Cigars: 50 Frequently Asked Questions by Cigar Experts

Cigars: 50 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Join a conversation with an expert to learn about cigars. Get clear answers on choosing, storing, cutting, and enjoying your favorite smoke.

Published on: March 19, 2023 12:07 am

Modified at: April 7, 2026 1:14 pm

Article authored by Dr. Matthew Nekvapil,

Head of Imports at Cigar Emperor

The world of fine tobacco is rich with history and enjoyment, and people often ask how cigars compare with other tobacco products such as cigars and cigarettes. For those new to this world, or even for seasoned smokers, many questions can come up. To help you on your journey, we have put together answers to 50 frequently asked questions, styled like a chat with an expert. Our expert’s answers come from the learn from master cigar makers and 21+ years of experience of our founder, Dr. Matthew Nekvapil, and the high standards of Cigar Emperor.

1. What is a cigar?

Questioner: So, what exactly is it?

Expert: It is a carefully rolled bundle of dried, special tobacco leaves. You light one end to enjoy the smoke, which is meant to be tasted, not breathed deep into your lungs. For more on how they are made, see our guide to how cigars are made.

2. What are the different types of these products?

Questioner: Are there many different kinds?

Expert: Yes, many! They come in different shapes like straight ones (parejos) or special tapered ones (figurados). There are also smaller ones, but each offers a unique experience. Learn more about the full range in our guide to exploring the range of cigar shapes and sizes.

3. How do you choose the right one for you?

Questioner: How do I pick the best one for me?

Expert: Think about how much time you have to enjoy it, and what flavors you like. Starting with a milder option is often a good start. Do not be afraid to ask for help; we guide many people to their perfect match. For more help, check our guide to locating the most suitable cigar for your needs.

4. Where should I buy quality products in Thailand?

Questioner: Where is the best place to buy them here?

Expert: Always buy from a trusted, legal seller. In Thailand, it is key to choose a legal importer. Cigar Emperor is Thailand’s only verified legal importer-retailer, so you can be sure of authenticity and quality from our shops. For more on tobacco in Thailand, see our guide to tobacco in Thailand.

5. What is the best way to store them?

Questioner: How should I keep them fresh?

Expert: The best way is in a humidor. This special box keeps the air at the right temperature and moisture level. This stops them from drying out and keeps their flavor perfect for a long time. See our full guide to long-term cigar storage.

6. What are the ideal temperature and humidity for a humidor?

Questioner: What are the perfect numbers for that?

Expert: The ideal temperature is between 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, and the humidity should be around 70%. This creates the best home for your collection. For more details, read our guide to temperature, humidity, and airflow keys to proper cigar storage.

7. How does Cigar Emperor ensure ideal storage conditions?

Questioner: How do you manage that at your place?

Expert: Our main humidor in Bangkok is a medical-grade facility. It uses Swiss technology for exact air control and has American Cedar lining. We keep it at a constant 22°C and 70% humidity, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

8. How do I cut one properly?

Questioner: How do I cut it correctly?

Expert: You need a special cutter, like a guillotine or a punch. Just cut off a small part of the cap, the closed end. This makes a clean opening so you can enjoy it properly. For step-by-step instructions, see our guide to how to cut a cigar.

9. What is the best way to light one?

Questioner: What’s the best way to light it?

Expert: Use a butane lighter or cedar matches. Do not use a regular lighter or candle, as they can add a bad taste. Hold the flame just below the foot and slowly turn the product until it glows evenly. See more lighting tips in our guide to how to light a cigar.

10. How do I smoke it correctly?

Questioner: So, how do I actually smoke it?

Expert: Take gentle, slow puffs, about one every minute. You are tasting the smoke in your mouth, not breathing it into your lungs. Relax and let the flavors unfold. For more on tasting and refining your palate, see exploring the nuances of cigar flavors.

11. How do I know when one has been rolled well?

Questioner: How can I tell if it is well-made?

