11 Things Cigar Smokers Should Know: Cigar Tips & Tricks

Cigar smoking is more than just a hobby—it’s a ritual steeped in tradition, craftsmanship, and enjoyment. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or celebrating a special occasion, a good cigar can elevate the moment. But to fully appreciate this experience, there are certain key elements every cigar smoker should understand. From selecting the right cigar to mastering the nuances of lighting and smoking it, knowing these essential tips will not only enhance your enjoyment but also allow you to confidently navigate the world of cigars like a true aficionado. So, whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your technique, here are 11 things every cigar smoker should know.

1. Choosing the Right Cigar

With so many options available, choosing the right cigar can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—selecting the perfect cigar comes down to understanding a few key factors: size, shape, and tobacco origin.

Cigars come in various shapes and sizes, such as robusto, toro, and churchill being common examples, which vary in length and ring gauge (diameter). Larger cigars generally burn more slowly and offer a longer smoke, while smaller ones are perfect for quick sessions.

Another important factor is the darkness of the tobacco. Cigar tobacco undergoes a fermentation process, and the length of fermentation changes the color and flavor. The longer the tobacco is fermented, the darker it becomes. Darker cigars offer rich and complex flavors, while lighter cigars will have a lighter palette. For beginners, it’s best to start with milder cigars as these are easier to smoke and contain less nicotine, and move towards fuller-bodied options as you become more experienced.

2. Cutting Your Cigar Properly

Once you’ve chosen your cigar, the next step is cutting it. Cutting a cigar correctly is crucial for a good smoking experience. There are several types of cigar cutters to choose from, including the guillotine (straight cut), V-cutter, and punch cutter.

The guillotine is the most common and straightforward option, making a clean cut across the cap of the cigar. The V-cutter creates a wedge-shaped incision that can intensify the draw, while the punch cutter removes a small circular piece from the cap, leaving the cigar’s head mostly intact.

Regardless of the cutter you use, the key is to avoid cutting too much of the cap. You only want to remove the very tip of the cigar, around 1/8 of an inch, to prevent unraveling. A clean cut ensures a smooth draw and prevents tobacco from getting in your mouth.

3. Lighting Your Cigar the Right Way

Lighting a cigar may seem simple, but there’s an art to it. The goal is to ignite the cigar evenly to ensure an enjoyable, consistent burn. The best tools for lighting a cigar are a butane torch lighter, but you can also use matches or a cedar spill. Avoid using regular lighters with gasoline or sulfur-based fuel, as they can impart an unpleasant chemical taste to the cigar.

Begin by “toasting” the foot of the cigar. Hold the flame just below the foot and rotate the cigar to evenly heat the tobacco. Once the foot is glowing, place the cigar in your mouth and take a few gentle puffs while holding the flame near the cigar’s tip. This technique ensures an even light and allows the flavors to develop right from the start.

4. Understanding Cigar Storage

Proper storage is essential to preserving the quality and flavor of your cigars. Cigars are made of natural, organic materials that are sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. To maintain the right conditions, cigars should be stored in a humidor—a sealed container that keeps cigars fresh by regulating humidity.

Ideally, cigars should be stored at a humidity level of 65-70% and a temperature of around 65-70°F. Too much humidity can make cigars too moist and difficult to smoke, while too little humidity can dry them out, leading to cracks and a harsh, bitter taste.

A well-maintained humidor can preserve cigars for years, and many aficionados believe that aging cigars in a humidor improves their flavor, much like aging fine wine.

5. The Art of Cigar Smoking

There’s a common misconception that cigar smoking is just like smoking cigarettes—inhale and exhale. But directly inhaling is the last thing you want to do. The key is to take slow, gentle puffs and avoid inhaling the smoke.

Cigar smoke should stay in your mouth, where you can taste its complex flavors and aromas. After taking a puff, let the smoke rest in your mouth for a moment before exhaling. This allows you to fully appreciate the cigar’s profile, whether it’s earthy, spicy, or sweet.

Take your time with each cigar. Unlike cigarettes, cigars are meant to be enjoyed slowly. Depending on the size of the cigar, a session can last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.

6. Cigar Etiquette

Smoking a cigar is often a social activity, and like any social ritual, there are rules of etiquette to follow. First and foremost, always be mindful of where you’re smoking. If you’re in a public place, respect the space of non-smokers by choosing a spot downwind where your smoke won’t bother others.

When smoking in a group, it’s considered polite to offer cigars to others if you have extra. However, if you’re the recipient, never assume you’re entitled to a cigar—always graciously accept or decline.

7. Pairing Cigars with Drinks

Pairing a cigar with the right drink can enhance the overall experience. The most popular pairings include whiskey, rum, and cognac, but coffee and dark chocolate are also excellent options. The key is to match the intensity of the cigar with the strength of the drink.

For example, a mild cigar pairs well with a light whiskey or a smooth rum, while a full-bodied cigar can stand up to a rich, aged scotch or a bold cup of espresso. Feel free to experiment with pairings, but remember that balance is key—neither the cigar nor the drink should overpower the other.

8. Understanding Cigar Strength and Flavor Profiles

Cigars come in a wide range of strengths, from mild to full-bodied, and each offers a unique flavor profile. Mild cigars are often creamy or nutty, making them ideal for beginners. Medium-bodied cigars offer a balance of strength and flavor, while full-bodied cigars (maduro cigars) are known for their robust, intense flavors—often described as spicy, earthy, or even peppery.

As you become more familiar with cigars, you’ll learn to appreciate the nuances of different blends. Take note of how the flavor develops throughout the smoke, as some cigars change in complexity as you reach the final third.

9. Cigar Aging and Resting

Much like fine wine, cigars can benefit from aging. When aged properly, cigars can develop smoother, more refined flavors. Aging is a slow process that can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the cigar.

If you’re not ready to start aging cigars, it’s still a good idea to “rest” them in your humidor for at least a few weeks after purchase. This allows the cigar to acclimate to your humidor’s conditions and ensures a more enjoyable smoking experience.

10. Handling and Storing Cigar Ashes

Cigar ash holds importance in how your cigar burns. Unlike cigarettes, cigar ash shouldn’t be constantly tapped off. A well-formed ash helps maintain an even burn and insulates the cigar’s tip, keeping it cooler.

When it reaches about an inch, you can gently tap it off into an ashtray. Cigar ashtrays are designed with wide grooves to cradle your cigar between puffs, ensuring it stays lit and burns evenly. Be careful to not let it naturally ash if you’re indoors or somewhere that ashes shouldn’t be on the ground, like on someone’s patio.

11. Identifying Common Cigar Issues

Not every cigar is perfect, and you may encounter issues like a plugged cigar (difficult draw) or uneven burns. A plugged cigar occurs when the tobacco is packed too tightly, restricting airflow. In such cases, gently rolling the cigar between your fingers can sometimes loosen the tobacco and improve the draw.

Uneven burns, or “canoeing,” happen when one side of the cigar burns faster than the other. This can usually be corrected by rotating the cigar or gently touching up the unburned side with your lighter.

If your cigar goes out mid-session, don’t panic. Simply re-light it using the same technique as before, and you’ll be back to enjoying your smoke in no time.

Shop Cubano Central Cigar Accessories

Cigar smoking is a journey of discovery. By following these 11 essential tips, you can improve your cigar experience and truly appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into every one you smoke. Whether you’re new to cigar smoking, or you’ve been enjoying them for years, selecting the right cigar accessories is important. From proper cigar storage to the cutter you use, each tool you use plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of your cigars and keeping them in good condition so you can have an enjoyable smoke.