{"id":14,"date":"2026-03-28T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-28T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/id.papasitocigars.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/28\/beginners-guide-premium-cigars\/"},"modified":"2026-03-28T10:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T10:00:00","slug":"beginners-guide-premium-cigars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/id.papasitocigars.com\/en\/beginners-guide-premium-cigars\/","title":{"rendered":"The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Premium Cigars"},"content":{"rendered":"

If your only experience with cigars is a cheap one at someone’s wedding, premium hand-rolled cigars will be a revelation. The flavour is different. The ritual is different. Even the act of preparing and lighting one is different \u2014 and that’s a significant part of the appeal.<\/p>\n

This guide covers everything you need to know to enjoy your first premium cigar properly.<\/p>\n

Choosing Your First Cigar<\/h2>\n

Start with size<\/h3>\n

Cigars are measured by length and ring gauge (diameter). For a first cigar, a Robusto<\/strong> \u2014 roughly 5 inches with a 50 ring gauge \u2014 is an ideal starting point. It gives you a full experience of 45 minutes to an hour without committing you to a two-hour smoke.<\/p>\n

Think about strength<\/h3>\n

Cigars range from mild to full-bodied. For beginners, mild-to-medium is the right place to start. Full-bodied cigars have a nicotine impact that can be overwhelming if you’re not accustomed to it. Papasito’s Havana-seed Indonesian leaf tends toward a smooth, medium profile with natural sweetness \u2014 ideal for someone new to premium cigars.<\/p>\n

Cutting Your Cigar<\/h2>\n

Premium cigars have a closed head \u2014 the end you put in your mouth \u2014 which must be cut before smoking. A guillotine cutter (straight cut) is the most common and forgiving method. Cut just above the shoulder of the cap, removing the minimum necessary to open the draw. Cut too little and the draw will be tight; cut too much and the wrapper can unravel.<\/p>\n

Lighting It Properly<\/h2>\n

How you light a cigar affects everything that follows. A butane lighter or long matches work well \u2014 avoid using a petrol lighter, as it affects the flavour.<\/p>\n

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  1. Toast the foot first.<\/strong> Hold the flame close to \u2014 but not touching \u2014 the open end and rotate slowly until you see an even glow forming around the edge.<\/li>\n
  2. Draw gently while applying the flame.<\/strong> Take slow, gentle puffs while continuing to rotate the cigar.<\/li>\n
  3. Check before you begin.<\/strong> The foot should be glowing evenly all the way around. Blow gently on it to confirm before settling in.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Smoking It<\/h2>\n