How To Puff a Cigar - the Simple Beginner’s Guide
Movies often show businessmen or 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 your cigars. Here’s the beginner’s guide to how to puff a cigar.
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 before the burn slightly alters the flavors. Since cigars have many subtle undertones to their flavors, pre-light draws are a nice way to get acquainted with the cigar.
Although pre-light draws aren’t necessary, they are a nice way to get a preview of the cigar’s flavor. Some enthusiasts encourage the practice, so if you’re in a social setting, a pre-light draw may be a good way to prove you know the basics of cigar smoking.
Cigars are not inhaled the same way cigarettes are. Puffing a cigar correctly takes a little practice, especially 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 instead of your lungs. Work on holding the smoke in your mouth for a few seconds so you can enjoy the flavors. Learn more about how long cigars last.
Retrohaling is a technique for breathing smoke out through your nose without it reaching your 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, as strong cigars can irritate the mucous membranes in the nose. If you can’t get the hang of retrohaling, pulling the smoke in and exhaling it solely through your mouth still lets you enjoy the taste.
Some cigars have much stronger flavors or thicker smoke than others. Full-bodied cigars, like popular varieties from Bolivar and Partagás, can be a lot for novice smokers to handle.
It’s okay to puff more gently as you get used to a full-bodied cigar, but you should eventually be able to puff it the same as you would with any other cigar. Once you’ve finished the cigar, leave extra time before enjoying another cigar. Full-bodied flavors linger in the nose and mouth much longer than weak ones.
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 because the wrapper absorbs some of the intensity. It’s best to ask about the cigar or simply try it with small puffs at first.
Contrary to their appearance, thin cigars tend to burn much hotter than thick cigars. They require slightly more careful puffing to smoke comfortably. While they produce less smoke, they can cause an unpleasant experience if they start burning too hot or too fast.
Thick cigars above a 52 ring gauge tend to burn cooler, but with more smoke. They have become more prevalent in recent years thanks to their robust flavor and comfortable puffing experience.
Cigars should stay lit if you puff them about once every minute. A cigar that continually goes out 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 continuously have problems with cigars going out, consider inspecting your humidor or replacing it.
Relighting a cigar that’s more than halfway gone is considered poor manners in some circles. It can also have a harsher taste if it’s nearly gone, so use caution when relighting a cigar after about 30 minutes of use.
If you are smoking around non-smokers, avoid blowing smoke in their direction. Depending on the size and shape of the room you are in, it may be most polite to move to another area to smoke.
Cigars are not meant to be dipped in alcohol or any other liquid while smoking. This habit was made famous by Winston Churchill, who dipped his cigars in cognac while smoking, but it is considered rude and ruins the flavor of the cigar. Many brands now make cigars infused with bourbon or whiskey.
It’s polite to comment on the flavors of a cigar as you enjoy it with other aficionados, especially if you received it as a gift. However, try not to brag about the quality or rarity of it. Cigars are supposed to be a personal experience, not something to be shown off.
Blowing smoke rings may look cool, but it 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, but don’t let it distract from the enjoyment of the cigar itself.
Smoking a cigar is one of the finest ways to relax after a long day or enjoy a drink or two with your friends.
Once you’ve learned how to pre-light, retrohale, and savor the taste and feel of your cigar, you need a premium Cuban cigar to enjoy your smoking experience.
Choose from a wide selection of premium Cuban cigars like Partagás and Bolivar. Visit Swiss Cuban Cigars to find authentic Cuban cigars to puff at your next party.