Barack Obama’s historic peace-deal with Cuba after 50 years of cold war hostility was a breakthrough not to be sniffed at.

But that didn’t stop the US president having a try, when he got close and personal to a Cuban on Wednesday … not a citizen, but a cigar.

Significantly, it was the first time in 52 years that a US president has officially savoured the Cuban delicacy since John F. Kennedy stockpiled a secret stash of his favourite Havanas in the hours before he imposed a trade embargo on the Communist state in 1962.

This, of course, doesn’t include Bill Clinton’s adventures with cigars and Monica Lewisnky in the Oval Office.

Close to a Cuban: Obama was attending one of two White House receptions to welcome the start of Hanukkah when a guest handed him a large cheroot, which he took in his hand and ran under his nose

Obama was attending one of two White House receptions to welcome the start of Hanukkah when a guest handed him a large stogie.

He took it in his hand and waved it in the air before running it under his nose for a whiff.

The room fell near-silent as he paused to take in its aroma, before declaring it ‘pretty good’ to everyone’s relief.

‘I had the unique distinction of gifting the President of the United States with one of Cuba’s finest cigars, a Montecristo Series at the White House…after a ceremony in which a Menorah was lit,’ John Berzner, who offered the cigar to the president on Wednesday, told ABC News.

He had packed just one cigar for the event, but felt compelled to present it to Barack Obama in celebration of the deal to begin normalising relations between the United States and Cuba, after 18 months of secret talks over prisoner releases brought a sudden end to decades of tension.

‘Pretty good’: The room fell near-silent as he paused to take in its aroma, before declaring it ‘pretty good’ to everyone’s relief

When Berzner handed the cigar to Obama, he said: ‘Mr. President, a Cuban cigar for you!‘

‘Oh, nice!‘ Obama replied as he lifted the cigar to his nose.

‘The finest,’ Berzner replied. The president approved, telling Berzner, ‘Pretty good!‘

Nigel Savage, who was also a guest at the event and shot the video, added, ‘The president definitely looked like he appreciated a good Cuban cigar.’

It is unclear whether Obama kept the gift or handed it to the Secret Service.

Legal again: President Barack Obama lifted some of America’s sanctions against Cuba on Wednesday, making it legal for Americans who travel there to bring back a limited supply of cigars

The president’s smoking habits have long been in the news.

Obama last year told a United Nations official that he hadn’t smoked a cigarette in years — mostly because of First Lady Michelle Obama.

‘I haven’t had a cigarette in probably six years,’ Obama was overhead telling Maina Kiai at the U.N. General Assembly in New York back in September 2013.

‘That’s because I’m scared of my wife.’

In 2009, the president said he was a ‘former smoker’ but he would ‘constantly struggle‘ with kicking the habit.

‘Have I fallen off the wagon sometimes? Yes,‘ he confessed at a press conference in 2009. ‘Am I a daily smoker, a constant smoker? No.

‘I don’t do it in front of my kids, I don’t do it in front of my family,‘ he added.

‘And, you know, I would say that I am 95 percent cured. But there are times where…There are times where I mess up.’

Michelle Obama in February 2011 said her husband stopped smoking about a year earlier.

President John F. Kennedy was partial to a puff and even asked his press secretary to buy him 1,000 of his favorite Cuban cigars in the hours before he imposed the Cuban trade embargo

Obama is not the first US president to enjoy Cuban Cigars on occasion.

It emerged this week that President John F. Kennedy ordered his press secretary on February 2, 1962 to buy him as many of his favorite Cuban cigars as he could lay his hands on – and held off signing the Cuban trade embargo until his precious stogies were safely inside the White House.

Kennedy asked Pierre Salinger to find at least 1,000 H.Upmann petit coronas, and gave him just a half-day to accomplish the task before they would become contraband.

The next morning, Salinger recalled in rare video footage of his storytelling, he reported that he had bought up 1,200 of Cuba’s finest exports – a feat the president pronounced ‘Fantastic!’ just before he signed a decree that banned all the communist country’s products from the U.S.

