Introduction to Cigars 101

Cigars have been enjoyed for centuries—celebrated for their craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and the ritual of slowing down to savour a moment. Cigars are great for special occasions like graduation, weddings, or that big event you've been planning.

Whether you're new to cigars or expanding your knowledge, this guide breaks down the essentials: history, origins, wrappers, sizes, how to smoke a cigar, and how to tell the difference between plume and mold.

A Brief History of Cigars

Cigars trace their roots back to the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean and Central America, who wrapped tobacco in plant leaves long before European contact. When Columbus arrived in 1492, he encountered tobacco smoking and brought the practice back to Spain. From there, cigar culture spread across Europe and eventually the world.

By the 1800s, cigar production became a major industry in Cuba, Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic—regions still known today for producing the world’s finest cigars with Cuba considered being the best.

Where Cigars Come From

Most premium cigars originate from four major tobacco‑growing regions:

Cuba

Often considered the gold standard. Cuban cigars are known for their rich, complex flavours and long‑standing tradition. They have the best climate for tobacco plants to grow well.

Nicaragua

In general, Nicaraguan cigars are bold, and full-bodied, thanks to its volcanic soil.

Dominican Republic

Known for smooth, balanced cigars—great for beginners and seasoned smokers alike.

Honduras

Offers earthy, spicy profiles with deep flavour complexity.

Each region’s soil, climate, and curing methods create unique flavour characteristics—similar to how climate and region affects wine.

Cigar Wrapper Types

The wrapper is the outermost leaf and contributes significantly to flavour and aroma. Common wrapper types include:

Connecticut

• Light, creamy, smooth

• Light-bodied and great for beginners

• Tasting Notes: Cedar, roasted nuts, toast

Habano

• Spicy, peppery, earthy

• Medium to full‑bodied

• Tasting Notes: Black pepper, cedar, spices

Sumatra

• Earthy, slightly sweet, smooth

• Medium‑bodied

• Tasting Notes: White pepper, nuts, spices

San Andrés

• Dark, slightly sweet, balanced

• Medium to full-bodied

• Tasting Notes: Earthy, cocoa, espresso

Maduro

• Dark, sweet, rich

• Full-bodied

• Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, coffee, roasted nuts

Cigar Sizes: Length & Ring Gauge

Cigar size affects burn time, flavour intensity, and heat.

Length

Measured in inches. Longer cigars burn slightly cooler for a less harsh smoke.

As you smoke, the cigar will get shorter and you will notice the smoke will feel warmer, and it tends to create more harshness. 

Ring Gauge

Diameter of the cigar, measured in 64ths of an inch.

• A 64 ring gauge = 1 inch thick

• A 32 ring gauge = 0.5 inch thick

Cigar Sizes

While the names suggest size, they can vary in length and ring gauge slightly, depending on the region they are made in.

How to Smoke a Cigar: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

Enjoying a cigar is a ritual. It’s slow, intentional, and meant to be savoured—not rushed. Whether you’re lighting up for the first time or refining your technique, here’s a simple guide to doing it right from start to finish.

1. Proper Storage: Protecting Your Cigars

Premium cigars are made from natural tobacco leaves, so they need controlled humidity to stay fresh.

Humidor Basics

• Ideal humidity: 65–70%

• Ideal temperature: 18–21°C (65–70°F)

• Store cigars in a humidor or an air tight container with Boveda packs

Why Storage Matters

Too dry → cigars burn hot, fast, and taste harsh
Too humid → cigars burn unevenly and may develop mold

A well‑stored cigar will feel firm but slightly springy when gently squeezed.

2. Cutting the Cigar

A clean cut ensures a smooth draw. You’re not “cutting the cigar open”—you’re simply removing the cap.

How to Cut Properly

• Use a sharp double bladed cigar cutter, or a cigar punch

• Identify the “shoulder” of the cigar (where the rounded cap meets the straight body)

• Cut just above the shoulder—about 2–3 mm

• Avoid cutting too deep, or the wrapper may unravel

Cutting Tools

• Straight double bladed cutter: Most common, gives an open draw

• Punch: Great for thicker ring gauges

3. Lighting the Cigar

Lighting a cigar is more like toasting a marshmallow than lighting a cigarette. Patience pays off.

Best Tools for Lighting

• Butane torch jet lighter

• Long wooden matches

How to Light

1. Hold the cigar at a 45° angle above the flame—don’t let it touch the flame directly.

2. Toast the foot (the open end) until it glows evenly.

3. Place the cigar in your mouth and take slow puffs while rotating it.

4. Check the foot—if it’s not evenly lit, gently touch up the edges.

A properly lit cigar burns evenly and produces smooth smoke.

4. How to Smoke 

Cigars are meant to be enjoyed, not inhaled.

The Right Technique

• Take slow, steady puffs—about one every 30–45 seconds

• Let the smoke roll over your palate

• Don't inhale too much - the smoke is meant to be savoured in your mouth
  
  
• Exhale gently
  
  
• Allow the cigar to rest between puffs

Ashing

• Don’t tap the ash like a cigarette

• Let it build naturally to about 1–2 cm

• Gently roll it off into the ashtray

A longer ash helps regulate temperature and keeps the burn even.

5. Drink Pairings to Elevate the Experience

Pairing a cigar with the right drink enhances both flavours. Here are some reliable combinations:

Whisky & Bourbon

• Full‑bodied cigars pair beautifully with smoky or oaky whiskies

• Bourbon’s sweetness complements Maduro wrappers

Rum

• Aged rum mirrors the natural sweetness of tobacco

• Great with Nicaraguan and Dominican cigars

Coffee & Espresso

• Perfect for morning or mid‑day cigars

• Works well with Connecticut and Habano wrappers

Cognac & Brandy

• Smooth, warming, and luxurious

• Ideal with medium‑to‑full‑bodied cigars

Plume vs. Mold: How to Tell the Difference

One of the most common concerns among cigar owners is whether the white substance on a cigar is plume (good) or mold (bad). Here’s how to tell them apart.

What Is Cigar Plume? (Also Called Bloom)

Plume is a natural, harmless crystallization of oils that rise to the surface of a well‑aged cigar. It appears as a fine, white, powdery dust that brushes off easily. Plume is actually a sign your cigars are aging properly.

How to Identify Plume

• White or light‑gray dust

• Dry, powdery texture

• Odorless

• Brushes off cleanly

• Does not stain the wrapper

Is Plume Safe to Smoke?

Yes—100% safe. Plume is simply crystallized oils from the tobacco. Many enthusiasts even consider it a badge of proper aging and premium storage conditions.

What Is Cigar Mold?

Mold is a fungus caused by excessive humidity or poor storage conditions.

How to Identify Mold

• Blue, green, yellow, off-white or fuzzy white growth

• Spreads in patches

• Has a musty smell

• Can penetrate the wrapper and foot

• Does not brush off cleanly

• Leaves stains behind

If you find mold, isolate the affected cigars immediately. If you purchased the cigar from us, and the cigar was found to have mold, we will gladly give you a replacement or a full refund. 

Quick Comparison

Final Thoughts

Cigars are more than tobacco—they’re craftsmanship, culture, and tradition rolled into one. Understanding their origins, construction, proper smoking technique, and how to care for them helps you enjoy them the way they were meant to be enjoyed.

Tags

bc blunt canada cigar cuba cuban cutting humidity lighting mold pairing plume smoke storage tobacco

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