Cigar culture has many unique, often unspoken, rules that can seem a bit perplexing to newcomers. One distinctive norm is around the etiquette for lighting a cigar. For something that seems so simple, the process is surprisingly nuanced. Read on to learn more about the formalities and tradition that surround lighting a cigar.

The Difference Between Lighting Cigars and Cigarettes

The avid cigar smoker’s biggest pet peeved is getting lumped together with cigarette smokers. The first thing to know about lighting a cigar is that you don’t light it like a cigarette. The practical and structural differences between cigarettes and cigars call for different lighting approaches. 

Cigars, of course, are larger than cigarettes, and have much more ignitable surface area. Cigars are also made of a less flammable material than cigarettes, which are composed primarily of shredded tobacco and paper. A cigar is actually made up of three components, the wrapper, or the leaf the tobacco is wrapped around; the binder, the inner leaf that holds the filler tobacco together; and the filler, the richly flavored tobacco, one of the components that makes each cigar type unique. All three elements need to be evenly lit so that all of their flavors meld together and are experienced in union. 

The Pre-lighting Process

Before you light a cigar, you have to cut it. The cut can make or break a cigar’s smokeability, but luckily, the cutting technique is not too difficult to master. All you need is a solid cigar cutter. The most common cigar cutter is a guillotine-style straight cutter, which provides more airflow and an easy draw. You should cut just above the shoulder of the cigar where the head begins to taper. You don’t want to cut too deep as you risk getting loose tobacco in your mouth, or the wrapper leaf may unravel while you’re smoking. 

The other crucial step to take prior to lighting up is selecting a proper heat source. It is best to avoid igniting your cigar with a heat source that will intermix unwanted smells and flavors to your cigar. Avoid oil-fueled lighters which could change your cigar’s smell to that of gasoline, wax candles that can disrupt the cigar’s burn, or standard matches which can add the unwanted smell of sulphur to your smoking experience. Instead, try using a lighter designed specifically for cigars. One that burns butane fuel and has a flame wide enough to cover the entire surface of the cigar’s foot is ideal. If available, the best option of all is to light your cigar using a strip of cedar wood, often called a spill, because of its neutral flavor profile. 

With those tips in mind, here’s our step-by-step breakdown of how to properly light a cigar.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Bring the cigar near the flame––hovering about an inch or two above is fine. It’s best not to let the end of the cigar touch the flame directly. If you burn a cigar directly, it becomes too hot and makes some areas burn more quickly and unevenly than others. Melding the cigars flavors as a whole is key. If you do end up touching the cigar directly to the flame, it’s not like it’s the end of the world; just calmly and quickly move your cigar back out of the flame. Essentially, you want to light your cigar like it’s a marshmallow toasting over a campfire, keeping it just outside the flame and spinning it regularly with your fingers so that the heat is equally distributed. You should keep rotating until there’s a glowing ring around the entirety of the tip of the cigar. Patience is the name of the game.
   
   
2. To see whether your cigar has been lit properly, you can turn it around and gently blow on the heated foot. If there are black spots amidst the otherwise glowing red, the heat has not yet been evenly distributed. A properly lit cigar will have a firm, even ash that should stay intact for a few inches. 
   
   
3. Once your cigar is burning evenly, you can bring it to your mouth and take the first puff. The ember should burn evenly while you're drawing. If it does not, relight it with your lighter, match, or spill again. 
   
   
4. Once your cigar is properly lit, there’s one final step: enjoy. Take pleasure in a slow, relaxing smoking experience and be sure to savor every incredible draw.

If you’re new to cigar smoking, or are smoking with friends for the first time, you might experience a bit of performance anxiety at first—you don’t want to ruin what can sometimes be a pretty significant monetary investment, after all. Worry not, learning to light your cigar the right way is a part of the cigar smoking experience. Lighting your cigar properly is sure to become a pleasurable part of this relaxing hobby over time.

Are you interested in engaging in the long-standing, globally adored hobby of cigar collecting, and curious about where to start? Everyone, from the friends you make at your local cigar bar to your well versed tobacconist, would recommend one essential piece of equipment as you are getting started: a humidor. 

