Once their cigar collection grows large enough, every cigar aficionado has to ask the question, “how should I be storing my cigars?” The sheer number of storage options might feel overwhelming. There are cigar boxes, coolers, and, of course, humidors, which are often thought of as end-all of cigar storage devices. 

While there is no question a humidor is your most fail safe cigar storage option—they are easy to maintain and contain higher quality technology and hardware—a coolerador can present an intriguing option, especially if you are constrained by budget. That said, when you are weighing your costs against and the overall value of your cigar collection, you might look to information on how cooleradors actually work to decide if it is appropriate to meet your needs. Read on below to find out more information on the benefits of both the humidor and coolerador, and learn more about components of each that could help in your decision making. 

Cigar Storage 101

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Maybe you’re wondering why cigars need proper storing in the first place? Cigars are artfully rolled with two key ingredients of a cigar are tobacco leaves and water. There is a necessary balance of moisture required for a cigar to ignite and smoke to perfection, so maintaining the right level of humidity is key for maintaining peak freshness. 

If a cigar loses its moisture, it will dry out, which can damage its quality, taste, consistency, and even construction. On the other hand, when exposed to too much moisture, a cigar will taste soggy, burn out quickly, or have a plugged draw. Overly humid cigars can even develop mold, which is a cigar smoker’s worst enemy. Simply put, proper storage is the difference maker in whether a cigar lasts indefinitely or dries out and becomes unsmokable. 

The ideal storage container should monitor temperature and humidity. Whatever the temperature and humidity level you choose, those settings should be kept constant because fluctuations in heat or humidity can cause cigars to crack or split. The goal is to keep your cigars at the same temperature and humidity as the shop from which they were purchased.

So, with the groundwork laid, let’s look at your options: 

A Coolerador

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As the name suggests, a coolerador is really just a food or beer color that has been retrofitted to store cigars. Coolers are typically well-insulated, assuming you opt for one with a good seal, and are large enough to contain hundreds of cigars, whether loose or boxed. Most importantly, a coolerador often costs much less than a humidor.

Like most DIY options, a coolerador has its downsides. For starters, you will need to purchase additional equipment to maintain and monitor the container’s internal humidity and temperature, like a crystal-based humidifier and a digital hygrometer. While these items add on to your storage costs, your total bill could likely be less than other built-out storage options.

The risk with cooleradors comes with controlling temperatures, which can fluctuate more than they would in a humidor. Overexposure to moisture is the death of a cigar collection. If you choose the coolerador route, you may want to purchase cigars that are already wrapped in cellophane since the more separated your individual cigars are within the coolerador the better.

If your collection is not big enough to store in a coolerador, there is the smaller-sized “tupperador” option. Cigar storage in a plastic bin necessitates essentially the same process and equipment as coolerador, in a small volume plastic storage container. If you go this route, you should invest in some humidity pouches to outfit your tupperador and ensure your cigars are properly humidified. 

Option 2: Humidor 

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The first cigar humidor was invented by an Irish furniture maker named Terrance Manning in 1887, and it has been a must-have for every cigar collector ever since. Humidors act as humidifiers to keep cigars fresh. They vary in style, and are designed in sizes ranging from a convenient tissue-box size to large-scale, temperature controlled rooms. True aficionados tend to have multiple humidor options both for the ease of traveling, and to separate brands and keep flavors from intermingling.

Since both the technology and the hardware on a humidor tend to be superior to DIY options, humidors are often a more expensive storage option than coolerador. Unlike the coolerador, however, whose components will periodically need replacing, the humidor is generally an all-in-one, long lasting cigar storage solution. Most come equipped with a moisture-controlled cooling system, so all you’ll need is a power source to maintain its operation. 

The three notable components of any humidor are (1) the thermostat, (2) the humidifier, and (3) the hygrometer. 

1. Thermostat

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The thermostat will tell you what temperature it is inside of your humidor. If you want your cigars to maintain top conditions, they should be left at a temperature between 68-73°F. If your humidor doesn’t have a thermostat built-in, a simple thermometer can still provide invaluable insight on the conditions inside. As a reminder, always keep temperatures steady.

