FOOD & DRINK
How To Smoke A Cigar Like A Pro
The cigar is something that commands respect. It appeals to the senses: the aroma, the palate, the touch, the sight, and, perhaps most importantly, the experience.
Hello, Gentlemen!
I really enjoy those moments when I get to have a cigar and a glass of Vodka Martini after a hectic week. Whether it’s a serene solo night out or a quiet evening with friends, I enjoy indulging occasionally, depending on my mood and social energy.
But you know what I enjoy even more?
The feeling of a cool breeze caressing my bearded cheek while I’m sitting poolside at a nice hangout spot, sipping my favourite Martini. Vodka Martini… shaken, not stirred.
Then comes the cigar.
The aroma as it lights, the first few puffs, and that moment when the smoke rests briefly on the palate before drifting from the lips and slowly disappearing into the evening air.
For me, the attraction has always been as much about the ritual as the cigar itself.
I’m quite sure there are a few MR KOACHMAN readers who enjoy the same ritual every now and then, as well as others who are simply curious about cigars: how to choose one, cut it, light it properly and finally, smoke it.
So, gentlemen, this is a simple reference guide to the basics.
If you’re an adult who already chooses to enjoy cigars, here are seven things worth knowing.
How To Smoke A Cigar: 7 Steps For Beginners
1. Choose The Right Cigar
If you’re completely new to cigars, don’t assume that the biggest cigar must be the strongest or that a smaller cigar will automatically be milder.
Cigar size does not determine cigar strength. Strength and flavour depend much more on the tobacco and the blend itself.
For a beginner, a mild or mild-to-medium cigar is often an easier introduction.
If you’re buying from a proper cigar shop, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Tell the tobacconist you’re relatively new to cigars, what sort of flavours you generally enjoy and roughly how long you’d like the experience to last.
When examining a cigar, look for a wrapper that is intact, without obvious cracks or serious damage. The cigar should feel firm but have a little give when gently pressed.
And remember, expensive doesn’t automatically mean right for you.
The best choice is one that suits your taste and experience level.
2. Cut Your Cigar Properly
Before you light a cigar, you need to open the closed end, known as the head, so that air and smoke can pass through it.
A sharp guillotine cutter is an easy option for beginners. Place the head of the cigar into the cutter and make one clean, confident cut.
The important thing is not to cut too far down.
Look for the cigar’s shoulder, where the rounded head begins to straighten into the body. Remove enough of the cap to create a clean opening while leaving enough intact to prevent the wrapper from unravelling.
And please, gentlemen, resist the temptation to bite the end off.
It may look dramatic on screen. A proper cutter does a much better job.
3. Toast The Foot Of Your Cigar
The opposite end of the cigar, the open end that you light, is called the foot.
Before fully lighting it, gently toast the foot.
Hold the flame close enough for the heat to reach the tobacco without burying the cigar directly in the flame. Slowly rotate the cigar so the heat is distributed around the entire foot.
The goal isn’t to set it ablaze. You’re gradually warming the tobacco so it can ignite more evenly.
A clean-burning butane lighter works well. Long wooden matches are another traditional option.
Take your time.
4. Light The Cigar Evenly
Once the foot has been toasted, bring the cigar to your mouth.
Hold the flame just beneath the foot and take a few gentle draws while slowly rotating the cigar. Avoid holding the tobacco directly inside the flame.
Afterward, check the foot. Ideally, you should see an even glow across the tobacco.
If one small section hasn’t caught properly, carefully touch up that area rather than repeatedly scorching the whole cigar.
A properly lit cigar gives you a much better chance of maintaining an even burn.
5. Smoke It Slowly And Don’t Inhale
Smoking a cigar is not the same as smoking a cigarette.
Do not deliberately inhale cigar smoke into your lungs.
Take a slow draw into your mouth, allow the smoke to rest briefly on your palate so you can experience the flavour, then let it out.
Think of it more like sipping than gulping.
And don’t rush.
Puffing too frequently can make the cigar burn too hot, which may make the smoke harsher and affect the flavour.
Depending on the cigar and your pace, the experience may last anywhere from around half an hour to well over an hour.
If the cigar goes out while you’re talking, drinking or simply enjoying the evening, that’s fine. It can usually be carefully relit.
If one side begins burning faster than the other, a gentle rotation or small touch-up with the lighter can help correct the burn.
One important note: Not inhaling is part of cigar-smoking technique, but it does not make cigar smoking risk-free.
6. Pair Your Cigar With The Right Drink
A good drink can complement a cigar, but there is no rule saying it has to contain alcohol.