Washington already had some limited sanctions in place, but Kennedy’s decision was the beginning of a comprehensive ban on U.S. trade with the island that remained intact until Wednesday.

In 1996 the Helms-Burton law tightened the sanctions further.

But President Barack Obama made a shocking move on Wednesday to reopen relations with Cuba and establish an embassy there.

That means Americans who travel to Havana – and there will be thousands – ‘will be able to return to the U.S. with some Cuban products, including Cohibas and other Cuban cigars,’ according to Cigar

Aficionado magazine.
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BY: RICHARD CARLETON HACKER, AUTHOR OF THE ULTIMATE CIGAR BOOK, WITH CIGAR MASTER BENJI MENENDEZ

Whether it’s cigar and scotch pairing, cigar and beer pairing or any cigar and liquor pairing, even the most seasoned cigar smokers and spirit connoisseurs can sometimes find themselves at a loss when pairing drinks with cigars. In fact, the very ability to pair cigars and spirits strikes many as a mystery. But like most mysteries, it can be solved, for there is a clue, and it is literally right on the tip of your tongue. It is simply a matter of learning how to taste.

You already use your natural tasting abilities when you select the dressing to put on a salad, or decide which wine to drink with dinner. Your palate tells you what is right for you. And the more you use your sense of taste, the more refined it becomes. That’s how professional cigar makers and whiskey distillers develop their expertise.

For example, a cigar master can pick out a single tobacco leaf, and by smelling it and smoking it, can identify the type of tobacco, tell you where it was grown, and how far along it is in the fermentation or aging process. Likewise, a master distiller can “nose” a sample of whiskey taken from a barrel and separate the aromas into a multitude of flavors. He can even tell you its proof! Cigar masters and master distillers are called “masters” for a reason; they spend years developing their skills – and tasting is definitely a skill. Luckily, like most skills, such as learning how to smoke a cigar like a pro, it can be learned.

Few things are more satisfying, from a palate pleasing point of view, than pairing your favorite cigar with a suitable libation. Some classic pairings with cigars are cognac, single malt whisky, bourbon, rum, rye, and port. With the exception of tequila, most white spirits – such as vodka and gin – do not work as well because the cigar will overpower the drink.

Of course, there are always exceptions. Some red wines and certain beers can also make a great match with cigars. The main criteria is not to let the drink dominate the cigar, or vice versa.

I like to tell people who are pairing drinks with cigars to simply match the body of the beverage to the body of the cigar. For example, a light-bodied cigar will go well with some white wines, young reds or blended scotches. Medium-bodied smokes are great with Speyside and some Lowland whiskies, most Irish whiskeys, rums, bourbons, ryes and ports. Full-bodied smokes are a perfect match with peaty Islay and heavier Highland single malts.

Pairing cigars with wines and spirits is just one part of the equation. Craft beer and even some cocktails can make for great pairings, too. But in the end, your taste is the final judge as to what will work and what won’t when it comes to pairing cigars and spirits. Have fun testing out different smoke and drink combinations and develop your own perfect pairings.

Which cigar drink pairings are your favorite? Tell us in our comment section below or visit the forums to see what others think.

Smoking a cigar is a great way to unwind or celebrate a special occasion. Before you smoke a cigar, you have to know how to choose the right kind, cut the cigar, and light the cigar. Lighting a cigar is all about savoring the flavor instead of inhaling the smoke. If you want to know how to smoke a cigar like a pro in no time at all, just follow these steps.

Method 1 of 4: Choose the Cigars

1. Familiarize yourself with the varieties of cigars. Instead of choosing the first cigar you’ll see, you should know how to recognize each different type of cigar, and even ask a salesman for help when you’re deciding on a type of cigar. Being aware of the different types of cigars will make you feel more knowledgeable when you actually start smoking them. There is a variety of cigars to choose from.

