Cigars have their own ritual, which is nothing more than simple conventions and techniques for cutting, lighting, ashing, smoking and enjoying the fine cigar you have chosen.  Not every smoker is aware of these conventions and techniques (much less non-smokers), and Maraya offers an accessible class –  Introduction to Cigars 101:  Cut & Light – to acquaint cigar enthusiasts and the non-smoker alike with ways that best enhance the experience.  Information has power, even where cigar smoking is concerned, and a little bit of information goes a long way towards deepening the understanding of this artisanal craft and how to best enjoy it.  Topics covered in the Cut & Light class:

Engagement on Many Levels

• Employ All the Senses: see, touch, taste, smell, hear
• Epicurean Senses, similar to enjoying fine wine
• Social Senses: engages others in a fun social or relaxing business atmosphere
• Physiological Senses, engages the body in slowing down & relaxing

Selection

• What to Look For;  Size, shape, color, plume
• What to Avoid:  Under- or over humidification
• Construction:  foot, shaft, shulder, head, filler, binder, wrapper
• Differences Between a Premium & a Machine-Made Cigar

Cutting

• Types of Cuts & Cutters:  guillotine, v-cut, punch
• How the Type & Depth of the Cut Affects the Smoke

Lighting

• Match vs Lighter
• Types of Lighters
• Pre-Light / Cold Draw
• Relighting

Smoking

• Best Practices:  how to avoid premature extinguishing, heat, even burn
• Ashing:  frequency, evidence of construction
• Drawing vs Inhaling: timing, , moisture in the mouth
• Flavor Profile: taste, smoke, aroma off the foot & exhaled aromas

Enjoying

• Relaxing
• Variety & Individual Attributes
• Antidotes for a queasy or light-headed feeling
• Extinguishing
• Maintaining:  storage, short & long-term:  humidifying, traveling, aging & collecting

Click here to purchase tickets to Introduction to Cigars 101:  Cut & Light.
Or call 212 334 3499 to schedule groups of 4 or more.