What’s the best way to cut a cigar?
Using a proper
cigar cutter is key—choose a guillotine, punch, or V-cutter depending on your preference. Make a clean cut just above the cap line to avoid fraying the wrapper or damaging the
cigar. Don’t use your teeth unless you’re in an old western film.
How do I light a cigar properly?
Use a butane
lighter or wooden match to avoid tainting the flavour. Toast the foot of the cigar by holding the flame near it and rotating the cigar for an even burn. Once it’s glowing evenly, take a few gentle puffs to get it going.
What’s the difference between handmade and machine-made cigars?
Hand rolled cigars are crafted using long filler tobacco and offer superior construction, flavour, and burn quality.
Machine rolled cigars often use chopped filler and are more affordable but lack the complexity of handmade options.
How should I store my cigars?
Cigars should be stored in a
humidor at 65-72% humidity and around 18-21°C to maintain their freshness and flavour. If you don’t have a
humidor, a sealed container with a
humidification pack can work as a temporary solution.
What’s the ideal way to smoke a cigar?
Take slow, gentle puffs every 30-60 seconds to savour the flavour without overheating the cigar. Avoid inhaling—cigars are meant to be enjoyed for their taste and aroma, not for a quick nicotine hit.
How do I choose the right cigar for me?
Beginners may prefer milder cigars made with
Connecticut wrappers, while seasoned smokers might enjoy fuller-bodied options with
Maduro or
Corojo wrappers. Experiment with different sizes and blends to find your preference.
What’s the difference between cigar sizes and shapes?
Cigar size (length and ring gauge) and shape (
Corona,
Toro,
Robusto etc) affect the smoking experience. Larger ring gauges provide a cooler, slower burn, while smaller ones offer more concentrated flavours. Shapes like
Torpedo’s or
perfecto’s often deliver unique flavour profiles.
How can I tell if a cigar is good quality?
A high-quality cigar has a smooth, consistent wrapper with no tears or veins. It should feel firm with no soft spots, and the aroma should be rich and inviting. Avoid cigars that are brittle, dry, or overly spongy.
What’s the proper etiquette for smoking cigars?
Avoid lighting someone else’s cigar without asking, puff gently to avoid creating excessive smoke, and don’t stub out a cigar—it’s better to let it extinguish naturally. Also, no one likes a cigar show-off, so enjoy your smoke without making it a performance.
Why do cigars have bands?
Cigar bands were originally used to protect fingers from staining and to identify the brand. Today, they also add to the cigar’s presentation and branding. Some smokers keep the band on while smoking, while others remove it, it all comes down to personal preference.