How To Smoke A Cigar

So, you’re curious about cigars? Maybe you’ve seen someone enjoying one and thought, “Hey, that looks interesting.” Or perhaps you’ve got a special occasion coming up and want to try something new. Whatever your reason, welcome to the world of cigar smoking! It’s a relaxing hobby steeped in tradition, but it’s not as intimidating as it might seem. This guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, so you can enjoy your first cigar with confidence.

Before we get started, it’s important to remember that cigar smoking is for adults. It carries health risks, just like cigarettes, so moderation is key. If you don’t already smoke, this isn’t something you should pick up as a habit. However, enjoying a cigar occasionally can be a pleasant and relaxing experience.

Table of Contents

Choosing Your Cigar

The first step is picking the right cigar. With so many brands, sizes, and strengths available, it can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’ll keep it simple. For beginners, I recommend starting with a mild-bodied cigar. These cigars have a lighter flavor and won’t overwhelm your palate. Look for cigars described as “mild” or “smooth.”

Consider a smaller size cigar when starting out. A smaller cigar will burn for less time (30-45 minutes) which is perfect if you are unsure if you will like smoking a cigar. Large cigars can burn for over an hour, which may be too long for your first time. A Corona or a Petit Corona are great sizes for new smokers.

Ask your tobacconist for recommendations! They’re experts and can point you towards a good beginner-friendly cigar based on your preferences.

What You’ll Need

Besides the cigar itself, you’ll need a few essential tools:

A cigar cutter: This is used to create a clean opening at the head (closed end) of the cigar. There are several types, including guillotines, punches, and V-cutters. A guillotine cutter is probably the easiest to use for beginners.
A lighter or matches: A butane torch lighter is preferred, as it provides a clean, odorless flame. However, wooden matches are also a fine option and are often preferred by cigar aficionados. Avoid using lighters that use lighter fluid as this can negatively affect the taste of the cigar.

Cutting Your Cigar

This is a crucial step. You want to cut enough of the head off to create a good draw (airflow), but not so much that the cigar unravels. Here’s how to do it with a guillotine cutter:

Hold the cigar firmly in one hand.
Place the head of the cigar into the cutter, positioning it just behind the shoulder (the rounded part where the head meets the body). You only want to remove a small amount.
In one swift motion, slice through the cigar. Don’t hesitate, or you might crush the head.

Inspect the cut end. It should be clean and even. If it looks ragged, you may need to trim it a little more.

Lighting Your Cigar

Lighting a cigar is an art in itself. You want to toast the foot (the open end) evenly before taking your first puff. This ensures an even burn and prevents the cigar from tunneling (burning unevenly down the center).

Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle over the flame. Don’t let the flame touch the cigar directly.
Rotate the cigar slowly, toasting the entire foot evenly. You’ll see the tobacco start to char and glow.
Once the foot is evenly toasted, bring the cigar to your lips and gently puff on it while continuing to toast the foot. The goal is to ignite the tobacco evenly.

You’ll know the cigar is properly lit when the foot is glowing evenly red and producing a consistent smoke.

Smoking Your Cigar

Now for the enjoyable part! Remember, you’re not inhaling like you would with a cigarette. Cigar smoking is about savoring the flavors and aromas. Take small puffs, holding the smoke in your mouth for a few seconds to appreciate the taste. Then, slowly release the smoke.

Take your time between puffs. A good cigar should burn slowly and evenly. Relax, sip on a beverage (water, coffee, or a spirit pairs nicely), and enjoy the experience.

Ash your cigar regularly, but don’t tap it forcefully. Let the ash fall off naturally when it’s about an inch long. This helps to keep the cigar cool and burning evenly.

Putting Out Your Cigar

When you’re finished, simply let the cigar extinguish itself in the ashtray. Don’t stub it out like a cigarette, as this will release unpleasant odors.

Tips for Enjoying Your Cigar

Pair your cigar with a beverage: Water is always a good choice, but coffee, bourbon, rum, and scotch can also complement the flavors of the cigar.
Find a comfortable setting: Whether it’s your backyard, a cigar lounge, or a quiet corner in your home, create a relaxing atmosphere.
Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try different brands, sizes, and strengths to find what you like best.
Clean your cutter: Regularly clean your cutter to ensure a clean cut every time.
Store your cigars properly: If you plan to smoke cigars regularly, invest in a humidor to keep them fresh.

Safety and Etiquette

Always be mindful of others when smoking a cigar. Avoid smoking in enclosed spaces where it might bother people. Be respectful of smoking regulations and only smoke in designated areas. And most importantly, dispose of your cigar butts properly in an ashtray.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my cigar goes out?

No problem! Simply relight it using the same toasting and lighting method as before. You may need to purge the cigar by blowing gently into it to remove any stale smoke.

How long should a cigar last?

That depends on the size of the cigar and your smoking pace. A smaller cigar might last 30-45 minutes, while a larger cigar could burn for an hour or more.

What does “draw” mean?

The draw is the amount of resistance you feel when you puff on the cigar. A good draw allows for easy airflow and a consistent smoke.

How do I store cigars?

Ideally, you should store cigars in a humidor, which maintains a humidity level of around 70%. This prevents the cigars from drying out and losing their flavor. If you don’t have a humidor, you can store them in a sealed plastic bag with a damp (not wet!) paper towel for a short period.

Enjoying a cigar is a journey of discovery. Don’t be afraid to experiment, ask questions, and find what you like. With a little practice, you’ll be savoring the flavors and aromas like a seasoned aficionado in no time. Remember to smoke responsibly and enjoy the moment!

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