• The Corona. This cigar measures 6 inches (15.2 cm) by 42-ring gauge — this refers to the diameter of the cigar. This cigar has an open foot (the part that is lit) and a closed and rounded head (the part that you smoke).
• The Pyramid. This cigar has a pointed, closed head.
• The Torpedo. This cigar has a bulge in the middle and a pointed head and closed foot.
• The Perfecto. This is like the Torpedo, except it has a bulge in the middle and two closed ends, making it a rounder cigar.
• The Panatela. This cigar measures 7 inches (17.8 cm) by 38-ring gauge and is longer and thinner than the Corona.
• The Culebra. This cigar is made of three Panatelas braided together. It looks like a thick rope.

2. Choose a mild cigar (or a few). To get started, you’ll need to start sampling a few different kinds of cigars. Don’t get too eager and buy an entire box of the same kind of cigar only to find that you can’t stand the first one. Instead, find several varieties of cigars that may suit your needs. You should start with a mild cigar, which will not only be less expensive, but will have less of an intense flavor and will be better for beginners.

The longer and wider a cigar is, the more intense it will be. If you’re a beginner, you should start with a longer and thinner cigar instead of a small stubby one, which will make you more likely to cough.

3. Inspect the cigar. Before you buy the cigar, you should gently squeeze it to make sure that there aren’t any spots that are too hard or too soft. This may indicate that the cigar will give you a bad draw or that it won’t even be smokable. You should also look out for lumps in the cigar, and make sure that the tobacco at the end isn’t discolored, and that the wrapper isn’t discolored either.

4. Store the cigar appropriately. If you own or have purchased a humidor, a box for storing cigars, then make sure to store them in the box immediately. If you don’t own one, then don’t buy more than a few cigars because they will dry out in a couple of days. Do not take them out of their cellophane packing either. Don’t leave a cigar unprotected. Store them in Tupperware or another sealed container.

Method 2 of 4: Cut the Cigar

1. Place the blade down on the cigar. To cut the cigar, you’ll have to cut into the cap, which is placed on the head of the cigar to keep it from drying out. Ideally, you’ll be using a guillotine (a single-bladed cutter), but you can also use a really sharp knife or blade. Don’t use dull scissors, your teeth, or a butter knife unless you want to tear the cigar. Just tap the head (or the cap) of the cigar with the blade to put it in position. Don’t cut into it yet.

Aim the blade to the place where the cigar meets the wrapper, which would keep the cap from falling off.

2. Cut the cigar with one “chop.” The goal in cutting it is to let yourself smoke the cigar without ruining its original shape. Hold the cigar with one hand and the guillotine with the other. Place the head of the cigar into the guillotine and cut into its cap, about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch (.15 to .3 cm) down. Slice off the cap (or head) in one quick chop.

If you do it more slowly or tentatively, you’ll be more likely to tear the wrapper.

Method 3 of 4: Light the Cigar

1. Choose the right lighter. Long wood matches or a butane lighter are preferable because they won’t alter the flavor of the cigar. Don’t use paper matches, gas lighters, or — worst of all — scented candles. You can also get a cigar lighter at the store.

2. Warm the tobacco in the foot of the cigar. The foot of the cigar is the part you’ll actually light. Hold the flame below the foot without touching it, and rotate the cigar a few times until the foot is evenly warmed. This will warm up your tobacco and make it easier to light.

3. Light the cigar. Hold the flame in front of the cigar without touching it. Then, inhale just enough so that the cigar is lit. Make sure not to inhale the smoke.

4. Lightly blow on the foot of the cigar (optional). You can do this to make sure that the light is evenly distributed. To check if the cigar is fully lit, turn the lit end towards your mouth and gently blow on it; the lit portions will light up orange.

Method 4 of 4: Smoke the Cigar

1. Smoke it. Hold the cigar up to your mouth and draw in the smoke. Then, hold it in your mouth for a few seconds to taste it, and then let it go. Do not inhale the cigar smoke. A cigar is not like a cigarette. The flavor is meant to be savored, but not inhaled.

