What type of cigar cutter is best?

The best cigar cutter depends on personal preference. Guillotine and double blade cutters offer clean, straight cuts, V-cutters create a focused draw, and punch cutters provide a compact cutting option.

Do cigar cutters affect the draw?

Yes. A proper cigar cutter helps preserve the cigar cap and allows consistent airflow, which contributes to an even and enjoyable draw.

Can one cigar cutter be used for all cigar sizes?

Many cigar cutters are designed to accommodate a range of ring gauges, but larger cigars may perform better with wider cutters or V-cut styles.

How do I properly cut a cigar?

To properly cut a cigar, remove only the cap just above the shoulder using a sharp cutter. Cutting too deeply can damage the wrapper and affect performance.

How to Choose the Right Cigar: A Beginner’s Guide

Walking into a cigar shop for the first time can feel overwhelming. Different sizes. Different wrappers. Different strengths. The key is understanding a few simple fundamentals. Once you do, choosing the right cigar becomes enjoyable instead of confusing.

Beginner rule: Start with a mild to medium-bodied cigar in a manageable size. Focus on balance and smoothness before exploring stronger blends.

Step 1: Understand Strength vs Flavor

Strength refers to the nicotine intensity. Flavor refers to taste notes such as cedar, cocoa, spice, cream, or earth. A cigar can be full-flavored but not overpowering in strength.

Mild: Smooth, creamy, often nutty or light cedar notes
Medium: Balanced spice, wood, cocoa
Full: Bold spice, earth, espresso, leather

If you are new to cigars, begin in the mild to medium range to allow your palate to adjust comfortably.

Step 2: Choose the Right Size

Cigar size affects smoking time and heat. Larger ring gauges burn cooler and slower. Smaller cigars burn faster and can feel slightly more concentrated.

Robusto: 30 to 50 minutes. Great beginner format.
Toro: 45 to 75 minutes. Balanced and popular.
Corona: Slimmer and classic. Slightly more concentrated flavor.

For first-time smokers, a Robusto or Toro offers manageable time and smooth burn characteristics.

Step 3: Understand Wrapper Types

The wrapper leaf significantly influences flavor. Color often gives clues about taste profile.

Connecticut: Light color, creamy, mild
Habano: Medium brown, balanced spice and sweetness
Maduro: Darker leaf, cocoa, espresso, sweetness

Connecticut wrappers are often ideal for beginners seeking smoothness.

Beginner-Friendly Cigar Recommendations

Here are excellent starter cigars available at Cigar Inc.:

Oliva Connecticut Reserve Robusto — smooth, creamy, mild profile with excellent construction
Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne Robusto — mellow sweetness and easy draw
La Aurora 1903 Connecticut — refined, balanced introduction to premium cigars

Buy From a Premium Cigar Shop

Proper storage matters. Cigars should be kept between 65 to 70 percent humidity and around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Buying from a reputable Los Angeles cigar shop like Cigar Inc. ensures the cigars are stored correctly and ready to enjoy.

Start your cigar journey with confidence.

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Your Woodland Hills cigar shop serving Los Angeles cigar enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cigar should a beginner start with?
A mild to medium-bodied cigar in Robusto size with a Connecticut wrapper is a comfortable starting point.

How long does a beginner cigar last?
Most Robusto cigars last between 30 and 50 minutes depending on pace.

Are darker cigars stronger?
Not always. Dark wrappers like Maduro often taste richer but do not automatically mean higher nicotine strength.

Should I eat before smoking a cigar?
Yes. Smoking on a full stomach helps prevent dizziness for beginners.