There are signals of coldness that do not require explanation. Tip the valet with a $100 bill. I order rare whiskey with confidence. And smoking the best cigars like it's no big deal.
So how do you smoke a cigar if you are going to try it for the first time? Don't feel intimidated. First, you need to become familiar with the process, such as how to cut, light, and ash your cigar (it's like learning to drink whiskey neat). Next, you should learn the tools you need, such as cutters, lighters, and humidors. Finally, you can learn languages such as cover, foot, wrapping paper, binder and filler. Soon you'll be lighting up a stogie effortlessly by starting with the best cigars for beginners, then learning the nuances of smoking cigars like a pro.
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If you're looking for something to pair with your cigar, try one of the best Scotch whiskeys or our favorite dark rums. The flavors complement each other well; especially when shared with a group of like-minded enthusiasts.
Now, on Men's Magazine Step by step guide on how to smoke a cigar properly.
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How to Smoke a Cigar?
Follow these step-by-step instructions, complete with comprehensive illustrations, to smoke a cigar for the first time. Cigars are for enjoyment, not for stress. So even if you make a misstep, enjoy the experience: your first step into the exciting, delicious world of cigar smoking.
1. Choose Your Cigar
Katie Buckleitner
As a newbie, don't break the bank here and don't try to show off. Opt for a modestly priced stick that tastes like the middle of the pack, so you can get the gist of things as you settle into the smoke.
2. Cut the cover
Katie Buckleitner
Use a cutter to cut off the rolled end of your cigar. Look for the cigar's seam, wrapping line around the head, or cap. You want to cut off the top of the seam that holds the rest of the packaging in place. Remove the cover enough to get a good traction. Start small; You can always cut off a little more if necessary.
3. Light the Cigar
Katie Buckleitner
Lighting a cigar requires more flame than a cigarette, so using a lighter is recommended. Start by toasting the uncut end of the cigar, called the foot. Hold the cigar over the flame at about a 45-degree angle, turn it and let the tip dry, then begin to light. You can take a small breath or two at this stage.
If the cigar catches fire, don't panic; Remove the lighter until the flames go out. When the foot smolders slightly, the cigar is ready to smoke. Look for an even orange glow throughout, especially when you first draw.
4. Smoke a cigar
Katie Buckleitner
Getting this part wrong is a sure sign that you have never smoked a cigar before. The trick is to inhale the breath and the cigar smoke without actually inhaling it.
It's easier than it looks. Consider the difference between sipping whiskey and shooting it. You want to calm down, so inhale the smoke slowly, hold it in your mouth for a moment, then exhale slowly. The important thing is to taste the cigar, just like a good bourbon or red wine.
5. Ash the Cigar, Light It Again, and Finish It
Katie Buckleitner
As you smoke, ash will accumulate at the tip of the cigar. While long ashes look cool, they can block airflow or land on your clothes. Remove it frequently by gently rolling it along the groove of the ashtray. If it does not fall easily, do not force it; Continue smoking and try again in a few minutes.
If you pause too long between puffs, the cigar may start to burn. In this case, burn it as you did before, being careful not to overdo it on the parts that are still burning.
As you smoke, the cigar becomes shorter and eventually your session must come to an end. Do not extinguish the cigar; leave it in the ashtray and it will go out naturally.
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What You Need to Know Before Smoking a Cigar
As you begin your cigar journey, you should keep a few things in mind. First, learn about your own taste preferences. If you like dark roasted coffee and barrel-strength bourbon, you can choose maduro. More of a flat white and single malt Scottish guy? Try the natural one first.
Research cigar stores in your area and get to know the staff. The best ones will answer questions and guide you to cigars that perfectly suit your taste and preferred smoking situations.
If you plan to hold cigars in your hand so that they will burn at a moment's notice, make sure you store them properly. Invest in a good humidor and check its levels regularly. If you can't afford a proper humidor, at least get a humidor that will keep your cigars in good condition in the short term.
Make sure you find a comfortable place to smoke. This could very well be your own home, terrace or balcony. But sometimes you may want to have a smoke with you, so check out smoke bars and cigar lounges to see if they suit your style.
