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If you’re new to cigarillos or coming from cigarettes or vapes, this guide is for you. Instead of jumping straight into advanced techniques, we’ll walk you through the basics: what cigarillos are, how they’re built, what tools you actually need, and how to smoke them without getting overwhelmed or making common beginner mistakes.

 

Smoking cigars is a highly celebrated experience shared by colleagues, friends, and loved ones. This ritual of how to smoke a cigarillo can be enjoyed by anyone interested in celebrating the calming flavors and aromas. According to research cigars have over 118 unique variants and layers of flavors with their corresponding aromas.

 

Many people think cigars are just strong cigarettes, but they offer a completely unique experience. Cigars are special because they are not to be enjoyed in a rush. Knowing how to smoke a cigarillo takes time because you need to appreciate a blend of rich flavors and aromas. If not well acquainted with how to smoke a cigarillo, beginners can get intimidated by expert aficionados.

 

That is why this post gives a deep dive into cigar basics and how to enjoy every process involved. This cigar guide covers what you need to know about how to smoke a cigarillo, from cutting to lighting, to ensure a smooth first cigar experience.

 

 

The History of Cigarillos

As a beginner, you don’t need to become a cigar historian, but understanding where cigarillos came from will help you appreciate what you’re smoking and why they’re so different from cigarettes.

 

Cigarillos, often referred to as “little cigars,” have a rich history that is deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of cigar smoking.

 

References to the term “cigarillo” can be traced back to as early as 1832. With Spain historically dominating the cigar industry, it’s plausible that cigarillos first emerged there. Their small size and ease of use quickly garnered popularity across Europe and beyond.

 

Origin and Early History

Spanish Roots: The term “cigarillo” was first recorded in the 1830s, with the Spanish origin of the word suggesting that cigarillos were likely a Spanish creation.

 

Early Popularity

Initially, cigarillos did not gain widespread popularity until nearly a century after their first recorded mention. They became more popular around the turn of the 20th century, particularly in European markets.

 

Spread and Popularization

European Market: By the early 20th century, cigarillos had become a significant tobacco product in Europe. Regulatory laws were enacted to define cigarillos based on tobacco weight and rolling methods, often requiring them to be hand-rolled.

 

Characteristics and Appeal of Cigarillos

Before you light your first cigarillo, it helps to know what makes them unique in size, construction, flavor, and how long they last. This way, you can choose something that actually matches your preferences as a beginner.

 

Characteristics

• Size: Cigarillos are significantly smaller than traditional cigars, typically 3 to 4 inches long and 0.25 inches in diameter.

 

• Construction: They often use short-filler tobacco wrapped in natural or homogenized tobacco leaves. Unlike most premium cigars, some may have a filter.

 

• Materials: The wrapper can be made from paper or homogenized tobacco leaves, which may differ from the premium leaves used in full-size cigars.

 

• Duration: Cigarillos burn faster and are quicker to smoke, lasting about 10 to 20 minutes, making them ideal for short breaks.

 

Appeal

• Convenience: Their compact size and quick smoking time make them perfect for busy lifestyles or impromptu smoking sessions.

 

• Flavor Variety: The availability of flavored options caters to diverse tastes, attracting both seasoned smokers and newcomers.

 

• Accessibility: Cigarillos are widely available at convenience stores and are generally more affordable than full-size cigars, making them accessible to a broader audience.

 

• Marketing and Packaging: Attractive packaging with colorful designs and flavor descriptors significantly enhances Appeal, especially among younger consumers.

 

 

Cigar Knowledge and Nuances to Consider

To fully enjoy how to smoke a cigarillo, it helps to have basic cigar knowledge. You don’t need to memorize all this, but knowing these basic terms will make buying and enjoying cigarillos much easier as a beginner.This knowledge covers the basic features of cigars and what differentiates them from cigarettes. Understanding these terms will help assimilate this cigar guide and make cigar smoking for beginners easier. In addition, it will help you identify cigar qualities and choose the perfect one.

 

What Is a Cigar Wrapper？

The wrapper is the outermost layer or leaf of the cigar like Connecticut, Maduro, and Habano, among others. It is carefully selected because it contributes significantly to the cigar’s flavor and appearance. For instance, a Maduro wrapper is richer, darker, and has a sweeter note. Connecticut wrappers are a bit different because they are lighter and have a milder flavor.

