How to choose the cigar that suits you?

Knowing how to choose a cigar is essential whether you’re buying one for yourself or as a gift. For new cigar lovers and gift buyers, it’s nice to know what to look for when you’re shopping for one in a store. However, like wine, everyone has their own preferences. Learning about how different countries and regions where the tobacco is grown and the cigar-makers who blend the cigars is invaluable. The primary criteria for choosing a cigar is taste, strength and size.

Do cigars have nicotine?

All cigars are tobacco products and, therefore, contain nicotine. A single cigar can contain anywhere between 100 and 200 milligrams of nicotine, as opposed to cigarettes which average about eight milligrams.

Where should cigars be kept?

We recommend that cigars are kept in a humidor. While you can keep your cigars in the box they came in from the store, unfortunately they will dry out the cigars. The best place to store your fine cigars is in a humidor. The important thing to know about storing your cigars is that they must be store at 65 to 70 degrees of humidity and at a temperature of approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Just remember the 70/ 70 rule. Good humidors come with a device to maintain the proper level of humidity. Do check out our in-store humidors!

What does the term ring gauge mean and how is it measured?

The ring gauge is the diameter of a cigar, in other words, its thickness. It is measured in 64ths of an inch, meaning that a cigar with a 64 ring gauge will have a diameter of one inch.

Why are Cuban cigars more expensive?

Cuban cigars are made using solely Cuban tobacco grown in Cuban soil traditionally known to be rich in nutrients particularly magnesium, calcium and iron, resulting in a strong, authentic smoke. This gives Cuban cigars their unique taste and aroma. A Cuban cigar should be enjoyed and smoked leisurely – the process is more of an experience.

Cuban cigars are mostly rolled by hand. This hand process is unique for each cigar; it gives each cigar a distinctive set of characteristics while maintaining a strong and somewhat consistent appearance and taste for each batch. Therefore, it gives Cuban cigar a personality. Hence, the Cuban cigar remains relatively untouched. This traditional approach makes their cigars unique and drives much higher demand for them due to the somewhat limited quantities.

What type of cutter should I get?

For a premium cigar smoking experience, cutting your cigar correctly is crucial. It is a skill any enthusiast needs, as making a cut in the wrong place can cause the wrapper to unravel, while getting the right cut can enhance the smoke.

Guillotine Cigar Cutter

A guillotine cutter is also known as a straight cutter. It can have either one or two blades designed to give a smooth cut across the head of the cigar. These blades must be extremely sharp to give the cleanest possible cut. If you prefer cigars with a wider ring gauge, you’ll want a cutter that can accommodate this.

Punch Cigar Cutter

A punch cigar cutter has a cylindrical blade which is used to punch a hole in the head of your cigar. These cutters tend to leave a smaller hole, therefore it gives a tight draw with greater intensity. Some punch cutters do have a larger circumference for smokers who prefer a looser draw.