You can define “the perfect” cigar by any number of metrics. Some will tell you a cigar’s complexity and expression make it perfect, while others point to rarity or fine-tuned craftsmanship.
But a more straightforward way to define the perfect cigar is this: It’s the cigar that’s most perfect to you. Cigar appreciation has always been a matter of personal taste, as people bring their individual preferences and sensibilities to the table.
This blog post doesn’t aim to name an objective “best cigar in the world.” Instead, let’s arm you with a few tips to discover your deal stogie – whether it’s a dark Churchill Cuban or a light, grassy Dominican figurado. And whichever cigar you ultimately choose, be sure to preserve the integrity and flavor with a quality humidor, hygrometer and Boveda humidity control packs.
Set a Budget
Like all luxury products, the price range for cigars varies widely. Some quality stogies cost as little as $10, while others tip past the $50 mark for a single stick. Across the price spectrum, you can find great examples of numerous styles, origins and tastes.
You can think of the premium end as being like a Bordeaux wine – a high-quality product from a world-renowned region where producers have honed their craft for centuries. However, fantastic expressions exist in the $10 to $20 range, too. Set a reasonable budget for you, and allow that to guide the buying process.
Research Quality Cigar Makers
An easy way to direct yourself toward a quality product is to look at the name on the label. Some producers are well-known for creating flavorful, deeply satisfying cigars across their price range spectrum.
Popular examples of quality cigar makers include Arturo Fuente, Cohiba, Romeo y Julieta, Davidoff, Partagas and Rocky Patel. (This is an incomplete list, but it should start you off in the right direction).
Determine Your Perfect Flavor Profile (But Be Willing to Experiment)
Cigars don’t have a single, universal flavor profile. They come in a broad gamut of flavor and aroma notes, from dark chocolate and espresso on the more robust end, to tea leaves and herbs on the lighter end.
There’s no correct answer. Do you want a full-bodied, punchy and molasses-y smoke? Or a fresh, subtle and grassy cigar? Read more about how color affects flavor profiles at this link.
Pinpoint Your Ideal Smoking Time and Choose a Size that Fits
The last thing to consider is smoking time. Do you want a relatively brisk half-an-hour smoke, or are you committed to a full 80 minutes of swirling smoke?
In general, two factors determine a cigar’s smoke time: length and ring gauge. (Other factors like a tight draw will also impact the runtime). Lengths range from 3 inches (a Half-Corona) to 7 inches (a Churchill) and upwards of 9 inches (a Gran Corona). Meanwhile, ring gauges refer to the width of a cigar, measured in 64ths of an inch. Longer, fatter cigars will take longer to smoke, while thinner or shorter cigars take less time.
If you can stay on budget, choose a quality manufacturer, find your ideal flavor profile and pinpoint a size that suits you, you will have selected your perfect cigar. Now, preserve the cigar properly and savor its flavors and aromas.
Published by: Khy Talara
