How to Smoke a Cigar for the First Time: A Gentleman’s Guide

So, you’re thinking of entering the hallowed halls of cigar smoking? Welcome, friend! It’s more than just lighting up; it’s a ritual, a relaxation technique, and, dare I say, an art form. Let’s demystify the process and get you started on your cigar journey.

How to smoke a cigar for the first time? The essence of enjoying a cigar boils down to careful selection, proper cutting and lighting, savoring the flavors with measured puffs (not inhaling!), and patiently enjoying the experience. Remember, it’s about quality over quantity and appreciating the nuances of the tobacco.

Choosing Your First Cigar: Laying the Groundwork

Before you even think about lighting up, you need a cigar. This isn’t as simple as grabbing the first one you see. Consider this your initiation, and choose wisely.

Size Matters (at Least for Beginners)

• Go Mild, Go Small: For your first time, don’t be a hero. Opt for a mild-bodied cigar in a smaller format. Think petit corona or robusto. These won’t overwhelm your palate or your patience. A long, thick cigar is a commitment, and as a novice, you might not be ready for that kind of dedication.
• Don’t Break the Bank: There’s no need to spend a fortune on your first cigar. Focus on finding something palatable rather than expensive. A good budget-friendly cigar from a reputable brand is a perfect starting point. You can explore the pricier options later.

Judging by Appearance

• Wrapper Inspection: The wrapper is the cigar’s outer layer, and its appearance is a good indicator of its quality. Look for a smooth, even color with minimal blemishes. Avoid cigars with cracks, tears, or overly prominent veins.
• Feel the Firmness: Gently squeeze the cigar along its length. It should have a slight give but not feel too soft or too hard. Soft spots indicate under-filling, while overly hard spots suggest over-filling, both of which can affect the draw and burn.

Where to Buy

• Reputable Tobacconists: This is crucial. Head to a reputable cigar shop where the staff can offer expert advice. They can guide you towards beginner-friendly options and answer any questions you might have. Avoid gas stations and convenience stores; the cigars there are often poorly stored and of lower quality.
• Check the Humidor: Make sure the cigars are stored in a humidor, a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment. This ensures they’re properly hydrated and will burn evenly.

Cutting and Lighting: Preparing for the Ritual

Now that you have your cigar, it’s time to prepare it for smoking. Proper cutting and lighting are essential for a good draw and even burn.

The Cut

• Choose Your Cutter: There are several types of cigar cutters available: guillotine (straight cut), V-cutter, and punch cutter. A guillotine cutter is generally the easiest for beginners to use.
• The Perfect Cut: Aim to cut just enough of the cap (the rounded end you put in your mouth) to create an opening without unraveling the wrapper. About 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch is usually sufficient. Avoid cutting too much, as this can cause the cigar to fall apart.
• Sharpness Matters: Use a sharp cutter. A dull cutter will crush the cigar and restrict the draw.

The Light

• Choose Your Flame: A butane torch lighter is the preferred method for lighting cigars. It provides a clean, odorless flame and allows for precise control. You can also use wooden matches, but avoid using paper matches or lighters that use lighter fluid, as these can impart unwanted flavors to the cigar.
• Toasting the Foot: Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle and slowly toast the foot (the end you light) by moving it around the flame. The goal is to create an even, glowing ember across the entire surface of the foot. Don’t let the flame directly touch the cigar during this process; let the heat do the work.
• The Final Light: Once the foot is evenly toasted, bring the flame closer and take a few gentle puffs while continuing to rotate the cigar. This will ignite the tobacco and establish a consistent burn.

Smoking Etiquette: The Art of Enjoyment

Now comes the moment you’ve been waiting for: enjoying your cigar. But remember, cigar smoking is about more than just puffing away; it’s about savoring the experience and respecting the ritual.

The Puff, Not the Inhale

• Puff, Don’t Inhale: This is the cardinal rule of cigar smoking. Do not inhale the smoke into your lungs. Simply puff the smoke into your mouth, savor the flavors, and then slowly exhale.
• Pace Yourself: Smoke slowly and deliberately. Aim for one or two puffs per minute. This will prevent the cigar from overheating and ensure a more consistent burn.

Ash Management

• Let it Fall Naturally: Don’t tap the ash off constantly. Allow it to grow to about an inch or so before gently tapping it off into an ashtray. The ash helps to regulate the burn temperature.
• The Gentle Tap: Tap the ash gently to avoid breaking the cigar.

Proper Disposal

• Never Stub it Out: Don’t stub out your cigar like a cigarette. Simply lay it in the ashtray and let it extinguish itself.
• Respect the Environment: Dispose of your cigar butt responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions that beginners often have about cigar smoking:

1. What does “draw” mean, and why is it important?

The draw refers to the amount of air that flows through the cigar when you puff. A good draw allows for easy and consistent smoke production, while a tight draw makes it difficult to smoke. A loose draw can cause the cigar to burn too hot.

2. How do I fix an uneven burn?

If your cigar is burning unevenly (canoeing or tunneling), try gently touching up the uneven side with your lighter. Rotate the cigar as you puff to encourage an even burn.

3. How do I store cigars if I don’t have a humidor?

While a humidor is ideal, you can store cigars temporarily in a Ziploc bag with a damp (not wet) sponge. This will help maintain humidity. However, this is not a long-term solution.

4. What is “blooming,” and why does it matter?

Blooming refers to the process of the oils in the wrapper rising to the surface after the cigar has been stored in a humidor for a period. It’s a sign of a well-humidified cigar and often indicates a richer flavor.

5. Can I relight a cigar if it goes out?

Yes, you can relight a cigar. Gently knock off any ash, and then toast and light the foot as you did initially. However, the flavor may be slightly different after relighting.

6. What are some common flavors I might experience?

Cigar flavors vary depending on the blend of tobaccos used. Common flavors include cedar, spice, earth, leather, coffee, chocolate, and nuts.

7. Should I pair my cigar with a drink?

Pairing your cigar with a beverage can enhance the smoking experience. Common pairings include whiskey, rum, coffee, and dark beer. Experiment to find what you enjoy most.

8. How long does a cigar typically last?

The smoking time varies depending on the size and ring gauge of the cigar, but typically ranges from 30 minutes to over an hour.

9. Is cigar smoking addictive?

Yes, cigars contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance. Smoke in moderation.

10. What does “ring gauge” mean?

The ring gauge is a measurement of the cigar’s thickness. It’s expressed in 64ths of an inch. For example, a 50 ring gauge cigar is 50/64 of an inch in diameter.

11. Why is it important to purge a cigar?

Purging is the process of blowing air through the cigar to clear out any stale or harsh flavors that may have accumulated. It can improve the flavor and draw.

12. How do I know when to stop smoking a cigar?

Smoke until the flavor starts to turn bitter or harsh, or when the cigar becomes too hot to hold comfortably. It’s generally recommended to stop smoking about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way down.

Enjoy your first cigar! Remember, it’s a journey of discovery. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what you like. The world of cigars awaits!