How to Pick the Cigar
When we pick cigar, especially as a beginner, we need to consider the following factors, which PLUSH CIGAR will explain below:
- Appearance
- Sizes and Shapes
- Flavors
- Wrapper
- Sampler Packs
- Strength and Body
- Smoking hours
- Price
- Reputable tobacconists
I’m Wade, a cigar enthusiast for over 20 years, and I’ve learned a lot about cigars since I was a kid, influenced by my grandfather. I’m going to go over all the factors that go into choosing a cigar for you.
Factors to Consider When Pick the Perfect Cigar
Appearance of the Cigar
The wrapper should be smooth, free of blemishes, and evenly colored with a nice oily sheen. Discolorations, tears, or spots indicate poor quality
Cigar Sizes and Shapes
Size and Shape: Cigar sizes and shapes affect smoking time and experience. Shorter cigars (3-4 inches) are ideal for quick sessions, while longer cigars (5-7 inches) offer a prolonged experience. Shapes like parejo (straight) and figurado (tapered) influence how the cigar burns and tastes
Cigar Flavors
Cigar flavors are spicy, sweet, woody or nutty, and we can choose according to our liking.
Wrapper
The wrapper affects the cigar’s flavor profile. Common types include Connecticut (light and mild), Habano (medium to dark with robust flavor), Maduro (dark with rich, sweet flavor), and Sumatra (spicy, earthy flavor).
Sampler Packs
One advantage of many brands is that you can choose sample cigars and try them out first to see if they are right for you before making a purchase.
Strength and Body
Cigars come in mild, medium, and full-bodied strengths. Beginners should start with mild to medium-bodied cigars, which offer a balanced flavor without being overwhelming. For example, Jake Wyatt’s Appendix II is a good choice for its smooth, creamy flavor
Cigar smoking hours
If you are beginners, I would recommend choosing a smaller size cigar that will burn for 30 minutes – 60 minutes, such as Robustos or Coronas; or you can go for a larger cigar that will burn for up to 2 hours, such as Toros or Churchills.
Cigar Price
Many cigars are priced between $5 and $15, and there are many choices in this range. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cigar smoker, it is important to find the cigar that best suits your needs. Price is an important factor in determining whether a cigar is good or bad, but more importantly, it should be the right cigar for you.
Stick to reputable tobacconists
Reputable tobacconists can always provide high quality cigars, they have a stable inventory and a reliable supply chain after all.
What kind of cigars not to buy
The following are the cigars that we should not choose:
- Counterfeit Cuban Cigars.
- Poorly Constructed Cigars.
- Low-Quality Brands.
- Inexpensive Bulk Cigars.
- Poor Storage cigars.
Counterfeit Cuban Cigars: Avoid cigars that lack proper government seals, have poor construction, and suspiciously low prices. Authentic Cuban cigars should have holographic seals, clear box codes, and neat triple-seam caps.
Poorly Constructed Cigars: Steer clear of cigars with visible defects like dryness, cracks, or uneven coloration. These issues can indicate poor storage or manufacturing practices.
Low-Quality Brands: Avoid brands with consistently negative reviews, such as those from the cigar boom era, like El Stupido, Moon Grown, Polish Hat Dance, and Perro Loco. These cigars are often poorly rolled and have unpleasant flavors.
Inexpensive Bulk Cigars: Be cautious of cigars sold in bulk or labeled as “yard gars,” which are typically of lower quality. These cigars often lack complexity and are not recommended for a premium smoking experience.
Poor Storage: Avoid cigars from shops that do not maintain proper humidity levels or have a musty smell. Proper storage in a humidor is essential to preserving the quality of cigars.
Conclusion
When choosing a cigar, we can consider these factors: Appearance, Sizes and Shapes, Flavors, Wrapper, Sampler Packs, Strength and Body, Smoking hours, and Price.
By comparing them, we can find the best cigar for us.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cigar smoker, we recommend looking at Top 25 Cigars to help you make better cigar choices.