Founder of one of the world’s best known cigar houses, Zino Davidoff’s leitmotif “Smoke less, but better and longer – make a cult, a philosophy of it” was not formulated by chance.

This, together with his in-depth professional knowledge, significantly contributed towards making the name Davidoff known throughout the world.

Today, the Davidoff brand is more than ever a symbol for the highest quality and for affordable luxury in various areas of life. Of course, carefully selected tobacco creations from all over the world still constitute the core of the company.

The cigar - the art of tasting
Smoking a good cigar is, like appreciating fine wines, an extraordinary art form. Here are a few guidelines from the person who was possibly the best-known cigar connoisseur in the world, Zino Davidoff.

The fine cigar
A fine cigar is made of hundred per cent pure tobaccos and is hand rolled. This is the cigar that is enjoyed during special moments that offers complete relaxation and the enjoyment of an incomparable pleasure.

Etiquette
Enjoying a cigar is a sophisticated pastime. The true connoisseur is cultivated. He enjoys his cigar without disturbing those around him.

Appreciation
The true cigar connoisseur does not “smoke” his cigar, but savours it; every draw should bring an extraordinary sensation of pleasure to his palate.

The art of selecting a cigar
The connoisseur selects the right cigar for the right moment. Price is of no consequence for the aficionado. He makes his choice exclusively on the basis of his personal preferences and the time available. In this way, he can enjoy all the qualities of the cigar as he wishes.

A few tips for choosing the right cigar:
Señoritas for short breaks
Panatelas the first cigar of the day
Petit Coronas before dinner
Coronas to extend a luxurious lunch
Grand Coronas when it is time to relax
Double Coronas the culmination of a superb dinner
Giant Double Coronas for truly exceptional moments

The band
Cigar smokers often wonder whether or not to remove the cigar band.
Zino Davidoff advised against this. Since cigar bands are put onto most hand rolled cigars by hand, there is always the risk that they will adhere to the wrapper leaf and damage it when removed. It is therefore recommended to leave the band in place at least until the first third of the cigar has been smoked.

Cutting the cigar
The technique of cutting the end of the cigar ultimately determines the quality of the draw, the subtlety and the intensity of its aroma as well as its even burning. The cut should be directly proportional to the diameter of the cigar. The cut should be clean and large enough to guarantee an easy draw.

The art of lighting a cigar
The best way to light a cigar is to use a short flame. Hold the open end of the cigar about half an inch above the flame and rotate the cigar until the end is evenly lit. Only then, should the first draw be taken.

A good cigar should not be lit with petrol lighters, a candle, or sulphur-tipped matches - all of which introduce disturbing odours.

How often to smoke cigars
Do not light up a cigar in a hurry if you then have no time to enjoy it. It is better to take the time to luxuriate in this pleasure.

Storage
Like a fine wine, a cigar must be kept in an environment that protects it from the following factors:
- changes in humidity
- changes in temperature
- light
- intrusive odours

For those who do not have their own cigar cellars, a “humidor” case is the best solution for storing cigars.

Images courtesy of Davidoff.com