But, if you have already started amassing a cigar collection, but have not yet invested in a humidor, all is not lost. Read on for information that will help you understand why the purchase of a humidor could protect your collection in the long-run. Then, learn more about a few handy stop-gap solutions that could ensure your burgeoning cigar collection is well protected in the short-term, even without a humidor on hand.

First Things First: What is a Humidor?

The two basic ingredients of a cigar are tobacco leaves and water, and while this may seem like a banal point it’s actually crucial information when learning about proper cigar storage. Because tobacco leaves are humidified, cigars need to be kept in optimal conditions if they are to maintain peak freshness. In other words, moisture must be maintained up until the moment you light up. The two most common reasons for a cigar losing its optimum flavor are a lack of moisture or too much moisture. Enter: the balance you achieve when storing your cigars in a humidor.

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. Mold on one cigar can spread to the rest of your supply, and before you know it you’ll be out on a whole lot of money and even more pleasure. Not to be mistaken for “plume”—white crystals that form on properly humidified cigars and which can easily be brushed off, mold is bluish or green in color, has a musty smell, and cannot be wiped away. If you notice signs of mold, toss away the cigar in question ASAP. 

Storage in a humidor is the difference maker in whether a cigar lasts indefinitely or dries out and becomes unsmokable. It is basically a storage container that monitors temperature and humidity, both of which are essential to keeping cigars fresh. Humidors should be kept at a temperature between about 68-73°F, with a corresponding humidity level of about 65-72%. Whatever the temperature or 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.

Alternatives to a Humidor for Cigar Storage 

If you already have a few cigars to your name but no humidor, things can get a bit trickier. Most cigar makers maintain cigars only stay at their peak freshness for three days once removed from their humidified store or factory setting. But rest assured, there are a few solutions for storing cigars without a humidor. 

Alternative 1: A Humidity Pouch

Perhaps the simplest way to store cigars without a humidor is through the use of a convenient tool called a humidity pouch. These pouches easily fit into a Ziploc bag alongside your cigars, and can be purchased from most tobacconists. The pouches are designed to release moisture through a porous skin at a predetermined temperature. Because the pouches self-regulate and require no maintenance, you can leave your cigars in their care with minimal anxiety, so long as you tightly seal the exterior Ziploc bag. It’s recommended that you leave your Ziploc bag at room temperature, as nothing is worse for a cigar than its being stored conditions that are too hot or cold.

Alternative 2: The Tupperware & Sponge Method

Another, more DIY option is the Tupperware & Sponge Method, which functions exactly how it sounds. All you need to do is wet an unused kitchen sponge (even a chunk or half will do) with distilled water and place it in a sealed Tupperware alongside your cigars. Though not an exact science, the method is a decent option if you don't have access to a tobacconist or online humidity pouch retailer. Of course, it's important to both avoid touching the wet or damp sponge to the cigars themselves, and to avoid any water drain-off reaching the cigars. Damp cigars do not smoke well.

Alternative 3: The Cooledor

If you have a cigar supply that won’t fit into a tupperware, you could try storing your growing collection in a food cooler—a makeshift storage option colloquially referred to as cooledor. Do know that if you are going the cooledor route, you’ll need more humidity than a single sponge can provide, so it is best to invest in some humidity pouches to outfit your cooler and ensure your cigars are properly humidified.

Alternative 4: Stick to Dry Cured Cigars

Though it might be a classy look, a cigar box is not a good alternative to a humidor, as most don’t come with any kind of moisture regulation system. With that said, there are some cigars specifically designed for great smokeability, without requiring preservation in a humidor. Enter: dry-cured cigars. Subjected to a baking process during manufacturing, these cigars require only 12-15% humidity to stay fresh. This means you can store them at room temperature and experience no problems. Dry cured cigars are typically rolled with Indonesian, Sumatran, or Brazilian tobaccos, and are smaller in size than your typical humidity-rich cigar. 

Storing and preserving your cigars without a humidor is not ideal, but alternative solutions are available! If you’re an occasional smoker, or are in the process of identifying a humidor that is right for your needs and growing cigar collection, definitely take advantage of the DIY humidifying options available to you. Though there is no picture perfect substitute for a humidor, striking the right, consistent balance in temperature and humidity is the most important element in caring for your cigars in the long run. 

