How to Pick a Good Cigar? The Aficionado’s Guide

So, you want to pick a good cigar? The short answer: research, examine, and trust your palate. But that’s just scratching the surface. Selecting a cigar isn’t merely buying tobacco; it’s curating an experience. It involves understanding tobacco blends, construction quality, personal preferences, and even the occasion for which you’ll be enjoying it. Let’s dive into the nuances of finding the perfect smoke.

Understanding the Fundamentals

Before even stepping into a humidor, arm yourself with knowledge. Consider this your cigar boot camp.

Tobacco Varieties and Blends

Different types of tobacco leaves offer diverse flavors and strengths. Some key varieties include:

• Wrapper: The outermost leaf, primarily contributing to flavor and aroma. Common wrappers include Connecticut Shade (mild, creamy), Habano (spicy, robust), and Maduro (dark, sweet).
• Binder: Holds the filler leaves together, influencing burn and draw.
• Filler: The core of the cigar, providing the bulk of the flavor. Fillers can be a blend of different tobaccos from various regions.

Understanding how these different leaves contribute to the overall profile is crucial. Blends are carefully crafted by cigar makers to create a specific tasting experience.

Cigar Shapes and Sizes

Cigar shapes, or vitolas, influence the smoking experience. Here are a few common ones:

• Robusto: Short and thick, often delivering a concentrated flavor.
• Corona: A classic, medium-sized cigar, offering a balanced smoke.
• Toro: Similar to a Corona but thicker, providing a longer smoking time.
• Churchill: A large, robust cigar for a longer, more contemplative smoke.
• Lancero: Long and slender, highlighting the wrapper’s flavors.

The size, measured by length (in inches) and ring gauge (diameter in 64ths of an inch), affects the intensity and duration of the smoke.

Strength and Body

Strength refers to the nicotine level and its impact on your palate. Body describes the richness and complexity of the flavors. Cigars can range from mild-bodied to full-bodied, and from mild strength to strong. Experiment to find what suits your tolerance and taste preferences. Don’t be afraid to start with milder options and gradually work your way up.

The In-Store Inspection

Now, let’s get practical. You’re in the humidor. What do you look for?

Visual Inspection

• Wrapper Quality: Examine the wrapper for consistent color, minimal veins, and no cracks or blemishes. A good wrapper should be smooth and oily to the touch.
• Construction: The cigar should be uniformly packed, without soft spots or overly hard areas. A well-made cigar will feel firm and consistent throughout.
• Cap: The cap should be securely attached and well-formed. A poorly applied cap can lead to unraveling during smoking.

The Squeeze Test

Gently squeeze the cigar along its length. It should have a slight give, indicating that the filler is properly packed. Hard spots suggest overpacking, which can restrict the draw. Soft spots indicate underfilling, potentially leading to an uneven burn.

Aroma

Before lighting, take a sniff of the cigar’s foot (the end you light). The aroma can provide clues about the flavors you can expect. Look for notes of cedar, spice, cocoa, coffee, or leather.

Personal Preferences and Experimentation

Ultimately, picking a good cigar is a personal journey.

Finding Your Palate

Try different cigars from various regions, tobacco types, and strengths. Keep a journal to note your impressions of each cigar, including its flavors, aroma, burn, draw, and overall enjoyment. This will help you identify your preferences.

Pairing with Beverages

Pairing cigars with beverages can enhance the smoking experience. Coffee, whiskey, rum, and even certain wines can complement the flavors of a cigar. Experiment with different pairings to discover your favorite combinations.

The Importance of Storage

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality of your cigars. Invest in a humidor to keep them at the ideal humidity level (around 70%) and temperature (around 70°F).

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

Your local tobacconist is a wealth of knowledge. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations based on your preferences and experience level. They can guide you towards cigars that you are likely to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best cigar for beginners?

Start with milder options, such as those with Connecticut Shade wrappers. These tend to be smoother and less overwhelming. Consider brands like Ashton, Macanudo, or Davidoff for a gentle introduction.

2. How do I cut a cigar?

Use a sharp cigar cutter to make a clean cut just below the cap’s shoulder. Avoid cutting too much, as it can unravel the wrapper. Common cutter types include guillotine cutters, punch cutters, and V-cutters.

3. How do I light a cigar properly?

Use a butane torch lighter or cedar spills. Avoid using sulfur matches or lighters with lighter fluid, as they can taint the flavor. Toast the foot of the cigar evenly until it glows orange, then gently puff while rotating the cigar to ensure a complete and even light.

4. What does “aging” a cigar mean?

Aging cigars in a humidor allows the flavors to mellow and integrate over time. It can soften harsh edges and enhance the overall complexity of the smoke.

5. What is the purpose of a humidor?

A humidor maintains the proper humidity level to prevent cigars from drying out and losing their flavor. Cigars stored without adequate humidity can become brittle, burn hot, and taste bitter.

6. How often should I clean my humidor?

Clean your humidor every few months to prevent mold growth. Wipe down the interior with distilled water and let it air dry before re-humidifying.

7. What are the signs of an over-humidified cigar?

An over-humidified cigar will feel spongy, burn poorly, and may have a bitter taste. It can also develop mold.

8. Can I re-humidify a dry cigar?

Yes, but it’s a slow process. Gradually introduce the dry cigar back into a humid environment. Avoid rapid re-humidification, as it can cause the wrapper to crack.

9. What is “bloom” or “plume” on a cigar?

Bloom, also known as plume, is a fine white crystalline powder that sometimes appears on aged cigars. It’s a sign of well-aged cigars and is considered desirable by many aficionados. It is crystallized oils that have come to the surface. It is NOT mold, although mold can often be mistaken for plume.

10. What causes an uneven burn on a cigar?

Uneven burn can be caused by uneven lighting, improper storage, or inconsistent filler tobacco. Rotate the cigar while smoking and use a lighter to touch up any areas that are burning unevenly.

11. What is a “tunnel” in a cigar?

Tunneling occurs when the filler burns faster than the wrapper, creating a hollow channel inside the cigar. It’s usually caused by uneven moisture distribution or poor construction.

12. How do I dispose of a cigar properly?

Gently rest the cigar in an ashtray and allow it to extinguish on its own. Avoid stubbing it out, as this can release unpleasant odors.