By T.J. Mayben – Feb 8 2024
I’ll write about how to cut, light, and smoke your cigar in later articles, but for this first article, here’s some advice from me on how to select your first cigar:
But before I start doling out my steaming pile o’ opinion…
If you’re lucky enough to have a local Brick & Mortar Cigar Shop or lounge within driving distance, you should ABSOLUTELY take advantage of that particular resource…especially if they have a resident tobacconist. I know the word “tobacconist” is technically any retailer who sells tobacco products, but in this case I’m referring to someone who actually is educated on tobacco, to include sales, manufacturing, and marketing of quality cigars (and other tobacco products). The tobacconist will know exactly what the shop has in stock, and is a solid resource on helping you pick out a cigar that is likely to suit your tastes. I say “likely” because there are no guarantees in life and there could be miscommunication…BUT, I repeat, a tobacconist is the best resource you have for this choice. They know what they’re doing (or should)…so discuss with them.
Now…on to my spiel:
If you aren’t lucky as defined above, you may find yourself purchasing a cigar on your own at a retail liquor store or other retailer that has a few cigars or actually quite a few (I’m looking at you Binny’s, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, and Total Wine), but may not have a qualified tobacconist on the premises. In that case, you can (sometimes) find something you’ll like based on other things you enjoy, especially when it comes to beverages.
Fun Fact: Some of the retailers I’m referring to may have some small cards in front of the display box for each cigar that provides crucial info such as blend, strength, and tasting notes…read and learn before just grabbing something that catches your eye.
If you like coffee (or feel like you’ll be smoking your cigar in the morning), you may choose a cigar that has coffee notes, OR something in the mild/mild-medium strength range, probably sporting a lighter Connecticut wrapper…the leaf used on the outside of the cigar (NOTE: just because the wrapper is light, doesn’t mean the cigar can’t be strong…but a lighter wrapper most times suggests a milder strength). Such cigars may include the likes of an Arturo Fuente Chateau Fuente, a Macanudo Café, an Ashton Classic or a Montecristo No. 2…all are beautifully covered with Connecticut wrappers and range from Mild to Medium (the Fuente) in strength. If you’re new to cigars, I recommend a mild strength cigar to start with…don’t put your palate on blast with a strong cigar or it may turn you off before you ever get started! Work your way up if you desire stronger blends.
If you’re expecting to enjoy that cigar with an adult beverage, you may want to take a moment before going shopping to explore recommended pairings available on-line. Believe me, everyone has an opinion on what goes well with what…and you know, they’re not wrong (at least as far as THEIR palates are concerned). Once you know your beverage of choice, spend a few minutes getting smarter on pairings at “Google University”, and you’ll go into that walk-in humidor with added confidence! Just remember, you should probably read several pairing recommendations for commonalities, just to avoid taking pairing advice from that one guy who likes something weird.
But honestly, the Internet is a great resource, and one that you should take advantage of when you can. Some sites, like Stogie Press (highly recommended by me, and run by my very knowledgeable friend Boston Jimmie) provide excellent reviews of cigars and keep a searchable collection of those reviews by brand or country of origin, as well as cigar industry news, lounge reviews, and other helpful and interesting information that will help you not only improve your palate, but also your cigar knowledge.
The situation and location also can affect your choice. Are you at a wedding or business event? Or on the golf course, at your buddy’s poker game, or just sitting on your porch puffing away while telling those damned kids to stay off your lawn for the millionth time? “Yard sticks”, typically those cheaper sticks that we tend to smoke while mowing the yard are probably not the ones you’ll be pulling out at a more formal affair, so keep your situation in mind. I’m not saying to smoke something expensive just to impress someone else, but if those around you also enjoy cigars you might want to pick out a stick that is reasonably priced (there’s no reason to break the bank if you don’t feel comfortable doing it) and of good quality so you’ll feel confident smoking it around others.
Speaking of price…
Just because a cigar costs a king’s ransom is no guarantee that you’ll enjoy it. In my experience, there are plenty of $8-10 cigars that I enjoy more than cigars I’ve tried that sold for $30. My recommendation is to A) try to determine a cigar or cigars that you feel fit your tastes, then B) from those, pick ones that fall into your price-comfort range. There is nothing worse than paying a bundle for an expensive cigar only to find that you don’t like the blend.
I strongly recommend that you start with lower cost cigars (but not the cheapest), and explore your palate…find what works for you and stick with those for a bit. After you get more experience, then start branching out to other brands, blends and countries of origin to expand your experience and taste preferences. Personally, I tend to prefer Nicaraguan puro cigars, but I also enjoy cigars from the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and the occasional Cuban. But in most cases, a $8-10 Nica puro works for me…no need to spend more money than I feel comfortable spending.
So, to recap:
Speak with a tobacconist
Read any information you can find
Learn from those that do this for a living
Dive in
Yep…at some point, you’ll need to actually choose something. I recommend choosing at least three different cigars based on the first three points above; you can do a compare and contrast exercise between the three. Helpful hint: take notes. If possible, keep a cigar journal. Write your impressions down, along with the blend of each cigar. The one(s) you like the most is where you should start. Then look for other brands similar to that blend or country of origin. Explore those. Once you’re confident you’re ready, expand to other blends or brands that are significantly different, and see if you like those too (you may be surprised at what you end up liking).
One last thing:
If you have the chance, smoke with friends. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a little cigar solitude…sometimes that’s just the ticket after a long day. But cigars are a social thing, meant to be enjoyed in the company of others, so if you have someone you can share the experience with I recommend it highly. Some of the best conversations I’ve ever had were over cigars.
Now, go find and enjoy your cigar! And welcome to the cigar lifestyle!
tj