New to cigar smoking? While a fun and relaxing hobby, novice smokers may experience some barriers to entry when trying to immerse themselves in cigar culture. One of these barriers is knowing how long cigars last before they become stale or even rotten and unsmokable. 

The crucial variable is whether or not you have a humidor, which is a kind of storage container that monitors and strikes the right balance between temperature and humidity, which are both essential to keeping cigars fresh. 

If a cigar loses its moisture, it will dry out, resulting in unpleasant changes to its taste, consistency, and even its construction. Humidors address that problem by maintaining a temperature between about 68-73°F, with a corresponding humidity level of about 65-72%. Without a humidor, cigars typically only maintain peak freshness for three days! 

So, this begs the question, what if you don’t have a humidor? Well, we have some recommendations. Below you’ll find a convenient breakdown of five excellent cigars that don’t require a humidor, along with five excellent cigars that do. 

5 Cigars That Don’t Require a Humidor

The type of cigars that don’t require a humidor are known as dry-cured cigars. Subjected to a baking process during manufacturing, these cigars are typically of European origin, and require only 12-15% humidity to stay fresh. This means they can be stored at room temperature without a problem. Typically containing Indonesian, Sumatran, or Brazilian tobaccos, which gives them an unforgettably spicy flavor, dry-cured cigars are smaller in size than your typical cigar. Here are five of our favorites: 

• Villiger Cigars

Established in 1888 in the town of Pfeffikon, Switzerland, Villiger offers some of 

the most popular dry-cured cigars on the market. Made with the finest Cuban-seed tobacco and machine-made in Switzerland, you can’t go wrong with any of the half-dozen products Villiger has to offer. We particularly recommend the Villiger Export Maduro, which features warm and nutty flavors with subtle hints of spice. It also comes housed in a bold and spicy Brazillian wrapper, and is truly one of the top dry-cured cigars around

• Avanti Cigars

A family-owned business that makes its popular cigars with 100% natural hand-picked Kentucky dark fired tobacco, Avanti offers five varieties of European-style dry-cured stogie: Anisette, Cafe Mocha, Bourbon, Vanilla, and the Continental. For our money, we say go with the Anisette––it’s classic, inspired, and titillates the senses. Infused with a liqueur flavored with anise seed, these sweet little cigars come with an unforgettable kick of spice. And best of all, they’re incredibly affordable.

• Panter Cigars

The Netherlands produce an excellent dry aged cigar! Released by Agio, one of the most famous dry-cured cigar companies around, these flavorful cigarillos offer the best of the classic European cigar tradition. With its Ecuadorian wrapper and premium Dominicano tobacco, we recommend the Panter Cigarillo Blue. A mellow, rich, and toasty smoke, these slender 3x21 cigars are the perfect companion to a cup of coffee or post-dinner dessert. 

• Danemann Cigars

Danemann has been making its famous German cigarillos since 1873, and with 

tradition comes perfection. We particularly enjoy Danemann’s Speciale Sumatra, which offers notes of earthy spices and wood. Wrapped in its titular Sumatran wrapper, it’s an affordable, memorable, and punchy little cigarillo.

• De Nobili Cigars

Our final dry-cured recommendation is another American delicacy, De Nobili. Expertly crafted in its signature rustic style in Scranton, Pennsylvania since 1896, these flavorful stogies feature a blend of Kentucky and Tennessee tobaccos. De Nobili also offers a fabulous selection of distinct medium-to-full-bodied blends, but we prefer their Toscani brand, which is their take on the Italian cigar tradition. Overall, it’s a bold and budget-savvy smoking experience.  

5 Cigars That Do Require a Humidor

While there are some good choices if you’re looking for a cigar that doesn’t require a humidor, most, in fact, do—especially the longer, thicker, and more expensive varieties. 

Humidors can range in size and style. On one end of the spectrum you’ll find convenient small shoe box-sized travel humidors, and on the other, large temperature controlled rooms serving as humidors. True aficionados tend to have multiple humidors to separate brands and keep flavors from intermingling with one another.

Cigars kept in a humidor can age similarly to wine, becoming more complex and rich with the years. If they’re stored correctly, flavor notes can improve, peak, mellow, or dissipate. With that said, here are five classic cigars that you should either smoke within three days of purchase, or store in a humidor.