2. Humidifier

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This is the most important element in a humidor, bar none. Depending on the size of 

your humidor, the humidifier can vary in size and complexity. Its purpose is to maintain moisture so that cigars will stay plump, maintain peak freshness, and burn slowly. The humidity level should stay at around 65-72%. But in order for any of this to happen, a humidor needs a source of water. Some users prefer a simple humidor sponge, while others opt for moisture sources like floral foam, which works best with propylene glycol instead of water because it automatically maintains 70% humidity. That said, many humidors come equipped with electric humidifiers, so you won’t have to worry about replacing humidity sources.

3. Hygrometer

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The last crucial component of your humidor is the hygrometer. It 

measures humidity levels inside the box to help to track moisture. Hygrometers come in both digital and analog models, and can be added on to a humidifier or built into one. It is important to check your hygrometer once every few weeks to ensure your humidor is running optimally.

Final Thoughts

If you are serious about cigars, there’s no two ways about it: a humidor is the way to go. Though costs can be higher up front, humidors give you the comfort of easy moisture and temperature control, without a lot of monitoring, follow-up, and fuss. 

Once you’ve gotten your hands on a high-quality humidor, you should consider another essential for any cigar lover: a Stage V Cigar holder. A simple, versatile solution for cigar lovers looking to rest their cigar or avoid dirtying it up on an unhygienic surface, Stage V holders are crafted with industrial-strength neodymium magnets that attach easily to golf carts, boats, or cars. With a Stage V, you can rest easy knowing your surfaces will stay as smooth, clean, and elegant as the cigars you smoke.

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If you are adventuring into the great wide world of cigars and looking to light up your first Cuban, you probably have a few questions. Of course, when you are new to cigar smoking, you might not yet have a network of fellow collectors that can answer your questions. Maybe you are even hesitant to talk shop with your local cigar merchant.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite 21 Cuban cigars for beginners. Read on, then light up.

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2

This may just be the best beginner cigar out there. A well-balanced, light bodied stick filled to the brim with elegant notes of cocoa, cinnamon, and vanilla, it’s without a doubt one of the more succulent selections on our list.

Romeo y Julieta Mille Fleurs Cigar

This was among Winston Churchill’s favorite brands, so you can anticipate a top-shelf cigar. More affordable than some of the other names in their catalogue, the Mille Fleurs brings you all the typical flavors Romeo y Julieta fans have come to know and love, including cedar and floral notes. 

Cohiba Siglo I Cigar

Smoking your first Cohiba is a right of passage for every cigar smoker. The most famous and successful Cuban cigar makers, Cohiba rarely miss with their endlessly impressive array of smokes. For a novice smoker, we recommend a slightly milder Cohiba like the Siglo I. 
 

Le Flor de Cano Petit Corona

Perhaps the perfect starter cigar, this is a small corona with an excellent draw. With a mild flavor and aroma, this Havana House exclusive is also competitively priced. This is a perfectly solid, unfussy cigar.
 

Paragas Petit Corona Especiales Cigar

One of the punchier cigars to have made our list, we recommend the Paragas Petit Corona Especiales for when you’ve conquered a few of the previously mentioned milder Cubans and are looking for something bolder. Both well-blended and complex, it should ideally be smoked in the early evening with a delicious cup of coffee.

Ramon Allones Superiores LCDH

Though lesser known than some of the heavier hitters on this list, Ramon Allones crafts a heck of a smoke. We recommend the Superiores LCDH, which is beautifully crafted, medium-bodied, and gives you a basic survey course, so to speak, on what to expect from a Cuban.

Por Larranaga Panetelas

A shorter filler cigar with a stout body and earthy taste, this may seem like a surprising choice. But the only thing that’s surprising about this cigar is how delicious and affordable it is. It offers notes of cedar, salted caramel, and topsoil, to name a few of the treats packed into this small-but-mighty-wonder. 
 
Fonseca No. 1

An often overlooked brand, Fonseca’s Fonseca No. 1 will quickly climb the ranks on your list of favorite cigars. Milder than most of its counterparts, it’s a great Cuban cigar for beginners, and comes in a beautifully creamy brown wrapper. Its dominant flavor is coffee but it finishes with delightfully floral undertones—truly a hidden gem.

Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real

The second Romeo y Julieta to make our list, this Cuban-legacy cigar (brands that originated in Cuba but are now manufactured elsewhere) offers a collection of distinctively toasty and nutty flavors. The secret to this smoke is its Connecticut wrapper varietal––it’s oily, sweet, and unforgettable. 
 

