11. You should never ash the cigar, it should fall off by itself.
Myth and myth, I don’t know if it is, more old cigar ethics you could almost call it. An ethic I really dislike. Smoking a cigar should be done the way you feel is best. The ash helps cool the cigar down a bit and in a way helps with the flavor. But if you want to remove the ashes, do so and ignore the surroundings. I prefer to remove the ash before it falls off to avoid having it in my lap.
12. Quality cigars have seams that are almost invisible
Cigars are a natural product and the color of the leaf may vary slightly, which means that seams can be seen. Even the thickness of the wrapper can have an effect on whether you can see the seam or not. The important thing is that the cigar is evenly and firmly rolled without the wrapper being loose.
13. You need a humidor if you are going to smoke cigars
A humidor naturally helps to keep the cigars in good condition. But do you need it? Yes, if you want to store the cigars for a long time, but if you buy cigars that you will smoke up during the week or next month, it is not a must. If you are going to store them for a short time, such as a month, it is fine to store them in a resealable bag with a moisture-regulating bag such as boveda or a home-made humidor. Read our tips on how to build a sompelt here: Making a cheap homemade humidor. – Vdg-cigars . However, if you are going to store them for a long time, a humidor is a good investment.
14. You need to smoke the cigar to the end or it’s a waste
This is one of the dumber myths or rather claims I’ve heard. Continuing to smoke a cigar when you are satisfied and want to quit but continuing is a waste of time and experience. A cigar is an experience and should be finished when you feel the taste no longer appeals to you or you feel ready. When you’re full at dinner, do you keep eating?
15. You can predict the flavor of a cigar by smelling the wrapper and at the foot of the cigar
The scent of an unlit cigar can hint at some aromas, but it doesn’t reveal the full smoking experience. Flavor develops when the tobacco burns, releasing complex notes influenced by the blend, aging, and construction. A cigar that smells sweet or spicy before lighting may taste completely different when smoked.
16. The best drink to pair a cigar with is whiskey or cognac
While whiskey and cognac are popular choices, there is no single “best” drink for pairing with a cigar. The right pairing depends on personal taste and the cigar’s flavor profile. Rum, coffee, port, beer, water, soda and even tea can complement a cigar just as well. The key is finding a balance where neither the drink nor the cigar overpowers the other.
17. Long ash indicates the quality of a cigar
A long, firm ash can suggest good construction and proper rolling, it doesn’t necessarily mean the cigar is high quality. A well-made cigar should have a solid ash, but true quality comes from the blend, aging, and overall smoking experience. Some premium cigars may have a flaky ash due to the type of tobacco used, while some lower-quality cigars might hold a long ash but lack flavor and balance.
18. The body of a cigar tells the strength of the cigar
The body of a cigar refers to its flavor intensity, while strength relates to the nicotine content. A cigar can be full-bodied with rich, complex flavors but still have mild strength. Likewise, a mild-bodied cigar can pack a surprising nicotine punch.
19. Cuban cigars are rolled between the thighs of virgins.
This is nothing more than a legend. Cuban cigars, like all premium cigars, are rolled by skilled artisans in factories using traditional techniques.
Subscribe to our newsletter and find out about all new posts
Check out our latest posts
- Bossner Rolando Robusto Review: A Full-Bodied Maduro That Welcomes You In
The Bossner Rolando Robusto is a cigar that manages something difficult. It is full-bodied and richly flavored, yet approachable in a way that full cigars… Read more: Bossner Rolando Robusto Review: A Full-Bodied Maduro That Welcomes You In - No Sugar Added: The Neuroscience of Why Sweet Cigars Rewire Your Brain
You smell it before you light it. Something about the foot of the cigar — earthy, warm, a little dark — registers as familiar. Comfortable.… Read more: No Sugar Added: The Neuroscience of Why Sweet Cigars Rewire Your Brain - Amar by AJ Fernandez Robusto Review: A Cigar Born From Fire

The Amar by AJ Fernandez Robusto carries a story worth knowing before you light it. In March 2025, a fire tore through Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua in Estelí, the factory where AJ built his reputation. What followed was an outpouring of support from across the cigar world. Amar is his answer to that […]
- K by Karen Berger 25th Anniversary by AJ Fernandez Review: A Full-Bodied Collaboration Full of Unique Character

The K by Karen Berger 25th Anniversary by AJ Fernandez is a collaboration between Karen Berger and master blender AJ Fernandez, and it smokes with real confidence. This box-pressed Toro delivers a full-bodied, deeply layered profile across 80 minutes, with a handful of unusual flavor nuances that set it apart from almost anything else in […]
- Don Kiki Brown Label Barber Pole Figurado Review: A Small Cigar With Big Character
The Don Kiki Brown Label Barber Pole Figurado shows how much character a short cigar can carry. This compact figurado from Karen Berger’s Nicaraguan brand… Read more: Don Kiki Brown Label Barber Pole Figurado Review: A Small Cigar With Big Character - Gilbert de Montsalvat Anniversary Gran Robusto Review: A Sweet, Complex Value cigar

The Gilbert de Montsalvat Anniversary Gran Robusto is a genuine pleasure to smoke. It arrives with a beautifully twisted pigtail cap and a closed foot, settles into a leisurely 80 minutes, and works through a sweet, layered profile of vanilla bean, nutmeg, and old-fashioned caramel. This is a cigar with real character, and one that […]
- Why Does My Cigar Taste Metallic?
Sometimes it’s barely there. A faint, stony note woven into an otherwise rich profile, the kind of thing you’d only catch if you were paying… Read more: Why Does My Cigar Taste Metallic? - Stauffenberg Cigars: The Complete Guide, Reviews, Interview and the Story Behind the Brand
Stauffenberg Cigars is a Honduran-rooted premium brand founded by Maik Neubauer as a tribute to the resistance fighters of the Second World War. Every edition… Read more: Stauffenberg Cigars: The Complete Guide, Reviews, Interview and the Story Behind the Brand


