Below are two of the most important factors to consider when selecting your cigar. Neither of these is more important than the other and both must come together if you are to have an enjoyable cigar experience.
How much time do you have?
Cigar size, or vitola, determines how long it will take to smoke. A robusto or toro is a good medium-length choice for getting a feel for a blend. A great cigar at the wrong time is a wasted experience. Ask yourself: “How much time do I have, and what is the occasion?” The vitola of a cigar directly dictates the length of the smoke. A small Corona might be a 30-minute affair, perfect for a short break, while a grand Churchill can be a two-hour commitment. There is little point selecting a large or long cigar if you have limited time, rushing a cigar simply won’t be enjoyable. Given most of us enjoy cigars with a friend, catching up, talking about life; then you would want a Toro sized cigar; if you were sitting down to watch a movie, then a Churchill would be a good selection.
The following can be used as a rough guide:
• Petite Corona: under 30 minutes
• Gordo / Corona Extra / Corona / Robusto / Belicoso : 30-60 minutes
• Robusto Grande / Gordo / Torpedo / Toro / Lonsdale : 60-90 minutes
• Double Corona : 90+ minutes
Tip: A half-smoked cigar is never enjoyable the next day
What flavour profile are you looking for?
This is the heart of the choice. A cigar’s flavour profile is a complex interplay between three main factors: strength, the wrapper, and the filler & binder.
Understanding strength vs. body;
Strength refers to the nicotine content (how dizzy it might make you). Body refers to the richness and texture of the smoke on your palate (mild, medium, full). For beginners, it is crucial to start with a Mild or Mild-to-Medium strength cigar to avoid being overwhelmed. There’s no single right answer, only the right cigar for your moment.
Use Body as a Flavour Roadmap. Cigars are often categorized by body, which refers to intensity of flavour. For example, Mild to Medium cigars are often smooth and nuanced, often with creamy or nutty notes. However, Medium to Full offer a richer and more complex experience often with spice, cocoa, or earth. Finally, Full-Bodied cigars are bold and assertive, with deep flavour structure and strength. Some cigars are crafted with sweet or aromatic notes, while others lean more traditional, earthy, spicy, or bold.
Exploring different bodies over time can help you identify what complements your mood, meal, or occasion. Match your cigar to the time you have. Rushing can lead to overheating and bitterness. The right pace allows the blend to shine.
Finally
Remember, cigars are a 100% artisan product, each one is rolled by hand. We can have five people smoke the same cigar and its almost guaranteed that one of the five will have some minor issue with the burn of the cigar. Really it is totally up to personal preference, your mood, the time you have available and the friends you have with you that often determines a great cigar or a fantastic cigar.
Never smoke a cigar when you are in a bad mood and never ever rush a cigar; just DON’T!
Always try to enjoy a cigar with a friend, it is a heck of a lot more fun!
