Gifted cigars in a box from Havana Cuba.
Written by on January 1, 2025

I was gifted cigars, what next?

Cigar 101 Article

So, you just got your first bundle of cigars. Fantastic. If someone gifted you cigars, the next obvious step is to enjoy one or two. But depending on how many you were given, you may need to take action to keep them in tip-top, delicious shape.

Step 1: Store the gifted cigars properly

Bald Eagle desktop humidor for storing gifted cigars.

Cigars need to be stored in a humidor long-term and kept at the appropriate Relative Humidity (RH). This can be done in several ways. You can install an automated humidification system, like a Cigar Oasis or a Hydra, or you can use Boveda packs. I recommend the latter if you have a smaller humidor or container.

If you don’t have anything like that to store your new cigars in, there are many humidor alternatives you can grab, like a Tupperdor. Start small if this is your first bundle unless you have the money to spring for a larger, cabinet humidor.

Step 2: Make sure you have the right tools

.Gifted cigars being cut with guillotine or straight cutter.Source: Mohd Jon Ramlan / Unsplash
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If you have more than one cigar, and you plan to get more at some point, you’ll need to right tools to enjoy them. Those include:

Of course, the list doesn’t include a great beverage to pair with your cigar, you’ll have to supply that separately.

Step 3: Find or designate a place to smoke your gifted cigars

Man smoking gifted cigars outside by Ionela Mat from Unsplash.Source: Ionela Mat / Unsplash

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As a general rule, don’t smoke indoors. You can if you have the right space, which includes an air purifier like a Rabbit Air. But they’re expensive and I’m willing to bet you don’t have a cigar room or lounge put together if this is one of your first times smoking. If you do have one, phenomenal.

So, you’ll need to find a place to smoke. Preferably somewhere with comfortable seating and relative quiet so you can enjoy the experience and ambiance. Maybe in your backyard, front yard, or somewhere nearby? If you don’t have anywhere to go in your home you can always visit a local smoke shop or cigar lounge. If you do visit a lounge and bring your own cigars, that’s fine, just be sure to patronize the shop — buy a cigar or beverage while you’re there.

Step 4: Bring a friend (if you want to)

Two men smoking gifted cigars on a porch, pipe included.Source: Evan Wise / Unsplash

Smoking a gifted cigar is a great experience alone, I’ll admit. But cigars can also be an incredibly social experience depending on who you’re around and that can even improve the time you have. If you’re enjoying the company, you’ll enjoy the cigar more, unless it’s an absolute dud. Consider bringing a pal or significant other with you when you go to smoke, just to have a nice conversation or two or to spend a little time together.

They don’t have to smoke either. My wife joins me while I smoke outside quite often but she has no interest in smoking herself. She does enjoy the aromas, sometimes. Every once in a while she’ll comment about not liking a particular cigar blend or smell.

Hey, it happens to the best of us.

Step 5: Relax and enjoy

Take your time, smoke intermittently, and don’t puff too fast — that way the cigar doesn’t burn hot. Make sure to pair it with a cold beverage.

I always recommend pairing gifted cigars with something sweet like Pepsi or soda, Rum, sugary liquors, tea, juice, or something similar. The sugar helps counteract the nicotine and cleanse your palate between puffs, and it tastes great and helps bring out more flavors of the tobacco.

Written by

Briley has over 16 years in the publishing and content marketing business. He's been writing about cigars for nearly half that in various forms. What makes him a tour de force is he also smokes them.