• Flavour guide
• Shapes & sizes
• Choosing
• Cutting
• Lighting
• Smoking
• Keeping

THE LIGHTING

HERE WE APPLY TWO PRINCIPLES.

The first is to light your cigar with an odourless flame. Always use a butane gas lighter, a wooden match or a spill. Never use a petrol lighter, a wax match or a candle because their aroma will permeate the cigar.

The second is to take your time and do a thorough job. Nothing ruins the enjoyment of a Habano faster than the thin smoke you draw when it is badly lit. Here is a small ritual to help you get it right every time:

• Hold the foot of the cigar at 90 degrees to the flame and rotate it until the surface is evenly charred.
• Place the Habano between your lips and, holding the flame a centimetre away, draw on it until the flame jumps onto the foot.
• Continue to rotate the cigar.
• Blow gently on the foot to check that it is evenly lit.