• Oliva Connecticut Reserve

To start, here’s an excellent cigar from an award-winning brand. Mild to medium in strength, with premium Nicaraguan tobacco and an Ecuador Connecticut wrapper, this smooth cigar won’t disappoint. It has notes of coffee beans, cedar, and leather, and it’s topped off with a silky, almost buttery finish.

• San Crisotbal Elegancia

This is a variation on the same core components highlighted above, but it’s less 

intense than the Oliva. With tasting notes of cashew, leather, white pepper, and smoke almonds, it’s the perfect cigar for the occasional smoker.

• La Aroma de Cuba

A top-selling Cuban-legacy brand, La Aroma de Cuba is blended by 

award-winning cigar-maker Jose ‘Pepin’ Garcia of Esteli, Nicaragua. It has a medium strength, and it’s made of premium Nicaraguan long-fillers and an oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. With a profile of cocoa, cedar, black pepper, spices, and a sweet finish, you really can’t do much better than this epic cigar. What’s more, it took home Cigar Aficionado’s prestigious ‘#1 Cigar Industry Best Buy’ award.

• Arturo Fuente Chateau Fuente

A classic blend of creamy Dominican binder and filler tobaccos, this is just one of the heavy hitters in Arturo Fuente’s catalogue. It’s mellow, nutty, and wrapped in Connecticut Shade, though that Shade is also offered in three different types: Natural, Maduro, and Sun Grown. Our recommendation? The Natural. With notes of nougat, spices, and cedar, it’s a beyond satisfying smoke.

• Ashton Classic

Best for last? We think so. With its creamy notes of cashew, almond, cedar, and 

coffee beans, the Ashton Classic is quite possibly the pinnacle of mild Dominican taste. It’s sweet around the edges, wrapped in a golden-blond Connecticut Shade wrapper, and contains a well-aged mix of Dominican binder and filler tobacco. Suffice it to say, Ashton hit it out of the park with this one. 

Looking to enjoy a cigar, without adding a humidor to the mix? Consider dry-cured cigars that don’t require a humidor. But if it’s a refined smoke you seek we really can’t recommend investing in a humidor highly enough. As premium cigars are constructed by master artisans and tend to be significant investments, a humidor is the best way to store your beloved cigars and ensure you are best preserving your collection for future smoking pleasure.

Looking to get into cigar smoking but don’t know the proper etiquette? Maybe you want to start frequenting your local cigar bar or lounge but feel intimidated by the more veteran aficianados. Well, we’re here to help. Below you’ll find a helpful list of 12 cigar smoking do’s and dont’s that will help you get up to speed with fellow cigar lovers.

Do’s

1. Do cut your cigar correctly

One of the most crucial things to know about cigar smoking is how to cut one. The cut 

can make or break a cigar’s smokeability. Luckily, it’s not too difficult to learn. All you need is a great cigar cutter. The most common type is a guillotine-style straight cutter, which provides more airflow and an easy draw. You should cut just above the shoulder of the cigar where the head begins to taper. You don’t want to cut too deep as you risk getting loose tobacco in your mouth or the wrapper leaf may unravel while you’re smoking. Once you learn what kind of draw you prefer, you can choose between a V-cutter, which provides a tighter draw, or the aforementioned straight cutter. 

2. Do warm the foot of the cigar

It is highly recommended that you slightly warm the foot of your cigar before you 

start puffing. This is done by gently rolling the foot between your fingers, allowing your body heat to warm it up.

3. Do properly light your cigar 

The trick to properly lighting up a cigar is to toast but not over-roast it. Matches or 

butane lighters both work, but the key is to hold the flame an inch or two away 

from the foot of the cigar. If you burn it too much the cigar won’t burn evenly and 

your first puffs will taste like charred tobacco or butane fuel. Patience is the 

operative word. You should rotate the cigar so that every part of the foot is 

equally exposed. Then, flip the cigar around and gently blow on the lit end. A properly lit cigar will have a firm, even ash as you smoke. The ash should stay 

intact for a few inches and burn straight.

