Choosing A Cigar

There are several things to consider before choosing a cigar. First, the color of the cigar; second, the size and shape of the cigar; third, the taste and aroma of a cigar; fourth, the length you desire to smoke; and finally, the price you are willing to pay for a cigar.

You will find there are several different ways to purchase a cigar. Typically you will find that you can purchase cigars individually, in boxes, bundles or in sampler packs of different sizes and brands. If you are just starting to become a cigar lover you may consider a sampler pack to get a variety of shapes, sizes, tastes, colors, etc.

Choosing a Cigar Color:

The color of the cigar can give a hint to the actual taste of a cigar. There are seven colors that cigars can be, based on the wrapper color. In general, the darker the color of the tobacco, the stronger the flavor may be. However, just because a cigar is dark on the outside does not mean it will be a strong cigar. However, if the filler of the cigar is made of dark tobacco, then it may mean that the cigar will, in fact, be strong. Darker tobacco is due to the extended period tobacco leaves have spent on the tobacco plant. By allowing the plant more time to mature through increased sunlight exposure, it causes the leaves to produce added oils in order to protect the leaves. Moreover, if a manufacturer produces a cigar with stronger or darker filler tobacco and a darker wrapper as well, you assume that you will end up with a stronger cigar. On the contrary, you might have a maduro (darker) wrapper with much milder and lighter filler tobacco on the inside, which will prevent the cigar from being super strong. As you begin to experiment, you will discover the subtleties that can be found in cigars. This will also allow you to begin appreciating how much work and effort goes into blending a cigar.  This effort is all in part of knowing what and how much tobacco should go into a cigar, which is the secret of creating the tastes we love. 

There are several different wrapper types, each carrying distinctive colors, shapes, textures, and qualities...

DOUBLE CLARO - green to greenish brown. The color is achieved by picking the leaf before it reaches maturity, and then drying it rapidly. Very mild, almost bland with very little oil.

CLARO - light tan. Usually this is the color of shade grown tobacco. Connecticut Shade wrappers are said to be some of the finest in the world. Shade grown tobacco is grown under large canopies to protect the tobacco from harsh sunlight. Neutral flavor and smooth smoking.

NATURAL -  light brown to brown. These are most often sun grown, meaning they are not protected by canopies like shade grown leaves. Fuller bodied flavor than shade grown leaves, but still very smooth.

COLORADO CLARO - mid-brown, tawny.  Richer but still smooth.

COLORADO RED - reddish dark brown, aromatic. A cigar with this wrapper tastes robust and rich.

COLORADO MADURO - dark brown, medium strength. Usually gives a rich, aromatic flavor, as found in many of the best Honduran cigars.

MADURO - dark brown to very dark brown. These usually have more texture and veining than the lighter wrappers. They are often described as oily looking, with stronger taste - sweet to some palates with a unique aroma.

OSCURO - very dark brown or almost black. They are the strongest tasting of all wrappers. These wrappers tend to be from Nicaragua, Brazil, Mexico, or Connecticut Broadleaf.

The darker the color, the sweeter and stronger the flavor is likely to be, and the greater the oil and sugar content of the wrapper. Darker wrappers will normally have spent longer time on the tobacco plant or comes from higher altitudes: the extra exposure to sunlight produces both the oil (as protection) and sugar (through photosynthesis). They will also have been fermented longer.

Choosing a Cigar Size and Shape:

Ultimately choosing a cigar in regards to size and shape comes down to personal experience and preference.

Typically, thicker ring gauge cigars will have a smoother draw than thinner ones causing them to be cooler and have a much slower burn. Normally, a cigar smoker only smokes two-thirds to three-quarters of the cigar, because after that, the tar that builds up on the juices can cause bitterness.

Cigars can be divided into two categories based on shape: Parejos, which have straight sides and Figurados which include all "irregular" shapes.

Parejos include 3 basic divisions by the relative proportion of their dimensions. There are Coronas (a broad category including Coronas, Double Coronas, Presidentes, Robustos, and Churchills) all characterized by a "foot" and a "head." Next are the Panatelas, which are longer than coronas but considerably thinner. Finally, Lonsdales, which are thicker than Panatelas, but longer, then Coronas.

Figuardos, the "irregular" shaped cigars, have 5 basic divisions. The smallest is the Belicosos which are small tapered cigars with a rounded head and a large foot. Next are Pyramids that taper from a large foot to a small head. You will find that a "true" pyramid always has a pointed head. Typically cigar lovers call a large pyramid a torpedo, a "true" torpedo has a large foot, a smaller pointed head and a slight bulge in the middle. The Perfecto is tapered on both ends to a smaller size than its middle section.  Finally, there is the Diadmas, the "giant" of cigars, being 8 inches or greater in length.

