8 Essential Cigar Tips for Beginners: Start Your Journey!
Hey there, fellow cigar aficionados and newcomers! Have you ever found yourself struggling with the intricacies of cigar smoking, much like learning to ride a bike? If yes, fear not! Every cigar aficionado starts as a beginner, and by considering essential cigar tips for beginners, you’ll soon be puffing on a cigar like Don Vito Corleone’s character in ‘The Godfather.’ Mastering accurate cigar-smoking techniques not only enhances the flavour and enjoyment of the cigar but also demonstrates respect for its tradition and craftsmanship. Simply put, it’s an essential skill for any cigar enthusiast looking to fully appreciate the art of cigar smoking.
Think of it like following a recipe for your favourite dish. If you skip a step or add too much of one ingredient, the final result might not be as delicious as you hoped. Similarly, when it comes to cigars, doing things accurately can make all the difference in how much you enjoy it.
Remember the character of Micheal Scott from “The Office” attempting to smoke a cigar during one of his many misguided endeavours. His awkward attempts & lack of basic skills serve as a humorous reminder that we all have to start somewhere when it comes to enjoying cigars.
The House of Cigars, one of the leading online cigar shops in the UK, shares eight essential cigar tips for beginners to ensure you savour your cigar with precision and enjoyment. Our experienced cigar enthusiasts have unanimously selected these tips. So, grab your favourite cigar, take a deep breath, and consider these significant tips to smoke accurately. Let’s make every puff count!!!!!!!!
1. Find a Comfortable Spot
This may sound weird to many of you, but it’s true: Finding a comfy spot is significant for enjoying your cigar, especially if you’re new to it. That’s why it is one of the primary cigar tips for beginners.
Coming back to the topic,
choose a place to smoke a cigar, which allows you to fully immerse yourself in the moment. As an expert cigar enthusiast, we suggest you visit a reputable cigar lounge near you. A cigar lounge is a great place to lighten your cigar for the first time. Find a quiet corner in a cigar lounge or nice people like you who can help elevate your cigar-smoking experience. Besides this, your home is another excellent option. Ensure you’re the only one in your home. Smoking a cigar on your favourite chair, with soft music playing in the background, will help you fully appreciate your cigar’s nuances.
Specialist Advice #1
Cigars exist for your enjoyment, and it’s your choice how you savour them. If someone in a cigar lounge criticises your taste, your smoking technique, or how you store your cigars, remember, you don’t have to take it to heart. Cigar smoking is a journey, and it’s about figuring out what exactly works for you.
2. Choose Wisely
For beginners, choosing their first cigar can be a moment filled with excitement, anticipation, and confusion. The pressure to make the “right” choice weighs heavily on their minds.
Will you opt for a mild or full-bodied cigar? Should you go for a Robusto or a Toro? And how should you choose between the wrappers—Connecticut, Maduro, and Habano?
It is common for cigar beginners to have these kinds of questions. Above all, a frequent worry haunts them 24/7—what if I choose the wrong cigar and end up disliking the experience (without even trying)?
First of all, put all these questions aside and trust our crucial cigar tips for beginners to make your cigar-smoking experience successful.
Start With a Mild Blend
Opt for a mild to medium-strength cigar to become acquainted with the flavours and smoking sensation.
Consider the Size
Begin with a smaller cigar, such as a Robusto or a Corona. As a beginner, you may not be accustomed to longer smoking sessions, so smaller cigars with shorter smoking times are ideal.
Choose a Well-Constructed Cigar
“A well-constructed cigar ensures a better smoking experience” – famous saying.
Therefore, look for cigars with a smooth and firm wrapper, free from any cracks or blemishes.
Specialist Advice #2
Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from expert cigar enthusiasts or knowledgeable tobacconists. Make some friends who are skilled in cigar smoking in a cigar lounge. Smoking cigars in a group may help you ideally.
3. Cut with Care
Cutting a cigar accurately is the foundational step towards the top-notch first-time cigar-smoking experience. That’s the reason it is one of the vital cigar tips for beginners. There are three different methods for cutting a cigar.
Guillotine (Straight Cut)
This is the most traditional and, indeed, the most popular way to cut a cigar. When cutting a cigar with a Guillotine, remember not to cut the cigar too deep.
On the head of the premium cigars, there are three lines or caps (collectively known as a triple cap)
You must cut the first cap sharply, with a high-quality cutter. Remember to not cut off more than one cap.
Accidentally, if you make a deep cut on cigar caps, you may face the risk of the wrapper leak starting to open up. Therefore, you’ll end up with a disastrous cigar-smoking experience.
Punch Cut
Next comes another classic method to cut a cigar. Instead of slicing off the cap with a guillotine cutter, the punch cut gently pierces the cap with a circular blade, creating a small hole for the smoke to flow through.
Cutting a cigar through punch cuts requires only a few steps.
Gently place the sharp edge of the punch cutter against the cap of your cigar. With a steady hand & touch of finesse, press the punch cutter into the cap to create a clean incision.
