What Is a Good Cigar? A Connoisseur’s Guide

A “good cigar,” at its core, is a subjective experience, a symphony of flavor, aroma, construction, and draw that harmonizes perfectly with the smoker’s individual palate and preferences. It’s not just about the price tag or the brand name; it’s about the entire journey, from the initial pre-light sniff to the lingering finish. A truly exceptional cigar offers a consistently enjoyable and memorable smoke, leaving you anticipating the next one.

Understanding the Elements of a Quality Cigar

Defining a “good cigar” involves understanding the key elements that contribute to a satisfying smoking experience. These elements, while subjective in their precise interpretation, are crucial indicators of overall quality:

Construction and Appearance

A well-constructed cigar is a feast for the eyes before it even graces your lips. Look for:

• Consistent Color: The wrapper should exhibit a uniform color, free from major blemishes or discoloration.
• Smooth Texture: The wrapper should be smooth to the touch, with minimal veins and a silky feel.
• Firmness: The cigar should feel firm but not rock-hard, with a slight give when gently squeezed. Overly soft cigars may be underfilled, while overly hard cigars may be overfilled, both impacting the draw.
• Cap Quality: The cap, or the rounded end you cut, should be neatly applied and secure.

Draw and Burn

The draw and burn are critical to the smoking experience:

• Effortless Draw: A good cigar offers a smooth, easy draw, allowing for ample smoke production without requiring excessive effort. A tight draw can be frustrating, while a loose draw can lead to an uneven burn and overheating.
• Even Burn: The cigar should burn evenly, creating a symmetrical ash cone. Uneven burns (canoeing or tunneling) indicate construction flaws or inconsistent moisture levels.
• Ash Quality: The ash should be firm, holding its shape for a reasonable length before falling. The color of the ash is less important, though many smokers prefer a light gray or white ash.

Flavor and Aroma

This is where the subjective element truly shines. The flavor and aroma profile of a cigar is influenced by the tobacco blend, aging process, and fermentation techniques. Consider these factors:

• Complexity: A good cigar offers a range of flavors that evolve throughout the smoking experience.
• Balance: The flavors should be well-balanced, with no single note overpowering the others.
• Intensity: The intensity of the flavors should be appropriate for the smoker’s preference, ranging from mild and subtle to bold and robust.
• Aroma: The aroma should be pleasant and inviting, complementing the flavors of the cigar. Notes can range from earthy and woody to spicy and sweet.

Overall Experience

Ultimately, a “good cigar” is one that provides a pleasurable and memorable experience. This includes:

• Enjoyment: Do you genuinely enjoy the flavors and aromas? Does the cigar provide a sense of relaxation and satisfaction?
• Consistency: A good cigar should consistently deliver the same quality and experience from one smoke to the next.
• Value: Is the cigar worth the price? This is a subjective assessment, but a good cigar should offer a reasonable return on investment in terms of enjoyment and quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cigars

Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of what constitutes a good cigar:

1. What are the different types of cigar wrappers, and how do they affect the flavor?

Wrapper leaves significantly impact a cigar’s flavor. Common types include:

• Connecticut Shade: Mild, creamy, and smooth.
• Connecticut Broadleaf: Darker, sweeter, and bolder.
• Habano: Spicy, earthy, and robust.
• Sumatra: Earthy, nutty, and medium-bodied.
• Maduro: Dark, sweet, and often has notes of chocolate or coffee.

2. How does the size and shape of a cigar influence the smoking experience?

Size and shape (vitola) influence the intensity, duration, and flavor complexity. Larger cigars tend to burn cooler and offer more complex flavor profiles, while smaller cigars burn quicker and deliver a more concentrated flavor.

3. What is the importance of aging cigars?

Aging allows the tobacco oils to meld and harmonize, resulting in a smoother, more refined flavor profile. Aged cigars often exhibit a greater depth of complexity and a more balanced overall experience.

4. What is the proper way to cut and light a cigar?

Use a sharp cutter (guillotine, punch, or V-cutter) to create a clean cut just above the cap. Toast the foot of the cigar evenly with a soft flame (butane torch or matches) until it glows, then gently puff to light.

5. How should I store cigars to maintain their quality?

Store cigars in a humidor at a relative humidity of 65-70% and a temperature of 65-70°F (18-21°C). This prevents them from drying out and losing their flavor.

6. What is “cigar bloom” (plume), and is it a good or bad thing?

Bloom (plume) is a powdery white substance that sometimes appears on the wrapper of well-aged cigars. It’s often considered a sign of proper aging and is generally harmless. However, it can be confused with mold, which is fuzzy and greenish-blue.

7. What are some common cigar flavors and aromas?

Common flavors and aromas include cedar, leather, spice, nuts, coffee, chocolate, earth, and floral notes.

8. How can I improve my palate to better appreciate cigars?

Practice mindful smoking, paying attention to the individual flavors and aromas. Keep a smoking journal to record your impressions and explore different cigar blends and regions.

9. What is the difference between Cuban and non-Cuban cigars?

Cuban cigars are made exclusively with Cuban tobacco. While many smokers consider them the gold standard, excellent non-Cuban cigars are produced in countries like the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras. The “best” cigar is ultimately a matter of personal preference.

10. What is a “perfect draw” cigar?

A perfect draw is subjective. Many consider it a cigar that has a smooth, even, and consistent draw that isn’t too loose or too tight. This requires no extra effort from the smoker and allows the flavors to be fully expressed.

11. What is cigar sick?

Cigar sickness is a type of nausea that can occur if too much nicotine is ingested, especially on an empty stomach or if the cigar is smoked too quickly. It can be prevented by eating before smoking, smoking slowly, and choosing cigars with lower nicotine content.

12. What are some good cigars for beginners?

Beginners should start with mild-bodied cigars with smooth wrappers. Some popular options include those with Connecticut Shade wrappers or mild blends from the Dominican Republic. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations at your local cigar shop.

Ultimately, discovering what makes a “good cigar” for you is a personal journey, a delightful exploration of taste and aroma that will undoubtedly lead to many enjoyable moments. Happy smoking!