Category: Smoke Shop

Step 1: Pick the Right Cigar

Start mild. A strong cigar will knock your head off your shoulders if you’ve never had one.

• Wrapper: Connecticut Shade (light tan). Mildest, friendliest start.
• Size: Robusto (5″ × 50 ring gauge). Manageable 45-minute smoke. Not so big it intimidates you.
• Price: $8-15. Affordable enough to try a few different ones. Don’t blow $40 on a Cohiba for your first.
• Brand suggestions: Macanudo Cafe, Romeo y Julieta 1875, Ashton Classic. All mild, all reliable.

If you smoke cigarettes already, you can start medium (Maduro wrapper or Honduran bolds like Punch). If you smoke nothing — start mild.

Step 2: Cut It Right

You only cut the CAPPED END (the rounded end with the band near it). The other end is already open.

• Guillotine cut — straight cut across the cap. Most common. Cut just above the cap line (1/16-1/8 inch). Cut too low and the wrapper unravels.
• V-cut — wedge cut. Smaller draw, more concentrated flavor. Good for thicker cigars.
• Punch cut — circular punch. Smaller hole, gentler draw. Easy to mess up if punch is dull.

Don’t use teeth, scissors, or a knife. Cutters cost $5-20 and last forever.

Step 3: Light It Slowly

Premium cigars are NOT lit like cigarettes. Take your time.

1. Use a torch lighter (not a Bic, not matches — they imart flavor)
2. Toast the foot first — hold the flame 1/2 inch away from the cigar end, rotate slowly for 10-15 seconds
3. Put it in your mouth, light again, puff while rotating until the entire foot glows evenly
4. Look at the foot — should be a perfect glowing circle. Touch up uneven spots.

Improperly lit cigars burn uneven and taste harsh.

Step 4: Smoke Slow

• One draw every 1-2 minutes. Faster than that gets harsh, hotter, harder to taste.
• Let the ash build to about an inch before tapping it off. The ash insulates the burn temperature.
• Don’t relight more than once if it goes out — past one relight, taste deteriorates. Just enjoy what’s left.
• Stop when you want. You don’t have to smoke to the nub. Some folks stop at half. Some smoke to the band. Up to you.

What to Pair It With

Common Beginner Mistakes

• Inhaling — see above
• Buying too strong for first cigar — stick mild
• Smoking too fast — slows enjoyment + tastes worse
• Cutting too deep — wrapper unravels
• Using a Bic lighter — gives off fumes, taints flavor
• Not letting ash build — knocking ash too often increases burn temp

Where to Buy in Wichita

Mr. Mc’s Market stocks premium cigars across brands and price points. Stop in, take your time, ask questions — we’ll help you pick. ID required (21+).

Related

• Premium Cigars in Wichita
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What Are the “Vein Colors”?

The vein color refers to the color of the central vein in the kratom leaf when it’s harvested. The harvest timing affects the chemical profile, which is why different colors are traditionally used differently:

🔴 Red Vein

The most mature leaf. Traditionally used in the evening or for relaxation. Generally the slowest-acting and longest-lasting of the four. Common starter strain for folks looking for calm.

⚪ White Vein

The youngest leaf. Traditionally used in the morning. More energizing profile. Folks looking for focus or to skip the afternoon slump often try white first.

🟢 Green Vein

The middle ground. Often described as “balanced.” A reasonable first choice if you’re unsure — sits between red and white.

🟡 Yellow & Gold

Specialty processed varieties, often made by drying or fermenting green or white leaf differently. Profiles vary by producer. Try these after you’ve tried the basics.

Common Strain Names

You’ll see names like Maeng Da, Bali, Borneo, Sumatra, Indo — these refer to the region where the kratom traditionally came from, with each region having its own profile.

• Maeng Da — a strong/premium-grade strain. Comes in red, green, and white. Often the most “potent-feeling” variety.
• Bali — typically a red, traditionally used for relaxation.
• Borneo — strong red traditional profile.
• Sumatra — known for long-duration effects.
• Indo — mild, often considered beginner-friendly.

Forms We Stock

• Capsules — pre-measured, no taste, easy to use. Most beginner-friendly.
• Powder — best value per gram. Mix with juice or water. Acquired taste.
• Extracts — concentrated. For experienced users only.

Picking Your First Strain

If you’ve never tried kratom and you’re looking for a starting point:

• Want relaxation, evening use? Start with Red Bali or Red Maeng Da in capsule form.
• Want focus, daytime use? Start with White Maeng Da or White Sumatra in capsules.
• Not sure? Green Maeng Da is the most “middle ground” first try.

Start with the smallest serving size on the label. See how your body responds. Don’t combine with other substances. Don’t drive until you know how it affects you.

Where to Buy in Wichita

Mr. Mc’s Market stocks multiple strains, brands, and forms in our smoke shop kratom section. Stop in and talk to us — we’ll show you what’s in today and answer questions honestly.

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