Have you ever lit up a cigar and been puzzled by the strange effervescence of flavours and aromas? Anyone who smokes pipe tobacco will be able to relate as it’s often what can make the experience of smoking a complete and rewarding one.

This is why it’s so important before you choose your product that you know a little background on it and what sort of smoke it will provide. In the name of research, you could of course always sample many different cigars but it may not be entirely cost-efficient. Therefore, try and find a particular type you like and stick with it or choose cigars you know are similar.

The origins of your cigar also heavily come in to play as depending on the region it was made in, you can expect wildly different flavours from the next. For instance, a Cuban cigar will be of the utmost quality, affording you a smooth smoke and one which leaves nothing undesirable to the mouth. As the marker for many other cigars, Cubans are hard to beat in terms of desirability with many boxes of these lucrative items going anywhere from £250+.

Additionally, when it concerns the actual contents of your cigar, it’s vital to gauge the strength of it based against your experience. For instance, a reputedly powerful cigar will most likely overwhelm a new smoker because it is a harsh introduction. It’s always advised to start off small (and often cheap) as it could very well put you off for the future to start off with a large and strong cigar.

Another thing to contend with when selecting your cigar is its composition. A refined smoker will always look to each individual process of a cigar’s making: “how thick is the wrapper/could it affect the taste? Are the binders secure? What sort of shape is best for me?”

Although the shape does not alter the actual quality of your smoke, it could be worthwhile to investigate the difference between a Parejo and a Torpedo to help narrow down the style which best suits you.

And finally, if you’d like to patter out the lifespan of your cigar to enjoy a thoroughly slow, patient and satisfying smoke for a long period of time, always be sure to invest in accessories which can extend its life and help to keep its taste from the moment you light up. Look to humidors and cases to maintain standards of excellence.

If you’re after the ultimate resource for all things cigar reviews, be sure to consult the resources on Cigar Aficionado for all your needs.

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