How to Prepare Your Cigar for Smoking

Everyone needs to start somewhere. Even the most seasoned of cigar smokers were once beginners who needed to learn the ropes for storing, cutting and even lighting a cigar (Yes, there is a wrong way to do this).

While the process of lighting a cigar isn’t overly complicated, it’s often what puts beginners off from making cigar smoking a habit. Here, we’re going to go over the basics of how to prepare your cigar for smoking so you can get the best experience possible.

If you are completely new to cigar smoking, why not check out our ultimate guide to cigar smoking available for free on our blog?

Do Cigars Need Preparing?

In short, no matter what cigars you choose to smoke, they will require a little preparation before you start. Enjoying a cigar is all about the experience of tasting and revelling in the aromas. If you rush the preparation, then you may find yourself unsatisfied by the whole experience.

When is a Cigar Ready to be Smoked?

There are a couple of ways for you to test whether a cigar is ready to be smoked. A good cigar, like those you’ll find in cigar stores, such as with us at Havana House, will feel firm between the fingers on a gentle roll with no lumps or soft spots. If your first cigar doesn’t feel like this, best opt for another one.

If you find that all the cigars on offer share this not-right feel, then chances are they haven’t been stored properly. Cigars should typically be stored in a humidor where they can be kept at the correct relative humidity level of 65 to 72% RH. If you’re a complete cigar novice, chances are you won’t have a humidor to store your cigars in just yet, so until then, why not check out your other options for properly storing cigars?

How to Cut a Cigar

Unlike with cigarettes, most cigars will need to have their ends clipped before you can begin smoking. You may also want to remove the cigar’s label, however this can be left on for the entirety of the smoke if you prefer. Most cigar smokers tend to keep the label on until the heat of the smoke has loosened the adhesive so removing the label won’t damage the cigars wrapper. 

Why You Should Cut Your Cigars 

Removing the end of your cigar will allow for a smooth opening for the smoke without ruining the structure of the cigar. It’s recommended that you cut the cigar about one-sixteenth of an inch (2mm) from the end. This is usually where the curved end of the cigar meets the straight edge. 

Alternatively, you can opt for making a V-shaped wedge cut that will expose more surface area and allow it for easy draw of smoke through the cigar. However, this can sometimes result in the cigar smoking too hot which can make it burn faster.

Cigar Cutting Method

The best and more recommended way to cut your cigar is by using a cigar cutter. These handy tools are available at more cigar stores and make cutting your cigar far easier! 

The most popular (and cheapest) option is the guillotine which uses one or two blades to easily snip the end off your cigar. Try and make your snip as quick as possible to avoid any tearing and ultimate create a smoother, more pleasant smoke. 

While we recognise Wolverine is incredibly cool, it’s recommended that you don’t bite the end off of your cigar. Not only is it an unpleasant option, it’s also not beneficial to your cigar. 

Best Cigar Cutters 

When selecting a cutter, a double-bladed cigar cutter is the best option for those new to cigar smoking like the Colibri Quasar Cigar Cutter. Using a double-bladed cutter will ensure that there is a cut from both sides simultaneously, with less chance of the wrapper being torn. However, if you’d rather use a single bladed cutter, then the Xikar X875 Cigar Cutter will also do the trick! 

To cut, rest the cigar on the blade before pushing the cutter shut in one smooth and quick process.

How to Light a Cigar

Another part of the preparation that goes seriously under-explained is how you light a cigar. Unlike cigarettes, there is a method for how you properly light a cigar. The most recommended way is to use a torch lighter like the Colibri Apex Single-Jet Flame Lighter. You can even buy cigar lighter and cutter combos if you’d like a matching set!

How NOT to Light a Cigar

When it comes to lighting cigars, it’s much easier for us to lay out what you shouldn’t do first.

Firstly, we’d recommend that beginners stay away from wooden matches. While they will technically work, they can be difficult to keep burning for the long period it takes to actually light the cigar.

You should also avoid using ordinary cigarette lighters as the lighter fluid used to keep the flame going can affect the flavour of the tobacco.

Cigar Lighting Method

Once you’ve got your lighter, it’s time to get lighting!

Hold the cigar in your hands and place the tip just above the flame. If you stick the cigar directly into the flame, it can dramatically affect the flavour. Allow the cigar to burn slightly to prime the tobacco before taking your first puffs.

We would recommend twirling the cigar in the light to make sure the cigar achieves an even burn. The end of the cigar will have a light orange glow from the embers; this is when you will know that the cigar is ready to smoke.

Now there’s nothing left to do but sit back, relax and enjoy the smoky aromas of your chosen cigar. Preparation is everything when it comes to smoking cigars, but once you’ve got that nailed, you can begin to truly experience the wonders and variety of everything cigars have to offer.

If you’re looking to build up your cigar collection, why not browse our range of authentic Cuban cigars available now from our store?