A Beginner’s Guide to Smoking a Cigar: Steps, Tips, and Etiquette

Cigars have long been associated with luxury, celebration, and relaxation. For a beginner, smoking a cigar can be an intriguing yet daunting experience. With a variety of sizes, flavors, and rituals associated with cigar smoking, it’s essential to know the basics before lighting up. This guide will walk you through the crucial steps, offer tips for enhancing your experience, and explain the etiquette of smoking a cigar.

Choosing the Right Cigar

The first step in your cigar journey is selecting the right cigar. As a beginner, it’s advisable to start with a mild cigar. Mild cigars have a lighter flavor and are easier on your palate, making them a perfect introduction to cigars. Look for cigars labeled “mild” or “mild to medium.” Some popular brands offering mild cigars include Macanudo, Ashton, and Romeo y Julieta.

Cigars come in various shapes and sizes, which are often referred to as vitolas. The length of a cigar can affect the smoking experience, with longer and thicker cigars generally providing a more extended smoke. As a beginner, consider starting with a smaller size, such as a Robusto or Corona, which will give you a shorter smoking time and allow you to get comfortable with the process.

Cutting the Cigar

Once you’ve selected your cigar, the next step is to cut it. A proper cut is crucial as it impacts the draw — the ease with which you can pull smoke through the cigar. For beginners, a double guillotine cutter is a simple and effective tool. To cut the cigar, place it in the cutter just above the cap (the rounded end) and make a swift, straight cut. Avoid cutting too much off the top; removing just enough to create an even surface is ideal. A poor cut can lead to a tight draw or unraveling of the cigar, so take your time with this step.

Lighting the Cigar

Lighting a cigar is not the same as lighting a cigarette. It’s a more deliberate process that requires patience. Use a butane lighter or a wooden match for the best results, as these do not impart any unwanted flavors to the cigar. Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle and rotate it while applying the flame to the foot (the open end). The goal is to toast the foot evenly before taking any puffs.

Once the foot is evenly toasted, bring the cigar to your lips and draw in slowly while keeping the flame below the foot. Continue rotating the cigar as you puff, ensuring an even light across the entire surface. Once it’s lit, take a few more gentle puffs to establish a good burn.

Smoking the Cigar

Smoking a cigar is about savoring the experience rather than rushing through it. Unlike cigarettes, cigars are not meant to be inhaled. Instead, it would help if you drew the smoke into your mouth, allowing it to linger on your palate before exhaling. This technique lets you appreciate the flavors and complexity of the cigar.

Take your time between puffs, aiming for about one puff per minute. This slow pace keeps the cigar from burning too hot, which can result in harsh flavors. If the cigar goes out, don’t worry — relight it using the same method.

Cigar Etiquette

Cigarette smoking has its own set of unwritten rules, especially when smoking in social settings. Understanding these can help you fit in and enjoy the experience even more.

1. Respect the Environment: Always be mindful of your surroundings. If you’re in a public place, ensure it’s a cigar-friendly environment. Not everyone enjoys the smell of cigars, so it’s important to be considerate of those around you.
2. Don’t Rush: Cigar smoking is a leisurely activity. Enjoy the process, and take your time to finish. It’s about the experience, not the destination.
3. Let the Ash Fall Naturally: There’s no need to constantly tap the ash off your cigar as you might with a cigarette. Allow the ash to build up and fall off naturally. A long ash is often seen as a sign of a well-constructed cigar.
4. Don’t Stub Out the Cigar: When you’re finished smoking, let the cigar rest in the ashtray and go out on its own. Stubbing it out can create an unpleasant smell and is generally considered a poor form.
5. Share Your Cigars: If you’re in a group and have brought extra cigars, offering them to others is a nice gesture. This is a common practice among cigar enthusiasts and is part of the camaraderie of cigar smoking.

Storing Your Cigars

Proper storage is essential if you plan on buying more cigars or keeping them for a while. Cigars are sensitive to humidity and temperature, so they must be stored in a humidor — a special box designed to maintain the ideal conditions for cigars. If you don’t have a humidor, you can temporarily store cigars in a sealed plastic bag with a small humidification device.

Maintaining the right humidity level (around 70%) ensures that your cigars stay fresh and don’t dry out, which can lead to cracking or an uneven burn.

Exploring Different Flavors

As you become more comfortable smoking cigars, you should explore different flavors and strengths. Cigars are often described in their flavor profile, including coffee, chocolate, spice, and even leather notes. Experimenting with different cigars can help you discover your preferences.

Keep a journal of the cigars you smoke, noting down the brand, size, flavor notes, and your overall impression. This practice can enhance your appreciation and understanding of cigars over time.

Smoking a cigar is an art that requires patience, practice, and a willingness to savor the moment. By starting with the right cigar, learning the proper techniques, and understanding the etiquette, you can enjoy a fulfilling and enjoyable cigar-smoking experience. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply relaxing after a long day, a well-chosen cigar can provide a moment of indulgence and pleasure.