V Cutter (Cat’s Eye Cutter)
Over the last few years, the V Cutters have garnered immense popularity. Typically, V Cutters are a great option if you are required to cut-shaped cigars like Belics or Torpedo. The V Cutters maintain the integrity of the shape of these cigars, which is why this method is perfect for shaped cigars.
Specialist Advice #3
Never put your cigar in your mouth prior to cutting it.
4. Lighting Your Cigar with Precision!
Buy a lighter of your choice. Some aficionados swear by wooden matches, claiming they impart a certain je ne sais quoi to the experience, but a butane torch lighter also works fine.
After this, follow the steps below to lighten up your cigar.
Hold your cigar at a slight angle over the flame, allowing the heart to toast the foot of the cigar gradually. Rotate it gently, ensuring an even burn that respects the integrity of the wrapper.
(The whole circumference of the foot of the cigar should be evenly lit to ensure an even burn)
Now, wait for a few seconds. When the foot of the cigar begins to glow uniformly, it is time to take that first gratifying puff.
5. Puff, Don’t Inhale
Here comes one of the most essential cigar tips for beginners – puffing a cigar correctly. Let us guide you on this.
First, hold the cigar between your fingers with reverence, as if you’re cradling a precious gem. Then, bring it to your lips, but resist the urge to draw the smoke into your lungs. Instead, let it linger in your mouth, allowing the flavours to caress your palate.
Now comes the magic- the puff. As you draw on the cigar, do so gently, almost as if you’re sipping from a fine wine glass.
Specialist Advice #4
Don’t puff too frequently or too deeply. Also, avoid inhaling it and take your time between each puff.
6. Watch Your Ash
Many underestimate this factor when it comes to top cigar tips for beginners. But reality says something else. Ash management holds a special place in enhancing the overall smoking experience. While smoking a cigar, allow the ash to form naturally. Avoid forcefully knocking the ash off, which can damage the cigar. Unlike a cigarette, where people constantly tap into an ashtray, there’s no need to do anything like cigars. The cigar itself will hold the ash, proving a testament to the craftsmanship of the cigar maker.
If the ash seems unstable or is starting to droop, gently tap the cigar over an ashtray to remove excess ash.
Specialist Advice #5
As a beginner, it is essential to light your own cigar. By doing so, you can familiarise yourself with the sensation of cigar smoking. Also, occasionally rotate the cigar while smoking to promote an even burn.
7. Stay Hydrated
As a beginner, smoking a cigar for the very first time may leave you feeling dehydrated. So, stay hydrated while enjoying a cigar to maintain your comfort & maximise your smoking experience. Keep a bottle of water nearby and take regular sips throughout your smoking experience. Moreover, drink water before you start smoking to ensure you’re adequately hydrated from the outset.
Specialist Advice #6
Instead of water, you can also consider herbal teas, particularly those without caffeine. They are ideal soothing & hydrating options while smoking a cigar. Avoid drinking whiskey, wine and even beverages while smoking a cigar.
8. Don’t Rush! Take Your Time
Smoking a cigar is a one-of-a-kind experience. Don’t rush into anything. Stay calm and follow each step patiently.
In the words of Aesop’s Fable,
‘Slow and steady wins the race’.
You also have to like this. This timeless lesson applies not only to the story of the tortoise and the hare but also to the world of cigar smoking. Since many readers might be considering smoking a cigar for the first time, taking your time and being deliberate can lead to a much more satisfying experience.
Think back to the iconic scene in ‘Scarface’. How calmly yet confidently Al Pacino lights up a cigar in it. That should be your blueprint for cigar lighting.
Final Words
“The first experience is the foundation upon which all future memories are built.”
– Oprah Winfrey
Our dear fellow cigar connoisseurs, this is just a starting. Entering the world of cigars will be one of the most adventurous, exciting and chaotic times of your lifetime. Whether you make up your mind to enjoy a cigar alone in quiet contemplation or share the experience with friends, believe us – these moments will never return. So, cherish each moment and safeguard the legacy of cigar smoking. The House of Cigars is proud to share essential cigar tips for beginners, allowing us to elevate the cigar-smoking experience for many individuals. As a beginner, if you’re looking to buy premium cigars, choose The House of Cigars. As one of the leading online cigar stores, we showcase a wide range of varieties. Explore our collection now! And we wish you many more unforgettable cigar-smoking moments ahead!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q-1. How to choose a cigar for a beginner?
Ans: Choose a cigar with a mild to medium blend to make yourself get along with the smoking sensation and flavour profile. Also, consider small-sized cigars such as Robusto.
Q-2. Which are the best cigar tips for beginners?
Ans: Buy a cigar with mild blends & consider it small in size. It would be best if you sought advice or guidance from an expert. Also, never stop experimenting with different origins and embracing the journey of cigar smoking with an open heart.
Q-3. What are the different types of methods to cut cigars?
Ans: Different methods of cutting cigars include the straight cut, V-cut, punch cut, and guillotine cut. Each method creates a different opening in the cigar’s cap, influencing the smoking experience.