Expert: A good one looks smooth, has no bumps or soft spots, and feels firm. When you draw on it before lighting, air should pass through easily but not too loosely. That shows the tobacco inside is packed just right.

12. What is the difference between natural and flavored products?

Questioner: What is the deal with flavored ones?

Expert: Natural products get their flavor only from the tobacco leaves. Flavored ones have extra tastes added. At Cigar Emperor, we focus on natural, premium tobacco for the true taste of the leaf. For more on flavor nuances, see exploring the nuances of cigar flavors.

13. What accessories should I have on hand when smoking one?

Questioner: What tools do I need?

Expert: You will need a good cutter, a proper lighter, and an ashtray. These tools help you prepare and enjoy your smoke fully. Our lounges are set up with all these for your comfort. For more on accessories, see cigar accessories for a perfect smoke.

14. How do I remove the band from one?

Questioner: When should I take off the paper band?

Expert: It is easiest to remove the band after you have smoked for a few minutes. The heat from the smoke warms the glue, making the band slide off easily. Be gentle so you do not tear the wrapper leaf.

15. What is the difference between Maduro and Connecticut wrappers?

Questioner: What are those wrapper names?

Expert: Maduro wrappers are dark brown, often sweet and bold. Connecticut wrappers are lighter brown and have a milder, creamier taste. The wrapper makes a big difference in the overall flavor of your product. For more wrapper types, see a guide to finding the best wrapper for your unique cigar blend.

16. What is the difference between Cuban and non-Cuban products?

Questioner: What is the big difference between them?

Expert: Cuban products are from Cuba and have a famous history. Non-Cuban ones are from other countries like Nicaragua or Honduras. Today, many non-Cuban options offer amazing quality, variety, and unique flavors. A true connoisseur explores both. For a full comparison, see our expert’s guide to Cuban and non-Cuban cigars.

17. What is the difference between aromatic and non-aromatic products?

Questioner: What does “aromatic” mean for these?

Expert: Aromatic products have extra scents or flavors added. Non-aromatic ones rely on the natural smell and taste of the tobacco leaves. Cigar Emperor focuses on non-aromatic, natural tobacco for the purest experience.

18. What is the proper etiquette for smoking one in public?

Questioner: How should I act when smoking around others?

Expert: Always be thoughtful. Only light up where smoking is allowed, like our MOAT Cigar Clubs. Avoid blowing smoke directly at people, and always use an ashtray to dispose of your finished product properly. For more on the social side, see gaining insight into the social implications of cigar smoking.

19. How do I know when to stop smoking one?

Questioner: When is it time to put it down?

Expert: You stop when it is no longer enjoyable. As it gets shorter, the smoke might become hotter or the flavors might turn harsh. Most people stop when there are about two or three inches left.

20. What is the difference between a Corona and a Robusto?

Questioner: What are these sizes?

Expert: A Corona is usually longer and thinner (about 5.5 to 6 inches long). A Robusto is shorter and fatter (about 4.5 to 5 inches long). The size changes how long it takes to enjoy. For more vitola details, see exploring the range of cigar shapes and sizes.

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21. What is the difference between a Cigarillo and a full-sized product?

Questioner: What is a cigarillo?

Expert: A cigarillo is much smaller and thinner, often made for a quick smoke. A full-sized product is larger, thicker, and meant to be enjoyed slowly, offering a more complex experience. See more in exploring the range of cigar shapes and sizes.

22. What are the filler, binder, and wrapper?

Questioner: What do those three parts actually do?

Expert: Every cigar has three leaf components. The filler is the blend of leaves at the core — this drives most of the flavour. The binder holds the filler together. The wrapper is the outermost leaf and also contributes significantly to taste and appearance. For a deeper look, see our guide to choosing the right wrapper for your cigar.

23. What is blending and why does it matter?

Questioner: How does a blender create a cigar?