Quai d’Orsay No. 54

Created in the 70’s for an exclusively French market, this mild to medium-bodied cigar was relaunched in 2017 to critical acclaim. Both savory and sweet, the Quai d’Orsay No. 54 offers subtlety, refinement, and hints of salted caramel.

Guantanamera Cristales - 1’s

This is a nice, mild Cuban that offers notes of citrus fruit and a minty, menthol-like middle. Maybe this cigar won’t win many prizes with the aficionados, but it’s dependable and enjoyable nevertheless—an underrated, smooth smoke. 
Rafael Gonzalez Perlas With its dark Maduro wrapper, this Cuban offers good value for a solid smoking experience, and should not be overlooked. Its hints of dark chocolate and roasted nuts bring a much welcome sweetness to a rather earthy cigar.

H. Upmann Magnum 50

Extremely popular ever since its release in 2008, the Magnum 50 gives a great introduction to the world of H. Upmann. Equal parts grassy and nutty flavors commingle for a truly one of a kind taste.

Saint Luis Rey Regios

Subtle flavors of coffee, chocolate, and dark honey are perfectly balanced in this deceptively elegant cigar. An affordable Habano, it’s extremely smokeable—even when young.

Ramon Allones Club Allones Edicion 2015

With its dark, oily, and beautiful wrapper, you know right when you pick up the Club Allones that it’s going to be one hell of a cigar. As a medium to full-bodied smoke, it’s not for the faint of heart, and is probably one to try after you’ve dabbled in a few of the previously mentioned, more easy to approach smokes. Still, once you’ve dipped your toes into the Cuban pool, be sure to check out the Club Allones Edicion 2015.

Punch 48 LCDH & Habanos Specialist

Though a young, recently produced cigar, this smoke has a taste, subtleness, and complexity well beyond its years. This medium-bodied cigar is exquisitely designed, and even better, won’t break the bank.

Bolivar Royal Coronas

With both peppery spice and more soothing herbal notes, the Bolivar Royal Corona strikes an exciting balancing act of seemingly contradictory flavors.

A hefty Robusto with a 50 ring gauge, you’ll taste nutmeg, chocolate, coffee, and leather.

Montecristo No. 2

With its iconic torpedo shape, the Montecristo No. 2 is a larger sized, super bold cigar. Notes of spice and pepper dance alongside almonds and cedar for a truly unmistakable taste. First introduced in 1935, the recipe was so solid that Montecristo hasn’t tampered with it at all. A wise decision, we think. 

Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 2 SLB

Mild to full-bodied with a slightly grassy taste, here’s a cigar that has become very popular of late. Flavors of cedar and cocoa bean swirl smoothly, and, thanks to its superb construction, it’s an affordable cigar that also ages incredibly well.

Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme

The lightest Cuban Robusto on the market, this is a cigar for both novices and 

seasoned smokers alike. With flavors ranging from honey, flowers, fruit tang, to even beans, there’s something in here for everyone. Paired with an afternoon cocktail or some snacks enjoyed al fresco, it’s simply divine.

Cuaba Tradicionales

A fruity start, followed by a moist finish, this medium sized Double Figurado burns rapidly and excellently. Thin in diameter, the overwhelming flavors are earth and dark chocolate. But what is perhaps most memorable about the cigar is the powerful finish that will linger on the palate long after ashing.

BONUS ‘CUBANESQUE’ CIGARS

La Aroma de Cuba

Though technically made in Nicaragua, and thus not a Cuban puro, this ‘Cubanesque’ cigar is simply too good to keep off our list. Crafted by legendary cigar-maker Jose ‘Pepin’ Garcia, the La Aroma de Cuba was judged the ‘#1 Cigar Industry Best Buy in the World’ by Cigar Aficionado. Medium-bodied with flavors of brown sugar, cedar, nuts, and wrapped in a chocolate-tinged Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, it’s truly an exquisite cigar. Even better, it’s affordable.

Montecristo No. 3

Though it tastes like a Cuban, this cigar is actually produced in the Dominican Republic. With a medium to full-flavored profile, this corona cigar is 142 mm and rolled under the supervision of a master cigar maker. An excellent choice if you’d like to become familiar with one of the cigar world’s top brands, and ease into the enjoyment of more intense cigars.