Best Cigar Smoking Tools
Cigar Cutter
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A good cutter is a must for every cigar smoker. Make sure you choose one that is sharp and keep it clean. There are different styles of cutters, but for beginners, a guillotine, like the Zertone Cigar Cutter Trimmer, is a good choice for its versatility and ease of use.
Lighter
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You can use wooden matches to light your cigar, but a butane lighter or torch makes this much easier. Keep the tabletop version to prepare your home smoker for later; A pocket-sized option works well for any situation. Our pick is the Zippo Butane Torch Lighter.
Servitude
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Your ashtray can be cheap or expensive, simple or over-engineered, and can reflect any aspect of your personality. There are so many options but it's hard to go wrong. If you expect to smoke in a gentle breeze, the lidded version is a great option; It allows the ash to be collected without getting on clothes. Try the U.Like Relax Zone Cigar Ashtray Aluminum.
moisture
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Although expensive, a humidor is an important piece of equipment if you plan to smoke cigars regularly. It keeps your chopsticks in top condition, preventing them from drying out over time and allowing them to age safely. A good humidor can last for decades, so it's worth the investment. To accurately track humidity levels, opt for one with a built-in hygrometer, like the TISFA Puro Humidor.
Humidifier Bag
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If you don't want to buy a full humidor yet, you can store several cigars in a humidor. They should remain in good condition for up to a year. This is also a great option if you're traveling and want to take some cigarettes with you. We love the Boveda Portable Humidity Resealable Bag.
Basic Cigar Terms
Knowing the basic cigar-related vocabulary will make you look like a seasoned, expert smoker.
- Container: The closed end of a cigar, sealed with a wrapper seam. To prepare the cigar for smoking, you cut the top of the seam.
- Foot: The end opposite the cap, usually open. This is the end of the cigar you light.
- packer: The tobacco leaf that forms the outermost layer of the cigar. There are dozens of varieties of vines, often identified by the plant's seed type and where it is grown.
- Binding: The middle layer of tobacco in a cigar. It covers the filler and ensures the structural integrity of the cigar.
- Filling: The tobacco in the middle of the cigar. Just like a whiskey or wine, the filler is blended and matched with the binder and wrapper to create a flavor experience unique to the smoker.
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Cigar Shapes and Sizes
Cigars come in all shapes and sizes. They are measured in length, inches and ring gauge; diameter is expressed as one sixty-fourths of an inch.
Some of the most common are parejos, which are straight-edged cigars. The most popular sizes for parejos include corona (5.5 to 6 inches and 42 to 44 ring gauge); Churchill (7 inches and 47 ring gauge); and Robusto (4.75 to 5.5 inches and 48 to 52 ring gauge).
There are also figurados, or cigars, with uneven edges. Common figurados include pyramids with a tapered head and perfectos with tapering both head and foot.
How to Choose the Best Cigar
The best cigar is the one you like. Frankly, as a first-time smoker, you don't yet know your taste in cigarettes. In this scenario, seeking advice from a tobacconist is crucial. Let them ask you questions about your taste in other areas and they can guide you to a good first cigar.
Try various cigars as you explore and take notes if you particularly like them; This will help you remember the style and manufacturer so you can try similar offers in the future.
Once you feel comfortable knowing your preferences, choose cigars based on how you plan to enjoy them. Want a stick to pair with your favorite cognac? A cigarette that you can easily enjoy while playing golf? Maybe you're looking for something to share to celebrate the birth of a child or another special event.
When evaluating a cigar for quality, check the packaging to make sure it is intact and shows no signs of mold. A white powdery substance called fluff is fine – it means it has aged well – but green, blue or gray fluff is a sure sign that the cigar has gone bad.
Then, give it a good smell. You should smell the rich, well-aged tobacco. If you notice anything like moldiness or staleness, the cigar is no longer good.
Finally, gently pinch the cigar between your thumb and index finger. It should be neither soft nor hard, but have a slight slope.
History of Cigar Cigarettes
Tobacco is a New World plant, so it is not surprising that the first smokers were Native Americans. Columbus' ships observed Taíno people smoking on the island now called Cuba.
As Europeans adopted tobacco, they initially smoked it in a pipe. Cigars began to become popular in the late 18th century, following the War of Independence, and became widespread in the 19th century.
Cigars were made by hand until the advent of machine rolling in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, some of the best cigars are still hand-rolled.
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