Expert: Blending is the art of combining tobaccos from different regions, stalk positions, and curing methods to create a consistent, complex flavour profile. A master blender might use a Nicaraguan Estelí filler with a Honduran binder and an Ecuadorian wrapper. Each element changes the final smoke. To go deeper, see our piece on the lost art of cigar blending.

24. What is a vitola?

Questioner: I keep seeing that word — what does it mean?

Expert: Vitola is the Spanish term for a cigar’s size and shape — the combination of length and ring gauge (diameter). A Robusto is a vitola. So is a Churchill or a Figurado. The same blend made in different vitolas can smoke quite differently. For a full breakdown, see exploring the range of cigar shapes and sizes.

25. How long does it take to smoke a cigar?

Questioner: How much time should I set aside?

Expert: It depends on the vitola. A Petit Corona takes around 30 to 40 minutes. A Robusto runs 45 to 60 minutes. A Churchill can take 90 minutes or more. Never rush — a cigar smoked too fast heats up and turns harsh. Budget the time before you light up.

26. Does aging improve a cigar?

Questioner: Is it worth keeping them longer before smoking?

Expert: Often yes, particularly for full-bodied blends. With time in a well-maintained humidor, tobaccos marry and harsh edges smooth out. Not every cigar benefits from long aging — mild, lighter-bodied sticks tend to peak earlier. For more on this topic, see discovering new aromas through aging.

27. How do I set up a new humidor?

Questioner: What do I do with a brand new humidor?

Expert: Season it before adding any cigars. Wipe the interior cedar with distilled water (never tap water), place a small dish of distilled water inside, and close it for 48 to 72 hours. The cedar absorbs moisture and stabilises. Only then add your humidification device and cigars. For step-by-step detail, see how to achieve optimal conditions in your home humidor.

28. What are the different types of cutters?

Questioner: Which cutter should I use?

Expert: The three main types are guillotine (straight cut), punch, and V-cut. The guillotine is the most common and works on nearly every cigar. A punch creates a small circular hole and suits most parejos. A V-cut makes a wedge-shaped notch and is preferred by some for larger ring gauges. For a full comparison, see cutting it right: a guide to cigar cutters.

29. What type of lighter should I use?

Questioner: Does the lighter really make a difference?

Expert: A butane torch lighter is the standard choice. It burns clean, holds a precise flame, and works outdoors without wind problems. Soft-flame butane lighters are gentler and preferred by some for delicate wrappers. Avoid petroleum lighters (Zippos, cheap disposables) — they leave a chemical taste. Cedar matches are a traditional alternative for indoor use. See more in exploring the varieties of torch lighters.

30. What drinks pair best with cigars?

Questioner: What should I drink with my cigar?

Expert: The pairing depends on the cigar’s body. Full-bodied Nicaraguan blends hold up well against aged rum, Scotch whisky, or bourbon. Medium-bodied Hondurans work nicely with coffee or a light beer. Mild Dominican sticks pair pleasantly with a light white wine or sparkling water. For a structured guide, see taking the stress out of cigar and drink pairing.

31. Can I pair cigars with food?

Questioner: Is food pairing a real thing?

Expert: It is, though most experienced smokers smoke after a meal rather than alongside it. After dinner, a medium-bodied cigar complements dark chocolate well. Full-bodied sticks can work with sharp cheeses or cured meats. The key is not to overpower the cigar’s flavour — lighter bites work better than heavy sauces. For more on pairing ideas, see pairing your cigar with beverages.

32. What is the best cigar for someone just starting out?

Questioner: Where do I begin as a complete beginner?

Expert: Start mild to medium. A Connecticut-wrapped Dominican or Honduran Robusto is the classic recommendation — accessible flavour, smooth draw, no harshness. Avoid anything marketed as full-strength or described as “Ligero-forward.” Half-corona sizes are also sensible for a first smoke since the commitment is shorter. Our beginner’s guide to cigar smoking walks through the basics in detail.

33. How do I give cigars as a gift?

Questioner: What is a good way to gift cigars?

