Cigar 101

The art of the cigar

From the first snip to the last puff: how to enjoy a cigar, and how to look like you've done it all your life.

Step by step

Seven steps to a perfect smoke

Choose
Start mild if you're new: a lighter wrapper and a medium size. Gently squeeze the cigar: it should feel firm but not rock hard, with no soft spots or cracks.
Cut
Cut the cap, not the cigar. Take off just a few millimetres, about where the cap meets the wrapper, in one quick, clean snip. Too deep and the wrapper can unravel.
Toast
Hold the foot just above the flame, without touching it, and turn the cigar slowly until the end glows evenly. Butane lighters and cedar matches are best; they don't add flavour.
Light
Put the cigar in your mouth and draw gently while you keep rotating it near the flame, until the whole foot is burning evenly.
Savour
Take a slow puff about once a minute. Don't inhale: cigar smoke is for tasting in the mouth. Try letting a little out through your nose to catch more aroma.
Let it ash
A well-made cigar holds a long ash. Let it fall on its own or tap it off gently. No need to flick it constantly.
Finish gracefully
When it gets too warm or bitter, simply set it in the ashtray and let it go out on its own. Never stub a cigar out like a cigarette.

Manners

Always ask before lighting up around others, even outdoors, and respect the place's rules.

Leave the band on until the cigar warms up and the glue loosens, or you may tear the wrapper.

Offering a cigar to a friend is a classic gesture. Accepting one with thanks is too.

A cigar is meant to be slow. Set aside 45 minutes to two hours for a good one.

Store cigars in a humidor, or at least a sealed container with a humidity pack, so they don't dry out.

Don't borrow a lighter without asking, keep your ash in the tray, and trade recommendations freely: that's half the fun.

Start with a Cigar of the Year, or see who makes your favourite.

For adults of legal smoking age. Cigar smoke isn't meant to be inhaled, and smoking carries health risks.