10 Surefire Steps To Enjoy A Cigar Like A True Aficionado

Enjoying cigars is all about discovering cigars that suit your palate, finding a relaxing spot to unwind and savouring each draw at your own pace. Experimenting with pairings and sharing the experience with friends can further enhance your cigar journey.

The point is this:

You don’t need to puff on expensive Cuban cigars in exclusive lounges to enjoy cigars.

Here are 10 simple and straightforward steps you can follow to elevate your experience and get the most out of every cigar, beginning with your next smoke.

How To Enjoy A Cigar In 10 Steps

1. Choose The Right Cigar

If you’re new to cigars and want to maximize your enjoyment, I recommend beginning your journey with milder cigars because they provide a gentler introduction to the complex world of flavours without overwhelming your palate.

To help you kickstart your cigar exploration, here are some excellent options for beginners:

• Brickhouse Double Connecticut
• Chateau Fuente Natural
• H Upmann 1844 Classic
• Perdomo Champagne 10th Anniversary
• Acid Blondie

The first cigar I ever had was the Brickhouse Connecticut. It was nutty and creamy and absolutely delicious.

Now, let’s delve into some pro tips on picking cigars:

• Don’t judge by price alone: A higher price doesn’t always guarantee a better experience. Experiment with a variety of cigars across price ranges to discover hidden gems.

• Bigger doesn’t mean stronger: Contrary to popular belief, cigars with a larger ring gauge give you a milder smoking experience, as the increased size allows for a better distribution of flavours and a slower burn.

• Go with premium cigars: Avoid cigars sold at most petrol stations or supermarkets, as they won’t give you the best experience.

• Don’t limit yourself to Cubans: Take a look at New World cigars, as many now surpass Cuban cigars in quality and flavour.

And if you’re looking for more ideas, visit your local cigar shop and speak to the owner. They can guide you towards cigars that best match your experience and preferences.

Now with your chosen cigar in hand, let’s move on to finding the ideal environment to maximise your enjoyment of it.

2. Find The Right Environment

Without a doubt, the atmosphere you smoke your cigar in will directly affect your overall enjoyment of your cigar.

Where I go to enjoy a fine cigar depends on my mood…

Sometimes I find solace in a charming little coffee shop with a scenic view.

There are times when I’m in the mood for a more upscale experience and head to a beautiful cigar lounge.

Other times, I want a casual setting, so I pop down to my local pub to unwind with my go-to stick.

Many fellow aficionados I know like to smoke at home, perhaps on their patio or balcony. However, if you truly want to savour your cigar, I recommend going somewhere special.

The key thing is to find a nice, quiet spot where you can relax and enjoy your cigar in peace.

3. Perfect Your Cutting Technique

There are 3 ways to cut a cigar:

• Straight cut
• Punch cut
• V cut

The straight cut, executed with a straight cutter, involves making a clean, straight incision across the cigar’s cap. This method is straightforward and popular among many cigar lovers for its simplicity.

The punch cut, performed with a punch cutter, removes a small, circular section from the cap. This method is known for concentrating the flavours and offering a controlled draw, appreciated by those who enjoy a more focused taste.

The V cut, achieved with a V cutter, creates a wedge-shaped opening on the cap. Aficionados like this cut because it increases the surface area, allowing for an easier, smoother draw and enhancing the overall cigar-smoking experience.

Choosing the right cutting technique comes down to your own personal preference, so feel free to experiment with each method to discover which one suits your taste and enhances your smoking pleasure.

How you cut your cigar can significantly impact the draw, flavour and overall enjoyment, so take the time to find your preferred style. You could get a decent straight cutter to begin with and invest in other cutters down the line.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of cutting, let’s move on to lighting your cigar with finesse.

4. Master The Art Of Lighting

Properly lighting your cigar will ensure a satisfying smoking experience.

Not properly lighting your cigar can lead to issues that persist throughout the entire smoke, so it’s important we get this part right.

Some of my fancypants friends only use cedar spills or wooden matches to add an extra touch of class to the ritual.

On the other hand, some prefer the simplicity of a normal soft flame lighter.

Personally, I opt for a trusty jet flame lighter because you can use it inside and outside, even when it’s windy. Heck, you could even light a cigar with it going 70mph on a motorbike.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect light:

Toast the foot of the cigar:

Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle and rotate it over the flame without letting the flame touch the foot. This process binds the wrapper and filler together, ensuring an even burn and setting the stage for a smooth draw.

