Short answer: cut above the cap, toast the foot before lighting, draw about once a minute, do not inhale, and let the ash fall on its own. Everything else is preference.
1. Choose the right cigar
Mild to medium if you are new, and a size you have time to finish. A robusto is about an hour.
2. Cut it
Straight cut just above the cap line, using a sharp cutter. Take a little at a time — you can always cut more. Full detail in our cutter guide.
3. Toast the foot
Hold a butane flame just below the foot and rotate until the edge glows. Do not touch the flame to the tobacco. Ten to fifteen seconds.
4. Light it
Draw gently while rotating, flame close but not touching. Blow on the foot to check for an even ember.
5. Smoke it
- A draw roughly every minute.
- Do not inhale. Hold the smoke in the mouth, then let it go.
- Let the ash build to about an inch before tapping it.
- If the burn runs uneven, touch up the slow side with the flame.
6. Know when to stop
Most cigars turn hot and harsh in the last inch or two. Put it down when it stops being enjoyable; nobody is scoring you.
If something goes wrong
- Tight draw: roll the cigar gently between your fingers, or cut a fraction more.
- Went out: knock off the ash, re-toast, relight.
- Tastes bitter: you are smoking too fast. Set it down for a minute.
- Feeling queasy: stop, eat something, drink water.
Where to start
See our beginner picks, or call the lounge at 928-276-3500. Every cigar online is sold as a single.
$9.99 flat shipping, free on orders of $125 or more; orders ship within 1–2 business days. You must be 21 or older.
