Twenty plates for the curious smoker.

No. 01

Know the parts of a cigar

Why: Every step below makes more sense once you know what you're cutting and lighting.

1. 1The wrapper is the outer leaf — it carries much of the flavor and looks.
2. 2The binder holds the filler together underneath.
3. 3The filler is the bundle of leaves in the middle that does most of the burning.
4. 4The cap seals the head (the end you smoke); the foot is the open end you light.

No. 02

Choose your first cigar

Why: Starting too strong is the most common way people decide they "don't like cigars."

1. 1Ask for something mild or mild-to-medium.
2. 2Pick a medium size you can finish in about 45 minutes.
3. 3Don't judge by color alone — a dark wrapper isn't always stronger.
4. 4Tell the shop what you like to drink; it's a great flavor clue.

No one at a good lounge will judge you for asking. Everyone started somewhere.

No. 03

Understand sizes and shapes

Why: Size changes how long you'll smoke, how hot it burns, and how flavors come through.

1. 1Length is measured in inches; thickness (ring gauge) in 64ths of an inch.
2. 2Robusto: short and thick, about 45–60 minutes.
3. 3Churchill and Toro: longer sessions, 75–90 minutes.
4. 4Torpedo and Perfecto have pointed ends that focus the smoke.

No. 04

Read the wrapper

Why: The wrapper is a shortcut to what a cigar might taste like.

1. 1Light (Connecticut): creamy, smooth, often mild.
2. 2Medium (Habano, Corojo): spice and wood.
3. 3Dark (Maduro): naturally sweeter — cocoa, coffee, raisin.
4. 4Very dark (Oscuro): rich and earthy.

No. 05

Buy at a shop

Why: A walk-in humidor keeps cigars in perfect shape and the staff can steer you well.

1. 1Close the humidor door behind you.
2. 2Gently squeeze — it should feel firm with a little give, never mushy or crunchy.
3. 3Smell the foot and check the wrapper for cracks.
4. 4Ask before touching cigars that aren't yours to buy.

No. 06

Set up a home humidor

Why: Cigars dry out in normal air within days. A humidor keeps them fresh for years.

1. 1Pick a size bigger than you think — collections grow.
2. 2Look for a tight-closing lid and Spanish cedar lining.
3. 3Add a humidifier (a two-way humidity pack is easiest).
4. 4Add a hygrometer so you can see the humidity.

No. 07

Season a new humidor

Why: Dry cedar soaks moisture out of your cigars. Seasoning fills the wood first.

1. 1Wipe the cedar lightly with a cloth dampened with distilled water.
2. 2Place a small dish of distilled water or humidity packs inside and close it.
3. 3Wait 3–7 days, until humidity holds steady.
4. 4Then add your cigars.

Never use tap water — minerals cause mold and odors.

No. 08

Keep humidity and temperature right

Why: Too wet and cigars won't burn (or grow mold); too dry and they crack.

1. 1Aim for 65–70% humidity.
2. 2Keep temperature around 65–70°F (18–21°C).
3. 3Keep the humidor out of direct sun and away from heaters.
4. 4Check the hygrometer weekly; replace humidity packs when they go hard.

No. 09

Cut a cigar

Why: The cap seals the cigar. Cut too little and it won't draw; cut too much and the wrapper unravels.

1. 1Find the shoulder — where the rounded cap meets the straight body.
2. 2Place the cutter just above that line, about 1/16 inch in.
3. 3Cut in one quick, firm motion.
4. 4Test the draw: air should flow easily without being loose.

No. 10

Pick a cutter

Why: Each cut shapes the smoke differently.

1. 1Straight (guillotine): the all-purpose choice.
2. 2V-cut: a wedge that concentrates the smoke.
3. 3Punch: a small round hole — great for thick cigars.
4. 4Scissors: classic and precise once you have practice.

No. 11

Toast and light it

Why: An even light means an even burn and better flavor all the way down.

1. 1Hold the foot just above the flame, not in it.
2. 2Rotate slowly until the edge glows evenly (toasting).
3. 3Then draw gently while rotating to finish lighting.
4. 4Blow lightly on the foot to check for an even glowing ring.

Use butane, wooden matches or cedar — avoid gas-station lighter fluid.

No. 12

Draw — don't inhale

Why: Cigar flavor lives on the tongue and in the nose, not the lungs.

1. 1Take a gentle pull, like sipping through a straw.
2. 2Let the smoke sit in your mouth for a moment.
3. 3Release it slowly.
4. 4Try pushing a little smoke out through your nose (retrohale) to taste more.

No. 13

Set your pace and fix the burn

Why: Puffing too fast makes a cigar hot and bitter.

1. 1Aim for a puff about once a minute.
2. 2If one side burns faster, touch the slow side briefly with your flame.
3. 3If it goes out, knock off the ash and relight — totally normal.
4. 4Rest it in the ashtray between puffs; don't hold it upright.

No. 14

Handle the ash

Why: A long ash helps the cigar burn cooler — and flicking it is a rookie move.

1. 1Let the ash grow an inch or so.
2. 2Gently roll or touch the cigar against the ashtray edge.
3. 3Let the ash fall off on its own.
4. 4Don't tap or flick like a cigarette.

No. 15

Put it down properly

Why: Cigars go out by themselves — and stubbing one out makes the room smell.

1. 1When it turns bitter or hot, you're done (often the last third).
2. 2Set it in the ashtray.
3. 3Let it go out on its own in a minute or two.
4. 4Never crush or grind it out.

No. 16

Pair it with a drink

Why: The right drink brings out flavors you'd miss otherwise.

1. 1Mild cigars: coffee, light beer, white wine.
2. 2Medium cigars: bourbon, rum, amber beer.
3. 3Full cigars: port, peated scotch, stout, espresso.
4. 4Water between sips keeps your palate fresh.

No. 17

Travel with cigars

Why: Conferences mean travel — and hotel rooms are bone dry.

1. 1Use a hard travel case or a small travel humidor.
2. 2Add a humidity pack for trips longer than a day.
3. 3Keep cigars in your carry-on.
4. 4Check local smoking laws and lounge hours before you go.

No. 18

Lounge etiquette

Why: Lounges are shared spaces — and the best place to meet people.

1. 1Buy something from the shop if you bring your own cigars (or ask about a cut fee).
2. 2Say hello; most people in a lounge love to talk.
3. 3Offer a cigar if you're celebrating, never expect one.
4. 4Relationships first: business talk is welcome, hard pitches aren't.

No. 19

Store and age cigars

Why: Many cigars get smoother and richer with time.

1. 1Keep cigars in their cellophane or remove it — just be consistent.
2. 2Rotate cigars every few months for even humidity.
3. 3Label boxes with the date you bought them.
4. 4Try one now and one in a year to taste the difference.

No. 20

Spot problems early

Why: Catching mold or beetles early saves your whole collection.

1. 1Fine white powder that brushes off (plume) is harmless.
2. 2Fuzzy blue-green spots are mold — remove that cigar and lower humidity.
3. 3Tiny pinholes mean tobacco beetles — freeze affected cigars for 3 days.
4. 4Keep temperature below 70°F to prevent beetles.