Frequently Asked Questions

No. Cigars are meant to be puffed and savored on your palate, not inhaled into your lungs. Draw the smoke into your mouth, appreciate the flavor, then exhale. Inhaling cigar smoke is harsh, overpowers the flavor profile, and can cause lightheadedness or nausea due to the concentrated nicotine content.

Start with a mild to medium-bodied cigar. Look for a Connecticut shade wrapper — these tend to be smooth and creamy with notes of cedar, almond, and gentle sweetness. A Robusto size (around 5 inches with a 50 ring gauge) is ideal for beginners: it's manageable in size, burns cool, and gives a comfortable 45–60 minute smoke without being overwhelming.

Strength refers to the nicotine content — the physical kick you feel. Body refers to the richness, texture, and flavor depth of the smoke on your palate. Think of it like coffee: an espresso can be full-bodied but vary widely in caffeine content. A cigar can be full-bodied with complex flavors but relatively mild in nicotine, or vice versa. Beginners should seek mild strength and mild to medium body.

Natural wrappers are lighter in color and typically produce a milder, smoother smoke. Maduro wrappers are dark and oily, fermented longer to develop a naturally sweet flavor profile with notes of coffee, chocolate, and earth. Despite their bold appearance, Maduro cigars are not always stronger in nicotine — many are surprisingly smooth and approachable even for newer smokers.

Use a sharp guillotine cutter for most cigars — especially those with a larger ring gauge. Cut just above the cap line at the head of the cigar. Removing too much can cause the wrapper to unravel; not enough will restrict your draw. Always use a sharp cutter — a dull blade crushes rather than slices and can ruin the cigar before you even light it.

Use a butane lighter, wooden match, or cedar strip. Never use a fuel-based lighter — the chemicals transfer to your cigar and ruin the flavor. Start by toasting the foot of the cigar, holding the flame close without touching it directly, then draw slowly while rotating the cigar to achieve an even, consistent light across the entire foot.

It depends on the size. A Robusto typically takes 45–60 minutes. A Churchill or Double Corona can take 90 minutes to 2 hours. The key is to pace yourself — wait at least 30 seconds between puffs. Smoking too quickly overheats the cigar, causes tar buildup, and produces a bitter, harsh flavor that masks the cigar's true character.

Uneven burning — known as canoeing — is common and usually self-corrects. Rest the cigar in an ashtray with the unburned side facing down and let it even out on its own. If it persists, use a lighter to touch up the unlit side. Uneven burns are most often caused by an improper initial light or inconsistent humidity during storage — not a defect in the cigar itself.

Wait until you have smoked far enough that the band feels warm to the touch. The heat softens the adhesive holding the band in place, making it easy to slide off without tearing the wrapper. Trying to remove a cold band is the most common cause of accidental wrapper damage.

Store cigars in a humidor at 65–70% relative humidity and 65–70°F. Consistency is more important than hitting an exact number — wide swings in temperature or humidity will crack wrappers or promote mold. Keep your humidor away from direct sunlight, heat vents, or air conditioning drafts. Cedar-lined humidors help regulate humidity and impart a subtle aging character over time.

The traditional guideline is 70% relative humidity, though many aficionados prefer 65–68% for a slightly drier smoke that lights more easily and burns more evenly. Check your humidor regularly and recalibrate your humidifier as needed. The most important thing is stability — avoid letting humidity fluctuate significantly over short periods.

Generally yes. While cellophane is semi-porous and allows some humidity through, removing it lets your cigars breathe fully and absorb the humidor environment more effectively — especially important for long-term aging. If you plan to smoke them within a day or two, leaving the cellophane on is perfectly fine as short-term protection.

Yes. All tobacco orders require an adult signature (21+) upon delivery. Packages cannot be left unattended at the door. If no one is available to sign, the carrier will make additional delivery attempts. After multiple failed attempts, the package will be returned to us — reshipping fees will apply for re-delivery.

Federal law under the PACT Act prohibits the shipment of tobacco products through the U.S. Postal Service. We ship exclusively via UPS and FedEx, which are authorized to carry tobacco and can enforce the adult signature requirement at delivery.

No. All opened tobacco products are final sale. We only accept returns on unopened, factory-sealed items within 14 days of delivery. Please review our full Returns & Refunds Policy for details on eligibility and how to initiate a return.