How To Puff a Cigar - the Simple Beginner’s Guide

Movies often show mobsters taking dramatic drags of cigars or blowing smoke rings. However, puffing a cigar is an art form that should be taken seriously to get the most out of the experience.

But if you’re new to the whole process, it can be tricky to know where to begin. With conflicting information out there, practicing the perfect puff can be a challenge.

Here, you’ll find a complete beginner's guide on how to puff a cigar.

Step-by-Step Guide on Puffing a Cigar

Step 1: Cut Your Cigar Properly

There are several different ways to cut your cigar. On the big screen, we often see cowboys cutting their cigars with nothing more than the sharp edge of a knife. While this is possible, it’s best to invest in a proper cutting device. This is especially true if you’re serious about your cigar-smoking career.

There are a few different cutters to choose from. These include the Guillotine Cutter, the V-Cutter, and the Punch Cutter. This will teach you how to use a cigar:

• Guillotine Cutter: Position the cigar in the guillotine cutter. Ensure the blades cut just above the cap line, or at the shoulder if no line is visible. Hold the cigar steady and make a smooth, decisive cut.
• V-Cutter: For traditional V-cutters, insert the cigar with the band facing up. Firmly press it into the aperture. Quickly press the blade for a clean cut. For modern sliding V-cutters, use the same method as a guillotine cutter.
• Punch Cutter: Line up the punch cutter’s blade flush against the cigar’s head. Lightly twist to score the leaf, adjusting the cutter. Then, press and twist the cutter into the cigar, removing it when done.

Step 2: Take a Pre-Light Draw

A pre-light or dry draw is a puff taken before lighting the cigar. It allows the smoker to determine the draw and taste the flavors of the cigar. Pre-light draws help you get acquainted to the subtle undertones of a cigar's flavor.

Although pre-light draws aren’t necessary, they are a nice way to get a preview of the cigar’s flavor. Many enthusiasts encourage the practice of pre-lighting. So, if you’re in a social setting, a pre-light draw may be a good way to prove your knowledge.

Step 3: Light Your Cigar Slowly and Evenly

Pick a quality lighter without any scent or aftertaste. Avoid gas or zippo lighters, as they leave a fuel-like aftertaste.

The foot of the cigar is the section you’ll need to light. Hold the flame below the foot, taking care not to touch it directly. Rotate the cigar a few times until the foot is warmed evenly.

Puff gently as you light your cigar, again, without touching the foot directly.

Step 4: Start Puffing – Not Inhaling

Many people ask how to inhale a cigar. However, cigars are not inhaled the same way cigarettes are. Under no circumstances should you inhale a cigar. Puffing a cigar correctly takes a little practice. This is especially true if you’re used to smoking cigarettes. Think of it as similar to sucking on a straw or sipping a drink.

When you first start, concentrate on taking small puffs until you get in the habit of using your mouth. Work on holding the smoke in your mouth for a few seconds so you can enjoy the flavors.

Step 5: Maintain a Slow, Steady Rhythm

As you’re smoking your cigar, try rotating it occasionally as you smoke. This helps to distribute the heat, maintaining a steady draw and ensuring an even burn.

Relax into the cigar and enjoy the flavor. Pairing it with a fine whiskey, cognac, rum, or even craft beer can help bring out the cigar’s full character.

Step 6: Try Retrohaling

Retrohaling involves breathing smoke out through your nose instead of the lungs. The smell receptors in your nose are essential for tasting things fully. So, letting the smoke pass through them can bring out new flavors in the smoke. It takes some practice, as the smoke can still irritate your throat if it’s done incorrectly.

However, retrohaling should only be done with mild and medium-bodied cigars. Strong cigars can irritate the mucous membranes in the nose. If you can't retrohale, pulling and exhaling through your mouth still lets you enjoy the taste.

How Often Should You Puff?

Puffing too fast can overheat your cigar, leading to an undesirable, bitter taste. Puffing too slowly, on the other hand, might cause it to go out. So, it’s important to find the sweet spot, with one puff approximately every 30-60 seconds.

