Cigar smoking is an art; as such, you must take certain steps to enjoy the flavors and aromas properly.
Everyone has their own way. Some prefer to smoke it slowly and savor each puff, while others love the intensity and power of a good strong cigar.
Imagine a day off, and you’re finally ready to smoke that premium Cuban you’ve saved for the perfect special occasion.
To fully relish your smoking experience, you should first master the basics.
Choosing a Cigar
Cigars are a classic way to enjoy a relaxing evening with friends.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cigar smoker, it’s important to know the different cigars by size, shape, and color types available.
Therefore, you’ll know how to choose the right one for you.
It’s also essential to find the perfect cigar for your taste and personal preference.
For example, a Robusto Churchill may be too strong for someone new to cigars.
While a mild cigar like a Davidoff Signature Toro or Romeo Y Julieta Capulet will be their best choice.
Also, make sure to select a cigar that you have time to finish.
If you have 15 minutes, you may smoke a Cigarillo or Petit Robusto.
In contrast, if you plan on spending an hour in the smoking den savoring a full-bodied stogie, be sure to choose a larger cigar, such as a Double Corona.
Select a Mild or Medium Bodied Cigar as a Beginner
If you are a beginner cigar smoker, starting with mild and medium-bodied cigars is best. Experiment and find the best brand or blend that suits your taste buds.
It’s good to point out that “smaller doesn’t always mean less powerful.”
Every cigar will have a flavor profile different from every other cigar.
Sometimes, beginners learn the hard way by savoring something too strong and spicy on an empty stomach and ending up with a bad first cigar experience.
Instead, it would be best to start with a mild and creamy stogie that is way more pleasing for a sensitive palette.
From thereon, gradually increase the intensity of your smoking experience.
Pay a visit to your local tobacconist and look at the place where they store cigars, the humidor.
Don’t be shy, and be straightforward with the purveyor. Explain to them that you are new to smoking.
They will be able to offer suggestions based on what type of smoker you are, your smoking habits, and any personal preferences that may exist.
Premium Cigars vs. Machine-Made
Some of you may have never tried a premium cigar and think machine-made cigars are a thing.
Make sure never to prioritize machine-made cigars over premium handmade cigars.
Machine-made cigars contain lower-quality tobacco that will burn hot and fast. In addition to this, the wrapper is not made from all-natural materials.
Many manufacturers use chemicals that can cause you to feel sick and not fully enjoy your session.
On the other hand, premium cigars are handmade by expert cigar makers who use only the best tobacco available.
They go through multiple steps in order to create a perfect smoking experience for you.
From selecting the right leaf to fermenting it properly before rolling it into a cigarillo or cigar.
Cut the Cigar Properly
Cutting a cigar correctly is essential for an enjoyable smoking experience.
Take your cigar out of its cellophane wrapper and hold it firmly (without squeezing too much, so you don’t damage the wrapper leaf) between your index finger and thumb.
Make a clean cut with the cigar cutters at your disposal.
We highly recommend performing a punch cut as a beginner, as it will be the easiest method to prepare your cigar for consumption.
Also, one which is extremely hard to make a mistake!
Consequently, with a guillotine cutter, you are more prone to user error.
It’s very likely to get loose tobacco in your mouth if you don’t perform a clean cut.
Light Your Cigar
It’s time to light your cigar. To master the technique, you must practice. You can either use cedar strips, matches, or a torch lighter.
We strongly advise not to use other types of lighters that contain fuel, as they can potentially change the aroma and flavor of your fine cigar.
Suppose you have already chosen your preferred lighter; make sure to toast the tip of the cigar’s foot to perfection.
Try holding it at least a couple of inches away from the flame.
The best way is to introduce the tobacco leaves to the flame slowly. It’s perfectly fine if this whole process takes a bit longer.
To enjoy your cigar, ensure the entire circumference is evenly lit before you start puffing it.
Smoking the Cigar
We have come to the moment of true pleasure. Smoking a cigar is an authentic cultural experience and should be savored as such.
Let’s appreciate the craftsmanship of the experienced cigar makers responsible for this delicious smoke.
Sip lightly and take your time puffing on the quality cigar until you savor every single nuance of this beautiful 100% natural tobacco product.
Don’t Inhale Cigar Smoke
If you are a cigarette smoker and think you should inhale cigars as well, you are wrong. We are here to tell you that cigars should never be inhaled.
This might be the most repeated advice when it comes to cigar smoking.
Even the most experienced cigar aficionados don’t inhale cigar smoke as it can be damaging to your lungs.
Instead, you should practice puffing and letting the smoke linger in your palette.
You can also blow the smoke out of your nose and do the method called “retrohale.”
Smoke Cigars at a Slow Pace
Take your time if you want to enjoy a good cigar at a leisurely pace.
Smoking cigars slowly will increase the chances of getting the best flavors out of them.
If you smoke too quickly, it ruins the flavor of the cigar because it burns way hotter.
Don’t rush and puff every minute or so. Also, by smoking too fast, you can get a cigar buzz and unpleasant breath.
Enjoy the Cigar With an Alcoholic Beverage or Coffee
Pairing a cigar’s fantastic flavor with a fine beverage’s incredible flavor is something that comes naturally.
Sort of like putting wheels on a car. The two things just go together really well.
If you find the smoke too intense, take a sip of a premium malt whiskey or other beverage you prefer and then continue smoking.
At least, it’s our favorite cigar pairing at Cigars Experts.
Ash Properly Like a Cigar Aficionado
When it comes to ashing a cigar, you want to avoid too much build-up as it will taint some of that flavor.
But you always want to leave just a little bit there because it acts as an insulator.
That insulation helps the heat inside the cigar, so you don’t have to keep relighting your cigar constantly.
A proper way of ashing your cigar is to simply roll it gently to knock that ash off.
Put Out the Cigar After You’re Done
Many people we’ve seen in the past have the habit of crushing the cigar in the ashtray. Don’t be one of these, and do it the right way.
Instead, think of your cigar as a fine investment, and you should give it a nice ordinary man’s death.
Lay it down and leave it alone.
It will put itself out there and self-extinguish.