4. Do take your time

Smoking a cigar should never be a rushed experience––you should be working 

at about a puff per minute rate. It is an experience to be savored, a relaxing 

pastime, not a task to be rushed through. And don’t worry, putting your cigar 

down for a minute is not long enough for it to self-extinguish. (And, in case you’re wondering, you should wait about fifteen to twenty minutes between cigars––any shorter and it might look a little obsessive.)

5. Do ash your cigar gently

Your lap isn’t an ashtray, and it shouldn’t be treated like one. Use a glass or 

ceramic cigar ashtray, ideally one with cigar rests (or stirrups, as they’re 

sometimes called). Do not ash into the tray too hard––a cigar is not a cigarette, 

and flicking it will not do. Ashing too vigorously can cause the cigar’s wrapper to crack, unravel, or leave you with an uneven burn. The secret is to gently twist the ash off into the ashtray. It is rude, unseemly behavior to leave ash everywhere, so make sure 

your ash doesn’t get too long as you risk having it fall everywhere. 

6. Do let your cigar go out on its own

No need to grind your cigar into the ashtray––it will go out on its own. Cigars 

should be smoked until there is about ¼ left. They are not designed to be 

smoked to the foot, as the smoke becomes harsher and less pleasant toward the 

end. When you’re finished, just place the cigar in the ashray and allow it to die out 

in a dignified manner. When you grind it down, the cigar tends to emit a stale 

odor that can linger for sometime. But always make sure that the cigar is fully 

extinguished before leaving the room.

Dont’s

1. Don’t hold your cigar like a cigarette

How you hold your cigar is a classic tell as to whether you’re a seasoned smoker 

or a mere rookie. A cigar should be held between index finger and thumb, not 

between the index finger and middle finger like a cigarette. These are completely 

different tobacco products, and they should be treated as such. 

2. Don’t ask for a light

You should always light your own cigar. This is considered crucial to cigar 

smoker’s etiquette. You may borrow a lighter or matches, but you should always be the one to light yourself. Lighting a cigar is a personal experience and one of the most pleasurable aspects of cigar smoking. Never dilute that experience by leaning on another.

3. Don’t relight a nearly finished cigar

If your cigar goes out after it has been half-smoked, you should be finished with 

Relighting a cigar tends to diminish its quality. The smoke also harshens as the cigar gets closer to the foot, so unless you want a bitter, acrid smoking experience it’s simply best to let sleeping dogs lie.

4. Don’t dip a cigar in port, brandy, or whiskey

You’re not Winston Churchill, so don’t smoke a cigar like him. Cigar makers 

worked hard to perfect their flavor profiles, it’s in poor taste to throw all that hard work out the door by dipping their creation in alcohol. Not only will it distort the flavor but it can also plug the cigar’s draw, which potentially makes it unsmokable. Have a glass of bourbon on the side of, not in, your cigar. If you can’t tolerate how a cigar tastes naturally, you’re probably not going to be a routine cigar smoker, and that’s okay.  

5. Don’t smoke and work

Last but not least: do not smoke and work. Cigar smoking is a pleasure hobby, a luxuriant pastime, and should not be treated as anything but. Cigars should not be used as aids in stressful situations, but as a way to unwind thereafter. They should be enjoyed in a relaxed state of mind. So, pour yourself a drink, sit back, light up, and relax a bit.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the Do’s and Dont’s of cigar smoking. Whether you’re brand new to the cigar smoking club or a seasoned aficianado, it doesn’t hurt to refresh yourself on some of the rules of the game. At the very least, these guidelines will help you enjoy your cigar time with friends all the more.

Need a holiday gift for the cigar lover in your life but tired of giving him cigars year after year? We’ve got you covered. Below you’ll find ten great gift ideas for a cigar lover, other than cigars.

Humidor

This gift is a no-brainer. Humidors act as humidifiers to keep cigars fresh. This is crucial because cigars have to be kept in optimal conditions if they are to keep their unique aroma and taste. If not kept in a humidor, cigars can dry out to the point of being un-smokeable; they can even rot. Humidors can range in size and style. There are convenient cigar box-sized travel humidors and also large temperature controlled room-sized humidors. True aficionados tend to have multiple humidors to separate brands and keep flavors from intermingling with one another. It’s the one truly essential accessory for any cigar lover.