This pacing also allows the flavors to develop. It’s okay to save your cigar for later if you’ve only enjoyed a small portion and you plan on continuing to smoke it soon. Learn more about re-lighting your cigar.

How to Adjust Puffing for Different Cigar Types

Not all cigars are the same. Below, we’ll explore how you can adjust the way you puff for different types of cigar:

Full-Bodied Cigars

Some cigars have much stronger flavors or thicker smoke than others. Full-bodied cigars, like Bolivar and Partagás, can be a lot for novice smokers to handle.

Full-bodied flavors also tend to linger in the nose and mouth much longer than weak ones. Make sure to take gentle, steady puffs to avoid overwhelming your senses. Apply the rule above, taking one puff every 30-60 seconds.

Moderate your draw, gently pulling on the cigar rather than taking a heavy puff. Full-bodied cigars emit a lot of smoke, so it’s important to control the intensity.

If the smoke starts to feel harsh or uncomfortable, you’ll know you’re puffing too quickly. Full-bodied cigars often burn hotter than milder versions. So, you need to prevent them from overheating.

If you’ve been gifted a cigar and are not sure how strong it is, you can’t necessarily rely on the color to know its strength. Maduro cigars, for example, have a slightly sweet flavor despite having a dark wrapper. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to ask about the cigar or simply try it with small puffs at first.

Thick Cigars

Thick cigars above a 52-ring gauge tend to burn cooler, but with more smoke. Don’t draw too hard on a thick cigar, as the thicker filler requires more airflow to burn evenly. Take slow, leisurely puffs, allowing the cigar to rest in between. Try savoring the flavors as they develop over time. Learn more in our guide on how long cigars last.

Thin Cigars

Contrary to their appearance, thin cigars tend to burn much hotter than thick cigars. They require slightly more careful puffing to smoke comfortably. Puffing at a slow, consistent rate prevents the flavors from becoming distorted.

Because of their thinness, these cigars are more prone to uneven burning. So, rotating the cigar during smoking will prevent one side from burning faster.

Troubleshooting Cigars

If your cigar continually goes out it may be defective and should be disposed of immediately. It’s also possible that your storage area is too humid to keep your cigars. If you have problems with cigars going out, consider inspecting your humidor.

If you want to relight your cigar for later, simply let the cigar go out on its own. Then, cut about a half-inch behind the ash line. Place it in a plastic bag and seal it tightly. Make sure to finish the cigar within 24 hours, as waiting longer than 48 hours results in a stale taste.

Etiquette Tips When Puffing a Cigar

• If you are smoking around non-smokers, avoid blowing smoke in their direction. Make sure to respect your surroundings. If you’re in a public place or enclosed space, make sure smoking is permitted.
• Cigars are not meant to be dipped in alcohol or any other liquid while smoking. It’s considered rude and ruins the flavor of the cigar. Many brands now make cigars infused with bourbon or whiskey.
• If you’re enjoying a fine cigar with company, it’s a polite gesture to offer them one.
• For hygiene purposes, when offering a light, don’t pass a lit cigar to someone else. Instead, hand them the lighter, allowing them to do it themselves.
• Blowing smoke rings can be impolite in formal environments. If you’re hosting friends in your own home, it’s fine to blow a few smoke rings for fun. Don’t let it distract from the enjoyment of the cigar itself.
• When you’re done with your cigar, avoid crushing it in the ashtray like a cigarette. Allow it to result until it goes out naturally.

How to Puff the Finest Cuban Cigars

A cigar is more than just a smoke. It’s a moment of relaxation and camaraderie. Now you know how to puff a cigar, it’s time to really master the art. Whether unwinding after work or with friends, Cuban cigars can enhance the experience.

Now you’ve learned how to pre-light, retrohale, and savor the taste of your cigar, you’ll need a Cuban cigar to match.

Discover a wide selection of authentic Cuban cigars at Swiss Cuban Cigars. Choose from premium brands like Partagás and Bolívar. It will ensure your next cigar experience is truly memorable.