Five Things Cigar Newbies Should Know

The world of cigars can be an intimidating one to someone who is just entering into it. At Best Cigar Prices, we try to make it as easy as possible on cigar newbies who are unsure about how to go about things. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of simple steps to take and mistakes to avoid.

1. Buy the Right Amount

The number of cigars you buy may not seem very important, but if you’re new to cigars, chances are you don’t have a personal humidor to keep your smokes fresh. That means if you purchase a bundle of 20 cigars and only plan on smoking one or two a week, your cigars will be going stale before you’re halfway through the bundle.

2. Use an Easy Cigar Cutter

Premium cigars need to be cut, and there is certainly no shortage of cutter styles that you can use. You’ll likely have to try these different cutters (straight cutters, V-cutters, punches) to find the one that is most comfortable for you. However, many people believe that the double-bladed straight cutter makes it the easiest for a beginner to get a clean cut.

3. Avoid Certain Lighters

Whether you use a cheap Bic or a fancy torch lighter, you’ll have no trouble giving your cigar a nice even burn. However, there are certain lighters to be avoided when smoking a premium cigar. Any lighter that uses lighter fluid rather than butane (famously Zippos) will impart unwanted flavors that warp the taste of the cigar.

4. Learn to Retrohale

Even folks who are new to cigars probably know that they shouldn’t inhale the smoke, but if this piece of advice saves just one person from losing their lunch, it warrants mentioning. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to spit the smoke out as soon as it enters your mouth. The best way to appreciate the complex flavor notes of a cigar is to use a technique called retrohaling. This is when you take the smoke into your mouth and exhale it through your nose. The result is a more complete sense of the flavors and smells of the cigar.

5. Follow Your Gut

There is certainly no shortage of cigars out there, so it can be hard to determine where you should begin. It might be advisable to try cigars with words like “mellow” in the description for your first cigar so you aren’t overwhelmed. Still, at the end of the day, it’s best to go with what sounds good to you. Try not to let cigar critics and ratings dictate too much of your smoking decisions. If it sounds good to you and fits your budget, give it a whirl! There’s much to discover in the world of cigars.

If you still have questions about buying or smoking cigars, there’s a good chance that Best Cigar Prices has already answered it in our comprehensive Cigar 101 guide. Otherwise, our representatives are happy to help you find the right smoke for your preferences.