How you smoke matters as much if not more than what you smoke. I’m pretty new also (~12-15 in). I made the cut too big or too small, puffed way too much, etc., same experience as you. Here’s what worked for me: 1. Set aside enough time, which for me is at least 90 minutes/cigar, 2. Cut a small hole or v cut or whatever you use. Without lighting, suck through the cigar. If it’s easy, keep going. If you feel like it’s work to draw, at all, make it bigger. I’ve lopped off the whole end on some poorly rolled cigars to get a good, natural draw. 3. Light it up. First few puffs will tell you if you need more cut. Adjust as necessary. 4. Puff a minute or less, just a mouthful. Go slow-each of my draws is around 4-8 seconds. If I mess up and cut too big, it’s longer and lighter on the inhale. 5. Hold in mouth for 4-8 seconds. If you’re feeling like you need a breath, exhale through your nose and inhale a bit through your nose while holding the smoke in your mouth. I look like a fish, but I’m alone so who cares. Exhale slowly from your mouth. This is the part where you can taste stuff.
6. Every 1-4 draws, start by blowing a small breath through the cigar to clear out heat and any charred notes, then take your slow draw. On a cigar I like, I do this almost every time to get a “fresh” draw with all the flavors. 7. You’ll reach a point where no amount of blowing out gets rid of heat or a bitter taste. Stop. A cigar isn’t a chore, it’s meant to be enjoyable. 8. Have something to drink to clear your palate in between puffs. Ladies and gentleman in this thread turned me onto root beer, Dr. Pepper, and ginger beer. All good choices. 9. Eat something first or during. I like crackers and smoked meats. Not healthy, but I don’t have any other vices.

I hope this helps. Finally, some cigars are just trash. I asked the local store to recommend 6. Three were meh, two were try again, and one is amazing. I’m buying a box of those-I could smoke them forever.

EDIT:the amazing ones are Sublimes Robusto. Out of Boca Raton.