In this article, we’re going to break down some of the fine points of how to smoke a cigar. Does it have to be one of our Romeo Y Julieta cigars? No, but many a smoker has been introduced to an RYJ 1875, so we’ll set the premise on that cigar.

Every cigar smoker has their preferences, and while there may not be a textbook “correct” or “incorrect” way to enjoy one, there are some things a lot of smokers can agree on. Follow some of these pointers and you may find yourself vastly more satisfied with one of the next Romeo Y Julieta cigars that you pick out - or any of them.

First, if the cigar is wrapped in plastic, unwrap in. Feel the construction of the cigar; it should be firm, but not too tight. The wrapper should slightly yield under your fingers. This will influence the draw and will affect the temperature and flavor of the smoke.

Next, take a moment to smell the cigar, before you light it. These are some of the pre-light notes of the cigar, and the wrapper and fillers will intermingle. Next, either punch or cut the cigar; this will enable you to taste the cold draw of the cigar before you light it. If it is an 1875, you will get lighter notes; pepper, leather, spicy woods.

Remove the cigar from your mouth and prepare to toast the end of it. There are several ways to light a cigar. Some will tell you that the only way to light a cigar is with a cedar wrapper. You can use a lighter, a match, or a wrapper, but keep these in mind regardless of what you use.

If you use a lighter, be cautious of using lighters with liquid fuels, as they will alter the flavor of the tobacco. Likewise, if you use a match, allow the sulfur to burn off completely before lighting the cigar because the sulfur will impart a bitter, acrid taste to the tobacco that will ruin the cigar. In this article, we will illustrate how to light one with a cedar wrapper.

Apply a light to the cedar wrapper and allow the flame to spread. First, holding the cigar level, use the light from the cedar wrapper to toast the end of the cigar. Rotate the cigar so that all of the edges of the wrapper and filler are exposed to the light. Then, place the cigar in your mouth and draw using your tongue and cheeks to pull smoke into your mouth. Continue to rotate the cigar as you light to ensure an even draw. When the end of the cigar has an even light, extinguish the cedar wrapper.

You should now have an even light, accomplished through several draws. Allow the cigar to rest and taste the lighting notes of the cigar, which will be similar to the notes you will experience and taste throughout the first third of the smoke.

Pause to enjoy these flavors; allow the cigar to rest for about 30 seconds before you draw again. With an even light, you should allow the cigar to rest for intervals of about a minute before you draw again. Drawing too frequently can alter the flavor of the tobacco and may cause the cigar to burn too hot - cigars should be enjoyed, not rushed.

Some prefer to leave the ash on their cigar as long as possible while smoking; this is a matter of preference, but the ash will moderate the burn and help prevent the cigar from overheating, which will make it bitter.

As you continue to taste the flavors, the cigar will progress through the first third of the smoke into the second third. If you have chosen to enjoy an RYJ 1875, the flavors will become much more pronounced and powerful throughout the second third of the smoke. Continue to allow the cigar to rest for about a minute between draws. The final third of the cigar remains strong and will remain spicy, perhaps even becoming spicier as you near the end of the cigar.

Generally, smokers only draw the smoke into the mouth, but some smokers enjoy retro haling, which is the act of drawing smoke into the mouth and allowing it to pass through the back of the throat, through the sinus cavity and out of your nose. That will expose you to a variety of different flavors that cannot be experienced from the draw or the room note. Experiment with it to see what you enjoy.

This is only a cursory overview of how to enjoy some fine Romeo Y Julieta cigars, but you can apply these principles to just about any cigar out there. Also, smoking is a very personal experience and you will have to experiment to see what works for you.

If you have any questions on tips to try or would like some recommendations, make sure you reach out to our team for more information at 800-887-7877.