How To Choose the Perfect Cigar: Your 2021 Cigar Guide
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If you're new to the world of cigars, you may be a bit overwhelmed by the vast amount of choices available to you.
Different strengths, bodies, lengths, gauges, origins, flavors, shapes—sometimes, having lots of choices makes it hard to choose. We’re here to help!
In this post, we'll go over some basics and share recommendations to get you on your way, so you can stop researching cigars and start enjoying them.
If you are looking for a light-bodied cigar, check out the Baccarat Original.
And for a fuller-bodied smoke, try out the Padron 1964.
This is what the cigar actually tastes like. You'll find a vast variety of flavors in cigars:
Usually, a cigar's size is listed like this: “48 × 7.” This means that the cigar's diameter or gauge is 48/64ths of an inch, and the length is about 7 inches. A cigar of this diameter would take about an hour to finish.
If you're looking for a cigar that won't take as long, try for one that is shorter and thinner.
As for shape, most cigars tend to be straight cylinders, but some feature rounding or tapering at the ends. If you're overwhelmed by choice, stick with a cylindrical shape when first starting out.
Cigars come from a variety of regions in the world, most notably Latin America (but also places like Connecticut, Indonesia, Cameroon, and the Philippines).
Find a variety of cigars that are appealing to you and give them a try. If you're planning to continue taking up cigars, jot down a few quick notes about which ones you like. Later, you can go back and see what countries the tobacco came from and explore other options from the region.
You generally can't go wrong with leading brands. Check out our best-selling cigar makers on our website.
Cigars Direct is the best store online to purchase your favorite cigars. Shop for cigars, samplers, cigarillos, flavored cigars, smoking accessories, and much more! Whether you're looking for Dominican, Honduran, or Nicaraguan blends, you can count on us to be your one-stop shop for variety and convenience.
Check out our selection to find the perfect cigar for any occasion.
Different strengths, bodies, lengths, gauges, origins, flavors, shapes—sometimes, having lots of choices makes it hard to choose. We’re here to help!
In this post, we'll go over some basics and share recommendations to get you on your way, so you can stop researching cigars and start enjoying them.
Cigar Strength
Cigars come in several levels of strength:- Mild (such as the Macanudo)
- Mild-Medium (a good example would be the 5 Vegas Gold)
- Medium (a great medium cigar is the Drew Estate Acid Blondie)
- Medium-Full (looking for more strength, look no further: La Gloria Cubana Original)
- Full (including cigars like the Padron Special Release)
The strength isn't about flavor—it's actually about nicotine impact! A mild cigar will offer a less intense nicotine punch. A full cigar, however, will deliver a lot and fast. So if you are new to cigars, take it easy when it comes to strength until you find the right level for your preferences.
Cigar Body
This term is a little harder to put a finger on. Cigars that produce smoke that feels “heavy” or “lush” are full-bodied. There may also be a large volume of smoke, and it may have a rich texture. In contrast, light-bodied smoke will feel thinner and more elusive in the mouth and nose.If you are looking for a light-bodied cigar, check out the Baccarat Original.
And for a fuller-bodied smoke, try out the Padron 1964.
Cigar Flavor
This is what the cigar actually tastes like. You'll find a vast variety of flavors in cigars:- Spices (e.g., pepper or cinnamon)
- Cream
- Toast
- Earthy aromas (like cedar or twigs)
- Leather
- Nuts
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- And much more!
- For a chocolatey cigar: Rocky Patel Vintage 1990
- For an earthy cigar: Arturo Fuente Lost City
- For a nutty cigar: Upmann 1844 Reserve
- For a peppery cigar: Partagas Original Naturales
Cigar Length, Gauge, and Shape
The rule of thumb is that the longer and fatter the cigar is, the longer it takes to smoke.Usually, a cigar's size is listed like this: “48 × 7.” This means that the cigar's diameter or gauge is 48/64ths of an inch, and the length is about 7 inches. A cigar of this diameter would take about an hour to finish.
If you're looking for a cigar that won't take as long, try for one that is shorter and thinner.
As for shape, most cigars tend to be straight cylinders, but some feature rounding or tapering at the ends. If you're overwhelmed by choice, stick with a cylindrical shape when first starting out.
Locations and Origins
Cigars come from a variety of regions in the world, most notably Latin America (but also places like Connecticut, Indonesia, Cameroon, and the Philippines). Find a variety of cigars that are appealing to you and give them a try. If you're planning to continue taking up cigars, jot down a few quick notes about which ones you like. Later, you can go back and see what countries the tobacco came from and explore other options from the region.
Cigar Brands
You generally can't go wrong with leading brands. Check out our best-selling cigar makers on our website.Cigars Direct is the best store online to purchase your favorite cigars. Shop for cigars, samplers, cigarillos, flavored cigars, smoking accessories, and much more! Whether you're looking for Dominican, Honduran, or Nicaraguan blends, you can count on us to be your one-stop shop for variety and convenience.
Check out our selection to find the perfect cigar for any occasion.