2. Puff and rotate the cigar every 30 seconds to a minute. Continue to do this to keep the cigar in good form. Remember that a good cigar can last 2 to 3 hours.

3. Remove the band after twelve puffs or so. The band is placed on the cigar to prevent the tobacco from tearing, but you won’t need it anymore once you lit the cigar. After twelve or so puffs, the band will already be starting to fall off on its own due to the heat.

4. Enjoy your cigar with an alcoholic beverage. Though you’re not required to enjoy your cigar with an alcoholic beverage, an alcoholic beverage can enhance the smoking experience and can bring out the flavors of the cigar. Some great beverages for smoking a cigar include port, cognac, bourbon or scotch, or red wine — especially Cabernet Sauvignon.

• A coffee-based beverage — or even coffee — can also bring out the flavor in a cigar.
• Though a cigar can overpower the flavor of many beers, an India Pale Ale (IPA) beer is a perfect companion to almost any cigar.
• Any drink that involves Kahlua will be a great companion to a cigar.
• You can also enjoy your cigar with a Martini.

5. Extinguish the cigar when you’re done smoking. Simply set it aside in the ashtray. The cigar will extinguish itself after a minute or two without you puffing on it. Before you set it down, gently blow through the cigar to expel any smoke that will go stale. Relighting a cigar after this period has passed generally results in a strong, bitter taste; as a result, most aficionados prefer to throw out a smoked cigar.

If you want to roll great cigars and market them, skip these instructions. But if you want to roll some great cigars to enjoy yourself, you’ve hit the right button.

Steps to roll a cigar

1. Get some cigar tobacco leaf and put it in a plastic bag. Moisten it lightly with a fine spray and close the bag gently so that you don’t crumble the leaf. After an hour, the leaf is supple enough to squeeze into a bundle, so wrap the bag tighter. This will get all of the leaf nice and pliable (after about another hour).Remove the center vein. Set the leaf aside in the open plastic bag to let it dry until it is more leathery and not too wet.

2. Take the conditioned leaf and set it out in a line approximately 3 feet (0.9 m) long. Get a good mix of different leaf. Keep layering the line until it is thick enough that when you grab a section and squeeze it gently, it will be the size that you prefer your cigar to be. When you actually roll the cigar, it will be a little smaller that this, so allow for it. It will take a little practice to get the right ring size (thickness).

3. Grab a fist’s worth of the layered leaf and cut it with scissors about 1/2 to one inch on either side of the fist. Lay this aside. Keep doing this until all of the 3 foot (0.9 m) length is cut. You now have your raw unrolled filler.

4. For the binder, take a large leaf and make it pliable. Fold it in half lengthwise over itself with the center vein facing you. “Cut” the center vein out with scissors. You now have two halves of pretty good leaf (not your best leaf but a good one). The best, most flawless leaf should be saved for the wrapper. Cut these halves in half again, so that you now have four quarters that measure about 4″ by 4″ or so. The top of the leaf will be more triangular in shape and the bottom quarters will be more squarish. You now have four wrappers.

5. Do the same thing with a finer leaf, and there is your wrapper.

6. Make a mixture of 1/4 teaspoon of flour and about 2 to 3 tablespoons of water. You can work this out more precisely, but keep the flour to a minimum. It is suggested that you put mix in the microwave for 15 seconds, stir another 10 seconds, and do it again until it’s a thin paste. Usually about three to four times will do it. When you set this aside to cool, it will thicken a bit. You don’t want a thick paste, just something with the consistency of pancake syrup.

7. Take a binder leaf and set it on your rolling surface with the thick veins (the underside of the leaf) facing up. Don’t roll too tightly or you won’t get a draw. On the other hand, if it is too loose, you’ve got something fat and weird. This takes a little practice. Do all your binding and set all the bound cigars aside. Now get your wrapper and do the same thing.

8. Twirl the ends, cut them, or put that little piece of cap on the end (like the professionals do). It’s your thing, right?

9. Finish