Navigating Life as a Rookie Cigar Smoker

The Newbie’s Survival Guide to Smoking Cigars...

I have something to confess… I’m a cigar rookie. Shocking, I know. Don’t get me wrong, I know what I like, I know what makes a quality cigar, and I know how to explain both of those things. Lord knows if I didn’t, my fellow Advisors wouldn’t let me hear the end of it. But all things considered, I have only been smoking for a few years now. I know that the cigar biz can be enough to make just about any rookie’s head spin. Everybody’s got their own idea of what a rookie needs to know. But often it comes from veteran enthusiasts who’ve forgotten more about cigars than I’ll ever know. Now, there’s nothing wrong with their advice, it’s just that they can get lost in some of the finer details. They may talk to you about tobacco science before you even know what kind of lighter you need to buy. So let me be your guiding hand - we’re gonna keep things very simple today.

Everybody Starts Somewhere

But before I get into the basics, let’s make one thing very clear: don’t be afraid to be a rookie. It can be intimidating to show up to a cigar lounge not knowing the difference between a Maduro and a Habano but trust me when I say nobody is going to care. In fact, I bet nearly all the people there will be happy to talk shop. Find out what they like, get recommendations, and mingle. I’ve found a lot of the beauty of a cigar lounge is in the experience you can gain just from talking to those around you. Of course, take care to avoid being “that guy.”

When visiting your local cigar lounge, make sure to talk to the people around you. That is the best way to get to know the hobby. I’ve never seen many empty lounges where I’m from, so I doubt you’ll have to do much searching for someone to talk to. And as a pro tip, when you do hit up your local lounge, buy a cigar. Base it on someone’s recommendation, or pick it on whatever has the prettiest label; however you do it, just make sure to support the shop. And whenever you can, make sure to always buy new stuff. The best way to find out what it is you like in a cigar is by trying everything you can.

Every Great Cigar Starts with a Cut & Light

A big piece of advice that, as a rookie, you might have overlooked is how to light your cigars. I would go into the ins and outs of how to do it myself, but I’d rather leave this one up to the experts. Thankfully, we’ve got a viral hit with Nick Perdomo where he teaches you about the proper way to light up when the time comes:

Another thing that’s essential to smoking is your gear. It’s something that everyone’s going to have a different opinion about, and in their own way, they’re all going to be the “most correct” about it. But if we’re talking barebones budget smoking, the only things I would absolutely recommend are a lighter, a cutter, and an ashtray. A lighter is a smoker’s best friend, obviously. Do you need the perfect lighter with all the bells and whistles? Maybe not. For me, I like the consistent light that the torch flame lighter gives me. But a soft flame will do you just as well.

A cutter is another tool that isn’t really essential, but it is a common convenience. For me, it’s very much worth it as I don’t have to bust out the party tricks every time I want to smoke a cigar. Ashtrays are the only of these I’d really push someone to buy if they were on the fence. If you’re going to be doing any amount of smoking in your own home, then pick up an ashtray just to keep your smoking experience clean.

Cigar Storage Matters

Now you might be asking me, “What about humidors?” They’re another thing you might be told is a complete essential. Look, if you want to have effective control over your cigar’s humidity then a humidor is the way you’ll want to go. But if that isn’t a priority, then a plastic bag or a Tupperware and a Boveda pack will get the job done and you probably won’t have any issues. Plus, depending on how quick you’re smoking them, a week in a Ziploc bag sans-humidification will have negligible effects to your cigar.

Finally, this brings me to the ultimate question. The one I’ve heard asked more than any other question. That is the classic, “What should I be smoking?” Now, in this question comes a fatal flaw, in that I don’t know you. I don’t know what you like. I don’t know your personal preference. Which makes it hard without some kind of guide to walk you through it. But I don’t plan on leaving you empty-handed here and now. Just taking a complete shot in the dark, I’m going to shout out:

Baccarat

Now, I have no doubt in my mind that there is at least one Cigar Snob who’s scoffing and turning up their nose right now. But Baccarat is a certified crowd pleaser. A sweetened cap and a smooth consistent smoke acts as a perfect conduit for introductory smoke or just any easy-going afternoon.

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