To truly enjoy the rich experience of a cigar, it's crucial to understand what actions to avoid. Improper techniques can ruin the flavor, burn, and overall enjoyment.
Here's a breakdown of common mistakes to steer clear of:
1. Improper Cutting Techniques
One of the first steps in smoking a cigar is cutting the cap. Doing this incorrectly can lead to the cigar unraveling.
- Don't cut off too much cigar: The cap of a cigar contains a vegetable-based adhesive that holds the wrapper tobacco in place. Cutting too deeply beyond the cap will cause the wrapper to unravel, making the cigar impossible to smoke properly. Aim to remove just enough of the cap to create an adequate draw, typically just above the shoulder of the cigar.
2. Using the Wrong Lighting Tools
The source of your flame significantly impacts the cigar's initial taste.
- Don't light with dirty fuel: Avoid lighters that use fuels that can impart unwanted chemical flavors to your cigar, such as Zippo lighters with petroleum-based fluid or sulfur matches. These can taint the delicate tobacco flavors.
- Don't use candles or stoves: While convenient, these sources can transfer soot, wax, or other undesirable odors and flavors to your cigar. Always opt for butane torches, cedar spills, or wooden matches (after letting the sulfur burn off).
3. Mishandling the Cigar While Smoking
How you puff, ash, and extinguish your cigar matters.
- Don't inhale: Unlike cigarettes, cigar smoke is meant to be savored in the mouth and then exhaled. Inhaling cigar smoke into your lungs is not only unnecessary for enjoyment but can be harsh and irritating.
- Don't puff too frequently: Over-puffing can cause the cigar to burn too hot, leading to a bitter taste and a harsh experience. Take slow, deliberate puffs, allowing about 30-60 seconds between each draw to maintain an even burn and cool temperature.
- Don't tap or flick the ash aggressively: A long ash can indicate a well-constructed cigar and a good burn. Rather than constantly tapping or flicking, let the ash build up naturally until it's about an inch or so long, then gently roll it off into an ashtray. Aggressive tapping can damage the cherry or wrapper.
- Don't stub out your cigar: When you're finished, simply place the cigar in an ashtray and allow it to extinguish naturally. Stubbing it out like a cigarette can create an unpleasant, lingering odor and is considered poor cigar etiquette.
4. Neglecting Proper Storage
A cigar's condition before lighting greatly affects the smoking experience.
- Don't store cigars improperly: Cigars need to be stored in a controlled environment, typically in a humidor, to maintain their ideal humidity levels. Storing them in dry conditions will cause them to dry out, burn hot, and taste harsh. Conversely, overly humid conditions can lead to mold or an uneven burn.
5. Other Common Mistakes to Avoid
Beyond the essentials, several other habits can detract from your cigar enjoyment.
- Don't rush the experience: A cigar is meant to be a leisurely activity. Don't try to smoke it quickly. Allocate ample time to relax and appreciate the flavors and aromas.
- Don't constantly relight your cigar: While relighting is sometimes necessary, excessive relighting can lead to a bitter taste. Try to maintain a consistent burn. If you must relight, purge the cigar first by gently blowing through it to clear out stale smoke.
- Don't re-cut a lit cigar: Attempting to recut a lit cigar can cause the wrapper to unravel or the cherry to break apart, ruining the cigar.
- Don't share a cut cigar: For hygiene reasons, it's best to enjoy your own cigar. If someone wants to try, offer them a fresh one.
Summary of What Not to Do
| Category | What Not to Do |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Cut off too much of the cigar's cap |
| Use dirty or improper fuel for lighting | |
| Smoking Process | Inhale cigar smoke into your lungs |
| Puff too frequently or aggressively | |
| Tap or flick the ash excessively | |
| Stub out the cigar like a cigarette | |
| Maintenance | Store cigars improperly (too dry or too humid) |
| Constantly relight the cigar without purging | |
| Re-cut a lit cigar | |
| Etiquette/Pace | Rush the smoking experience |
| Share a cut cigar with others |
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you'll ensure a more enjoyable, flavorful, and respectful cigar smoking experience.
