The Beginner's Guide to Smoking Cigars

The Beginner’s Guide to Smoking Cigars: A Journey into the World of Fine Things

Cigar smoking is a time-honored tradition that brings people together to enjoy a moment of relaxation, savor intricate flavors, and celebrate life’s milestones. If you're new to cigars, have smoked a few cigars, or want to try a cigar for the first time, diving into the experience may seem intimidating initially but, with our help, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby. This guide will walk you through the essential elements of smoking cigars, so not only will you be able to maximize your enjoyment, but you will appear as a veteran smoker amidst other veteran smokers, and you will come off as a very knowledgeable cigar connoisseur.

1. Understanding the Basics of Cigars

Before you light a cigar, it is essential to understand what you’re smoking. Cigars come in various shapes, sizes, and tobacco blends, each with its unique flavor profile. The cigar's size and shape are referred to as its vitola, and vitolas can influence how the cigar smokes. For beginners, it’s often recommended to start with a Robusto or a Toro, which are medium-sized and offer a well-balanced smoking experience. There are many other vitolas though, Corona, Lancero, Gordo, etc., all of which will have different lengths and ring sizes. Cigars are generally referenced numerically, 5x50 is the typical Robusto size, and the first number (5) refers to the cigar's length in inches. The second number (50) refers to the ring gauge (or diameter) measured in 64ths of an inch. Each vitola will have a different numeric range that that vitola encompasses. But to bring some standardization back into play, all cigars, no matter the vitola, are made up of the same three components:

• Wrapper: The outermost layer, which impacts the cigar's flavor the most.
• Binder: The leaf that holds the filler together.
• Filler: The internal blend of tobacco leaves, responsible for the cigar’s strength and flavor.

2. Selecting Your First Cigar

For beginners, it’s important to start with a milder cigar. These cigars are often less intense in flavor and nicotine content, making them easier to smoke and more enjoyable for newcomers. All cigar wrappers will be a slightly different shade, as some will be very light, almost a tan color, ranging to a very dark brown. A general rule of thumb that can be applied as you start exploring various cigars is that the lighter wrappers generally indicate a milder cigar. Please note that as you explore more and more cigars, you will find that this rule can be broken. Some recommended wrapper varieties for beginners include Cameroons and Connecticut shades.

When you are choosing your first cigar, look for cigars that have a smooth, even wrapper, free of imperfections like cracks or tears. This will ensure a better smoking experience. Additionally, check the cigar, at the foot of the cigar (the end you light), to look for inconsistencies in the packing of the filler leaves and look for lumps or stems that may be evident on the shaft of the cigar.

3. Cutting Your Cigar: The Art of the Perfect Cut

One of the most important steps in smoking a cigar is cutting it properly. A poorly cut cigar can lead to a cigar unraveling, leading to a loss of flavor and a generally bad experience, so it’s worth taking time to learn how to do it right. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

Choosing the Right Cutter

There are several types of cigar cutters, each with its advantages:

• Guillotine Cutter: The most common type of cutter. It has a double blade that slices the cigar’s cap off cleanly. It’s usually the go-to for beginners because it provides a straightforward and efficient cut and has the iconic look everyone sees in the movies. But it is also the easiest cutter to cut too deep and ruin your cigar.
• V-Cutter: This type creates a “V” shape at the end of the cigar, which some smokers find enhances the draw and flavor. Typically, V-cutters have a back wall that keeps people from cutting too deep, which is very helpful.
• Punch Cutter: This tool punches a small hole in the cap, offering a tighter draw. It’s a good option, especially for short-filler cigars (cheaper cigars), but it can sometimes restrict airflow for beginners.

How to Cut Your Cigar

When cutting, it’s important to focus on the cap (the rounded end of the cigar), not the foot (the end you light). Follow these steps:

1. Locate the Cap: Identify the cap, which is the closed end of the cigar. Avoid cutting too much of it off, as doing so can cause the wrapper leaf to unravel. Cigars can have multiple caps which we may talk about later, but as a rule, never cut below the lowest cap.
2. Position the Cutter: Place the cutter about 1/8 from the very tip of the cap. This ensures that the cigar will maintain its structural integrity and not unravel during smoking. The point of the cut is to expose a very small amount of the inner tobacco.
3. Make the Cut: With a swift, firm motion make your cut through the cap. The goal is to make a clean, straight cut and avoid any jagged edges that could affect the draw. Dull cutters will tear or break the cap and make for a poor experience, so if cigars are something you will continue to enjoy, investing in a decent cutter will be worth your while.

