The 6 Types of Cigar Smokers — Which Are You?
Discover the personalities behind every good cigar
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The 6 Types of Cigar Smokers — Which One Are You?
Every cigar lounge has its cast of characters. From the guy who treats his humidor like a museum to the weekend warrior lighting up by the grill, cigar lovers have their styles, quirks, and rituals. It’s part of what makes this culture so rich — no two smokers are the same, but we all speak the same language: slow down, light up, and savour the moment.
In this article, we’re taking a fun, light-hearted look at the six cigar personalities you’ll meet (or maybe already are). You might see yourself in one of these, or a mix of two, or perhaps all of them — and that’s part of the fun.
Key Takeaway
Cigar smoking isn’t just about tobacco — it’s about the people, the rituals, and the stories around the smoke. Which one of these personalities matches your vibe?
👔 Tommy the Traditionalist
Label: The Traditionalist
You know this guy. He doesn't “smoke cigars.” He enjoys fine tobacco. And he’s got rules — not because he’s snobby, but because he believes ritual matters. From a perfectly seasoned humidor to the sound of the cedar spill catching flame, Tommy treats the cigar like a handshake from history.
Tommy prefers Cubans (when he can get them) and anything with a Churchill shape and a legacy name. If the brand's been around since the 1800s, and the band is minimal? He’s in.
No band gimmicks. No coffee-flavoured nonsense. Just tobacco, time, and tradition.
You’ll find him:
In a leather club chair with jazz on the turntable and a neat Scotch in reach.
Wearing a waistcoat. Possibly quoting Churchill. Definitely cutting with a guillotine.
Signature move:
Holding the cigar like it’s made of glass. Never ashing until it demands it.
If you asked him for a tip:
“Toast, don’t torch. Respect the foot — it’s not a blowtorch job.”
Tommy’s go-to stick:
Romeo y Julieta Churchill. Or a Partagás Serie D No. 4 if he’s feeling spicy.
🧢 Wally the Weekender
Label: The Weekender
Wally’s not counting ring gauges or tracking box codes. He smokes what he likes — and what he likes is a fat cigar, a cold drink, and a good time. If it’s Saturday afternoon and the grill’s hot, Wally’s lighting up.
He prefers medium to full-bodied cigars with bold flavours and no pretense. Something with smoke output that could fog up the backyard. He’s not afraid of a maduro, but he’s not showing off either. Bonus points if it’s under $12.
You’ll find him:
On a deck chair with a bourbon and Coke, wearing a ball cap and flip-flops, watching steaks sizzle or football reruns.
Yes, he cut that cigar with a pocket knife — and it worked fine.
Signature move:
Blowing smoke rings while telling a story that gets funnier each time.
If you asked him for a tip:
“Don’t overthink it. Light it, love it, repeat next weekend.”
Wally’s go-to stick:
CAO Flathead V660 or anything that comes in a 5-pack deal.
💼 Calvin the Collector
Label: The Collector
Calvin’s humidor is alphabetized. His notes are colour-coded. And he absolutely knows what factory rolled that stick you’re holding — and probably which roller. He’s not trying to be smug; he just loves the game.
Rare releases? He's got ‘em. Band variations from 2008? Yep. He doesn’t always smoke the best, but he owns it, tracks it, and probably has it aging. For Calvin, the cigar is only part of the experience. The rest is all knowledge, sourcing, and the thrill of the hunt.
You’ll find him:
In his temperature-controlled lounge with two hygrometers and three notebooks. Possibly wearing white gloves to handle a box.
He smokes with reverence, and he photographs everything first.
Signature move:
Pausing mid-smoke to log flavor transitions in a leather-bound journal.
If you asked him for a tip:
“Always buy two. One to try, one to age.”
Calvin’s go-to stick:
Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Maestro. Or that Davidoff LE you didn’t know existed.
💄 Sabrina the Sophisticate
Label: The Sophisticate
Sabrina smokes with grace and precision. Her ash is perfect. Her lighter is probably a designer. And if there’s a better pairing than a floral lancero and a chilled cocktail, she hasn’t found it yet.
She prefers subtle complexity over strength—creamy Connecticuts. Boutique blends. Something elegant, smooth, and balanced. But don’t be fooled — Sabrina can retrohale like a pro, and she’ll surprise you with her knowledge of aging wrappers and fermentation processes.
You’ll find her:
On a rooftop patio in tailored style, jazz in the background, sparkling wine on the table.
If you’re lucky, she’ll offer you one from her leather travel humidor — and a perfect cut.
Signature move:
Smoking in heels without rushing a single puff.
If you asked her for a tip:
“Match your mood, not the hype. A cigar should complement the moment.”
Sabrina’s go-to stick:
Oliva Serie V Melanio Lancero. Or a boutique Connecticut no one’s heard of — yet.
🧰 Max the Minimalist
Label: The Minimalist
Max doesn’t have a humidor. He has a box. He doesn’t own a cutter — he bites the cap. And he doesn’t post cigar selfies. Ever. Max smokes for the feeling, the peace, and the pause it brings.
His favourite cigar is the one that lights easily, draws smoothly, and doesn’t demand attention. No fancy bands. No $30 price tags. Just solid tobacco and a few quiet moments by the lake or campfire.
You’ll find him:
In a flannel shirt, sitting on the tailgate of a truck or beside a fire pit.
Thermos in one hand. Cigar in the other. Zero distractions.
Signature move:
Finishing the smoke just as the sun dips below the treeline.
If you asked him for a tip:
“Smoke what calms you. Not what impresses them.”
Max’s go-to stick:
Punch Knuckle Buster or Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Consul. No band? Even better.
🎓 Nico the Newbie
Label: The Newbie
Nico just discovered cigars and can’t stop talking about them. He’s trying everything — and asking all the right questions. His lighter is too hot, his cutter is dull, but his enthusiasm is genuine.
He’s learning the difference between wrappers, trying to figure out what “retrohale” means, and still burns the tip every time. But he's hooked. And with every smoke, he’s finding his palate and his style.
You’ll find him:
At his first cigar lounge, he was wide-eyed and taking notes. Or at a backyard hang, asking, “What are you smoking?”
He’s got a sampler in his backpack and a cutter he borrowed from a friend.
Signature move:
Accidentally ashing on his shirt, laughing it off, then lighting another.
If you asked him for a tip:
“I just learned what a maduro is, but it’s amazing. Try one.”
Nico’s go-to stick:
Whatever came in the sampler pack — and that one sweet, creamy one he can’t remember the name of.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a Tommy the Traditionalist with a love for ritual, a Wally the Weekender chasing backyard moments, or a Nico the Newbie just figuring out what you like, there’s no “right” way to enjoy a cigar. What matters is slowing down, lighting up, and savouring that moment, whoever you are and whatever you smoke.
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Which Cigar Smoker Are You?
Everyone has a cigar story — and a style that’s uniquely their own. Maybe you’re a Tommy the Traditionalist who respects every ritual, or a Wally the Weekender who lights up only when the steaks are sizzling. Or perhaps you’re a mix of two (or all six!).
So, which smoker type are YOU?
Drop a comment below or hit reply and let us know where you fit in the Smoke Signals Six. We’d love to hear your take — and maybe even feature a few reader shout-outs in a future issue.