Light the cigar:

Holding the lighter at a 45-degree angle, place the cigar in your mouth and rotate it while gently puffing. Continue until the entire foot is uniformly lit.

Allow the cigar to rest after lighting:

Once the cigar is evenly lit, let it rest for a moment. This brief pause stabilizes the burn and allows the flavours to develop.

5. Take The Time To Taste

You’ve got your chosen stick, you’ve found the perfect spot, you’ve cut and lit your cigar like a pro and now it’s time to actually enjoy your cigar.

Every single second of it.

And what about the tempo? How fast or slow should you puff on your cigar?

One of the reasons I love cigars is they can’t be rushed so you have to pace yourself.

Smoke too fast and the cigar will overheat and start to give you a bitter taste. Smoke too slow and you’ll have to relight.

A good rhythm is to take a puff and then let the cigar rest for a bit, roughly about 45 seconds to a minute between puffs.

Cigars are all about the taste. Take a draw of smoke from the cigar and let it settle in your mouth for a second or 2 before slowly blowing out the smoke like the king that you are.

And a crucial piece of advice – never, ever inhale cigar smoke into your lungs. It’s super harsh. Trust me; do this once, and you won’t do it again.

Now let’s talk about retrohaling; an advanced technique you can use to enjoy your cigars even more.

Retrohaling engages not only the tastebuds in your mouth but also the 5 to 6 million olfactory receptors in your nose to create a truly immersive and unparalleled smoking experience.

Here’s how you do it:

Draw smoke into your mouth as normal, then channel the exhale through your nose by closing your mouth. You might have to force it a bit at the beginning before it becomes second nature.

I find it helps to blow about 50%, of the smoke out through your mouth first, then close it and in almost one motion close your mouth and channel the smoke through the back of your nose and out through the nostrils. 

You don’t need to retrohale to enjoy a cigar, but you’ll be missing out if you don’t. You don’t need to retrohale on every puff either, but try it every 4-5 puffs and come back and you might just come back to thank me later.

6. Experiment With Cigar Pairings

I’m going to show you how to elevate your cigar experience with the right pairings.

You may not have considered it, but what you drink and/or eat while smoking can greatly enhance the flavours of your cigar.

For example, a rich, full-bodied cigar pairs wonderfully with a single malt scotch, whose smoky sweetness complements the depth of the cigar.

If whiskey isn’t your thing, you might enjoy a dark rum for its molasses-like sweetness that can round out the spicy notes in robust cigars.

I find smoking a connecticut cigar with a good cup of espresso or a rich latte brings out the creamy, vanilla flavours of the cigar and adds an extra layer of flavour.

Here are some other great pairing ideas you can experiment with:

• Craft beers: The rich, chocolatey notes of a stout or porter harmonise really well with the sweet undertones of a maduro cigar.

• Smoked meats: Cigars with earthy and bold profiles mix well with the rich, savoury flavours of smoked meats like brisket or smoked sausages.

• Dark or milk chocolate: Cross over to the sweet side with high-quality chocolates and desserts to create a mouthwatering combo.

• Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, from mild to robust, to find the perfect match.

• Fruits: Delight your palate with the natural sweetness of fruits. Go for apple slices, berries or even dried fruits like apricots.

• Nuts & Snacks: Simple yet effective, nuts and snacks like almonds, cashews or pretzels can provide a satisfying crunch to complement a good cigar.

Now, when it comes to cigar pairings, remember this:

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

Try different food and drink combinations and see what you like. Have a sip or take a bite as you puff on your cigar and notice how the flavours play off each other.

And don’t give a crap about the so-called “rules”…

I’ve heard of people biting down on – believe it or not – Oreos during a cigar sesh! Your enjoyment is what matters most.

7. Explore Different Cigars

Variety is the spice of life, so why not mix it up and enjoy a wide range of cigars?

There are 1,000s of different cigars out there from different regions with different brands, different histories, blends and tobacco types.

Cigars can be broadly categorized based on their:

• Strength: Mild, medium or full-bodied
• Wrapper type: Connecticut, Maduro, Habano, etc.
• Size: Robusto, toro, Churchill, etc.
• Country of origin: Cuba, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Costa Rica etc.

