Not everyone knows how to smoke a cigar and, unless you’ve had a bit of practice and know what you’re doing, smoking one can be daunting. At first it can seem like a pretty straightforward task and it is easy to assume that it’s simply a case of lighting one end and using the other end to inhale – but, that isn’t necessarily true.
There are a few things that a lot of cigar smokers do when they smoke and though they aren’t necessarily must-do things, they’ll help you to fit in amongst the seasoned pros! Smoking a cigar can be daunting but following this simple list of steps can help you fit in with the seasoned pros. Read the rest of our guide where we go into more detail for each step
How to cut and prepare your cigar with a punch cutter
The first thing to consider when finding out how to smoke a cigar is to know how to cut a cigar. A punch cutter, or a bullet cutter as it is often referred to, is ideal for anyone who is new to smoking and for those that need a practical and accessible cigar cutter. Punch cutters can be attached to a key ring and work well to punch a hole in the cigar, rather than slicing the end off.
Begin by removing the end of the punch cutter; this can be done by exposing the blade by twisting the main body of the cutter or by using the plunger. This will depend on the type of cigar punch cutter you have, but both methods lead to the same result. Next, hold the cigar and punch cutter in two separate hands, and insert the sharp blade of the cigar punch into the cigar; it is best to aim for the centre. Slowly twist the cigar in a rotating motion as the punch cutter is inserted. The goal is to take around 1.5 millimetres off the end of the cigar.
Remember, the end of the cigar that you have removed will stay in the cigar punch cutter unless you remove it. To remove, take off the cap by twisting the main part of the cutter or by returning the plunger. The end of the cigar can be thrown away. Again, the method will depend on the type of cigar punch cutter you are using. Some cigar punch cutters have a specific eject feature to remove the end of the cigar, but not all.
How to light and smoke a cigar
There are different tools that can be used to light a cigar such as a wooden match, a cedar spill or a butane lighter; whichever tool you choose the process is the same. It’s recommended to steer clear of lighters that use lighter fluid as they can affect the taste of the tobacco.
Start off by holding the cigar at a 45-degree angle and directing the end of the flame directly underneath the foot end of the cigar without touching the tobacco or burning the wrapper. This is done to dry out the end of the filler leaves as they will have been humidified before being packaged. This process helps the tobacco to burn when you eventually decide to light the cigar.
1. Preparing the Foot
Before you light up, it’s important to prepare the foot of the cigar. This step helps ensure an even burn from the start. Hold your lighter to the foot and rotate the cigar slowly. As you do this, the heat will toast the edges, creating a nice, even surface for lighting. This toasting also helps to get rid of any harsh flavours, setting you up for a smoother experience right from the first puff.
2. Toasting the Foot Evenly
After toasting, keep an eye on the wrapper. You’ll notice it turning white and developing an ashy look, which means you’re on the right track. This indicates that the foot is properly toasted, which is key for preventing any uneven burning later on. A well-prepared foot allows for a balanced draw and lets you enjoy the full spectrum of flavours in your cigar from the very beginning.
3. Lighting the Cigar
When it’s time to light your cigar, make sure you do it evenly. Bring the cigar to your mouth and hold it gently between your lips. Keep your lighter about half an inch from the end, allowing the flame to warm the foot without directly burning it. Thanks to your earlier preparation, the flame should draw toward the cigar as you take a gentle puff. Rotate the cigar while drawing in air to light it up evenly, which will give you a nice, smooth start.
4. Releasing the Draw
As you take that first draw, you should see the flame travel from the foot of the cigar, creating a lovely puff of smoke. Now your cigar is lit and ready to go. Unlike cigarettes, cigars are designed to burn well on their own, so you don’t need to puff constantly to keep them lit. Just a draw or two every minute is usually enough. This relaxed pace allows you to fully enjoy the flavours and aromas, making your smoking experience truly enjoyable.
