Choosing a Cigar

Cigars come in many shapes and sizes.

The shape of the cigar is perhaps the hardest thing to describe since there are no set standards used between cigar manufacturers. Usually it is best to remember the shape written on the box to remember what you are smoking.

The size is measured by length and ring gauge (cigar's diameter). One ring is equivalent to 1/64 of an inch. Some of the most common are Panatela (6 1/2 x 35), Robusto, my favorite (4 1/2 x 50), Churchill (7 1/4 x 48), Corona (5 3/4 x 42), Double Corona -another favorite (6 1/2 x 48), and Lonsdale (6 3/4 x 42) to name a few. A cigar with a larger ring gauge will have a fuller and more complex flavor and produce more smoke compared to the smaller ring gauge cigars. The larger a ring gauge the more a cigar maker can blend and combine different types of leaves.

Color also plays an important part in choosing your cigars. What you see when you look at a cigar is the wrapper and it plays a role in the flavor of your cigar. Usually the wrapper is described by it's country of origin or color; Claro (light tan), Maduro (darkest brown), Oscuro (black), Colorado (reddish dark brown), Colorado Maduro (dark brown), Colorado Claro (mid brown). These are just a few of them. It is a little more complicated than that but I won't bore you with the details here. Also when you look at the wrapper make sure it isn't too dry not feel too firm or too soft. Before you buy check for cracks or defective wrapper. Most merchants will gladly look through their boxes to find you what you want.

Describing a cigar can be very interesting. It can be leathery, peppery, woody, earthy, nutty, creamy, etc. in flavor. It can also be described as full bodied, light, mild, robust, and rich, etc. When your cigar is burning notice the color of the ash and smoke. A good cigar will burn a white ash and be firm enough to stay on your cigar for a length of time. How is your draw? If a cigar is rolled too tight you may have some trouble with the draw. If it draws too easily then maybe it is underfilled or rolled too loose and it will probably burn too quickly. This can cause your cigar to burn an inconsistently and be hot.