CLASSICAL CIGAR SHAPES ORDERED BY LENGTH:

(The first dimension is the length of the cigar in inches. The second is the ring gauge of the cigar or the diameter of the cigar measured in 64ths of an inch. So a Churchill is about 7 inches long and 3/4 of an inch in diameter. )

PANATELAS

• Small Panatela (5" x 33)
• Short Panatela (5" x 38)
• Slim Panatela (6" x 34)
• Panatela (6" x 38)
• Long Panatela (7 1/2" x 38)

CORONAS

• Petit Corona (5" x 42)
• Corona (5 1/2" x 42)
• Corona Extra (5 1/2" x 46)
• Robusto1 (5" x 50)
• Long Corona (6" x 42)
• Toro (6" x 50)
• Lonsdale (6 1/2" x 42)
• Grand Corona (6 1/2" x 46)
• Churchill2 (7" x 47)
• Giant Corona (7 1/2" x 44)
• Double Corona (7 3/4" x 49)

FIGUARDOS

• Petite Belicoso (5" x 50)
• Belicoso (6" x 50)
• Torpedo (6 1/2" x 52)
• Pyramid (7" x various)
• Giant (9" x 52)

HAVANA SHAPES IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

• Almuerzos (5 1/8 x 50)
• Britanicas (5 3/8 x 46)
• Cadetes (4 1/2 x 36)
• Campanas (5 1/2 x 52)
• Carlotas (5 5/8 x 35)
• Carolinas (4 3/4 x 26)
• Cazadores (6 3/8 x 44)
• Cervantes (6 1/2 x 42)
• Coronas (5 1/2 x 42)
• Coronas Gordas (5 5/8 x 46)
• Coronas Grandes (6 1/8 x 42)
• Cosacos (5 3/8 x 42)
• Dalias (6 3/4 x 43)
• Delicados (7 1/2 x 38)
• Delicados Extra (7 1/4 x 36)
• Entreactos (4 x 30)
• Especiales (5 1/4 x 45)
• Exquisitos (5 3/4 x 46)
• Favoritos (4 3/4 x 41)
• Franciscanos (4 1/2 x 40)
• Franciscos (5 5/8 x 44)
• Generosos (5 1/4 x 41)
• Gran Corona (9 1/4 x 47)
• Hermosos No. 4 (5 x 48)
• Julieta 2 (7 x 47)
• Londres (5 x 40)
• Marevas (5 x 42)
• Minutos (4 3/8 x 42)
• Ninfas (7 x 33)
• Numero 1 (7 1/2 x 38)
• Numero 2 (6 x 38)
• Numero 3 (4 1/2 x 26)
• Palmas (6 3/4 x 33)
• Palmitas (6 x 32)
• Panetelas (4 5/8 x 34)
• Panetelas Largas (6 7/8 x 28)
• Parejos (6 1/2 x 38)
• Perlas (4 x 40)
• Petit Bouquets (4 x 42)
• Piramides (6 1/8 x 52)
• Placeras (4 7/8 x 34)
• Prominentes (7 5/8 x 49)
• Robustos (4 7/8 x 50)
• Seoane (4 7/8 x 36)
• Superiores (5 3/4 x 40)
• Tacos (6 1/4 x 47)
• Trabucos (4 3/8 x 38)

 Choosing a Cigar Taste and Aroma

The taste and aroma of a cigar is comprised of several key factors and elements. The ultimate goal with owning a cigar is to keep it in prime condition until it is smoked. Like a fine wine, cigars tend to taste better with age granted the correct precautions are made to keep the cigar in premium shape. Ultimately, the taste of a cigar is a combination of the wrapper, filler tobacco, size/length, proper care and storage and then finally, properly lighting the cigar.

Choosing a Cigar Length of Smoke

When choosing your cigar, the length you plan on smoking comes into play. If you know you will have ample time to enjoy your cigar, you might consider a larger, thicker cigar such as a Torpedo or a Churchill. Remember... the larger the ring size on a cigar, the longer it will last. On the contrary, if you don't have an hour you can spend with a cigar, then perhaps something a bit smaller might be best, such as a Robusto or a Corona so you don't have to rush the cigar and can fully enjoy it.

Choosing a Cigar Price

It is important to have a set price you are willing to spend on a cigar. Having a good selection of cigars helps with that perfect occasion. Within a typical collection you will find cigars ranging in price from $2.00 to $28.00 each. Amazingly, some of the less expensive cigars can be the most enjoyable. While some of the more expensive cigars are certainly worth the money, everyone has a different taste and lifestyle. In the end, the bottom line is how much do you want to spend on your cigars? When choosing a premium cigar it is in your hands to determine if the cigar is worth the price being paid. If you think the low end is too high, consider what you are getting... a cigar is a work of art. On average, a premium cigar is going to take at least three years to produce. It will be completely handmade from start to finish including the leaves before it is rolled. Therefore, when you choose your cigar, be sure to take the time to appreciate the love and care that went into it. That will make your labor of love in smoking it all the more meaningful.