The Ultimate Cigar FAQ: Tips, Etiquette, & Enjoyment
At TDM Cigars, we love hearing from fellow cigar enthusiasts, whether they’re new to premium cigars or have been enjoying them for decades. Owner Alexis Normandia Velez grew up in a small tobacco-growing family and entered the cigar world as a teen, later working in cigar shops to deepen his appreciation for the craft. Over the years, we’ve been asked many of the same questions, so we created this ultimate cigar FAQ page to share expert insights on everything from cigar selection to storage and etiquette.
Keeping the cellophane wrapper on cigars protects them from dust and damage, making transport easier. However, if you’re aging cigars, removing the cellophane allows better interaction with the humidor’s environment and enhances aging. At TDM Cigars, we suggest a mix. Keep some wrapped for convenience and remove others for faster aging.
A cigar has three main parts:
1. Wrapper. The outer leaf, which influences most of the flavor.
2. Binder. Holds the filler together and adds structural integrity.
3. Filler. The inner tobacco blend that defines strength and complexity.
Each component plays a role in delivering a well-balanced, premium smoking experience.
At TDM Cigars, we like to say, “There’s never a bad time for a great cigar.”
Time of Day: Many smokers find an evening cigar more relaxing, while a morning cigar may feel rushed as you get ready for the day ahead.
After a Meal: Enjoying a cigar post-meal enhances flavors and complements the experience.
Ultimately, the best time for a cigar is whenever you can truly savor and enjoy it!
You can cut a cigar in a number of different ways. Use a sharp cutter to make a clean cut just above the cap’s shoulder. A guillotine cutter is best for a straight cut, while a V-cut or punch can adjust the draw. Avoid cutting too much, as this may cause unraveling. A precise cut ensures an even draw and smooth burn. You can cut a cigar any way that you want as long as you don’t cut below the cap line and the opening allows for good airflow and draw.
If you don’t have a humidor or are running out of space, an airtight container with proper humidification can work as a temporary solution. Store cigars in a cool, dark place and monitor humidity levels regularly. Never refrigerate cigars, as it dries them out. For long-term storage, investing in a larger humidor is best.
Cigars stored in a regular, non-humidor cigar box will stay fresh for a few days to a couple of weeks before drying out. Most opened boxes begin losing moisture within 30 days, depending on climate conditions. If the box is still sealed in shrink-wrap and kept in a cool, dark space, cigars may last another 10 to 14 days. Cigars can also remain out in the open for about a week or two while still in a box, but this is when the flavor will begin to change and the wrapper may start to split. To maintain long-term quality, a proper humidor is always the best choice.
Yes, cigars can age like pipe tobacco, developing smoother, more refined flavors over time. The sweet spot for aging varies by blend, but many cigars hit their peak after about three to five years. Some continue to improve for much longer, while others lose complexity if aged too long. Proper storage and humidity are key to aging cigars well.
Cigars come in a variety of shapes and sizes, known as vitolas, and each can influence flavor, burn time, and draw. The two main categories are Parejos (straight) and Figurados (tapered), with many variations in between. While shape and size matter, the best approach is to start small and experiment to find what suits your preferences. A good cigar should feel firm with slight give. It should feel smooth and have an oily texture for the best smoking experience.
Proper cutting and lighting techniques are essential for an optimal smoking experience. There are many ways to light a cigar, and personal preference plays a big role. The key is to avoid pitfalls that can mute flavors. Whether you’re using cedar spills, matches, a soft flame, or a torch lighter, you want to ensure an even burn.
For the best smoking experience, start with a cold draw to preview the flavor. Then, toast the foot by holding the flame close—but not touching—while rotating the cigar for an even burn. Finally, take slow, steady puffs to light it fully without overheating. Most importantly, enjoy!
Whether Cuban cigars are better than non-Cuban cigars really comes down to personal preference. Cuban cigars have a long history and a distinct flavor, but let’s be honest—plenty of non-Cuban cigars are just as good, if not better. Over the years, Cuban cigar production has changed, while cigars from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras have stepped up their game in a big way. At the end of the day, the best cigar is the one you enjoy the most.
At TDM Cigars, we love sharing our passion and knowledge with fellow cigar enthusiasts. Whether you’re new to cigars or have been enjoying them for years, we’re always happy to help. If you didn’t find the answer to your question here, reach out to us directly. We’d love to provide the insight you need to enhance your cigar experience.