For many of us, a cigar is just a cigar. For non-smokers, it's an annoying smell from the the next table. But for cigar lovers, it's as wonderfully complex as wine and a sign of wealth and fine tastes.

Cigars have different characteristics, most of which are dictated by the origin of the tobacco. Tobacco from Brazil is dark, rich and smooth with a natural sweetness and is medium-bodied. Those wanting a fuller bodied smoke might prefer one from Cameroon, which has a heavy aroma and spicy taste. The Dominican Republic produces cigars that are earthy and have a slightly honey aroma. These are usually smooth, mild and slow- burning. Ecuadorian tobacco is mild and has a pleasant taste. Cuban cigars, which happen to be the most famous in the world, are medium to full-bodied, earthy and spicy. The Hondurans are even spicier than Cubans with a cinnamon taste. Jamaican cigars are mild and subtle. Mexican tobacco is medium to full-bodied. Nicaraguan cigars are full-bodied and aromatic with wrappers that are slightly sweet. And Indonesian tobacco is very mild and spicy.

Cigars come in two shapes: 'parezos', which are straight-sided cigars, and 'figurados', which aren't completely straight. Cigar wrappers come in many colours from light tan, to brownish red to black.

Like wine, certain cigars are complimented by certain foods. Mild cigars, like Jamaicans, are best matched with mild foods like soup and sandwiches. They go well with whisky, port, vodka rum and wine. Medium-bodied cigars go well with pastas and scotch. Full- bodied cigars are great paired with spicy cuisines like Indian and Thai and are best smoked with cognac or armagnac.

Most cigar smokers would agree that one won't fully appreciate cigars until they have tried one. Beginner smokers should start with a start with a mild cigar and really understand the flavors before moving on to a something more full-bodied.

When choosing a cigar, it is extremely important that it is fresh. If a cigar is too dry (you can tell this by rolling it back and forth between your fingers listening for a crunching sound), it will probably not taste very good.

When it comes time to cut the cigar, you should use an extremely sharp blade or guillotine scissors. Carefully cut a little round piece of the external tobacco wrapper from the closed rounded end of the cigar. This will expose the filter. A shallow cut should do the trick. Make sure that the cut is clean and level, otherwise you will have difficulties with the draw.

When lighting the cigar, use an odorless match or a butane lighter. The idea is to light evenly the whole end of the cigar, which can be a tricky with a big cigar. One method is to light the end of the cigar while rotating it before puffing. Then the trick is to put the cigar in the mouth, apply the flame and suck carefully, rotating the cigar slowly. Then take the now-lit cigar out of your mouth and inspect the embers. If you see a nice uniform cherry, you're doing fine. A re-light might be required. This happens from time to time.

To avoid looking like a complete fool whilst smoking, there is a certain smoking etiquette. Cigars are meant to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. It is not like cigarette smoking. Smoke from the cigar should never be drawn into the lungs, but merely drawn into the mouth and tasted. Bringing smoke into the lungs will be a painful experience and should be avoided at all costs. Don't smoke too quickly, either. A puff a minute is about right. Cigars also don't need to be extinguished the same way a cigarette does. If unattended for a minute or two, a cigar will go out. It can be relit. Cigar ash is much harder than cigarette ash - you can easily accumulate a good inch and a half of ash, without risk of it falling off. Don't keep tapping your cigar obsessively. When the cigar gets too hot for your lips, it is time to stop smoking it and put it in an ashtray. Avoid crushing it because it will stink something terrible. Just set it in the ashtray and it will go out on its own.

Many people look ultra hip smoking cigars- there is something very mafia-cool about cigar smoking. But be warned, when people smoke for all the wrong reasons, i.e to look cool or wealthy, it is terribly apparent to onlookers. It's like people who smoke cigarettes but don't inhale, or wine drinkers who swirl their glass violently for ages- it's obvious they don't know what their doing.

Lastly, cigar smoke is extremely potent and not very pleasant for nearby non-smokers. Make sure before you light up that it's in a place that welcomes cigar smoking.

Where to Smoke

1. Club Macanudo Cigar Divan and Bar
   Shangri-La Hotel, Lobby Level
   Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Kav 1 T 021 570 7440
2. Churchill
   Hotel Borobudur
   Jl. Lapangan Banteng Selatan T 021 380 3555
3. Blowfish
   Bank Danamon Penthouse
   Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio, Mega Kuningan T 021 5799 1678
4. Upstairs Wine and Cigar Lounge
   Plaza Senayan, P4 Jl. Asia Afrika T 021 572 5337
5. Barolo Wine and Cigar Lounge
   Plaza Bisnis Kemang I
   Jl. Kemang Raya No 2 T 021 718 3428
6. New York Pool Bar Komp.
   Taman Ria Senayan
   Jl. Gerbang Pemuda No. 3 T 021 5790 6891
7. Majapahit Lounge
   Dharmawangsa Hotel
   Jl. Brawijaya Raya, No 26 T 021 725 8181
8. Havana Galeria
   Grand Hyatt
   Jl. MH Thamrin T 021 319 31766
9. JW Lounge
   JW Marriott
   Jl. Lingkar, Mega Kuningan T 021 5798 8888
10. Casa del Habanos
    Mandarin Oriental
    Jl. MH Thamrin T 021 3983 8888