Welcome to your go-to guide for learning how to smoke a cigar, brought to you by Founders Cigar Company—a premium, veteran-owned cigar brand committed to quality, craftsmanship, and community. Whether you’re new to the cigar world or an enthusiast seeking to refine your experience, this post will walk you through the essential steps, etiquette, and everything needed to enjoy your premium cigar. From choosing the right cigar cutter to knowing when to puff, we’re here to equip you with everything you need to enjoy the best cigar possible.
To start your cigar experience, you need three basic tools:
A Cigar – Choose a premium cigar that suits your flavor preferences. Our dual-wrap is always an excellent premium cigar choice.
A Cigar Cutter – This could be a straight cutter, punch, or V-cutter. We recommend our “Lil Bro” for a clean, consistent cut.
A Cigar Lighter – Butane lighters work best, we’ve got our Spark Lighter for you. We’ll explore lighter options in another blog, but for now, use one that provides an even flame.
Bonus tools that elevate your experience include:
A cigar ashtray to keep things tidy.
A cigar case or cigar holder for protection on the go.
A cigar humidor and cigar humidifier for storage and freshness.
Cutting is one of the most important steps, and it sets the tone for your smoke.
Locate the shoulder of the cigar—the curved area where the cap meets the body.
Position your cutter just above the shoulder and make a quick, clean cut.
Why does this matter? Cutting too low can unravel the cigar, while too high can restrict airflow. A proper cut ensures a smooth draw and even burn, hallmarks of the best cigar brands.
Before you light your cigar, you need to toast the foot. Think of it like preparing a marshmallow before roasting:
Hold your lighter just close enough to warm the foot of the cigar.
Rotate the cigar slowly to ensure an even pre-light.
This helps avoid uneven burns and enhances flavor. A high-quality lighter from a veteran owned cigar company like Founders can make this step simple.
Once the foot is toasted, light the cigar evenly:
Draw air through the cigar while lighting it.
Rotate to ensure a uniform burn.
Blow gently on the lit end to check for any dark spots. These indicate areas that need more heat.
Proper lighting is essential, especially when you’re enjoying cigars from top cigar brands that focus on construction and consistency.
You don’t inhale cigar smoke. Instead, draw the smoke into your mouth and savor the complex flavors.
Puff every 45 seconds to a minute to keep the cigar lit.
Drawing too often can cause overheating, while waiting too long may lead it to go out.
Remember: smoking a cigar is about relaxing and being present. Whether you’re celebrating or unwinding, the best cigar brand complements the moment.
As a leading voice among veteran owned companies, Founders Cigar Company values tradition and respect.
Here are some etiquette tips:
Don’t stub out your cigar like a cigarette. Let it rest and extinguish naturally.
Respect the ash. Long ash is a sign of quality construction. Use a proper cigar ashtray.
Store it right. Use a cigar humidor and cigar humidifier to maintain freshness.
Share the experience. Cigars are best enjoyed in good company.
With so many cigar brands out there, how do you choose?
Founders Cigar Company offers premium cigars in custom cigar boxes that make excellent gifts for:
Bachelor parties
Corporate gifting
Groomsmen
Father’s Day
Each customized cigar box includes 16 premium cigars, a cigar cutter, and a lighter—all the essentials wrapped in a keepsake experience.
As a veteran owned company, with premium cigars. When you buy cigars online from Founders, you’re supporting a community built on tradition and excellence.
We’re a veteran owned cigar company built to serve both enthusiasts and newcomers.
We offer some of the best cigar brands, backed by consistent quality and bold flavor.
We make it easy to buy cigars online, with fast shipping and custom gift options.
Looking for a good cigar brand you can trust? Join the many who call us one of the most popular cigar brands for a reason.
Smoking a cigar is more than just lighting up—it’s a ritual, a moment, and a connection. Whether you’re learning how to smoke a cigar for the first time or looking to deepen your knowledge, the right tools and techniques matter.
Start with a great cigar from a premium cigar brand, cut it clean, light it right, and take your time. The experience is easier than you think—and far more rewarding than you imagined.
Explore more at Founders Cigar Company
Visit our blog to learn:
How to cut a cigar
Cigar culture and etiquette
Tips on cigar storage
Buy cigars online today from a top cigar brand with premium offerings, customized cigar boxes, and a whole lot of heart.
Founders Cigar Company — Premium Cigars. Veteran Owned. Built for moments worth remembering.