The ever-growing popularity of the cigar culture, coupled with the creativity of cigar makers, opens up endless possibilities for exploring different types.

• Explore different wrappers: The wrapper significantly influences a cigar’s flavour. Connecticut wrappers tend to be milder, while Maduro wrappers offer a richer, bolder taste. Find the one that suits your palate.

• Consider different sizes: From robustos to torpedos, each cigar size offers a unique smoking experience. Larger cigars may provide a longer smoke, allowing you to immerse yourself in the flavours.

• Connect with fellow aficionados: Talk to more experienced cigar smokers for recommendations. Engage in discussions at cigar lounges or online cigar forums to discover new and exciting options.

Exploring new and different cigars is the best way to find out what you like. If a cigar intrigues you or aligns with your preferences, don’t hesitate to give it a try.

Ultimately, trust your taste buds and you’ll be well on your way to a more enjoyable and satisfying smoking experience.

8. Keep A Cigar Journal

Call me a geek, but part of the enjoyment of cigars for me is keeping a record of my experiences with a cigar journal.

It’s more than just scribbling notes; it’s a journey through flavours, aromas and memories.

Here’s why you might want to consider cigar journalling:

• Document your preferences: Jotting down your thoughts on different cigars helps you understand your preferences. From the strength and wrapper type to the size and brand, your journal becomes a personalised guide to what best suits your taste buds.

• Track pairings: Note the beverages and foods you pair with each cigar. Discovering the perfect combination can turn a smoke into a symphony of tastes. Your journal will become a treasure trove of pairing ideas for future indulgences.

• Capture moments: A cigar is often more than just smoke; it’s an experience. Use your journal to record the settings – the places, the company, and the atmosphere. It’s a personal chronicle of moments enjoyed over a good cigar.

• Learn and improve: As you develop your palate, your journal becomes a valuable tool for growth. Track how your preferences evolve, and learn from each experience. It’s a dynamic record that reflects your journey as a cigar enthusiast.

So, whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just starting out, embrace your inner geek and start keeping a cigar journal of your very own.

9. Give Your Cigars The 5 Star Treatment

As your cigar collection grows, ensuring they’re taken care of becomes paramount.

Proper storage is not just about preserving cigars; it’s about maintaining their unique flavour profiles and ensuring each smoke is as enjoyable as the last.

Enter the humidor – the perfect home for your prized cigars.

Investing in a quality humidor is an absolute game-changer because it provides a stable climate, with controlled temperature and humidity levels, to give your cigars the ideal conditions to age.

You see, like a fine wine, cigars get better with age. Some say you should age your cigars for 2-3 years before lighting them up, but that might be taking it a bit far…

Though I’d definitely recommend keeping your cigars in a humidor for a month or two after buying them, especially if you’ve had them shipped.

Cigars are delicate creatures and their flavours are sensitive to environmental changes, which is exactly why you don’t want to keep cigars in the fridge.

If cigars get too dry they’ll turn brittle and peel. If they get over-humified you’ll experience an uneven burn and they could even develop mould spots.

Treat yourself and your cigars with the respect they deserve. It’s not just about preservation; it’s a commitment to relishing the finest moments in life, one cigar at a time.

10. Enjoy With Friends

Don’t get me wrong, there are many times when I enjoy a good cigar in solitude, but sometimes cigars are an experience best shared.

At the risk of sounding soppy, there’s just something about the camaraderie that comes from good conversation, laughter and a mutual appreciation for finely crafted cigars that transforms each puff into a cherished memory.

Do a search on Google or Facebook for cigar groups near you and get to their next event.

Whether it’s a casual get-together or a planned cigar event, the shared enjoyment of a premium cigar is an experience that lingers, creating bonds and memories that will last far beyond the final draw.

How To Enjoy Cigars: The Bottom Line

I’ve walked you through everything I can think of to help take your enjoyment of cigars to the next level, from choosing a cigar, finding the right environment, exploring pairing options and taking the time to truly taste the cigar and its complex flavours.

Remember, the world of cigars is as wide as it is deep and your journey is a personal one. It’s not just about following steps; it’s about creating experiences that resonate with you.

So light up, lean back and let the moment become a memory. Always keep learning, tasting, and enjoying the ride.

Until next time, keep those stogies lit and that humidor full! ??