Expert: Individual cigars in tubes travel well and look considered. A small bundle of three to five in a kraft sleeve or box makes a stronger impression. If you know the recipient smokes, ask what strength they prefer — gifting a full-bodied puro to someone who likes mild cigars is a wasted gesture. If in doubt, go medium-bodied and well-known. For ideas, see our gift ideas for cigar lovers.

34. What makes Nicaraguan cigars special?

Questioner: Why does everyone talk about Nicaraguan tobacco?

Expert: Nicaragua’s volcanic soils — particularly in the Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega valleys — produce tobacco with exceptional spice, depth, and complexity. After the Cuban diaspora of the 1960s, many blenders relocated here, and the quality developed rapidly. Today Nicaragua is the world’s largest premium cigar exporter by volume. For more context, see tobacco in Nicaragua.

35. How do Honduran cigars differ from Nicaraguan?

Questioner: What is distinct about Honduras?

Expert: Honduran tobacco tends toward earthier, more leathery notes with less of the sharp spice found in Nicaraguan leaf. The Jamastran Valley is the key region. Many blends combine Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos to balance complexity with smoothness. Cigar Emperor carries a strong selection of both. For more, see tobacco in Honduras.

36. What are the main New World tobacco-growing regions?

Questioner: Where does the best non-Cuban tobacco come from?

Expert: The major regions are Nicaragua (Estelí, Jalapa, Condega), Honduras (Jamastran Valley), Dominican Republic (Cibao Valley, Santiago), Ecuador (used mainly for wrappers), and Brazil (Bahia). Each produces tobacco with distinct characteristics that blenders use to craft their profiles. For a broader overview, see locating the ideal non-Cuban cigar.

37. Are premium cigars legally available in Thailand?

Questioner: What is the legal situation in Thailand?

Expert: Yes, but only through licensed importers who have cleared Thai FDA registration and paid excise. Cigars sold through unlicensed channels — hotel shops, night markets, some restaurants — are typically smuggled or counterfeit. Cigar Emperor is Thailand’s verified legal importer-retailer for both Habanos and New World cigars. For full details on Thai regulations, see tobacco in Thailand.

38. How do I spot a fake Cuban cigar?

Questioner: How can I tell if it is genuine?

Expert: Check the hologram on the box (Habanos uses a specific sequential numbering hologram), the warranty seal across the lid, and the box code stamped on the bottom. Inside the box, look for consistent coloring and a factory code on the underside of the lid. If bought outside a licensed retailer, the odds of a genuine Habanos are low. Our guide to demystifying Cuban cigars covers what to look for.

39. What is the difference between hand-rolled and machine-made cigars?

Questioner: Does hand-rolling actually matter?

Expert: Premium cigars are hand-rolled by a single torcedor (roller) who controls every element — the filler blend, binder application, and wrapper application. Machine-made cigars use homogenised tobacco leaf or cut filler and are far more uniform but less complex. At the premium end of the market, everything is hand-rolled. For a look at the craft, see the secrets behind rolling a perfect cigar.

40. What ring gauge should a beginner choose?

Questioner: What size is easiest to start with?

Expert: A ring gauge between 44 and 52 is the most manageable range for beginners. Below 44, the draw can feel tight and the smoke runs hotter. Above 54, temperature is harder to control and the cigar can smoke harsh if rushed. A 50-ring Robusto is a reliable starting point across almost every blend. For more first-cigar guidance, see what to look for in your first cigar.

41. My cigar is not drawing well. What should I do?

Questioner: What do I do if I cannot get smoke through it?

Expert: First, check that the cut was clean and deep enough — too shallow a cut restricts airflow. If the draw is still tight, a draw tool (a thin needle or poker) inserted into the foot and rotated gently can open up a plugged section. If that does not help, the cigar may be over-humidified or poorly rolled. Do not force heavy draws — you will just overheat the tobacco.

42. What is retrohaling?

Questioner: Someone mentioned it — should I try it?

