If you’re new to cigars, navigating the various types, brands, and flavors can be overwhelming.
Embarking on the journey of becoming a cigar aficionado can be an intimidating maze of information with multiple levels of expertise and experience.
That’s why we’ve compiled a helpful list of beginner tips and insider information that offer valuable insight and perspective.
The Sensory Symphony of Cigar Smoking
Each experience is inherently different and appeals to all five senses.
As you take the first puff, your mouth is filled with thick smoke.
That may exude deep, earthy flavors like coffee, leather, wood, and more.
Your nose picks up on these scents, intensifying the taste in your mouth and binding the experience to your memory.
The sound of the embers crackling as you pull the smoke into your mouth only adds to the sensory experience.
As you exhale, you see the smoke dance before your eyes, almost like it has a life of its own.
You can blow thick rings and watch them float away, adding a visual component to the experience.
Finally, you can feel the intense buzz of nicotine on your lips.
Appreciate the Craftsmanship
Combining these sensations can create a multi-sensory experience that enriches your cigar enjoyment.
Cigars are not just a product. They are a work of art.
Appreciate the hard work and artistry that goes into making each cigar.
From the soil where the tobacco is grown to the hands that harvest, sort, and roll the leaves.
Dozens of people are involved in the process before the cigar reaches you.
Please take a moment to reflect on the skill, dedication, and passion that goes into each cigar.
As true gentlemen, we respect and praise the fact that tobacco grows from nature, and the art of cigar-making is a time-honored tradition that should be celebrated.
With So Many Choices, You May Find Yourself Stuck
With so many cigars to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.
Choosing the right cigar can bring you some hard times.
Several factors are to consider, such as the cigar’s size, shape, strength, and flavor profile.
Factors such as the type of wrapper, binder, and filler can also impact the taste and aroma of the cigar.
Consider the occasion and the mood you’re in, and choose a cigar that complements it.
Feel free to ask for recommendations from a trusted cigar aficionado or salesperson.
And finally, remember that this beautiful pastime is a personal experience.
So don’t feel pressured to conform to someone else’s preference.
It’s Not About the Cut BUT the Ritual Behind It
Cutting a cigar is not just about preparing it for smoking.
It’s about the ritual surrounding this entire journey.
How you cut your cigar can set the tone for the entire smoke, and it’s a chance to showcase your style and flair.
Some people prefer a straight cut. While others opt for a V-cut or punch.
Regardless of the method, it’s about the intention behind the cut.
Taking the time to prepare the cigar and appreciating the craftsmanship that went into making it.
Also, if you possess a quality cigar cutter like Xikar, S.T. Dupont, Colibri, or others, it’s wise to maintain them regularly.
Keep them clean and debris-free. Use a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol to clean the blades regularly.
Indulge in the Art of Lighting Your Cigar
It can be tempting to rush through the process of lighting a cigar.
But if you can be patient with the first stage, you will be rewarded with a magical first experience.
As cigar expert and director of Davidoff of London, Eddie Shakian brilliantly explains, “The first puff of a cigar is crucial, and it’s worth taking the time to indulge in the ritual.”
Instead of immediately putting the cigar into your mouth and lighting it, slow down.
Take the time to fully light the cigar foot.
By doing this, you’ll experience the “Virgin puff” of the cigar.
A pure and untainted taste, free from any half-burnt or poorly combusted flames.
This is the perfect introduction to a beautiful handmade cigar, and it’s a worthy ritual that sets the tone for the journey ahead.
“If you start the journey on the right foot, we always hope you’ll get to the right destination.
Eddie Sahakian
Some prefer torch butane lighter, and some love a soft flame. Maybe, you’re in love with cedar spills.
It doesn’t matter! All that matters is the process and your preference!
Take Your Time Don’t Rush – Smoking Slow and Cool
Smoking a cigar is like dancing the Tango.
It’s all about the slow, deliberate movements and taking your time to savor every step.
Rushing through a cigar would mean missing out on all the little details and subtleties that make it such a special experience.
Instead, approach your cigar like your first dance with your partner. Slow down, take your time, and let the flavors and aromas develop naturally.
Don’t rush, and let the moment unfold at its own pace.
