Cigar smoking is a process, similar to drinking wine, sure the process might differ from people to people. However, there are 7 things that, no matter what your process is, one should never do. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, keep reading to see the seven worst mistakes that you can make while lighting up your beloved cigar.

Mistake 1: Expecting two cigars to smoke the same.

Premium cigars are a handmade product created from an agricultural crop. Since so much variation can occur with the blends used, types of tobacco, and how the cigars were made, it's next to impossible to predict how a cigar will smoke with 100% certainty. Real cigar aficionados know this and embrace these small variations. You should too.

Mistake 2: Thinking that cigar flavors change from year to year, like wines.

Cigars are a nonvintage industry, which means cigar manufacturers try to ensure their cigar offerings taste the same from year to year. They add to and tinker with their tobacco blends, always trying to make sure the blend maintains the same taste while accounting for natural variation. Over time, the taste of the cigar model will change, but very slowly. The difference is negligible in the short term.

Mistake 3: Holding the cigar in your mouth.

A cigar isn't something to clench between your teeth and cheek and suck on. Sure, you can do it momentarily while you pour a drink (whisky we prefer) or any other activity requiring your both hands. But, it should be held in your hand and brought up to your mouth to puff, then brought back down to hang out between your fingers. This also helps the cigar burn cooler, so you don't waste any precious tobacco.  

Mistake 4: Dipping the cigar in alcohol.

The flavor of the liquor can ruin the taste of the cigar and make it different from what the cigar manufacturer intended. If that cigar manufacturer wanted cognac at the end of the cigar, they would put it there. This is an age old technique that was used for dried out cigars in the times when tobacco shipping logistics didn't have the necessary technology to transport the cigars in optimal humidity and temperature levels. Nowadays cigar transportation technology is so advanced, that the cigars' freshness is maintained even after shipping out from country of origin to your favorite cigar store. 

Mistake 4: Limiting your cigar smoking to only one brand or type.

You can have your preferred brand, sure. But don't let some mistaken sense of duty or loyalty to a particular brand keep you from sampling several varieties of cigars. Having a repertoire go-to cigars that are all different types and brands is a great for any serious cigar smoker. And who wouldn't want to enjoy the different blends and flavors of cigars that different manufacturers offer? 

Mistake 6: Smoking what everyone else is smoking.

Don't just smoke the same fat cigar that the venture capitalist you're meeting with is smoking. You're far better off asking the experts around you what you might enjoy instead of ruining your cigar smoking experience. This is because each of us have different preferences, and cigars have different flavors that can cater to different palettes. Similar to whisky, some people prefer blended whisky, others prefer single malt whisky. Finding out your preference in the cigar flavor spectrum is all this is about!

Mistake No. 7: Inhaling the cigar smoke.

You should never inhale while smoking a cigar. They're not cigarettes, and the tobacco is often much stronger. Instead, merely take a puff and let it sit in your mouth for a few seconds while you taste it. Then simply blow it out. Puff and rotate your cigar every 30 seconds to one minute, and enjoy it with a strong alcoholic beverage, we prefer whiskey.