How to Smoke a Cigar: A Beginners Guide to Doing It Right

You’ve lit the flame, now what? This is where the good stuff begins. The ember’s glowing, and it’s time to settle in and enjoy the ride.

But before you get too comfortable, know this. How you treat the lit end of your cigar matters. It affects how it burns, how it draws, and ultimately, how much you enjoy the moment.

Smoking cigars the right way is more than just puffing away; it’s about slowing down, appreciating the craftsmanship, and savoring the flavors packed into every leaf. Whether this is your first premium stick or you're just fine-tuning your ritual, this guide will walk you through the right way to smoke a cigar and enjoy it like a seasoned pro.

Why Smoking a Cigar Is Different Than a Cigarette

First things first: let's clear the air, quite literally. Cigar smoking is nothing like smoking a cigarette. You don’t inhale cigar smoke, instead, you pull the smoke into your mouth, savor the flavors as they coat your palate, and then gently blow it out. Remember, it's about the taste. 

A cigar is meant to be enjoyed slowly, allowing the natural tobacco oils, aroma, and craftsmanship to unfold. Unlike cigarettes, which are often rushed and filled with additives, premium cigars are all about quality tobacco, rich flavors, and a moment earned, not inhaled. 

Cigarettes are rushed, crammed with additives. Cigars are quite the opposite, they are crafted with care, designed to be savored, and built for moments that matter. Every draw should feel earned, not mindless. Treat it that way.

How to Hold a Cigar Properly

When it comes to holding a cigar, there’s no single "right" way to do it; it’s a matter of personal preference... but there is a way to do it with respect.

Many tend to go with the traditional approach,  held between the thumb and index finger, or between the index and middle fingers, much like a conductor holding a baton.

Avoid pinching it like a cigarette, and never bite down or clamp with your teeth; you’re not chewing through your investment. Let it rest comfortably between your fingers, respecting its body and construction.

The cap, the rounded end of your smoke, isn't just for looks; it's crucial in holding the wrapper in place at the head of the cigar. It prevents your cigar from unraveling and keeps everything intact for a smooth, even burn. The idea is to be relaxed, natural, and confident; you’ve earned this smoke.

How to Draw on a Cigar

This is where the flavor lives. Drawing on your cigar is the secret to unlocking all of the rich flavors that are at your fingertips. 

Begin by placing the cigar gently between your lips, not clenched in your teeth. Take a slow, smooth puff, think sipping through a straw, not sucking down air. Let the smoke roll into your mouth, savor the aroma, and then blow it out naturally; no need to inhale. 

No rushing, set your rhythm, puff, savor, exhale.

How Often to Puff a Cigar

When smoking cigars, slow is the name of the game. Remember, smoking a cigar isn't a race, it's a ritual.

Aim to puff once every 30 seconds to a minute or so. Puffing too quickly risks overheating the tobacco, burning the wrapper, and turning those deep, complex flavors into something harsh and bitter. 

On the flipside, puff too slowly, and your cigar might go out, requiring a relight. A relight isn't a big deal, but something you want to minimize if you can.

And here’s a rule worth following: smoke your cigar in one sitting. Stubbing it out to finish later? That’s a good way to ruin the flavor. Find your pace. Draw. Reflect. Repeat.

How to Taste a Cigar Like a Pro

Want to enjoy the absolute most from your cigar? Don't just smoke it, taste it. 

Start by letting the smoke settle across your palate, feel the texture, and notice how the aroma rises. Good cigars evolve as they burn, offering notes of coffee, natural spices, leather, wood, or even subtle hints of sweetness.

Pairing with bourbon, coffee, or a solid whiskey? Take a small sip between puffs. You’ll unlock flavor combinations you didn’t know were there. Every draw is a chance to savor the craftsmanship and enjoy those earned moments. Don’t miss it.

What to Do If Your Cigar Goes Out

It happens to the very best; even seasoned cigar guys will tell you they've dealt with a cigar that's gone cold. No sweat. 

If it happens to you, just knock off the ash, blow lightly through the foot to clear any stale smoke, then carefully toast the foot again. 

Take your time relighting; rushing will scorch the tobacco and kill the flavor. Bring it back slowly, and it’ll reward you with rich, full smoke just like before. 

Managing Ash and Burn

Ash matters more than most people think. It acts as an insulator; the longer it holds, the cooler and more even your cigar will burn. Let it build naturally to about an inch before gently tapping it off into the ashtray. Constant flicking like a cigarette? That kills the steady rhythm you’re aiming for.

You'll also want to keep an eye on your burn line. If it gets wavy or uneven, a quick touch-up with your torch lighter can fix it. Slow smoking, steady heat, and a controlled burn, that’s how you get the very best out of every stogie.

Cigar Smoking Etiquette

Cigar lounges, backyard gatherings, or just kicking back and relaxing solo, wherever you light up, a little cigar etiquette goes a long way.

• Don’t inhale — That's not how this works, cigars are meant to be savored.

• Don’t stub out a cigar like a cigarette. Just set it down and let it rest, and let it naturally go out. 

• Share generously, if the occasion calls for it. It's a tradition for a reason. 

• Respect the moment, a cigar is about slowing down, not rushing through.

• Avoid the mistake of puffing too quickly. Excessive puffing can lead to a bitter taste and diminish the enjoyment of the cigar.

A great cigar isn’t just about what you’re smoking, it’s about how you show up for the moment.

Knowing When to Let It Go

You don’t need to smoke a cigar down to the bitter end. Most seasoned cigar smokers tap out with two to three inches remaining when the flavors turn bitter or the smoke gets too warm. That last stretch can pack a stronger nicotine punch, too, which isn’t always pleasant.

When it’s time, just set your cigar down in the ashtray and let it go out on its own. No grinding. No stubbing. Let it end with the same respect you gave it from the first light. Just a respectful end to a good smoke.

The After Action Way

At After Action Cigars, we believe cigar smoking should feel like it’s earned,  because it is. Slow down. Light with Intent. Draw easy. Savor every flavor.

Every stick you smoke tells a story of craftsmanship, patience, and pride. Every moment with it should honor that. You’ve earned this smoke.

Want to Master the Full Cigar Experience?

Mastering the smoke is just one part of the journey. Dive deeper into The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Cigars and sharpen every step, from picking the right cigar to cutting, lighting, savoring, and enjoying it the right way.