Category: Techniques

  • How to Smoke a Cigar

    How to Smoke a Cigar

    How to Smoke a Cigar: A Complete Guide with Founders Cigar Company

    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.

    Step One: Gather The Essentials

    To start your cigar experience, you need three basic tools:

    1. A Cigar – Choose a premium cigar that suits your flavor preferences. Our dual-wrap is always an excellent premium cigar choice.

    2. A Cigar Cutter – This could be a straight cutter, punch, or V-cutter. We recommend our “Lil Bro” for a clean, consistent cut.

    3. 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.

    Step Two: Cut Your Cigar

    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.

    Step Three: Toast the Foot

    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.

    Step Four: Light Up

    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.

    Step Five: Puff, Don’t Inhale

    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.

    Cigar Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts

    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.

    Choosing the Right Cigar for You

    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.

    Why Founders?

    • 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.

    Final Thoughts

    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.

  • How to Cut a Cigar the Right Way

    How to Cut a Cigar the Right Way

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R72C1wL0dNc

    A Complete Guide on How to Cut a Cigar from Founders Cigar Company

    We believe that enjoying a premium cigar should be a full experience—one that begins long before the first draw. Whether you’re relaxing at the end of a long day, celebrating a milestone, or catching up with good friends, the way you prepare your cigar matters. One of the most essential steps in the cigar ritual is the cut. It’s not just functional; it’s ceremonial.

    As a veteran-owned cigar company, we’re passionate about having one of the best cigar brands on the market and helping people get the fundamentals right. Cutting your premium cigar the proper way helps ensure an even burn, a smooth draw, and the overall integrity of your smoke. So whether you’re a seasoned cigar enthusiast or new to the hobby, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to cut a cigar the right way. If you’re a more visual person, watch the How To on YouTube.

    Why the Cut Matters

    Before you light up, grab your favorite premium cigar, then you need to make a clean opening at the head of the cigar to allow for proper airflow. A bad cut can lead to unraveling, poor draw, or uneven burning. None of that makes for a satisfying experience. But with the right tools and a little know-how, you can make a precise cut every time.

    The Anatomy of a Cigar

    To understand where and how to cut, you need to know the basic parts of a cigar:

      • Head: The closed end you put in your mouth. This is the part you’ll cut.

      • Cap: A small piece of tobacco that covers the head to keep the cigar from unraveling.

      • Shoulder: The curved part where the cap meets the body.

      • Foot: The open end that you light.

    Your goal is to cut just above the shoulder—removing the cap without slicing too deeply into the body.

    Types of Cigar Cuts

    There are several different ways to cut a cigar, and each has its pros and cons. Your choice comes down to personal preference and cigar shape. Here are the most common types:

    1. Straight Cut

    This is the most popular type of cut and uses a guillotine-style cutter. It makes a straight incision across the head of the cigar, offering the fullest draw.

    Pros:

      • Maximizes airflow

      • Works on most cigars

      • Easy to use

    Cons:

      • Requires precision to avoid overcutting

    2. Punch Cut

    A punch cut removes a small circle from the cap, creating a tighter draw. It works well with larger ring gauge cigars but can be too restrictive for smaller ones.

    Pros:

      • Preserves the shape of the cigar

      • Less chance of unraveling

    Cons:

      • Limited airflow

      • Doesn’t work well on torpedoes or figurados

    3. V-Cut (or Wedge Cut)

    This cut makes a V-shaped incision into the cap; making for a good draw while maintaining structural integrity.

    Pros:

      • Deep draw with a unique mouthfeel

      • Reduces tar buildup

    Cons:

      • Can split the cigar if not used correctly

    Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cut a Cigar

    Let’s break down the steps using a straight cut, which is our preferred method at Founders Cigar Company.

    Step 1: Select Your Cigar Cutter

    Start with a clean, sharp straight cutter. Dull blades can crush or tear the cigar. We recommend investing in a quality cutter and keeping it clean. Here’s our favorite cigar cutter, it’s our Perfect Cut.

    Step 2: Examine the Cigar

    Look at the head of the cigar and locate the shoulder line. You’ll notice a round cap that is slightly raised. That’s your guide.