San Cristobal Quintessence

Medium to full-bodied with tasting notes of coffee bean, molasses, leather, and black pepper, this Cubanesque cigar is another of Pepin Garcia’s masterworks. With a Cigar Aficionado rating of 92, this is one mighty stick.

There you have it: our list of 21 Cuban cigars for beginners. With such a diverse range of Cubans, you’re bound to find your perfect gateway into the world of cigar smoking. Try them all, and tell us what you think!

True aficionados search far and wide for the rarest, and best, cigars. Some collectors crawl the globe, frequent estate sales, and visit auction houses in the U.S. and abroad to find treasured and fabled cigars released years ago in limited edition batches.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the rarest cigars we’ve discovered. Thanks to the magic of the internet, you just might be able to find some of these remarkable cigars and even have them mailed to your door....assuming you have the budget and the requisite connections and luck to help you find these elusive trophy smokes in the first place.

Read on and get intel on some of the hardest-to-find cigars on the market, and learn more about why they are so highly coveted in the first place. 

King of Denmark

While technically not the rarest cigar around, the whopping $4,500 per unit price tag makes the King of Denmark so exclusive. Manufactured by the Royal Danish Cigar Co. and made especially to order, only around 30 cigars are produced per day, each wrapped in gold foil and emblazoned with the name of the client ordering it. With a recipe dating from the 19th century, this cigar has quite the history––and an unforgettable taste. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can splurge on a Royal Danish specialty $8,500 humidor that comes with a crown of sterling silver and plated in 24-karat gold.

Cohiba Behike

One of the most famous brands in the world also has a line of exceptionally elite cigars: the Behike. Priced at $450 per cigar, this 2006 limited edition release celebrates Cohiba’s 40th anniversary. At that time, the company only produced 100 boxes, each containing only 40 cigars. Grown, blended, and hand-crafted at their El Laguito Cohiba factory, these choice cigars are sized at an elegant 7.5 inches and are a very rare find, indeed.

Arturo Fuente ‘Fuente Opus X’ 

The cigar blend that changed everything for the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic was widely considered unsuitable for growing premium tobacco leaf––that is, until Carlito Fuente Jr. had the inspired idea to plant 37 acres of Cuban seeds there, forever altering that perception. With a leathery taste that marries with a hint of red pepper, this positively delicious Dominican puro is one of the highest rated cigars in the world. And, as you might assume, they’re extremely difficult to find. That said, once in a blue moon, Fuente releases a new batch of this most beloved cigar, so keep your eyes peeled.

Davidoff 80 Aniversario

In 1986, one of the most widely respected cigar makers made one of the most sought after cigars. The 80 Aniversario was created in honor of the eponymous founder Zeno Davidoff’s 80th birthday. However, it’s not just its great taste that has cigar enthusiasts searching far and wide for this collectors item; the 80 Aniversario is also a piece of cigar history. It was one of the last cigars Davidoff manufactured at the famous El Laguito factory in Havana, marking the end of a thirty year relationship between the Swiss cigar makers and the Cuban government. This delicious, historical near 9-inch Cuban received a perfect score in Cigar Aficionado.

Trinidad 50 Aniversario

A famously mystery-shrouded cigar, Trinidads have a curious history. Legend has it that they weren’t originally manufactured for general consumption, but instead were intended to be diplomatic gifts for Fidel Castro’s use. Thankfully, the line entered commercial production in the late 90s, and you can now buy its less enigmatic offspring fairly easily. However, if you want the closest thing to the original diplomatic cigars, you’re going to need quite a bit of disposable income; in 2019, a humidor containing 50 of Trinidad’s 50 Aniversario cigars went at auction for an astounding $340,000. There are only 99 more of these humidors in existence, so you better start saving up now. 

“21 Club” Cigars

Here’s a bit of New York City legend: there was once a storied club and restaurant in midtown Manhattan with its own stock of private-label Cubans called the “21”. A favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, and Humphrey Bogart, among many other megastars of the mid-twentieth century, the “21” brought in nearly a million cigars just before the Cuban embargo was enacted. While its famed supply of private label smokes have dwindled to near nonexistence, some of the club’s legendary cigars still live on in the humidors of elite aficionados. 