Tip: Don’t Cut Too Much – Cutting too much off can cause the cigar to unravel, so it’s always better to make a smaller cut and adjust if needed. When you make your first cut, puff the cigar, pre-light, to check for adequate airflow, if it seems too tight, cut a little deeper.

4. Lighting Your Cigar

Lighting a cigar properly is as important as cutting it. You want to ensure an even burn to enjoy the full flavor profile.

Use the Right Lighter

Avoid using regular matches or cheap lighters, as they can impart unwanted flavors to the cigar. Opt for a butane lighter, which burns cleanly without affecting the taste of your cigar. Some smokers prefer a soft flame, while others go for a torch flame, a more intense flame that is ideal for lighting cigars quickly and evenly. Most smokers end up smoking outside and a torch flame is wind-resistant, whereas soft flames are best used indoors. So, if you want to use a soft flame lighter or cigar matches, it's highly recommended to go to a cigar lounge or find an area unaffected by wind.

The Lighting Process

1. Toast the Foot: Hold the cigar just above the flame (about 1–2 inches) without actually touching it. Rotate the cigar to toast the foot evenly. You want to build an even cherry with the torching.
2. Light It Up: After toasting, take the cigar in your mouth and gently draw while holding the flame just below the foot. Rotate the cigar to ensure it lights evenly.
3. Check the Burn: After lighting, check that the cigar is burning evenly. If necessary, adjust the lighting to correct any areas that might not be fully lit.

5. Smoking Your Cigar: The Right Approach

Now that your cigar is lit, it’s time to enjoy it. Here are some essential tips for a great smoking experience:

• Take Slow, Steady Draws: Unlike cigarettes, cigars are meant to be savored. Draw slowly and gently, allowing the smoke to linger in your mouth to taste the flavors. Don’t inhale the smoke, as cigar smoke is generally too strong for the lungs.
• Don’t Rush: Smoking a cigar is about relaxation. Take your time and enjoy the experience. A typical cigar can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on its size. Puffing too fast can lead to tunneling or distorted flavors and puffing too infrequently will cause the cigar to go out. Taking a puff about every 30 seconds will keep the cigar going adequately.
• Keep the Ash: Let the ash build up naturally. Don’t tap it off too soon, as the ash helps maintain an even burn and insulates the cigar. However, if the ash gets too long (around 1.5 inches), it’s fine to roll it off in an ashtray.
• When You’re Done: a common question is: when is the cigar done? Well, the answer is whenever you are. I have seen people smoke halfway through a cigar, smoke it till the bands, or even take the bands off and smoke it till it burns their lips. If you like a cigar smoke it till you don’t anymore. Whenever you decide you are done, set it in an ashtray gently and let it burn itself out. Do not rub the ember out, this will lead to burnt, ashy, and unpleasant aromas that will put others off, especially in an enclosed environment.

6. Pairing Cigars with Drinks

Cigars and drinks often go hand in hand. A smooth whiskey, a rich coffee, or even a craft beer can enhance the flavor of your cigar. When pairing drinks with cigars, choose beverages that complement the flavors of the cigar rather than overpowering them. For example:

• Light cigars pair well with white wine, light beer, or a mild coffee.
• Full-bodied cigars go beautifully with aged whiskey, rum, or stout beer.

We will talk more about this in a separate blog.

7. Caring for Your Cigar Collection

If you plan on keeping cigars for a while, investing in a humidor is essential. A humidor is a controlled environment that maintains the perfect level of humidity (around 68%) to preserve the cigars’ flavor and prevent them from drying out. Make sure to store your cigars in a humidor that’s large enough for your collection but still airtight to maintain proper humidity levels. There are tons of different ways to store your cigars, whether it is an air-tight Tupperware, a desktop humidor, a cabinet humidor, or an electric humidor, the point is to allow for proper humidification and temperature. There is tons of information on the internet and YouTube explaining all the different variations of a humidor that is adequate to keep your collection safe.

We will have more about this topic in another blog.

Conclusion: Enjoying the Journey

Cigar smoking is a deeply personal and relaxing ritual that’s enjoyed around the world. As a beginner, understanding the basics of cigar selection, cutting, lighting, and smoking will help you appreciate the craft and flavors of fine tobacco. With time, you’ll develop your preferences and might even explore different blends and sizes. Just remember: the key to a great cigar experience is to take your time and savor every moment.

Happy smoking!