 

Cigar Ring Gauge & size Basics for Beginners

Cigars come in different ring gauges or diameters, which also affects the way beginners get to enjoy their cigars. Thicker cigars, also called robusto, offer slower burn and cooler smoke. The thinner ones provide more consecrated flavor and faster burn.

 

Cigar Cap and foot for beginners

The cap is the end of the cigar that is cut off before smoking, while the foot is the lit end of the cigar. For a new smoker, a well-made cap allows for an easy cut. With a smooth cut, you can create an ideal draw for an enjoyable first cigar puff. Similarly, the end lets you see the filler leaves to understand its construction and flavor profile.

 

Cigar Binder for beginners

Beneath the wrapper is the binder holding the filler in place. This layer of tobacco adds subtle notes of flavor that complement the wrapper and filler. However, it does not contribute too much flavor to the cigar.

 

Cigar Filler for beginners

Inside the cigar is the blend of leaves called the filler, which contributes to most of its flavor. High-quality fillers are made from different types of tobacco.

 

 

How to Start Smoking Cigars Properly (Tools & Setup for Beginners)?

Picking the right size and flavor of the cigar is the first step on how to smoke a cigarillo. Hence, it is important that if you are smoking a cigar for the first time, you look for the best cigars for beginners. Preferably, you should pick a mild cigar option to develop your palate. Afterward, you can follow the processes discussed in this section.

 

The next processes include the right selection of cigar smoking kits and using the right technique. Some of the accessories are a cigar cutter, lighter, and ashtray. Each of these tools has a unique contribution to the overall experience of how to smoke a cigarillo. Also, taking cognizance of the cigar tips discussed here will help you learn swiftly how to smoke a cigarillo and enjoy safe practices.

 

However, understanding cigarillo etiquette is equally essential. Cigarillos are perfect for informal settings like cocktail parties due to their small size and quick burn. Despite their size, savor the experience rather than rushing through it. Remember, both cigarillos and cigars should not be smoked during a meal, and built-up ash should be gently knocked into an ashtray.

 

If you’re open to sharing your cigarillos with fellow smokers, offer them the box rather than handing them one individually. It’s also polite to offer your lighter or matches instead of lighting for them.

 

Best Cigar Cutter for Cigarillo

The next step after picking the right cigar is to choose one of three types of cigar cutters, namely guillotine, punch, and V-cut. Using the guillotine cutter is the best and most common option to have a straight cut. Unlike the punch, which creates a small hole, and the V-cut, which makes a wedge shape. The cutter a beginner first purchase to chooses is significant because they have different effects on the draw.

 

Cutting Techniques for Cigarillo

In addition to the unique charm of the cutter, a seamless cutting technique is another vital part of how to smoke a cigarillo. Hence, hold the cigar steady and use a firm, swift motion to make a good cut. Cut just enough of the cap to reveal the filler without unraveling the wrapper.

 

A good cut helps maintain a balance of air and smoke. For beginners, cutting the cap off about an eighth of an inch is optimal. When you become very good at smoking cigarillos, the correct technique and the inch to cut off the cap will become intuitive.

 

Common Beginner Mistakes When Cutting

• Cutting off too much of the cap, causing the wrapper to unravel.
• Cutting too little, making the draw tight and difficult.
• Using a dull or unsuitable cutter that crushes instead of slices.
• Cutting unevenly or at an unintended angle.
• Cutting too slowly or squeezing the cigarillo too hard, leading to cracks.

 

Right Lighter for Cigarillo

It is essential to avoid regular lighters when picking a lighter for cigars. Regular lighters can add unwanted flavors, unlike butane lighters or wooden matches. Butane is preferred because it burns cleanly and does not affect the flavor of the cigar. The right lighter combined with proper lighting technique is vital to how to smoke a cigarillo.

 

For beginners, avoid using lighters that burn lighter fluid or produce a strong fuel smell, as they can easily taint the delicate flavor of a cigarillo. Stick to odorless butane lighters or quality wooden matches for a cleaner taste.

 

 

Lighting Technique for Cigarillo

Lighting is where many beginners go wrong – they burn the tip, rush the process, or don’t know what to do with the ash.