Fuente Don Carlos Box-Pressed Belicosos

This is a true collector’s item. The late Carlos Fuente Sr. would make a box-pressed belicoso for himself, and though he would occasionally give some away, this was about as private of a brand as was ever manufactured. Never released commercially, it’s rumored that the Box-Pressed Belicosos are of extraordinary quality and that the cigar’s ash stays intact well beyond the three quarter smoked mark. This cigar was hard to find when Fuente was still alive, but now it’s nearly impossible.

Dunhill Flor Del Punto

Few names carry greater weight in the world of Cuban cigars than Dunhill. The 

London retailer produced many an elite cigar, perhaps none more so than the Flor Del Punto. With its standard “white rose” band, it was one of the finest cigar retailer’s finest cigars. But good luck finding one––the brand was discontinued in 1982. 

Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Millennium

Released in 2000, the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Millennium was produced in batches of 1,000 boxes, each containing 100 cigars. This coveted cigar scored a whopping 98 points in Cigar Aficionado, which may account for why so few of the 100,000 smokes remain for sale. There’s still the occasional box circulating, but they tend to come with a massive price tag.

Cohiba Piramides “A.”: AKADinner of the Century Cohibas

In 1995, Marvin R. Shanken, the legendary publisher of Cigar Aficionado, held a dinner in Paris dubbed “The Dinner of the Century.” A special black-tie fundraiser for the magazine, plenty of event-exclusive cigars were smoked that night, but none was more exclusive than the enormous Cohiba Piramides “A.” At over 9 inches long, these were a special one-off cigar made for this once-in-a-lifetime event. Six boxes were auctioned off that evening, but it’s possible that a few more of these magical cigars are still out there somewhere.

If you’re ever lucky enough to find one of these ten incredibly rare cigars, you better have all the necessary cigar smoking accoutrements at the ready. On your list should be a cigar holder, like Stage V. Crafted with industrial-strength neodymium magnets, Stage V Cigar holders easily attach to golf carts, boats, or cars. You’ll never again mark up a wood surface or glass table. Put simply, Stage V makes a well-designed holder that keeps your hard-to-find cigar, and smoking surroundings of choice, protected and safe. 

Looking for a gift that will knock the socks off the cigar aficionado in your life? Look to our handy list of eight of the top rated full-bodied cigars. Amateur hour is over—these smokes aren’t for the faint of heart.

Full-bodied cigars are heavy, thick, and expertly-crafted, offering the rich and deeply nuanced flavor profiles. These aren’t bargain bin picks, but some of the finest handcrafted cigars on the market. Here are our top recommendations for best full-bodied cigars. 

1. Camacho Triple Maduro Robusto
2. Cohiba Esplendido
3. El Rey Del Mundo Flor De Llaneza Maduro (Pyramid)
4. Arturo Fuente OPUS X Perfecxion No. 2
5. Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 1
6. Joya De Nicaragua Antano Gran Perfecto
7. La Gloria Cubana Serie R No. 4 Maduro
8. Liga Privada No. 9 Toro

#1: Camacho Triple Maduro Robusto

Made by renowned cigar maker Christian Eiroa, this is one punch-packing smoke. Light it up and the first thing you’ll notice is the explosion of peppery notes. But don’t let that first puff intimidate you; this cigar is a gift that keeps on giving.

Flavors slowly mellow and you’ll be greeted with a tantalizing mixture of sweetness and spice. About halfway through, notes of chocolate, raisins, dark-roast coffee, and licorice come to the front––and here, that blast of pure flavor, is why the Triple Maduro Robusto made our list. 

#2: Cohiba Esplendido

No surprise: the best known and most sought after Cuban cigar manufacturers made our list. Hey, it may not be the most original pick, but it is a coveted smoke for very good reason.

A beyond elegant and aromatic cigar, the Esplendido offers up strong notes of Spanish cedar and leather, and its flavor profile is dominated by cocoa and cracked pepper. It’s one of the more complex cigars around and definitely not a choice for the casual smoker.

This is a pick perfect for celebration—a more appropriate choice for a wedding than a weekly poker game. It’s the kind of smoke that’ll make a great night even more memorable. 

