Cigar Smoking Basics: Tips for Enjoying Your First Cigar

Cigar Smoking Basics: Tips for Enjoying Your First Cigar

You never get a second chance at a first impression. Smoking a cigar should be an enjoyable experience, but, unfortunately, too many people don’t like their first forrays into cigar culture. If you’re new to the cigar hobby — or you have a friend who wants to start trying cigars — be sure to read this article ASAP! Here, we’ll share some cigar-smoking basics and pass along a few key tips for enjoying your first cigar and smoking experience.

What to expect when smoking a cigar for the first time?

The short answer is that cigars are different from other forms of tobacco. So expect a lot of flavor from the cigar as well as smooth, silky smoke. It will take a lot of time to smoke a cigar though, and you may also get a nicotine buzz depending on your tolerance and the strength of the cigar. If you’re accustomed to cigarettes, note that smoking a cigar is a different experience entirely.

What are some tips for smoking a cigar for the first time?

Tip #1: Give Yourself Plenty of Time

If you’ve never smoked a cigar before, you may not realize that it can take well over an hour to smoke one. So don’t start smoking a cigar if you’re not willing to sit down and relax for an hour (or longer).

Tip #2: Pick the Right Setting

As much as we hate to admit it, not every occasion calls for a cigar. If it’s too cold outside, or you don’t have time, or you’re with people who generally don’t smoke cigars, our advice is to tuck your cigars away and try again at a later time. In other words, don’t force it!

Tip #3: Select Your Cigar Wisely

Look, we get it. Everyone wants their first cigar to be a big, bold, triumphant masterpiece. However, it’s probably a better idea to start with a smaller, mellower, more budget-friendly cigar when you first start out. You can find some excellent cigar recommendations for beginners here

Tip #4: Cut, Light, & Puff

We’ve covered the basics of cutting and lighting a cigar before, but just as a quick refresher, keep these things in mind.

• Only cut a small amount of the cigar at the head. You only need to make a small hole to allow airflow — you don’t need to chop off a third of your cigar to get it started. (That will likely cause your cigar to fall apart or unravel.)
• Toast the foot for a moment before you light it. And then, when you do light the cigar, turn it as you puff to ensure the foot is lit. An uneven light can lead to an uneven burn and a bad smoking experience.
• Puff on the cigar, but do not inhale. Instead, taste the cigar smoke in your mouth and throat before you exhale.

Tip #5: Take it SLOW

One of the worst things an inexperienced smoker can do is puff too rapidly. Cigars are meant to be savored and enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Smoking like a chimney (puffing every 10 seconds, for instance) can release harsh flavors from the cigar and even make you sick. So take your time between puffs, and don’t be afraid to re-light or touch up your cigar if need be.

Tip #6: Have a Drink

No, we don’t mean an alcoholic beverage in this instance. (Though, you do you, ultimately.) Instead, we recommend having a sugary drink like tea, soda, or even juice when you first start smoking. Having a drink like this on hand can help you deal with the nicotine buzz some cigars generate.

BONUS TIP: Make sure to smoke on a full stomach. There’s a reason why people partake in cigars AFTER dinner and not before it.

Tip: #7: Ash as Needed

If you take one thing from this article, it should be that cigars are not just “big cigarettes,” and you shouldn’t treat them as such. Unlike cigarettes, cigars don’t need to be ashed every couple of drags. Rather, let your ash accumulate bit by bit before lightly ashing into a receptacle. Then, when you’re finished with your cigar, gently set it down and allow it to go out. Stamping on it or crushing it out is bad form and will leave marks while releasing an unpleasant smell.

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