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5 Tips for New Cigar Smokers

Welcome to the cigar lifestyle new cigar smoker! You are in for the hobby of a lifetime. The cigar lifestyle brings great premium cigars; new friends at every cigar shop, lounge, and bar; and inner peace and well being. Hmm, I have a feeling Smokey Butts is going to call me out on the inner peace and well being comment. It may sound crazy and touchy-feely, but it is true.

However, to achieve the benefits of the cigar lifestyle, newbie herfers have to get used to smoking cigars. Your body isn’t ready for cigar smoking yet and just like Michael Phelps preparing for the Olympics, you need to prepare your body to smoke premium cigars. Yes, smoking cigars is an Olympic event, or at least it should be. Or, at a minimum, we should all smoke cigars while watching the Olympics. But, I digress. Here are 5 tips for new cigar smokers to make those first few cigars a positive experience.

5. Start with a Mild Less Strong Cigar

Unfortunately, due to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, cigars can no longer be referred to as “mild”. So, start with a “less strong” cigar so you have a better change of enjoying the experience. Try a Macanudo Hyde Park or a Macanudo Gold Label. If you are not averse to infused cigars, try a Drew Estate Tabak Especial Robusto Negra. If you are not interested in an infused cigar, try this one anyway. The Tabak is glorious. I smoke one for breakfast every Saturday and Sunday. *

4. Smoke a Robusto or Toro Sized Cigar

I know that you think a small cigar is best for you. Trust me, it is not. Small cigars burn hotter and if you smoke the cigar too fast, you’ll end up with a bitter tasting cigar. Don’t ruin your first experience by smoking a cigarillo or other small cigar. Start with a robusto or toro sized cigar to minimize the chance of overheating the cigar and minimize nasty tastes.

3. Smoke a Premium Cigar

I beg of you, please smoke a premium cigar. Skip the two for 99 cents grape and toilet water flavored cigars at your local convenience store. Also, don’t buy a cigar base solely on price. Yes, there are some inexpensive cigars that are also great. Unfortunately, you are probably not an expert at picking these out yet. Splurge on a decent premium cigar.

2. Brush Your Tongue

I bet you never thought I’d be offering up hygiene advice. I am and you’ll thank me for it the morning after smoking a cigar. Before you go to bed after smoking a cigar, brush your tongue with your toothbrush and toothpaste. Cigar flavors are absorbed by your tongue and can leave a nasty bad breath and cigar taste in your mouth in the morning. This is especially prevalent for new cigar smokers.

1. Drink Lots of Water

Water is your friend new cigar smoker. Smoking a cigar tends to lead to dehydration, especially for new cigar smokers. You should drink at least one bottle of water while smoking your cigar and one after you are finished. This will minimize dehydration and also minimize the chance of having a hangover-like feeling when you wake up after smoking a cigar the night before.

Good luck with your new hobby! Please post a comment if you have any other tips for new cigar smokers.

* Note: These are affiliate links and we make a small percentage on any sale using these links. Running this site requires funding. Buying cigars using these links helps us pay the bills.

c.gar

c.gar loves all things cigar-related. He typically falls in love with cigars that are discontinued shortly thereafter. His first cigar was a Swisher Sweet with a wood tip. Sadly, these are still in production.

2 thoughts on “5 Tips for New Cigar Smokers

  • Sean Hecker

    Why are new cigar smokers more likely to become dehydrated?

    Reply
  • Chris Winters

    I can see why a beginner would want to try cigars that aren’t very strong. My uncle has always been a cigar enthusiast and is always looking to try new brands. I wonder what it would take to help him to find a bundle that best suits his preferences.

    Reply

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