    Step 3: Position the Cigar

    Place the cigar into the cutter and align the blade just above the shoulder line—no more than 1/16 to 1/8 inch from the cap. You want to cut just enough to open the cigar without unraveling the wrapper.

    Step 4: Make the Cut

    Use a swift, confident motion to slice through the cap. A clean cut will result in a smooth, open draw and an intact wrapper.

    Step 5: Inspect and Adjust

    Take a cold draw. If it feels tight, you may need to widen the cut or switch to a punch or V-cut next time. If the draw is too loose or the wrapper begins to unravel, you may have cut too deeply. If you need a good lighter, we’ve got you covered with our
    Palio Torcia. It’s a single flame, pre-filled butane lighter.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

      • Cutting too much: This can cause the cigar to unravel.

      • Cutting too little: Restricts airflow and can make drawing difficult.

      • Using a dull cutter: Leads to tearing or crushing the cigar.

      • Biting the cap: Sure, you’ve seen it in movies, but it’s not recommended.

    Choosing the Right Cut for the Cigar Type

    Not all cigars are created equal, and the size and shape can influence the best cut:

      • Parejos (straight-sided cigars): Work best with a straight cut.

      • Torpedoes or Belicosos: Can benefit from a V-cut or tapered straight cut.

      • Large ring gauge cigars: Often do well with a punch cut.

    At Founders Cigar Company, we offer a range of premium cigars that pair well with all types of cuts. Whether you’re enjoying our Roosevelt Maduro or our Douglass Habano, each cigar is made to provide a consistent, satisfying experience from first light to final draw.

    About Founders Cigar Company

    We’re a veteran owned company, focused on being a premium cigar brand, built on tradition, craftsmanship, and a love for great cigars and being one of the best cigar brands. We take pride in sourcing quality tobacco, delivering consistency, and offering cigars that look as good as they smoke. When you buy cigars online from Founders, you’re not just buying a product—you’re joining a legacy.

    We recently changed factories, upgraded our bands, and adjusted pricing—all to ensure our customers and dealers receive a premium cigar, from a top cigar brand, that delivers on flavor, construction, and value.

    Final Thoughts

    Cutting a cigar is a small action that makes a big difference. It sets the tone for your smoke and ensures you get the most out of your cigar. With the right technique and tools, you can master this simple but important ritual.

    Ready to put this into practice? Buy premium cigars online from Founders Cigar Company, we’re on a mission to become one of the best cigar brands on the market with top cigars, and experience the difference a well-crafted, properly cut cigar makes. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or just getting started, our selection has something for every palate.

    Founders Cigar Company — Premium cigars. Veteran owned cigar company. Built for moments worth remembering.

  • How to Light a Cigar

    How to Light a Cigar

    The second fundamental skill after cutting a cigar is how to light a cigar. This can seem like a daunting task, with many different ways to get the job done. Some traditionalists swear by wood matches or using cedar strips. Others use plain Bic or Zippo lighters (non-butane). There are debates whether using lighter fluid will taint the taste of your cigar or not, and the majority of people seem to opt for a butane-styled torch lighter.

    For this example, we will go over the basics with a butane lighter. Butane is an excellent option because it is a neutral fluid that will not impart any additional flavors into the cigar.

    Once we have a nice cut on the cap of our cigar, we turn our attention to the foot.

    The goal in lighting a cigar is to get a nice consistent ember going on the entire face of the cigar. If you have ever seen a cigar burning unevenly, it usually has something to do with inconsistent lighting.

    Toasting the Foot of a Cigar

    We start with toasting the foot. Think of this as a pre-burn or preparing the foot of the cigar for the initial light. Take your lighter and hold it away from the foot of the cigar. With the lighter lit, hold the flame off the cigar without touching the flame to the cigar. Rotate the flame around the edge of the cigar until you start to see a light glow. By keeping attention on the outer edge, you are also prepping the middle of the foot due to the heat crossover.

    Once you see a light glow across the foot of the cigar, you are ready for the light. Place the cigar in your mouth and hold the lighter at about 2-4” away from the foot. Draw slightly while rotating the cigar. This helps prevent dead spots. After turning the cigar a few times, take hold of it in your hand and blow directly onto the foot.

