How to Smoke a Cigar

Familiarize yourself with different types of cigars. Instead of randomly picking the first cigar you see, take the time to understand the various options available. Ask the cigar seller for recommendations to find your preferred type. Knowing the differences between cigars will enhance your experience when you finally smoke one. Here are some common types to consider:

• Corona Cigar. This type is typically around 15 cm long with a ring gauge of 42, which refers to the cigar's diameter. It has an open foot (the end you light) and a closed, rounded head (the end you smoke).
• Pyramid Cigar. This cigar features a pointed, closed head.
• Torpedo Cigar. This cigar has a bulging middle, a pointed head, and a closed foot.
• Perfecto Cigar. Similar to the Torpedo, but with both ends closed, giving it a more rounded appearance.
• Panatela Cigar. This cigar is about 18 cm long with a ring gauge of 38. It is longer and slimmer than a Corona.
• Culebra Cigar. This unique cigar is made by twisting three Panatela cigars together, resembling a thick rope.

Choose a mild cigar. To start, you should try a few different types of cigars. Avoid buying an entire box of the same cigar right away, as you might find it too strong from the very first puff. Instead, explore a variety of cigars that might suit your taste. Begin with a mild cigar; they are usually affordable, have a lighter flavor, and are ideal for beginners.

• The longer and thicker the cigar, the stronger it tends to be. If you're new to cigars, start with a long, slender one, as it’s less likely to make you cough.

Inspect the cigar. Before purchasing, gently squeeze the cigar to ensure there are no overly hard or soft spots. These issues can indicate poor airflow, making it difficult to smoke. Check for lumps or irregularities in the cigar's body, and ensure the foot and wrapper are free from stains or discoloration.

Store cigars properly. If you own or purchase a humidor, transfer your cigars into it immediately. If you don’t have a humidor, buy only a few cigars at a time, as they can dry out within days. Never leave cigars unprotected. Store them in an airtight container.

Position the blade on the cigar. To cut a cigar, you need to slice off the cap, which is the sealed end that prevents the cigar from drying out. Ideally, use a guillotine cutter (a specialized tool with a single blade), but a sharp knife will also work. Avoid using dull scissors, teeth, or butter knives, as they can ruin the cigar. Only cut the cap (or the head) to preserve the cigar's structure. Do not cut too deeply.

• Aim the blade at the point where the cigar's body meets the cap, ensuring the cap stays intact.

Cut the cigar with a single motion. The goal is to prepare the cigar for smoking without damaging its structure. Hold the cigar in one hand and the guillotine cutter in the other. Place the cigar's head into the guillotine and trim the cap, about 0.15-0.3 cm. Make a clean, swift cut to remove the cap.

• Slow or hesitant cuts can tear the cigar's wrapper, so aim for precision and confidence.

Choose the right lighter. Long wooden matches or butane torch lighters are preferred because they don’t alter the cigar's flavor. Avoid using paper matches, gas lighters, or, worst of all, scented candles. You can purchase a cigar lighter at most tobacco shops.

Warm the foot of the cigar. The foot is the end you light. Hold the flame beneath the cigar's foot without letting it touch the wrapper. Rotate the cigar a few times until the foot is evenly warmed. This step ensures an even burn and makes lighting easier.

Light the cigar. Position the flame just below the cigar's foot, but avoid direct contact. Gently puff on the cigar to draw the flame and ignite the tobacco. Be careful not to inhale the smoke.

Gently blow on the cigar's foot (optional). This step ensures an even burn. To check if the cigar is fully lit, rotate the foot and blow lightly on it; the lit area should glow with an orange hue.

Puff the cigar. Place the cigar in your mouth and draw in the smoke. Hold the smoke in your mouth for a few seconds to savor the flavor, then exhale. Do not inhale the smoke. Unlike regular cigarettes, cigars are meant to be enjoyed for their taste, not inhaled.

Take short puffs and rotate the cigar every 30 seconds or so. This ensures an even burn and maintains the cigar's shape. Remember, a good cigar can last 2-3 hours.

Remove the cigar band after about 12 puffs. The band is there to hold the wrapper together, but once the cigar is lit, it’s no longer needed. After about 12 puffs, the heat will loosen the band, making it easy to remove.

Pair your cigar with an alcoholic drink. While optional, alcoholic beverages can enhance the experience and highlight the cigar's flavors. Popular choices include wine, cognac, bourbon, scotch, or red wine, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Coffee-based drinks or even coffee itself can complement the cigar's taste.
• While cigars are often stronger than many beers, India Pale Ale (IPA) pairs exceptionally well with most cigars.
• Any drink containing Kahlua is a fantastic match for cigars.
• You can also enjoy a cigar alongside a Martini.

Extinguish the cigar after smoking. Simply place the cigar aside in an ashtray. It will naturally go out within 1-2 minutes without puffing. Before setting it down, gently blow on the cigar to disperse any lingering smoke. Relighting a cigar later can result in a stronger, bitter taste, so most cigar enthusiasts prefer to discard a partially smoked cigar.