Cigars are one of the oldest forms of smoking tobacco, and they’ve had various incarnations over the years. Originally, cigars were just tobacco wrapped in dried leaves, but they evolved into all sorts of different sizes and types over time. Now, cigars are viewed by many as more of an art form than just something to smoke, with beautiful packaging that accompanies them throughout their journey from the fields to your house. But how do you know where to start with something so complex? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about cigars so you can start enjoying them yourself!
4 things you need to know
A cigar isn’t just a cigar. There are thousands of different blends, sizes and packaging options available. Learning about them all can be overwhelming if you’re just starting out, so don’t worry—we have four things you need to know right off the bat.
What is a cigar
There is a lot of confusion about what a cigar is. Many people think it refers only to a small stogie-like object, which you see people smoking in old movies, but in reality, a cigar is any tobacco product that’s wrapped in leaf tobacco instead of paper or plastic. Cigars are generally rolled with either an Ecuadorian wrapper, an Indonesian wrapper) or a Dominican wrapper. The leaf tobacco comes from warm climates where growing conditions are ideal. These areas include Cuba, Nicaragua and Honduras, but today many manufacturers also grow in North America.
Tips on choosing your first cigar
It can be intimidating choosing your first cigar because of all of the options and brands. The best advice is to start with something mild and inexpensive until you get a sense of what you like. It’s also best to choose a cigar brand that someone you trust has smoked before and enjoyed. If at all possible, try smoking some yourself—perhaps with a coworker who smokes cigars or someone from your local tobacconist—to get a feel for what you enjoy in a cigar.
How long does a cigar last?
The length of time a cigar lasts depends on many factors, including how much you smoke and what kind of cigar it is. Some people like very strong cigars (full-bodied), while others prefer milder smokes (mild-bodied). The length also varies according to how tightly it’s rolled; generally speaking, loose rolling results in longer smoke. A good way to tell if your cigar is getting short is when ash begins falling off in large pieces. By that point, you may want to put it out before it burns too hot and ruins your experience.
How much should I spend on my first box?
While many people avoid buying a box of cigars as their first purchase because they fear being ripped off, there are a couple of reasons why you should buy a whole box at once. First, a whole box will always offer a better value than a collection of singles from different manufacturers. Second, if you’re just starting out, purchasing your first box also ensures that you have ample variety for future purchases. The best advice we can give is to look at recommendations from others who have experience in smoking and collecting cigars or checking a cigar choice guide.
