First time? Don't worry

If it’s your first time smoking a cigar, don’t worry—this is easier than it looks. Most guys mess it up by rushing or treating it like a cigarette. Let me walk you through how to do it right, the way we’d show you here at Tinder Box.

First, pick the right cigar. You don’t want to start with something too strong or complicated. Keep it medium-bodied, smooth, and easy to draw. A solid example is the Crowned Heads Mil Días —clean flavor, nice size, not too strong.

Once you’ve got your cigar, here’s what to do:

1. Cut it properly.

Look at the cap—that’s the rounded end. You want to clip just above where the cap ends, using a straight cutter. Don’t chop off too much or it’ll unravel. If you’re unsure, cut less—you can always take more off.

2. Toast the foot.

Don’t jam it into a flame. Use a butane lighter or cedar match. Hold the cigar at an angle above the flame and rotate it. You’re warming up the end before you draw in.

3. Light it with a few puffs.

Once it’s toasted, put it in your mouth and take a few short puffs while finishing the light. Rotate as you puff, and you’ll see an even burn forming. That’s when you’re good to go.

4. Don’t inhale.

This isn’t a cigarette. Take the smoke into your mouth, enjoy the flavor, then let it go. Puff slow—about once per minute. If it goes out, just re-light it the same way.

5. Pay attention to the flavor and burn.

Let the cigar do its job. You don’t need to puff fast or constantly. The slower you go, the cooler it burns—and that’s where the good flavor lives.

If you want something shorter and sweeter for your first smoke, try the Drew Estate ACID Blondie—easy to light, mild, and aromatic. It’s a smaller cigar, so it’s great for beginners and only about 30 minutes. You can find it here:

Or if you prefer something traditional and mellow, the Macanudo Inspirado White Robusto is always a safe bet.

Once you’ve smoked a couple of times, you’ll get the feel for how it works. Don’t rush it. Cigars are meant to be enjoyed slow. If you’re not sure what to get next, just stop in or check TinderBox.com. We’ll help you find the next one that matches your style.