Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of Havanas or a seasoned aficionado, there are a few habits that can quickly mark you out as inexperienced. Cigar smoking is meant to be a pleasure — unhurried, refined, and social. Avoiding these common faux pas not only improves your own experience but also earns you respect among fellow smokers.
1. Removing the Band Too Early
For many novices, peeling off the band as soon as you light up seems natural. But this can be a costly mistake.
The bands on Cuban cigars are applied with a dab of vegetable glue, and sometimes the roller gets heavy-handed. Peel it too soon and you risk tearing the delicate wrapper — or worse, unravelling the cigar entirely.
The fix: Wait until the burn line is about an inch away. By then, the heat will have loosened the glue, allowing the band to slide off easily.
2. Mangling the Cap
Your cut is everything. Slice too deep or too carelessly and you’ll spend the whole smoke wrestling with a bad draw, cracked wrapper, or unravelling head.
The fix:
- Use a sharp guillotine cutter, punch, or V-cut — and know how to use it.
- Identify the cap line and cut just above it. You only need a small opening for a good draw.
- If you’re punching, twist gently rather than forcing it in.
Take your time. A clean cut is the foundation of a smooth smoke.
3. Smoking on an Empty Stomach
Even experienced smokers can get caught out by strong cigars like the Partagas Serie P No.2 or
Joya De Nicaragua 50th Anniversary Cinco Decadas Diadema Cigar. Nicotine on an empty stomach is a recipe for “cigar sickness”: nausea, dizziness, cold sweats, and a sudden need for fresh air.
The fix:
- Always smoke after a meal or at least a snack.
- If you feel ill, stop immediately, hydrate, and get some air. A sugary drink (cola, orange juice) can also help.
Remember: cigars are meant to be enjoyed, not survived.
4. Puffing Too Fast
Cigars are not cigarettes. Chain-smoking one will overheat the tobacco, turning flavours harsh and bitter while ruining the burn.
The fix: Slow down. Puff every 30–60 seconds. Let the cigar rest and smoulder. It’s not a race; it’s an experience. The slower you go, the more complexity you’ll discover.
5. Over-Charring the Foot
“Toasting” the foot before lighting is good practice, but blasting it with a torch lighter is not. Overheating the wrapper can damage the oils, leading to bitterness and uneven burning.
The fix:
- Hold the cigar parallel to the floor, lighter at a 45-degree angle.
- Toast the edges evenly until you see a thin, glowing ring.
- Then gently puff to bring it fully alight.
Think finesse, not flamethrower.
6. Playing It Too Safe
We all have favourites — perhaps a Montecristo No.4 or a Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill — but always reaching for the same cigar limits your palate. Part of the joy of cigars is exploring the variety of blends, vitolas, and origins available.
The fix: Experiment. Try samplers, mix Cubans with New World blends, and compare. You might not love every stick, but you’ll discover new flavours and broaden your horizons.
7. Ashing Too Often (or Not Enough)
Tapping off your ash every inch like a cigarette is another novice mistake. Ash insulates the ember, keeping the burn cool and steady. Knock it off too often and you’ll get a hotter, harsher smoke. On the other hand, letting the ash grow too long risks it falling in your lap.
The fix: Let the ash build naturally to about an inch before gently tapping it off.
8. Inhaling the Smoke
This one’s simple: never inhale a cigar. Unlike cigarettes, cigars are meant to be savoured on the palate, not in the lungs. Inhaling only leads to coughing, dizziness, and embarrassment.
Final Puff
Cigar smoking is about ritual and relaxation, but also respect — for the craftsmanship that goes into each Havana, and for the traditions of cigar culture. Avoid these faux pas and you’ll elevate both your own enjoyment and the impression you make on others.
Browse our cigar samplers to expand your horizons and avoid playing it safe.