3 Cigar Newbie Essentials: Cigar Buying Tips Every Beginner Should Keep in Mind

Selecting the best cigars for beginners out of the many cigars available today can be overwhelming. Yet there are ways to make the cigar-buying process more enjoyable and successful. So, fear not, new cigar enthusiasts! We’ll show you the three keys to cigar buying and other tips for the beginner.

What to Know Before Starting Out

Every cigar smoker’s tastes are different, so it will take some time and experimentation to find the right cigar for you. So, the first step is to dive into three key areas that will help your search for the best cigars for beginners: Cigar anatomy, cigar-smoking techniques, and cigar taste and aroma.

Understand Cigar Anatomy

How a cigar is constructed is essential to understanding how the cigar smokes. So, exploring a cigar’s parts, sizes, and shapes helps to discover clues that will help you decide whether a cigar is right for you during the cigar selection process. 

Parts of a Cigar

Tobacco leaves are fermented, aged, and blended together to achieve the smoking characteristics chosen by the tobacco blender. Cigar rollers, or Torcedors, assemble the leaves according to the blender’s instructions using three types of tobacco leaves: 

• Filler 

• Binder

• Wrapper

The bulk of a premium cigar comprises several whole leaf “filler” tobaccos. The “binder” is a leaf that holds the filler blend in place while aiding in a cigar’s combustibility. It is difficult to keep lit if a cigar burns too slowly or fast. The “wrapper” is the outer leaf that lends additional flavor, aroma, and complexity while providing a more pleasing aesthetic to the cigar.

When the cigar is fully assembled, it features a head, body, and foot. The head is the top of the cigar, the body runs the full length, and the foot is the bottom of the cigar, the part you will light when you are ready to smoke.

Cigar Sizes

Cigar size determines how long a cigar takes to smoke and how it evolves from the first draw to the last. Cigars are sized by length and “ring size” or diameter, measured in 64ths of an inch. For example, a cigar with a diameter of 44/64ths has a ring size of 44. A cigar’s length is simply the distance from head to foot, which can be measured in millimeters or inches. So, a 6-inch cigar with a 44-ring size is a 6″ x 46 cigar.

There are many different sizes available today, with a few worldwide favorites offering a great starting point for your best cigars for beginners search:

5 ½” x 42    Corona

5” x 50        Robusto

6” x 50        Toro

7” x 47        Churchill

Each cigar manufacturer has their own set of sizing guidelines, even the best Cuban cigars, so sizes and names can vary from brand to brand. Try sizes from various brands to understand the differences and how size affects the cigar experience. Also, remember the bigger the cigar, the more time you’ll need to enjoy it. 

Cigar Shapes

Cigars usually fall under one of two shape categories: Parejo and Figurado. Parejo or “straight” cigars are straight-sided from head to foot. In contrast, Figurado or “shaped” cigars have a distinct form. Figurado cigars can be tapered at one or both ends, have a pointed head, a bulge in the middle, or any other unique shape. 

Get Acquainted With Smoking Techniques

Once you have your cigar, there are tips you can use to make your cigar-smoking journey more rewarding. How you cut, light, and smoke your cigar can make or break the entire experience. So, take your time and savor every nuance of the cigar-smoking ritual.

Cigar Cutting

The best Cuban cigars and other hand-rolled smokes need to be cut so you can draw the smoke through them. You can use various cutting methods, with the traditional double-blade guillotine being the most popular. Experiment with different cutter types to find what works best for you. 

Cigar Lighting

Lighting a cigar requires some patience as you want to prepare the cigar before fully igniting it. You do this by gently rolling the foot of the cigar over the flame at a 45-degree angle. Once the cigar foot is evenly toasted, repeat the process while drawing through the cigar to light the cigar. Cedar cigar matches or butane lighters work best as they won’t adversely affect the flavor. 

Cigar Smoking

After selecting, cutting, and lighting, it is time to sit back and enjoy your cigar. The more you rush it, the less likely you’ll have a satisfying smoke. So, give yourself plenty of time to savor the smoke. In addition, the faster you draw through the cigar, the hotter and more bitter it can become. A puff once every minute or two is usually sufficient to keep the cigar lit from start to finish.

Consider Taste and Aroma

As you smoke a cigar, take note of the cigar’s taste and aroma. Remembering not to inhale, let the smoke swirl over your palate to draw out the tobacco’s flavors. Is the smoke sweet or spicy? Salty, earthy, nutty, or fruity? Is the smoke mellow or full-bodied? Considering these and other questions helps zero in on characteristics you can look for when choosing cigars. 

Cigar Buying Tips for Beginners

With each cigar you try, you’ll gain more insight into which cigars smoke best for you. In addition, you’ll learn new ways to recognize cigar characteristics that can only come with experience. However, you can use other tips during your best cigars for beginners search.

Get to Know Cigar Types

Knowing the different cigar types helps identify the cigars you might want to try. If you know you like a particular size, shape, blend, wrapper type, or taste, you’ll be able to narrow down your options to find that perfect smoke. Keeping a cigar diary or journal is a great way to record your findings.

Start With Milder Ones

Ease into the cigar search process by smoking milder cigars to start. You want your cigar search to be enjoyable, so gradually work your way from mellow to more robust smokes. You’ll be able to focus on learning flavors and aromas without being overpowered by strong tobacco blends. 

Get Familiar With Cigar Brands

As you experiment with various cigars, you’ll notice that each brand has its own personality. This is especially helpful when searching for the best Cuban cigars. You might gravitate to a particular brand’s style, cigar types, or price points. Your local tobacconist can help you identify each brand’s traits.

Today a Cigar Newbie, Tomorrow a Cigar Pro!

The cigar world is filled with many great treasures, so explore, experiment, and have fun. As your cigar knowledge grows and your tastes evolve, you’ll become a full-fledged cigar-smoking connoisseur. So, start your search for the best Cuban cigars for beginners to test your cigar-buying skills today.