How to Choose a Cigar

There are a LOT of great cigars on the market today. And while that’s exciting, it can also be overwhelming, especially for new fans. So today, we’re going to explain how to choose a cigar. We’ll share a few cigar buying tips and help you find the right cigar, no matter your experience level or preference.

How to Choose a Cigar

Walking into a cigar shop for the first time can be intimidating. Many retailers have dozens, if not hundreds, of different cigars available for sale, so singling out one is a daunting prospect for many new cigar fans. Not to worry, we can help you find a great cigar by focusing on a few key factors:

• Size
• Price
• Strength
• Tasting Notes
• Occasionality

Let's take them one at a time. 

Cigar Buying Guide

• Size — cigars come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re new to the hobby, we recommend starting with a smaller size like a robusto or a corona. These are good-sized smokes that usually last for about 45 minutes to an hour. Of course, more experienced smokers should also consider size when they purchase cigars. Different occasions call for different-sized smokes.
• Price — we can’t stress this enough: do not spend a lot of money on your first cigar. That’s a common mistake that can lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction. Instead, look for a cigar under $10 to try out and see if you enjoy it. Note, don’t buy a whole box either. Rather, pick out a cigar or two to test. 
  • As a rule, it’s a good idea to know how much money you want to spend before you enter a cigar store — otherwise, it can be easy to get carried away! 

• Strength — new smokers are *typically* going to enjoy milder cigars with less strength. Of course, no two people share the same physiology, but it’s nevertheless smart to consider how strong a cigar is before you purchase it, and to have an understanding of your own nicotine tolerance. (No one wants to get sick smoking a cigar.)
• Tasting Notes — flavor profiles and tasting notes are, to a degree, subjective. Still, you can look up tasting notes for cigars and read reviews to understand what the smoke will be like. Consider what kind of flavors you’re in the mood for before you commit to buying a box of cigars. 
• Occasionality — tailgates are very different affairs from weddings or formal events. When purchasing cigars for a special occasion, consider what kind of experience you want, and when, where, and with whom you’ll be enjoying your smokes. You may also want to take cigar pairings into account. (Some cigars go great with drinks like beer, while others are better suited for whiskey or cocktails.)

Tips for Buying a Cigar

Here are a few quick cigar-buying tips you can use to ensure you always end up with a great smoke. 

• Talk to your local tobacconist. Employees at cigar retailers are knowledgeable, friendly, and happy to recommend fantastic cigars to you. Just ask!
• Read reviews. Professional (and amateur) reviews can’t tell you everything about a cigar, but they can give details about the blend, tasting notes, and country of origin. For instance, if you liked a cigar with a Connecticut Shade wrapper, consider reading up on similar cigars! You can also read reviews from fans just like you on Cigar World.

Try our Find Your Perfect Cigar Tool. It’s exactly what it sounds like! Enter info about your preferences, and we’ll give you a few excellent cigar recommendations.

Finding the Right Cigar for You

Ultimately, there is no “wrong” way to go about buying a cigar. To conclude, we’ll just offer a friendly reminder that even if you don’t enjoy a cigar, you can always come back and try a different one instead! There’s never been a better time to explore new and interesting blends from leading brands. 

Once you’ve found your next cigar, make sure to use our retailer locator to find the nearest authorized retailers to you. 

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