    To recap, you aim for a nice toast of the foot with an indirect flame followed by rotating the cigar during the initial light. By blowing into the foot, you can identify if you have missed any areas, which will allow you to get the most consistent light at the beginning of your session. After that, taking your time between nice consistent draws, and there is not much else to it.

    Lighting a cigar seems to give many people anxiety, trying to make sure they get it right. We hope this helped lay out the fundamentals and explain the main points required to get a consistent light. Cigars are a place that we can all connect, and we want this process to be as approachable as possible. Next time you are with friends over cigars, we hope you share this knowledge with someone else to make cigars more enjoyable for everyone.

    About Us

    Founders Cigar Company is a veteran owned cigar brand located in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis. Founders retails their cigars online and through other retail partnerships. A portion of proceeds is used to send cigars to our U.S. service members downrange through a partnership with Operation: Cigars for Warriors. Thank you for supporting a veteran owned business.

  • How to Cut a Cigar

    How to Cut a Cigar

    If you are new to cigars, how to cut a cigar is one of the first things you will learn. Cutting a cigar can be a daunting task for the first time. Often, when I am with someone fresh into their love of cigars, the first questions are always how to cut a cigar immediately followed by how to light a cigar. While there are many different styles of cutters, the fundamental goal is always the same: opening up the end or “cap” of the cigar to allow proper airflow while maintaining the structural integrity of the cigar.

    There are two main ways to go wrong here, cutting too much and cutting too little. Too small of a cut, and you will not allow proper airflow through your cigar, and you will struggle to pull smoke or keep the cigar lit. Too deep of a cut, and you risk having the outer layer, or wrapper, of the cigar starting to unravel.

    For this example, we will look at a traditional cigar head with a straight guillotine cutter. Click here for different cigar styles and here for other cigar cutters. There are two ends of the cigar, the cap, and the foot. The foot is the open end that you light, and the cap is the part that you need to cut before smoking.

    how to cut a cigar

    Looking at the head of the cigar, you will see a line where the body begins to transition into the cap. That is called the shoulder and this line is critical. Cutting into this line poses the risk of the outer wrapper unraveling and causing a few problems for you.

    how do i cut a cigar

    While staying beneath that line, make sure you stay perpendicular across the cap of the cigar. Try not to angle at all. The goal is a swift clean cut to keep the cigar from fraying and getting bits of tobacco in your mouth. There are a few tricks you can do to ensure an optimal cut. One trick I learned from an informative podcast with Rob from Boveda and Travis Pappenheim from Atladis USA. Place the cutter straight on the table and put the cigar inside. This point is a perfect depth to cut your cigar.

    The other trick is to use one of our Perfect Cut Founder Cigar Cutter. This does the same thing by providing you an integrated surface so you can always repeat your cuts.

    how do i cut a cigar

    Check out this great tutorial video from our friends at Classic Mindset, How to Cut a Cigar | What is the BEST way? | Cigar Basics. Josiah Bryant from Classic Mindset breaks down different cigar cutters and any anxiety you might be feeling for, what is the RIGHT WAY to cut a cigar.

    https://youtu.be/uz1-_Tj8UMg

    That’s it! As long as you stay beneath the shoulder and keep your cut level and quick. You should be in good shape. We all have cut cigars too deep or too shallow. You’ll know right away if the cigar isn’t drawing as easily or as smokey. You might have to give it a second cut to open it a bit more. If you feel the cigar start to become mushy or you’re getting a lot of tobacco in your mouth, you may have cut it a bit too deep.

    We hope this helped remove the fear of cutting a cigar incorrectly. Cigars are a place that we can all connect, and we want this process to be as approachable and shareable as possible. Next time you are with friends over cigars, we hope you share this knowledge with someone else to make cigars more enjoyable for everyone.

    About Us

    Founders Cigar Company is a veteran owned cigar brand located in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis. Founders retails their cigars online and through other retail partnerships. A portion of proceeds is used to send cigars to our U.S. service members downrange through a partnership with Operation: Cigars for Warriors. Thank you for supporting a veteran owned business.