21 July 2020

What Impacts the Price of Cigars?

When searching for the perfect cigar, one thing that can often prove to be a stumbling block for many first-time buyers is cost. Across the market, cigar prices can vary greatly, making it difficult to know which cigars are best to purchase. While some are suspiciously low-priced, others seem to be ludicrously expensive. So, what impacts the price of cigars? Below, we take a look at some of the factors that can influence their overall cost:

Brand

Like most products, the brand name of a cigar can greatly impact its cost. You’ll often find that the most renowned cigar manufacturers tend to produce the cigars with the highest value; generally speaking, the bigger the name, the greater the price. This is because well-established cigar companies that have been in business for a longer period usually have a more reliable reputation in comparison to newer brands, thus can charge more for their products. However, cost doesn’t always equate to quality, so if possible, it’s good to sample a range of cigars with different price points to find one that suits your personal preferences best.

Age

Another influential factor regarding cigar prices is the age of the individual elements constituting a cigar. For example, if the tobacco used in a stogie has been aged for several years, the price is likely to be higher. This is because curing, fermenting and ageing rare tobaccos for an extended period requires both knowledge and time to ensure the finest quality cigar is produced. Additionally, a cigar’s wrapper leaves can also increase its value; not only because they provide much of its flavour, but also because blending tobacco leaves to achieve a specific flavour is a skilled art that again, takes time. Consequently, rarer ingredients often result in pricier cigars.

Size

The size of cigars undoubtedly impacts their cost. As with most things, if you purchase a larger cigar, you should expect to pay a higher price. Similarly, if your chosen stogie has an unusual shape, like the Double Figurado, the Belicoso, or the Torpedo, it will be more expensive as a result of the work that has gone into rolling it. Only specialised rollers who possess the right skill set can roll unconventionally shaped cigars, thus justifying their often-high price tag.

Quantity

Buying in bulk can often save you money on a variety of products; cigars are no different. If you buy a box of cigars rather than a single stogie, this can make your overall purchase less expensive and you will ultimately save money. However, be sure that you have the correct storage equipment first before purchasing several at once. If you don’t already have one, buying a humidor is a good idea if you’re planning to store a batch of cigars as this will preserve them over a long period without affecting their quality.

Tax

In every state or country, an unavoidable factor that largely increases the price of cigars is tax. In the UK, tobacco duty means buyers are charged an extra £2.59 on every 10g cigar they purchase. However, this is automatically included in their price, along with the standard 20% VAT rate currently applied to retail products in the UK. As a result of this added cost, many connoisseurs now buy their cigars online to save money and take advantage of special promotions.