Chances are that if you’re looking for cigars for sale, you may be wrangling some other questions as well. These are some of the more common questions cigar smokers pass around on the internet, so we figured we’d weigh in on some of them.
They range from questions regarding aging to humidification to the smoking experience itself. Check here to see if your questions are listed and if so, if our answers were helpful. If not, you can always get in touch with us directly.
1.How long should it take to smoke a cigar?
How long you should take to smoke a cigar really depends on the size of the cigar and the condition of the tobacco. Generally speaking, it’s safe to take a puff per minute once you’ve lit the cigar, as smoking too quickly can (and will) adversely affect the experience (see below).
For cigarillos, it should take about ten minutes to a half hour. For a corona or a robusta vitola, it should take about a half hour to forty-five minites, whereas for a larger cigar like a Churchill, it should take well over an hour - nearly two, actually.
All things considered, the slower the better, as long as you don’t allow the cigar to go out. Speaking of “smoking too fast,” that can be a problem as well.
2.What happens if I smoke a cigar too fast?
Smoking too fast is bad news. Don’t do it; it ruins the experience that a quality cigar can provide. A general rule of thumb is to take no more than a single draw or puff per minute, but if you feel that the cigar is burning too hot or has become bitter, you’re smoking too fast.
When you smoke too fast, the tobacco will heat up too quickly and tar will build up inside the cigar. This makes the tobacco harsh and bitter and will adversely affect its delicate balance of flavor. You’ll also find that the smoke is too hot and may bite your tongue (a condition known as tongue bite or pipe tongue) which is an unpleasant experience as well.
Smoking too fast can also cause nicotine poisoning, which can cause a wide range of unpleasant symptoms and ruin the experience. That runs directly counter to the pleasant experience that a cigar is intended to provide.
3.How do I know the cigar is done?
Another question that a lot of cigar smokers ask is how to know when the cigar is finished. The quick answer is, when you’re done with it.
However, here are some pointers. By the final third, the buildup of tar in the cigar will start to impact flavor, and the cigar will be burning a bit hot. A little of the way past two-thirds, and you can consider most cigars finished. Some smokers will smoke a cigar down to a nub, but once it gets too hot, too bitter, or you’re not pleased with the smoke, the cigar’s kicked.
4.What’s the difference between a light cigar and a full-bodied cigar?
Cigars are typically classified as light-boded, medium-bodied, medium to full-bodied and full-bodied. Light cigars typically produce a lighter, airy smoke with a touch of sweetness. Full-bodied cigars produce a heavy, very strong smoke with a variety of flavors. It’s best for beginners to start with lighter cigars and then progress to heavier, fuller-bodied cigars as they learn about their tastes - and remember, wrapper color is not an indicator of strength!
5.Do I need to age a cigar? (and should I take off the cellophane?)
No, you do not need to age a cigar, but some smokers choose to do so because it increases the complexity of the smoke. The flavors will mellow out and the cigar will pick up the notes of the environment, such as cedar.
If you are going to age or store your cigars, it’s best to remove the cellophane wrappers because the wrapper will serve as a barrier to humidity. This is good when you’re trying to preserve humidity during handling or transport, but not during aging.
6.What is the optimal humidity for storing cigars?
Not everyone sees eye to eye on what the optimal humidity level for storing and aging cigars is, and there is such a thing as “over humidification.” However, for most intents and purposes, 70% humidity will prevent your cigars from becoming too dry and will preserve their flavor.
7.Can cigars be over humidified?
Yes, cigars can be over humidified, which both ruins the smoking experience and can encourage the growth of mold. In climates that are very hot and humid, don’t be tempted to open the humidor lid - instead, use a few sheets of cedar to regulate the humidity level, as these will absorb moisture and can help protect cigars.
8.Is there a “best” lighter for a cigar?
There is no single “best” lighter for a cigar, but many smokers prefer torch lighters because they are nearly windproof and have a flame that can be directed. It’s easy to toast the cigar’s foot with a torch lighter and also easy to touch up uneven spots - also, torch lighters will impart no flavor to cigars, unlike liquid fuel lighters.
9.Can you fix uneven ash or burn?
If your ash becomes uneven during the life of the smoke, one way to solve it is by laying the side that is burning facing down in the stirrup of the ashtray. Heat rises, and the problem may correct itself. If it doesn’t fix itself, use a torch lighter to “touch up” the affected area, evening out the burn.
Check out our premium cigars for sale and contact us if you have any other questions!
Take a look through our cigars for sale - we have one of the largest collections of cigar brands on the internet, with highlights from all of them, and at great cigar prices. We also carry a huge range of cigar accessories, including cigar humidors and travel cases. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, get in touch with our customer service team and we’d be glad to help.
Be sure to follow along with us on Facebook and Instagram so you can stay ahead of news and developments. You can also reach out to us directly if you still have questions and aren’t sure who to ask - we’re here to help as you need us, and you can reach us by phone at 800-887-7877.