Use

When you first

hold Smodge,

before it has ever

known fire,

bring it gently

toward your nose

and breathe in

its fragrance.

It is a fresh scent

that can no longer

be experienced

in quite the same way

once the flame

has been lit.

Holding the flame

beneath the tip

may cause it

to burn unevenly.

Instead,

gently rotate it

as though warming it,

allowing the flame

to move slowly

around the edge.

You may also

draw lightly

while bringing the flame

toward the tip,

allowing the ember

to settle in

little by little.

While smoking,

be almost overly conscious

of keeping it cool.

The gentler you are,

the more expressions

the fragrance

will reveal.

As the burning temperature rises,

the flavour becomes

more bitter

and more harsh,

and the delicate aroma

begins to disappear.

The moment

you notice even

the slightest harshness,

please slow down.

After each draw,

place it in the ashtray

and leave enough space

for at least

one full breath.

Do not be afraid

to let the flame

go out.

If it goes out,

simply light it again.

For me,

that amount of space

between each draw

is when it tastes

its best.


Depending on the moment

and the surroundings,

the ember may remain

for around one

to three minutes.

That pause,

and the lingering feeling

it leaves behind,

may offer

many different flavours

and small discoveries.

Paired with

a carefully prepared drink

or a thoughtful dish,

the experience may become

even more special.

Rather than enjoying it

entirely on its own,

I recommend pairing it

with something else.

I cannot say for certain

whether this comes

from the menthol

naturally present within it,

but rather than forcing

its own fragrance upon you,

it seems to heighten

the sensitivity

of the tongue

and the sense of smell.

Perhaps this is simply

my lack of experience,

but it is a sensation

I deeply enjoy

and rarely encounter

in everyday life.