Cigars: Everything You Want to Know

Cigar Types and Sizes

Cigars come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each offering a unique smoking experience. Common types include:

• Cigarillos: Small and thin, ideal for quick smoking sessions lasting about 10–20 minutes.
• Robusto: Short and thick, offering a well-balanced flavor for 30–45 minutes.
• Corona: Medium-length and slender, lasting 45 minutes to an hour.
• Toro: Slightly longer and thicker than robustos, providing a full-bodied smoke for about an hour.
• Churchill: Long and slightly thicker, offering 90 minutes or more of enjoyment.
• Double Corona: Larger than coronas, with a smoking time of 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Torpedo: Characterized by a pointed head, which concentrates flavor for a more intense experience.

Common Wrapper Types

The wrapper is the outermost leaf of a cigar and significantly impacts its flavor. Common types include:

• Connecticut: Light and mild with a creamy flavor, ideal for beginners.
• Maduro: Dark and oily, offering rich, complex flavors with hints of chocolate or coffee.
• Habano: Medium to dark brown, with bold, peppery flavors suited for seasoned smokers.
• Sumatra: Rich and earthy, with spicy undertones and an aromatic finish.
• Oscuro: Nearly black and full-bodied, with robust and intense flavors.

Choosing and Smoking a Cigar

Enjoying a cigar involves careful selection, proper preparation, and mindful smoking:

• Selecting a Cigar: Choose a size, wrapper, and flavor profile that matches your preferences. Beginners may prefer milder options like Connecticut wrappers.
• Cutting the Cigar: Use a guillotine, punch, or V-cutter for a clean cut that ensures a smooth draw.
• Lighting the Cigar: Use a butane lighter or wooden match. Hold the cigar above the flame and rotate it for an even burn.
• Smoking the Cigar: Take slow, gentle puffs to savor the flavor. Cigars are meant to be enjoyed without inhaling the smoke.
• Proper Etiquette: Be mindful of others; avoid blowing smoke toward people, and let the cigar extinguish naturally if you’re done smoking.

Popular Cigar Blends and Flavor Profiles

Cigars feature diverse flavor profiles influenced by the tobacco’s origin and curing process:

• Cuban Cigars: Known for their smooth, complex flavors with earthy and spicy undertones.
• Dominican Cigars: Mild to medium-bodied, with creamy and slightly sweet flavors.
• Nicaraguan Cigars: Bold and full-bodied, offering rich, earthy, and coffee-like notes.

Storage and Care of Cigars

Proper storage ensures cigars maintain their flavor and quality. Follow these tips:

• Humidity Control: Keep cigars at 65–70% humidity using a humidor or humidification packs.
• Temperature Management: Store cigars at 65–70°F (18–21°C) to prevent drying or tobacco beetles.
• Rotating Cigars: Occasionally rotate cigars in the humidor to ensure even humidity exposure.
• Long-Term Aging: Certain cigars improve with age, developing richer and more complex flavors over time.