How To Choose A Cigar

 

New smokers know that the humidor can be an intimidating place to shop, and nobody likes spending money on cigars they don’t enjoy. That’s what professional tobacconists are there for—to leverage their knowledge about regions, brands, and blends to help you find something you’ll enjoy.

Choosing the perfect cigar means understanding your own preferences and exploring what fits your palate. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned smoker, your cigar journey starts with asking the right questions. Here are a few questions to help guide the discovery.

Are you looking for something similar or something new?

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with smoking what you know. In fact, that’s the easiest way to make sure you get your money’s worth. One of the first questions we ask in the humidor is, “What have you smoked before that you liked?”

This leads to a few questions that give us an idea of your experience level, as well as insight into your taste profile. When making a purchase, you want to approach it as “Am I looking to smoke something new or something similar to what I’ve had before?”

Some smokers stick with medium-bodied cigars because they offer the perfect balance of flavor and strength. Others may explore richer, fuller options or sample milder ones based on their evolving preferences.

What’s your taste profile?

“Taste profile” sounds scientific, but it’s really as simple as determining what flavors you enjoy. If you’re new to cigars, think about different food and drinks that you enjoy. Do you enjoy spice? Do you like bold flavors, or do you prefer flavors that are more subtle? Are there any flavors that you’re looking to avoid completely? Just like wine, different tobacco growing regions have different taste profiles, as do different manufacturers. These same considerations apply when choosing a cigar for someone else—especially if you're navigating decisions like how to gift cigars during the holidays.

What strength level are you looking for?

As we’ve discussed in the past, the strength of a cigar is the result of several factors and is one of the hardest things to identify in the humidor. This is where a good tobacconist—or Google—really helps out a lot.

Everybody’s tolerance to nicotine is different, and it can even change over time. While mild, medium, and full-bodied cigars can be debated endlessly, the point is to match the strength to your expectations and comfort level.

If you’re unsure where to start, a thicker cigar often burns cooler and may offer a more relaxed introduction for new smokers. Finding the perfect cigar is about more than strength—it’s also about draw, flavor, and construction.

A little guidance can help you land on the right cigar for your preferences, whether you’re after something rich or something smooth. Don’t get caught up in labels. The best cigar is the one you keep coming back to because it fits your palate and your pace.

While the above three questions are the most basic considerations when stocking up your humidor, they’ll certainly put you on the right track to having a suitable selection to choose from. However, here are a few more advanced questions that will help narrow it down even further when you’re choosing which cigar to light up.

What time of day are you smoking?

The first cigar of the day is oftentimes my favorite cigar of the day. This is when my palate is fresh and I can appreciate the widest range of cigars. Most people tend to smoke lighter cigars earlier and then progress to stronger and richer cigars as the day progresses. 

Most people tend to smoke milder, medium-bodied cigars earlier and then progress to stronger and richer cigars as the day progresses. Nine times out of ten, the most expensive cigar I smoke in a day is the first or second. The only time I smoke rich, strong cigars (such as a Liga Privada) is at the end of the day after a full meal.

What did you smoke previously?

While there are certainly exceptions, you generally want to avoid going immediately from rich cigars to mild cigars. These rich and bold flavors will almost certainly dominate your palate and cover up the subtle complexities found in lighter cigars.

If you must, though, I recommend having a bit of food or a neutral drink (such as sparkling water) to cleanse your palate between cigars. This helps ensure your next smoke delivers clear, enjoyable notes, without overpowering carryover.

Remember, cigars can be expensive. So take steps to ensure you don’t waste them! Try also learning how to prevent cigar beetles to protect your stash and keep your collection in prime condition.

Are you doing anything else while smoking?

Your environment certainly plays into your cigar smoking experience and should guide your choice. Smoking cigars on the golf course or during a backyard barbecue offers one kind of vibe; relaxing in a lounge after dinner is another.

Smoking a cigar on the golf course is a wonderful time, but smoking a Connecticut wrapper in the sun and wind can quickly turn that same experience into a horror story. 

Timing plays a factor as well. For example, nobody wants to have to ditch half of a $30 Davidoff Nicaragua because they have to get the kids to soccer practice. Cigar smokers who plan ahead can better enjoy the full length and essence of a great cigar.

Are you pairing your cigar with something?

There are two different approaches when it comes to pairing: complementary and contrasting. Some people enjoy complementary flavors that are similar in taste and build upon each other. An example of this is adding cream to coffee. Other people enjoy contrasting flavors that emphasize certain flavors. An example of this is when you add mustard to a meat and cheese plate.

I personally enjoy complementary pairings, so I find that smoking a CLE Habano with a pour of bourbon brings some red fruit notes out of the CLE that I don’t often get.

Pairing cigars with beverages or meals can unlock surprises in the blend, especially when pairing maduro wrappers with dark spirits, or milder cigars with citrusy cocktails to create a cooler smoke with refreshing contrast.

Taste is subjective, and I think everyone can agree that our individual flavor profiles differ wildly from one person to the next. Having said that, the guidelines above can be useful to just about anyone when it comes to finding the cigar that’s right for you.

Whether you're exploring robust parejos or smaller cigars as a gift for beginners, the cigar world has something for everyone. Cigars are a rabbit hole that can be as shallow or as deep as you want to go—and we’ve only just scratched the surface when it comes to the art of picking out a great cigar.

Each cigar in the humidor represents a unique smoking experience and story, and we hope this complete guide helps make your picks a lot easier