If your only experience with cigars is a cheap one at someone’s wedding, premium hand-rolled cigars will surprise you. The flavour is different. The ritual is different. Even the act of preparing and lighting one is different, and that’s a big part of the appeal.
This guide covers everything you need to know to enjoy your first premium cigar properly.
Choosing Your First Cigar
Start with size
Cigars are measured by length and ring gauge (diameter). For a first cigar, a Robusto (roughly 5 inches with a 50 ring gauge) is a good place to start. It gives you a full experience of 45 minutes to an hour without committing you to a two-hour smoke.
Think about strength
Cigars range from mild to full-bodied. For beginners, mild-to-medium is the right place to start. Full-bodied cigars have a nicotine impact that can be overwhelming if you’re not accustomed to it. Papasito’s Havana-seed Indonesian leaf tends toward a smooth, medium profile with natural sweetness, so it works well for someone new to premium cigars.
Cutting Your Cigar
Premium cigars have a closed head (the end you put in your mouth) which must be cut before smoking. A guillotine cutter (straight cut) is the most common and forgiving method. Cut just above the shoulder of the cap, removing the minimum necessary to open the draw. Cut too little and the draw will be tight; cut too much and the wrapper can unravel.
Lighting It Properly
How you light a cigar affects everything that follows. A butane lighter or long matches work well. Avoid using a petrol lighter, as it affects the flavour.
- Toast the foot first. Hold the flame close to the open end (but not touching it) and rotate slowly until you see an even glow forming around the edge.
- Draw gently while applying the flame. Take slow, gentle puffs while continuing to rotate the cigar.
- Check before you begin. The foot should be glowing evenly all the way around. Blow gently on it to confirm before you start smoking.
Smoking It
- Don’t inhale. Premium cigars are tasted in the mouth, not the lungs. Draw the smoke in, let it sit on your palate, and exhale.
- Puff slowly. One puff every 30-60 seconds is about right. Smoking too fast overheats the cigar and makes it harsh and bitter.
- Let the ash build. A long, solid ash column is a sign of good construction. Let it grow naturally rather than tapping it off like a cigarette.
- Stop when you want to. When the flavour starts to turn sharp in the final inch, put it down. You’ve had the best of it.
The Right Setting
A premium cigar deserves time and the right surroundings. A quiet spot outdoors, a comfortable chair, a drink you enjoy. These aren’t extras, they’re part of the experience. A Papasito cigar and a sunset view is hard to beat.
Browse the full Papasito range to find your first hand-rolled premium cigar. Have a question? Get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.