#3: El Rey Del Mundo Flor De Llaneza Maduro (Pyramid)

While it’s name may be long, the experience of smoking one of these beauties is agonizingly short. Wrapped in a smooth, oily Connecticut broadleaf wrapper, you’ll savor every last puff of this buttery smoke.

With notes of leather, coffee, sweet spice, and chocolate, there’s something in here for everyone, and it’s finished off with a surprising burst of creamy delight––the dessert portion, if you will. That long name translates to “the King of the World,” and that’s only fitting; you may find yourself bowing down to this regal smoke the second it’s out.

#4: Arturo Fuente OPUS X Perfecxion No. 2

With its 100% Dominican tobacco, cured in rum barrels for a year prior to shipping, the OPUS X Perfecxion No. 2 is one of the legendary cigarmaker’s most aromatic selections.

The smoking experience starts off rather mellow, but unexpectedly, you’re blasted with notes of cocoa, leather, caramel, cedar, raisins, nuts, and pepper. Frankly the smoking experience of this cigar defies description. Needless to say, trying is believing.

#5: Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 1

Put simply, this is one pretty cigar. A Nicaraguan puro held snugly in a reddish-brown wrapper, this cigar looks almost as good as it smokes. Light her up and find yourself greeted by strong black pepper and spice, followed by delightful notes of nuttiness.

Keep smoking, and you’ll notice cocoa, coffee, cedar, and sweet spice, to name just a few of the stops on this cigar’s incredible flavor journey. It’s the kind of well-balanced cigar that burns slowly and evenly down to the nub, and it’d be enough to just look at it...if it didn’t taste so darn good.

#6: Joya De Nicaragua Antano Gran Perfecto

Dressed in an exquisite rosado colored Nicaraguan Habano Criollo wrapper, this is the kind of smoke you’ll be bragging to your buddies about for years to come. The initial puffs are robust yet sweet, a unique marriage of raisin and exotic spice.

But its full power isn’t revealed until about a quarter of the way through, when you’re suddenly stunned by an incredible flavor burst of coffee, cedar, cream, and cocoa. It finishes with just a pinch of spice, the perfect finale to what will be one of the great smokes of your life.

#7: La Gloria Cubana Serie R No. 4 Maduro

A rather squatty roll, don’t let this choice’s ordinary look fool you. This cigar is one of the finest achievements in cigar legend Ernesto Carillo’s catalogue. With a licorice black wrapper that’s oily to the touch, you’ll be enveloped by a rich aroma of dark earth tobacco the second you lift it from the box.

It draws well, produces huge plumes of savory smoke, and tastes most notably of raisins, leather, and espresso. As La Gloria comes to a close, things get sweeter and a bit milder, with licorice, cocoa, and caramel coming to the forefront. All we can say is, “You did it again, Ernesto.”

#8: Liga Privada No. 9 Toro

Raise a glass and a smoke to another home run from Drew Estate. Rolled in a gorgeous dark chocolate Connecticut broadleaf wrapper, this smooth rests comfortable between your fingers, as if it was always meant to be there.

But what’s underneath the delicious wrapper is even better: a thick and spicy Brazilian Mata Fina binder covering up choice Honduran and Nicaraguan filler. Light it and bask in the glorious notes of pepper, leather, coffee bean, roasted nuts, and sweet spice.

There’s a reason why the Liga Privada is one of the best-selling full bodies out there––put simply, it’s a remarkable smoke.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of 8 of the top rated full-bodied cigars on the market. Whichever cigar you choose, make sure you’ve got all the necessary tools to enjoy it to the max.

One of the most necessary tools for enjoying a high-end smoke is the Stage V Cigar holder. A simple, versatile solution for cigar lovers looking to rest their cigar or avoid dirtying it up on an unhygienic surface, Stage V holders are crafted with industrial-strength neodymium magnets that attach easily to golf carts, boats, or cars.

After all, if you’re going to go big with a full-bodied cigar, why not treat it with the respect it deserves? Enjoy!

New to the cigar-smoking game? It is probably no surprise that before you can light your cigar, you have to cut it. Cutting a cigar for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience.

A poor cut can lead to a diminished smoking experience or a wrapper that unravels entirely.  Of course, you don’t want to ruin the cigar before you’ve even gotten a chance to smoke it.

