#look at yourself first tatusiu kochany

[stanislawkowalski]

NASTKA & smoking

Nastka is deeply fascinated by cigars, to the point where his obsession has become a defining aspect of his personality. His passion for cigars goes beyond mere indulgence; it is an intricate blend of ritual, collection, and sensory experience.

Nastka's collection is vast and meticulously curated, encompassing rare and exotic cigars from around the world. Each cigar in his collection tells a story—whether it's a limited edition from a renowned Cuban manufacturer, a hand-rolled masterpiece from Nicaragua, or an obscure find from a small boutique producer. His collection is not just about quantity but quality and diversity, showcasing his dedication to the craft and his relentless pursuit of the finest smokes.

The act of smoking a cigar is, for Nastka, a ritual that demands reverence. He approaches it with the same level of care and precision that a sommelier might approach a fine wine. From the moment he cuts the cap to the final exhale of smoke, every step is deliberate and savoured. The aroma, the flavour profile, the way the cigar burns—all are elements that he keenly observes and appreciates.

Cigars are more than just a hobby for Nastka; they are a source of solace and reflection. In the quiet moments when he lights up, he often finds himself lost in thought, the curling tendrils of smoke mirroring the winding paths of his mind. These moments provide him with a rare stillness, a chance to detach from the chaos of everyday life and sink into the depths of contemplation.

Nastka's obsession, while intense, is not without its drawbacks. His pursuit of the perfect cigar often leads him to spend exorbitant amounts of money and time, sometimes at the expense of other aspects of his life. Yet, he remains undeterred, driven by a passion that others might find difficult to understand. To Nastka, cigars are a luxury, yes, but also they are an essential part of his identity, a passion that brings him immense joy and satisfaction.

Nastka's cigar ritual is an elaborate and deeply personal ceremony that he performs with unwavering dedication. This ritual, refined over years of practice, reflects his profound respect for the art of cigar smoking and adds layers of meaning to each experience.

Before Smoking:

Nastka begins his ritual by selecting the perfect cigar from his collection. This decision is never rushed; he takes into account the occasion, his mood, and even the weather. Once the choice is made, he carefully examines the cigar, feeling the texture of the wrapper between his fingers, checking for any imperfections. He then holds it up to his nose, inhaling the earthy, rich aroma that hints at the complex flavours within. This moment of connection with the cigar sets the tone for the entire ritual.

Next, he moves to the cutting process, which he views as a symbolic gesture of respect for the craftsmanship behind the cigar. He uses a precise, high-quality cutter, often a guillotine or a V-cutter, depending on the type of cigar. The cut must be clean and exact, ensuring an even draw without damaging the structure of the cigar. After the cut, he gently rolls the cigar between his fingers, testing the draw and ensuring that it is perfect.

During Smoking:

Lighting the cigar is the most sacred part of Nastka’s ritual. He uses wooden matches or a butane lighter, never a regular lighter or torch, to avoid tainting the cigar's flavour with chemicals. Holding the flame just close enough to the foot of the cigar, he gently toasts the tobacco, rotating the cigar slowly to ensure an even burn. The first draw is taken with reverence, allowing the smoke to fill his mouth, tasting the initial burst of flavours before slowly exhaling.

As he smokes, Nastka enters a meditative state. Each draw is measured and deliberate, never rushed. He often pairs his cigar with a complementary drink—a glass of aged whiskey, a rich espresso, or sometimes a fine wine. The pairing is chosen with the same care as the cigar itself, enhancing the overall experience. Throughout the smoking process, Nastka is attentive to the cigar's evolution, noting how the taste shift and develop as he progresses through the different thirds of the cigar. He frequently inspects the ash, admiring its colour and texture, which to him signifies the quality of the tobacco.

After Smoking:

When the cigar is nearly spent, Nastka allows it to go out naturally, never extinguishing it forcefully. To him, this is a mark of respect for the cigar and its makers, acknowledging the journey from leaf to smoke. He then takes a moment to reflect on the experience, recalling the flavours, aromas, and sensations that stood out during the smoke. This reflection is often done in silence, allowing him to fully appreciate the nuances of the cigar.

Finally, Nastka cleans up with the same care he began the ritual. He gently disposes of the spent cigar, often in a special ashtray he reserves for this purpose. He cleans his tools, ensuring they are ready for the next use, and stores them away carefully. The entire process is closed with a final moment of gratitude, as he acknowledges the pleasure and peace the ritual has brought him.