Popular pairings include Cognac, Bourbon, Scotch whisky, red wine, Martini, espresso and coffee. Even sparkling water can work well if you prefer something neutral between draws.
Personally, you already know where I stand.
Give me a good cigar, a properly made Vodka Martini and a quiet evening, and I’m quite content.
The key is balance. You don’t want the drink completely overpowering the cigar, or vice versa.
Experiment and discover what works for your palate.
If you enjoy the ritual around classic drinks as much as the cigar itself, you may also enjoy our guide to the gentleman’s staple drinks, from cocktails to whisky and wine.
7. Know When You’re Finished
As you smoke, ash will naturally build at the end of the cigar.
There is no need to constantly flick it into the ashtray as you might with a cigarette. Allow some ash to form and, when it looks ready to fall, gently tap or roll it against the edge of the ashtray.
When you’re finished, don’t crush the cigar into the ashtray.
Simply place it down and allow it to go out naturally.
There’s also no rule saying you must smoke every cigar to the very end.
When the flavour becomes unpleasant, the cigar becomes too hot, or you’ve simply had enough, you’re done.
Put it down.
The cigar won’t be offended. 🙂
Cigar Etiquette Every Gentleman Should Know
Knowing how to cut and light a cigar is one thing. Knowing when, where and how to smoke one around other people is arguably more important.
A gentleman should always be conscious of the people around him.
Never assume that everyone enjoys cigar smoke simply because you do. If you’re in someone else’s home, terrace or private gathering, ask before lighting up.
Respect the smoking rules of the venue you’re in and, even where smoking is permitted, avoid blowing smoke toward other people.
Don’t pressure someone else to smoke.
Don’t turn cigar knowledge into a competition.
And don’t smoke simply because you think holding a cigar makes you look sophisticated.
It doesn’t.
There is nothing inherently classy about smoking. The class is in how you conduct yourself.
If you’re an adult who chooses to enjoy a cigar occasionally, understand the ritual, respect the people around you and enjoy it because you enjoy it, not because you’re trying to create an impression.
That same principle applies far beyond cigars. As we’ve discussed before in our guide to the qualities that make a classy gentleman, true class is ultimately reflected in conduct.
6 Common Cigar Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
Before we wrap up, here are six easy mistakes that can spoil the experience:
- Inhaling the smoke: Cigar smoke is tasted in the mouth and released, not deliberately inhaled into the lungs.
- Cutting too much from the cap: Cutting below the shoulder can cause the wrapper to unravel.
- Scorching the foot: Toast and light the cigar gradually rather than burying it in the flame.
- Puffing too frequently: Smoking too quickly can overheat the cigar and make it harsher.
- Choosing purely by size or price: Neither one tells you whether you’ll actually enjoy the blend.
- Forcing yourself to finish: If you’re no longer enjoying it, put it down.
That’s it.
Final Thoughts
There is an undeniable ritual to enjoying a cigar properly.
From selecting one that suits your palate, to making the cut, lighting it carefully, and simply slowing down long enough to enjoy the moment, that’s really what this guide has always been about.
But perhaps the most important rule is the simplest:
Don’t smoke a cigar to impress anybody.
If cigars aren’t your thing, there is absolutely nothing you’re missing that prevents you from being a stylish or sophisticated gentleman.
And if you do choose to enjoy one occasionally, understand what you’re doing and be considerate of those around you.
Now I’m curious, gentlemen.
What was your first cigar experience like?
Did you light the wrong end? Did you inhale your first puff and immediately regret it? 😄
And for the seasoned cigar smokers among you, what cigar and drink pairing do you keep coming back to?
Let me know in the comments.
A Note On Cigar Smoking And Health
Cigar smoking carries health risks even when the smoke is not deliberately inhaled. Cigar smoke contains nicotine and cancer-causing chemicals, and secondhand smoke can also expose others. Adults who do not currently use tobacco should not start.
Till you hear from me again… Continue to Do Well, Live Well and Dress Very Well.
Be Classy!
Yours in Style,
Kobi O. Mbagwu (Mr. Kobi)
Founder, MrKoachman.com
Connect with me:
Instagram | X | Linkedin | Pinterest
Latest posts by Mr. Kobi (see all)
- 10 Ways to Become a Better Man: A Modern Gentleman’s Guide - August 17, 2026
- AI in Fashion: How Technology Is Shaping the Future of Style - September 20, 2025
- The Best Cologne for Men to Wear This Year - July 2, 2025
0 comments