoke it. Here we describe the process of how tobacco goes from plant to cigar. 

Tobacco must be aged to heighten the flavors. Aging has a long range of time. Could it be weeks to months or even years. Just like with wine, the longer the aging the higher the quality.

Starting with the filler, working through the binder, wrapper & cap; we'll put it all together to a completed smoke. 

Here we review the most common types of cigar cutters. 

A short video on how to use a traditional Single bladed guillotine cigar cutter. Also, why I hate these type of cutters. 

A short video on how to use a traditional Double bladed guillotine cigar cutter. A great versatile cutter; if you are only going to buy one this one is it. 

Another quick video on cutting cigars and how to use the punch cutter, my personal favorite cigar cutter. 

The V or wedge cut does a great job at cutting cigars. Here you'll learn how to use it. 

Here we review how to light the cigar for best enjoyment. While it's easy to just find any match or lighter to flame your cigar, doing it properly will help you enjoy it more. 

In this section, you'll learn how to properly present and serve cigars in a professional environment like if you are a server or bartender and need to present them to your guests. Or if you like to offer cigars to friends in your home.

In this lesson I’ll be covering:

• Flavors & aromas present in cigars
• How to select the cigar that’s right for you!

To some extent, flavors are subjective as we all have different tolerance levels for various flavors. In this lesson, we'll review the most common flavors & aromas in cigars. 

Inspection and the appearance is the only thing you can really go on when selecting cigars. Here we'll learn the best ways to select a quality cigar. 

We’re really talking about two senses when discussing taste. Taste on the tongue, smell and how the brain perceives flavors. Here you'll get tips on how to really enjoy your smoke and get all the flavors from it. 

The finish or aftertaste of cigar is what makes it shine. Just like wine, a short or flavorless finish shows a lack of quality. Here we discuss it more.

To conclude this lesson, we:

• Reviewed the common flavors and aromas found in cigars

• Selection & appearance is of utmost importance

• Taste, and how to really get the most from your smoke 

In this lesson, we’ll be covering:

• General pairing techniques
• Specifics of pairing cigars with beer, wine, sake and various alcohols, from Vodka to Whisky

Here you'll learn to pair cigars with Champagne, white, roses, and red wines & fortified wines like port and sherry. 

Not all beer is created equal, neither are cigars. Here you'll figure out the difference between ales and lagers and which goes best with each type of cigar. 

From Vodka to Scotch Whisky and everything in-between, you'll be able to make the perfect combination of cigar and spirit after completing this course. 

As with all pairings, individual tastes vary and there are no wrong answers. Here we learned general pairing concepts and the best cigars to go with each type of beer, wine and spirit. Also attached are a couple guides to get everyone started with pairing.

Where did the practice of smoking cigars come from? You might be surprised of its origins. Here you'll learn where it all began.

Throughout history notables and commoners alike have all smoked cigars. Here we discuss a few people who really enjoyed them. One person enjoyed them so much that they have a cigar size named after him! 

Cigar companies have a long tradition. Here we mention the families most known for producing quality cigars and contributing to the industry overall, as recognized by Cigar Aficionado magazine.  

Most people don't know that the taste of their favorite beverage can be affected the size and shape of the glass they are drinking out of. Quality wine glassware is thin with a tapered rim, instead of being rolled to a thick edge. Beer and spirits glassware tend to be thicker, but quality can be detected in the thickness and shape.

With so many types, ever wonder which one is the correct one for which beverage?! Well, now you’ll know. Here we’ll review some recommendations for the proper glassware for different types Beer, Wine & Spirits/Cocktails.

Class is in session. Drink Up!