How to Smoke a Cigar: A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide

Smoking a cigar is more than just lighting up and puffing away—it’s an experience, a ritual, and a statement. Whether you’re stepping into a cigar lounge for the first time or hosting an event where cigars are on the menu, knowing how to smoke a cigar properly will set you apart from casual smokers.

At Privada Cigar Club, we take the art of cigar smoking seriously—from aging and storage to the final moment when you light up. This ultimate guide will teach you everything you need to know to smoke a cigar like a boss, covering:

Watch our expert guide to smoking a cigar

Step 1: Choosing the Right Cigar

If you’re new to cigars, walking into a cigar shop or lounge can feel overwhelming. There are countless brands, sizes, and flavors to choose from. Here’s how to navigate the humidor like a pro:

1. Know Your Preference

Mild cigars – Great for beginners. Try a Connecticut-wrapped cigar for a smooth and creamy experience.
Medium-bodied cigars – A balance of flavor and strength. Habano or Sumatra wrappers offer complexity without being overpowering.

Full-bodied cigars – Rich, intense flavors with deep complexity. Great for seasoned smokers who enjoy Maduro or Oscuro wrappers.

2. Check the Wrapper

A well-kept cigar should have a smooth, slightly oily wrapper with no cracks or discoloration.
Avoid cigars with dry, flaky wrappers—they’ve likely been stored incorrectly.

3. Feel the Cigar

Gently squeeze the cigar—it should feel firm with a slight give, but not dry or brittle.
If it feels too hard or too soft, it may be overly dry or overly humidified.

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Step 2: Handling a Cigar the Right Way

Cigar smoking has an etiquette that should be respected, whether you’re in a lounge or enjoying a solo smoke.

Step 3: Cutting a Cigar Like a Pro

Cutting a cigar properly is crucial for a smooth draw. A bad cut can cause uneven burning, unraveling, or tight airflow.

1. Use a Sharp Cutter

There are several cutter types:

Guillotine cutter (straight cut) – Most popular and easy to use.
V-cutter – Creates a deep “V” shape, good for controlling airflow.
Punch cutter – Makes a small hole, preventing tobacco from unraveling.

2. Find the Cap

The cap is the small, rounded piece at the head of the cigar.
You don’t want to cut too much off—just enough to open the draw.

3. Make a Clean Cut

Position the cutter just above the cap line.
Make a swift, precise cut in one motion.

Mistake to Avoid: Don’t shove the entire cigar through the cutter and chop off half the cap—this will unravel the wrapper and ruin your smoke.

Step 4: Lighting a Cigar Properly

Lighting a cigar is different from lighting a cigarette—you need patience and precision.

1. Use the Right Lighter

🔥 Best choice: A butane torch lighter for an even burn.
🔥 Alternative: Wooden matches (use the three-match method).
🚫 Avoid: Gas station lighters—they add unwanted chemical flavors.

2. Toast the Foot

Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle.
Keep the flame near the foot (the open end), but don’t let the flame touch it.
Slowly rotate the cigar to evenly warm the tobacco.

3. Take Slow Puffs

Once the foot is glowing evenly, take slow, smooth puffs.
Don’t inhale—savor the smoke in your mouth.

Pro Tip: If your cigar starts burning unevenly, rotate it slightly while smoking to correct the burn.

Step 5: Smoking a Cigar Like a Boss

Now that your cigar is lit, here’s how to enjoy it properly:

✅ Take slow puffs – Cigars are meant to be savored, not inhaled.
✅ Let the ash build – Don’t flick off the ash too soon; it helps regulate the burn.
✅ Pace yourself – Smoke too fast, and your cigar will overheat and become harsh.

Cigar Lounge Etiquette: Don’t let your cigar burn out for too long before relighting—it changes the flavor.

Common Cigar Smoking Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

🚫 Inhaling the Smoke – Unlike cigarettes, cigars are not meant to be inhaled.
🚫 Overcutting the Cigar – Cut just above the cap, not too deep.
🚫 Smoking Too Fast – This overheats the tobacco, ruining the experience.
🚫 Flicking Off Ash Too Soon – The ash protects the ember and regulates the burn.

Final Thoughts

Smoking a cigar should be a luxurious, enjoyable experience. By mastering the right techniques—from selecting and cutting to lighting and puffing—you’ll elevate your cigar game to boss level.

Want premium cigars delivered to your door? Explore our Cigar of the Month Club for expert-curated selections.

Do you inhale cigar smoke?

No, you should never inhale cigar smoke. Instead, let the smoke linger in your mouth to savor the flavors before exhaling. Inhaling can cause discomfort and dizziness, especially for beginners.

How long does it take to smoke a cigar?

It depends on the size and ring gauge of the cigar:

Small cigars (e.g., Corona, Robusto): 30-45 minutes

Medium cigars (e.g., Toro, Churchill): 45-90 minutes

Large cigars (e.g., Double Corona, Gordo): 90+ minutes

What’s the best way to hold a cigar?

Hold the cigar between your index finger and thumb or gently between your index and middle fingers. Avoid gripping it too tightly.

What’s the best drink to pair with a cigar?

Popular cigar pairings include:

Whiskey/Bourbon – Enhances the cigar’s smoky and caramel notes.

Red Wine/Port – Balances full-bodied cigars with fruity undertones.

Coffee/Espresso – A great pairing for morning or afternoon cigars.

Cuban Coke (Rum & Coke) – A classic pairing with a sweet contrast.

Why do cigars go out sometimes?

Cigars naturally go out if not smoked consistently. To prevent this:

Take a puff every 30-60 seconds to keep it burning.

Avoid over-puffing, as it can cause overheating.