Whether you are a cigar connoisseur or a first timer, choosing the right cigar for your palate is extremely important. Walking into a cigar humidor for the first time can be overwhelming. With cigars that range in quality and price, how can you know what will be the right option for you? These quick tips can help you find a quality cigar to bring back to the man-cave.
Price
Despite what you might have heard, price isn’t all that important in cigar selection. There are plenty of less expensive cigars that still pack the desired flavor and carry high ratings from cigar publications and enthusiasts. As a first time cigar buyer, stick with the less expensive varieties until you develop a flavor preference and can really savor the unique elements of a pricey cigar.
Quality
The quality of the tobacco and cigar construction is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a cigar. You’ll want to gently roll the cigar between two fingers to check for lumps or soft spots. A quality cigar will have an even filling and should be free from any oddities in texture.
Inspect the wrapper and the tobacco at the end, the wrapping should be tight, smooth and free of damages. While the tobacco might have some small color variation, check that the coloring is not extreme in any spots as this can signal that a poor quality leaf was used. Proper cigar construction and tobacco will ensure a smooth and even draw when smoked.
Origin
Cigars are crafted with a variety of tobacco from different countries. The location where the tobacco was grown will have a big effect on the flavor. The soil and climate will determine its flavors. This typically ends up playing a huge role in personal preference. For example, if you really like the flavors in a Honduran cigar, then you’ll probably want to stick to cigars with tobacco from similar climates.
Personal Preference
Everyone has different taste preferences, especially when it comes to cigars. Finding your perfect cigar can take time. Once you are familiar with the process of selecting a quality cigar, experiment with different brands and flavors. Try sampling a new cigar once a week, or buying a variety bundle so that you can discover what variations you like the most. Eventually, you’ll find the one for you.
Purchasing and smoking cigars can become a very personal experience. These tips will help you discover which cigar will be the perfect match for you.