Also, there is a more tangible reason as well. Smoking too fast and frequently can ruin your cigar, causing it to overheat and become bitter.
This is why we advocate taking slow and steady puffs at appropriate intervals.
Enjoy the flavors in a steady progression.
On the other hand, smoking too slowly could cause the cigar to go out, introducing unpleasant flavors of char, carbon, sulfuric fumes, and bitterness.
Therefore, it’s quintessential to maintain a balance and puff at appropriate intervals.
Leave the ash on for as long as possible to ensure that your cigar burns slowly and coolly.
The ash serves as a temperature regulator, keeping the cigar cooler and allowing you to enjoy it for an extended period.
Remember, a great cigar is made of whole leaves and has structure, allowing it to hold ash that may surprise a novice.
Explore Cigar Pairings
Food and drink can complement your cigar, though what you prefer will come down to trial and error.
For instance, a light, bubbly, and sweet soda can counteract the heavy feeling you might get from smoking a cigar.
Likewise, a glass of whiskey or your alcoholic beverage of choice can amplify the physical sensations in your mouth and throat.
Chewing mint leaves can also provide a refreshing contrast to the thick smoke.
Note: Taste is subjective. So, experimenting with different pairings is worthwhile to find what works best for you.
Store the Cigars Correctly
We know that a good cigar is worth its weight in gold, and it’s vital to keep them fresh.
Proper cigar storage is the secret to longevity. And it’s a simple yet crucial step in ensuring that your cigars remain pristine.
Like fine wine, store your cigars in a cool, dark, and dry place to maintain quality.
A humidor is a perfect solution, providing the ideal environment for your cigars to age gracefully.
Not only does a humidor keep your cigars fresh, but it also allows you to control the humidity and temperature.
Which can significantly impact the flavor and aroma.
But storing cigars isn’t just about having the right equipment. It’s also about the care and attention you put into it.
Is Expensive Always Better
Price does not always dictate quality. As cheaper cigars can sometimes score better in blind tastings.
However, using the best materials, finest construction, and acute quality control will always come at a higher cost.
As a consumer, it’s important to recognize that quality standards are determined by appearance, combustion, aroma, and flavor.
Try different cigars within your price range to determine what you enjoy.
- Flor de las Antillas by My Father Cigars: A reasonably priced cigar that won Cigar Aficionado’s “Cigar of the Year” award in 2012.
It’s made with a Nicaraguan wrapper and filler. It boasts flavors of cocoa, coffee, and spice. - Oliva Serie G: This affordable cigar has a Cameroon wrapper and a blend of Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos.
It’s a medium-bodied smoke with notes of wood, leather, and a slight sweetness. - Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story: Despite being on the lower end of the price scale for Arturo Fuente cigars, the Short Story is a high-quality smoke with a Cameroon wrapper and Dominican filler.
It’s a small cigar with big flavor, featuring notes of wood, earth, and subtle spice.
Cuban Cigars vs. All Others
While Cuban cigars are often seen as the gold standard, many non-Cuban cigars are just as good, if not better.
Some excellent non-Cuban options include:
- Arturo Fuente Hemingway series
- Padron 1964 Anniversary Series
- Oliva Serie V Melanio
- Arturo Fuente Opus X
- Davidoff Nicaragua
- Liga Privada No. and 9
- La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull
All these offer unique and complex flavors that rival even the most celebrated Cuban cigars.
Ultimately, the debate between Cuban and non-Cuban cigars comes from personal preference.
Therefore, there is no definitive answer as to which is better.
Practice Proper Cigar Etiquette
When you no longer want to smoke, put out your cigar in an ashtray and just leave it there.
Stubbing it aggressively as you would with a cigarette is a big no-no.
Cigar aficionados believe you are offending the cigar maker or so-called Torcedors by doing that.
Besides that, stubbing a cigar into the ashtray can create a foul smell of burnt tobacco.
This can linger and negatively affect the surrounding environment.
Also, how you hold your cigar is an expression of your personality.
For example, the “respectful grip” or the “pool cue” method can make a statement about who you are and what you value.
To attain the status of a genuine gentleman, one must acquire expertise in the art of proper cigar etiquette, which encompasses a multitude of refined manners.