Fear not! Mastery of cigar cutting just takes a little know how and a bit of practice. Below you’ll find a handy list on how to cut a cigar like a pro.

Choose the Right Cutter

The first step is perhaps the most crucial: picking the right cigar-cutting tool. This can be a bit hard for the novice since there are a lot of options, so let’s break a few down.

Straight cutter

These bad boys are probably the most popular cutters on the market. Also known as a guillotine cutter, these basic cutters work by slotting your cigar through a hole and squeeze-cutting the cap cleanly. Straight cutters also come in a dual or double-blade variety, which ensures a cleaner, more precise cut.

Punch cutter

A punch cutter adds a hole in the end of the cigar—called, no surprise, a punch. This kind of cut helps reduce loose tobacco and filler that can otherwise fall into your mouth while smoking. Punches are not deep or full cuts, which give cigar wrappers a stay power, making it harder for them to unravel. There is a drawback, however: some cigars are simply too thin for a punch cutter to work effectively.

V-cutters

Like a punch cutter, a V-cutter doesn’t remove the entire end of a cigar. It instead creates a small “V”-shaped slice in the tip that is even smaller, more focused than a typical punch.

The V-cutter provides many of the same benefits as a punch, but it limits a smoker’s ability to draw on the cigar. It’s quite a technical cut and can be difficult to get just right.

There are a few other options like cigar scissors, or even something more DIY like your thumbnail or even your teeth. But you don’t live in a Clint Eastwood Western, so why bite off your cigar like you do?

If you’re just starting out, we recommend a double-bladed straight cutter; they’re the simplest to operate, are designed to make a cut across both sides of the cigar simultaneously, and can be used on just about any cigar under the sun. Some of the other cutters out there can be a bit tricky to operate, so start simple, elegant, and easy. 

Locate the Cap

The cap is the end piece of the cigar, and it’s typically lightly glued on to 

hold the wrapper together while the cigar is in storage. Often visible as a slightly rounded section of leaf, the cap is the ONLY part of the cigar that you want to cut off; cutting too far past the cap will cut into the wrapper, potentially leading to the cigar tearing or unraveling.

It’s always best to be a bit cautious with your cuts, so aim a bit shallow. After all, you can always cut down more of the cigar, but you can never add more back on. And leaving a bit of the cap on can help avoid that much-annoying unraveling.

Moisten the Cigar Head

Here’s a bit of cigar-aficionado knowledge: gently moisten the cap in your mouth 

before cutting. While it’s not the most crucial step in your cigar-smoking journey, it can help ensure that your cut goes smoothly. If the leaf is too dry, it can sometimes crack during the cutting process––moistening the cap up a bit can help prevent that. And it’s especially helpful for cheaper cigars that may not have a well-placed cap.

Cut the Cigar

Here it is, the moment you’ve been waiting for: making the cut. For an end result that seems pretty straightforward, there’s actually quite a bit of skill involved in cutting a cigar just right. Obviously your finesse develops with practice, but those first few cuts can be a bit anxiety-inducing. That’s where a straight cutter comes in—it leaves the least room for error. 

Place the head of the cigar inside the opening of the cutter, and then slightly close the blades so that they’re just touching the cigar. This will keep the cigar properly positioned prior to the cut. Once the cigar is in position, cut confidently, applying swift and even pressure. And voila! Your cigar is ready to smoke!

A Final Suggestion

Whatever cigar cutter you choose, make sure you’ve got all the necessary accoutrement to make your experience that much more pleasurable. One of the most necessary tools is a cigar holder, and you can’t do better than a Stage V Cigar holder.

It’s a simple, versatile solution for cigar lovers looking to keep better track of a cigar or avoid dirtying it up on an unhygienic surface. Crafted with industrial-strength neodymium magnets, Stage V Cigar holders easily attach to golf carts, boats, or cars.

You’ll never again mark up a wood surface or glass table. Put simply, Stage V Cigar is a  well designed holder that keeps your cigar, and smoking surroundings of choice, protected and safe.

As true cigar aficionados tend to use different cutters for different cigars, you may not find a one-size-fits-all solution to your cigar cutting needs. Remember: cigar smoking is a journey, and there are bound to be hiccups along the way. Practice makes perfect. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a tasty cigar with the best of ‘em.