 

Those smoking a cigar for the first time with cigarette experience make the mistake of lighting their cigar. For instance, they light the cigar with flame directly under the cigar. This technique will ruin the flavor and aroma of a quality cigar. Instead, you are to hold the cigar at a forty-five-degree angle without the flame reaching it when learning how to smoke a cigarillo.

 

With your cigar in your mouth, slowly heat the foot of the cigar while rotating it. Gently puff the cigar without inhaling a few times or lightly blow on the burning end. Continue the process until the entire foot of the premium tobacco is red hot and burning evenly. Once it is lit, take a slow puff or two every minute to enjoy the experience.

 

Right Ashtray for Cigarillo

Hold the cigar, light it evenly, and take slow puffs without inhaling the smoke. Let it sit in your mouth so you can enjoy the rich flavors. With an even burn and smooth puff, the cigar would be making thicker ash that stays in place longer than on cigarettes. Hence, you need a sturdy ashtray with a stable base.

 

Technique for Handling Cigar Ash

Let the ash at the foot grow to about an inch or more when it falls naturally. Avoid constantly tapping the cigar on the ashtray to get off the ash, it disrupts the even burning of the cigar. A gentle tap along the edge of the cigar will get off any impending ash that needs to be removed. When you are done with the cigar, simply leave it in the ashtray, and it will extinguish on its own.

 

Enhance Your Cigar Experience with Proper Storage

As said earlier, anyone learning how to smoke a cigarillo needs the right cigar knowledge and accessories. Given that cigars are sensitive to humidity, proper storage is essential to maintain their quality and freshness. Therefore, investing in a good humidor will keep your cigars fresh and flavorful for a long time. A humidor is a special box designed to keep cigars at an ideal humidity level of 65 to 72 percent.

 

Mozsly provides the best humidor solutions that prevent cigars from drying out or becoming too moist. Cigar humidors and boxes encourage you to have the right storage practices. In addition to protective features, these humidors offer aesthetic advantages to your house, office, or room. Check out the best option on the official website of Mozsly.

 

As a beginner, you don’t need an expensive humidor right away, but you should understand the basics of keeping cigarillos fresh, such as avoiding extreme temperatures and keeping them in a reasonably stable, cool, and dry place.

 

 

Enjoying How to Smoke a Cigarillo

Knowing how to smoke a cigarillo is about mastering cigar tips for relaxation and savoring soothing flavors. By choosing the right cigar for beginners you can make each smoking session striking. Furthermore, do not forget how to smoke a cigarillo slowly and enjoy the experience one puff at a time. Also, do not chew on the cigar to prevent unraveling the wrapper.

 

Getting a quality lighter, cutter, ashtray, and humidor can significantly lift the level of your experience. Hence, beginners learning how to smoke a cigarillo can make their experience smooth and enjoyable from the start with the right tools. However, avoid relighting excessively when learning how to smoke a cigarillo. Relighting multiple times can make the cigar taste bitter.

 

For first‑time smokers, it is also important to manage expectations and listen to your body. The flavor may feel stronger and more intense than you expect at first, so take your time and keep your puffs gentle and spaced out. If you start to feel light‑headed or uncomfortable, simply put the cigarillo down, take a short break, and drink some water. There is no need to force yourself to finish or keep it lit at all costs—stopping early is perfectly normal when you are just starting out.

 

Pairing Options for Cigarillos

For beginners, the right pairing can make your first cigarillo much smoother and more enjoyable.

 

Coffee and Chocolate

These classic pairings complement the rich flavors of cigarillos. Coffee’s boldness and chocolate’s sweetness can enhance the smoking experience.

 

Craft Beer

Lighter beers like lagers or pilsners can cleanse the palate between puffs of a cigarillo, while darker beers like stouts might overpower the flavor. However, if you prefer a richer taste, a malty beer could complement the earthy notes of some cigarillos.

 

Spirits

• Cognac or Brandy:For those who prefer a more luxurious experience, cognac or brandy can add a rich and complex layer to the pairing.
• Rum:Rum, significantly lighter or spiced varieties, pairs well with cigarillos. The sweetness and spices in rum can complement the smooth, milder flavors of cigarillos.

 

Wine

A light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, can also pair well with cigarillos. The wine’s fruitiness and acidity can balance the earthy flavors of the tobacco.

 

Cola or Ginger Ale

For a more casual pairing, these soft drinks can add unique flavors to the experience, though purists might prefer more straightforward options like water.

