Choosing the perfect cigar can be a daunting task. With a bit of guidance from us, it will be much easier.
So, we’ll go over some key factors you should consider when selecting your next or first cigar.
We hope you find this information helpful as you begin your cigar-smoking journey!
Things to Consider When Choosing a Cigar
Usually, the first cigar you smoke is something that’s given to you.
So basically, you’re not entirely responsible for your first-time experience.
And that might be critical, as you might never return to this beautiful hobby again.
However, if you are here reading this article and find yourself in a position where you need to choose a cigar from a humidor at your local tobacconist, we’re here to tell you what to look for exactly.
Size
There are many different sizes and cigar shapes to choose from, but you need to be sure that the one you choose suits your smoking style.
When you’re talking about the “vitola” it refers to the cigar shape, length, and ring gauge size.
The cigar’s length and ring gauge diameter is usually measured in inches or parts of an inch.
They can vary from the smallest size, 4×26 cigarillos, classics Robusto 5 1/2 x52 and 6×52 Toro, or even the largest ones, 7×52 Presidente and 9 1/4 inches long x47/64 ring gauge Grand Corona.
A misconception that new cigar lovers tend to believe is that a larger ring gauge cigar equals stronger flavor.
One thing that controls flavor is the amount of tobacco, air, and heat.
So, bigger ring gauge sizes (most of the flavor comes from the filler) tend to often be milder cigars because of much more air in that ratio.
Whereas skinnier cigars or smaller ring gauge ones (most of the flavor comes from the wrapper) have a lot less air. Thus, a lot more heat in the tobacco.
So, thinner cigars burn hotter, and the aroma taste is way more robust.
This explanation sounds very much counterintuitive, but knowing this is beneficial if you are just about to choose your first cigar.
Shape
There are only two types of cigars in terms of shape.
The “parejos” are regular cylindrical cigar that looks more like what you would typically think of. It has a rounded top (cap) with a flat foot.
Corona is just about the perfect example.
And then you have what’s called “figurados” that usually come with pointy edges or bulbous middle or some other shapes.
One example is a Perfecto. Perfectos have closed tapered both ends, or only one is open at the tip.
These may cost more as it’s harder to roll them.
Strength Level and Flavor
When it comes to flavor and taste buds in your mouth, everybody is totally different. That’s why choosing the right strength for your taste is essential.
The strength of a cigar is like the ABV of a beer. We are basically talking about how much nicotine is in the tobacco.
If the cigar has more higher priming leaves in the filler, it’s going to be more packed with nicotine.
Also, another important thing to note is that a light-colored wrapper leaf usually means that the cigar is lighter-bodied with a smoother flavor.
Not a hundred percent of the time, but it usually comes that way.
So, if you can find a cigar with a wrapper type that is referred to as a Connecticut or an Ecuadorian Connecticut, it’s a good way to start.
But, on the contrary, a Maduro leaf is the darkest and strongest of them all.
Furthermore, be wary of full-bodied cigars with high tobacco content as they can be harsh on the throat and palate.
Therefore, it might not be a great experience and cause a buzz feeling for beginners, as it takes time to appreciate the flavor notes in a rich, robust cigar.
Many people use this technique, which is a thing to be aware of if you’re just starting.
Tobacco Composition & Craftsmanship of Brands
As you already know the cigar anatomy, it’s good to mention that it’s made of three parts: filler, binder, and wrapper.
Today’s premium cigars are made in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
These nations and many others in Central and South America supply the tobacco used in cigar production.
You’ll get used to the flavor and power of tobacco from Nicaragua as opposed to the Dominican Republic, for example, as you smoke more cigars.
Also, It’s wise to look for a cigar brand with a good reputation.
Some well-known and popular brands include Cohiba, Romeo y Julieta, Davidoff London, El Rey de Los Habanos (King Cuban), Casa Noble, Drew Estate cigars, etc.
Visual Inspection Before You Choose a Cigar
When it comes to cigar quality, you should always look for a good-looking and well-made product.
You should visually inspect the cigar before buying it to ensure it is of acceptable quality.
As some people say, judge the book by its cover; we refer to this to carefully examine the wrapper leaf of the stogie.
It should not have any tears or gaps, as it might be infested with tobacco beetles.
Also, if you spot mold on the surface, that is a big no-no! Just to mention, the white specs so-called cigar plume are different than mold.
Next, the cigar should not be dry. And you can do that simply if you hold the cigar and slightly squeeze it between your thumb and index finger.
Avoid it if it crackles and feels dry. It probably wasn’t kept under the right humidity levels.
So when you smoke it, it will burn excessively hot and may cause you bad breath.
A clean and shiny outer part is a good sign of premium handmade cigars.
Finally, remove the cellophane and smell the cigar (without touching it with your nose, as it is bad cigar etiquette) to further evaluate its quality.
One thing to mention is to smell the foot, as you will immediately perceive all the tobacco leaves.
You should expect a leathery, woody, and smoky scent, almost like an old library book.
Moldy and stale scents are telltale signs of a bad cigar.
Choose a Cigar for Different Occasions
When choosing a cigar for the occasion, think about how much time you have to smoke.
A smaller cigar would take to smoke a lot less time than a large one.
Next, you must decide where you will be smoking it. If you are smoking it indoors in a lounge or outside, it might be a sunny or cloudy and windy day.
You have to take all the factors into account.
For example, you may be looking for a light-bodied to medium-bodied cigar because you are celebrating and want something to smoke.
But you’re not going to smoke it for long as you are at a wedding.
While if you are having a birthday party and you know you’ll sit for an hour plus, then you should go for something more full-bodied and full-flavored to enjoy.
You have to take different parts of this into your thought process.
Price
Every time beginner cigar smoker walks into the humidor, they try to buy the nicest and most expensive sticks out there.
You’d want to grab a more affordable cigar as you start your cigar-smoking journey.
Why? Well, the answer is straightforward.
Starting off on the top tier of any product in any industry can make it really hard to appreciate anything in the levels underneath.
So, for example, if you go out and buy something like a Davidoff Dominicana Toro, which prices at $25 per stick, you might not appreciate all the ones in the $5 range. There’s a huge difference between the both.
As a result, you’ll be totally fine if you start with the cheaper ones, and as you slowly work your way into the hobby, get finer and more expensive cigars.
Note: Beware of falling for counterfeit cigars by opting for cheaper options. With fake Cuban cigars flooding the market, it’s crucial to exercise caution when making your purchase.
Additional Tips to Choose a Cigar
While we have explained the main things to prioritize when choosing a cigar, now we will give you some extra tips to ease your journey.
Besides forums and cigar apps, there are more ways to ensure you are selecting the right one for your palate.
Ask a Trusted Tobacconist for Assistance
Be sure to ask your cigar shop expert for their recommendations based on your smoking habits and taste preferences.
It’s always good to have knowledge about different cigar brands, and that’s where these people come in handy.
Also, they will always be here to help and teach you about cutting and lighting your first cigar.
Or Find Out What Others are Smoking on Social Media
Even if you don’t have friends or people who smoke cigars, you can find out exactly what people are smoking by checking out social media platforms.
Cigar-loving influencers often post cigar reviews, and you can get a good idea of what to try based on their thoughts.
Also, you can use Instagram to search #cigars or, even better, enter a community group on Facebook.
I highly suggest joining this wonderful community created by Tim from Cigars Daily.
These are places where people will post their smoking experiences with certain cigars all day long.
You’ll learn about cigars that you didn’t even know existed.
Additionally, you’ll learn a ton about cigars from people who have done this pastime for a very long time!
