How to smoke a cigar

Updated November 2026

Do you inhale a cigar?

No. Cigar smoke is drawn into the mouth to taste and then let out, not breathed into the lungs. Cigar smoke is strong, and inhaling it is harsh and raises the health risks.

Watch

Step by step

• Choose a mild or medium cigar if you're new, and smoke after a meal.
• Cut just the cap, about 1–2 mm.
• Toast the foot over a flame, rotating, until it glows evenly.
• Light it while drawing gently and rotating.
• Puff about once a minute; more often makes it hot and bitter.
• Let the ash build up to about an inch, then tap it off gently.
• When it gets hot and bitter near the end, put it down in the ashtray and let it go out on its own.

Retrohaling

Some experienced smokers let a little smoke out through the nose (retrohaling) to pick up more aroma. It's optional, and best tried gently with a mild cigar.

If you feel dizzy

That's the nicotine. Put the cigar down, eat or drink something sweet, have water, and rest. Next time choose a milder cigar and smoke more slowly.

Official sources: National Cancer Institute: Cigar smoking and cancer