Personalized Cigar Box

Are your loved one’s cigar supplies scattered all over the house? Are they always searching for a cutter or a lighter? Then another must-have for any cigar chomper is a cigar box. These fully customizable boxes will save the cigar lover in your life the hassle of constant searching for tools and equipment. And with a variety of design and engraving options, you can be sure to find a box that fits your aficionado’s exact taste. 

Cigar Ashtray

Whether there is a cigar, there is sure to be ash. Though your giftee probably already has an ashtray, why not surprise them with a customized one? With a variety of styles and designs, you can be sure you’ll find the perfect gift for any room of the house in a unique shape, color or size. Some ashtrays also feature multiple cigar rests, which are great for gatherings when several people are smoking together. 

Cigar Travel Case

Is the cigar lover in your life a frequent traveler? Do they have a busy job that has them constantly on the move? Then maybe their favorite source of relaxation is lighting up a smooth, full-bodied cigar, from anywhere! Cigar-specific travel cases are usually the size of a small book and typically hold about four cigars. They tend to have room for a cutter, a lighter, and/or matches.Need to class up your gift? Try a leather-bound travel case! 

Cigar Cutters

A cutter is another cigar smoker’s essential. Ranging from stainless steel to polished silver to chrome, cigar cutters come in many different styles. True aficionados tend to have more than one, so it’s a gift they will return to time and time again. 

Cigar Tasting Notebook

Has your gift recipient just picked up cigar smoking. Are they an old pro that is still on the search for their perfect cigar and bourbon pairing? Or are they a seasoned smoker who is always on the lookout for something bold and different? No matter the case, a cigar tasting notebook could be a great gift option. These notebooks let cigar lovers track their conquests, taking note of flavor profiles, date and memories of the smoking experience, price information, and more. This permanent record of taste and enjoyment is a great gift for novice and veteran cigar smokers alike.

Customized Cigar Lighter

Lighting with matches can be tedious and cumbersome to carry. Why not get your cigar lover a personalized torch lighter? These heavy-duty and highly durable lighters are easily the most efficient way of lighting up, and they look great too. Get your lighter engraved with a custom message and make it an extra special gift your cigar lover will remember for a lifetime.

Whiskey Glasses

There is no better or more classic pairing combination than cigars and whiskey. That’s why a beautiful rocks glass set make an elegant, sure-to-be-used how gift. Whether you pick up tumblers, highball glasses, or snifters, this is sure to be a well used gift for smokers and their non-smoking counterparts alike. There are plenty of great options on the market, and you can even get whiskey glasses fully customized with engraved initials and/or logos. A half-dozen whiskey glasses would be a well-loved adding to any home, office, man-cave or she-shack!

Bottle of Bourbon 

Cigars are great alone, but they sing when paired with a fine bottle of bourbon. Bourbon is without a doubt the best whiskey to pair with any kind of cigar, but here are a few recommendations. Angel’s Envy goes great with a fuller-bodied bourbon, as does Bulleit Frontier. If your cigar lover likes his cigars to be mellower and medium-bodied, consider a bottle of Four Roses Small Batch.

A Custom Cigar Clinger

If you’re looking for a totally unique gift, consider a cigar clinger! If the cigar lover in your life tends to smoke in motion, either when driving, boating, or out on the links, then this is guaranteed to be the perfect gift. The Stage V Clinger is crafted with industrial-strength, neodymium magnets, and attaches to just about any surface. From golf carts to boats, cars to lawnmowers, these holders will keep his cigar safe, even on the bumpiest of rides.The holders also come with a wraparound Velcro strap that can attach easily to beach chairs, golf bags, and more. Stage V Clingers come in all colors and can be engraved with a logo. And because of the steel construction, you can rest assured that the clinger will stand up to the toughest of elements. Put simply, they are a simple and elegant solution to the problem of the fallen or misplaced cigar. 

Whatever gift you choose, make sure to do your research. All the products mentioned above fall within a wide range in terms of quality and price point. What’s great is that most of the equipment above can be mixed, matched, bundled and paired with additional accoutrement to make a great gift set! No matter the direction your gifting takes, there are ample options that ensure the cigar aficionado in your life will love their gift this year!