 

What are some recommended cigarillos for beginners?

For beginners venturing into the world of cigarillos, choosing the right brand can enhance your experience significantly. The following options are known for having flavors that are not overly strong, reliable quality, and a smooth profile that makes them especially suitable for a first try. Here are some highly recommended options that balance quality and flavor, making them perfect for newcomers:

 

 

Davidoff Cigarillos

Renowned for luxury and consistency, Davidoff offers cigarillos that provide a smooth and creamy smoke. Their mini cigarillos, crafted with aged long-leaf fillers, are ideal for those who appreciate a refined taste in a shorter smoking session,without being too harsh for beginners.

 

 

ACID Cigarillos

For those looking to explore unique flavors, ACID Cigarillos are infused with herbs and botanicals, offering a contemporary twist. These cigarillos are known for their distinctive taste, providing an innovative smoking experience that remains approachable for new smokers without overwhelming a new palate.

 

 

Montecristo Classic Mini Cigarillos

Montecristo, a name synonymous with premium cigars, offers the Classic Mini Cigarillos that are perfectly balanced in flavor. These are great for beginners who might be short on time but still want a taste of the renowned Montecristo quality, with a smooth, moderate strength that won’t feel too heavy.

 

 

Ashton Cigarillos

Crafted in Belgium with African tobacco, Ashton cigarillos deliver a medium-bodied experience bursting with unique flavors. They are a great choice for those seeking an affordable luxury smoking experience, with consistent construction and a flavor profile that’s friendly to first‑time cigarillo smokers.

 

 

Swisher Sweets

Celebrated for their sweet flavors like chocolate and cherry, Swisher Sweets provide an accessible entry point for beginners. Their cigarillos offer a pleasant smoking experience that is easy on the wallet and enjoyable to the senses, making them a relaxed, low‑pressure option for your very first cigarillo.

 

Overall, these brands stand out because their flavors are not excessively strong, the quality is stable, and they offer a gentle introduction that helps beginners focus on enjoying the experience rather than fighting with harshness or inconsistency.

 

FAQs on How to Smoke a Cigarillo

Here are some common questions about how to smoke a cigarillo.

 

Why Do You Put a Toothpick on a Cigar?

Putting a toothpick in the cigar is not a popular practice, and it is not for anyone just learning how to smoke a cigarillo. Some people use it as a cigarette safety to hold the cigar near the end. It allows them to enjoy the cigar until the last inch without burning their fingers.

 

How Do You Breathe When Smoking a Cigar?

When learning how to smoke a cigarillo, you hold the smoke in your mouth rather than breathe it into your lungs. Let the smoke linger in your mouth for a moment to enjoy the flavor, then exhale. Take normal breaths of fresh air in between puffs.

 

How to Keep Cigar Smoke in Your Mouth?

Take a gentle puff into your mouth by creating a slight vacuum like you are sipping from a straw. Then, hold the smoke in your mouth without inhaling. Keep your mouth closed, allowing the flavors to spread, and then release the smoke slowly.

 

How to Tell If It Is a Good Cigar or Not?

You can test out the construction of a quality cigar by rolling it in between your index finger and thumb. No lumps should be found when you do the roll test. Also, the body should not feel too soft or not have enough filling. It should be firm but not too hard.

 

How to Store Your Cigars for Optimal Flavor?

You can store your cigars for optimal flavor in a humidor set at 65-70% humidity and 65-70°F temperature. Ensure that the cigar avoids direct sunlight or fluctuating conditions when in storage. Also, rotate them occasionally for even aging.

 

Can I Smoke a Cigarillo If I’ve Only Smoked Cigarettes Before?

Yes, you can, but the experience is different from cigarettes. Cigarillos are usually stronger in flavor and nicotine, and the smoke is not meant to be inhaled into the lungs. If you’ve only smoked cigarettes before, start with milder cigarillos, take slow, spaced‑out puffs, and keep the smoke in your mouth only to taste the flavor, then exhale.

 

How Many Cigarillos Is Too Many for a Beginner?

For beginners, one small cigarillo in a sitting is usually enough. Your body may be more sensitive to nicotine at first, so it is better to start slowly and pay attention to how you feel. If you begin to feel dizzy, nauseous, or uncomfortable, stop immediately, put the cigarillo down, and drink some water. There is no need to push yourself to smoke more or finish an entire pack.