Expert: Retrohaling means releasing smoke through your nose rather than your mouth, which engages your retronasal olfactory system and reveals aromatic compounds the palate alone cannot detect. Take a small draw, hold it momentarily, then exhale gently through both the mouth and nose simultaneously. It intensifies spice and complexity. It is worth experimenting with once you are comfortable with the basics.

43. What is a figurado?

Questioner: I see the word but what does it mean exactly?

Expert: Figurado is the category for any cigar with an irregular shape — tapered, twisted, or otherwise non-cylindrical. The most common figurados are the Torpedo (tapered at the head), Perfecto (tapered at both ends), and Pyramide (tapered head, open foot). They are often considered more technically demanding to roll and can smoke differently from parejos of the same blend. For more, see cigar shapes and sizes.

44. Should I ever refrigerate cigars?

Questioner: What about putting them in the fridge?

Expert: No. Refrigerators are designed to remove moisture, which is the opposite of what cigars need. The cold also disrupts the oils in the tobacco leaves. Even a short stint in the fridge can dry out a cigar significantly. If you are in a hot, humid environment, a sealed humidor with a good calibrated hygrometer is far superior. For storage basics, see a primer on storing cigars properly.

45. How long can I keep cigars in a humidor?

Questioner: Is there a limit to how long they keep?

Expert: With stable conditions — 65 to 70% humidity and 18 to 22°C — premium hand-rolled cigars can rest in a humidor for years, and many improve with time. The limiting factors are consistency of conditions and any risk of beetle infestation (beetles hatch above 24°C). For long-term storage guidance, see what you need to know about long-term cigar storage.

46. How do I build a home humidor on a budget?

Questioner: I cannot afford an expensive humidor right now.

Expert: A Coolidor — a large airtight plastic container lined with unfinished Spanish cedar sheets — works surprisingly well and costs a fraction of a cabinet humidor. Season the cedar, add a two-way humidity pack (Boveda 65% or 69%), and you have a functional setup for under a few hundred baht. For a full guide, see building your own home humidor.

47. What cigar terminology should I learn first?

Questioner: There is a lot of jargon — where do I start?

Expert: Focus on the essentials: vitola (size and shape), wrapper/binder/filler (the three leaf components), ring gauge (diameter in 64ths of an inch), strength (mild/medium/full), draw (airflow), and burn (how the coal progresses). Once those are natural, terms like retrohale, foot, cap, and torcedor will follow. A good primer is our beginner’s guide to cigar terminology.

48. What is the difference between a puro and a blend?

Questioner: What does puro actually mean?

Expert: A puro uses tobacco from only one country for all three components — filler, binder, and wrapper. A Cuban puro uses all Cuban leaf. A Nicaraguan puro uses all Nicaraguan leaf. A blend, by contrast, combines tobaccos from multiple origins. Neither is inherently superior — some of the world’s most celebrated cigars are blends. Nicaraguan puros are known for intensity; Dominican blends for complexity and smoothness.

49. What is the short history of the premium cigar industry?

Questioner: How did the premium market develop?

Expert: Cuban tobacco dominated for centuries. After the 1959 revolution, nationalisation of the industry drove the major Cuban cigar families — Menéndez, Palicio, García — to relocate to Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, taking their knowledge with them. By the 1990s the New World had developed genuine depth and complexity. Today Nicaragua leads global premium output by volume. For more, see discovering the rich legacy of cigars.

50. I enjoy mild cigars. How do I move toward medium-bodied?

Questioner: How do I step up from mild without being overwhelmed?

Expert: The bridge is usually a Honduran or Dominican blend with a natural wrapper rather than Connecticut Shade. These retain some creaminess while introducing more pepper and earth. Nicaraguan blends with a lower Ligero content are another option. Move gradually — if a smoke becomes harsh or unpleasant, the step was too large. Our guide to the ideal non-Cuban cigar is a good starting point for finding your next level.

Still have questions? Download our free Thailand Cigar Guide or visit the Cigar Emperor lounge in Bangkok for expert advice and hands-on help.