Collectibles and Memorabilia

Cigars

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Looking to buy cigars for yourself or as a gift? If this is your first time purchasing cigars, this guide will give you the basics on how to choose cigars, from type to flavor to price.

Cigar Basics

There are many ways to choose cigars. First off, decide whether you want a machine-rolled cigar or a handmade cigar.

  • Usually handmade cigars fall under a higher price bracket and often pertain to what are deemed premium  or super premium  cigars. Premium cigars contain pure tobacco, unlike machine-rolled drugstore counterparts.
  • Sometimes you will hear talk of "long fillers" when looking for premium cigars. These are cigars which have been diligently rolled by hand using only full leaves.

You may also wonder about the different shapes and sizes of cigars.

  • The typical shapes are categorized by length, girth (aka ring gauge), the barrel shape, as well as the smoking time.
    • Length is measured in inches. Typical lengths go from 3-7 inches.
      • A cigar classified as short is 5 1/2" or less, long is more than 6 1/2".
      • Something slightly longer or larger may be called gordaspellerr, grande, gran, doble, or larga.
      • Longer cigars tend to last longer and give a "cooler" smoke.
    • The diameter of a cigar is measured by a ring gauge. As a rule, a ring gauge of 64 means a 1" diameter. So, gauge is determined by 1/64ths of an inch. Typical gauges go from 32 to 52.
      • Thin has a gauge of 42 or less, and thick is 47 or more.
      • Something slightly smaller or thinner is coined as: petite, slim, fino, or demi.
      • Wider cigars also tend to give fuller flavor and smoke slower.
    • Smoking time ranges from 15 minutes to over an hour. For after dinner with a cognac, pick a cigar with about half an hour worth of smoke time, and longer or shorter depending on your preferences.

Cigar Types

Below are the most common cigar types. Other types include Belicoso,  Pyramid,  Torpedo,  and Culebra.  If you would like a lengthy, but comprehensive explanation of types, sizes, and more, please see this cigar FAQ.

Cigar TypeLength & Ring Gauge
  • 3-5" 30-36
  • 4.5" 48
  • 5.5" 42
  • 5" 40-42
  • 5.75" 44-46
  • 6" 44-46
  • 7" 49-52
  • 6-6.5" 34-39
  • 6" 43
  • 7-7.5" 49-52
  • 8".5 52
Smoking Minutes
  • 15-20
  • 25-40
  • 30-45
  • 25
  • 40
  • 45
  • 45-60
  • 35-45
  • 45-50
  • 45-60
  • 60-90

Wrapper Color

The wrapper is the outer leaf of the cigar and it can range from a greenish hue to a dark brown, nearly black color. It is important to consider the wrapper because it influences the immediate taste of the cigar in your mouth. However, it is less influential on the smoke itself. Here are the main "colors" of wrappers that affect a cigar's flavor and body:

  • Candela,  Double Claro,  AMS  -- Near flavorless. Greenish brown.
  • Claro  -- Light, delicate, and smooth. Light tan.
  • Colorado  -- Medium bodied, aromatic, nutty, spicy. Medium brown, sometimes reddish in color.
  • Maduro  -- Full bodied and rich. Darker brown than a colorado.
  • Oscuro  -- Full bodied and rich. Black colored wrapper.

Another way of reading a cigar's strength is on a rating scale from 1-5, where 1 is mild and 5 is full bodied.

Country of Origin

Tobacco for cigars is grown all over the world. Likewise, cigars are produced in several countries. Here are just a few of the most common. For an in depth breakdown of the various flavors, please see this cigar FAQ (section 2.7 and 2.7a).

Choose by Price

Cigars are sold at a variety of prices from as little as $1 a piece to over $20. For the best deals, go for a full box. If you are a first time smoker, dabble around between the different types, prices, and brands to get a feel for what is available before buying anything in a large quantity or at an exorbitant price.

You May Also Be Interested In

Cigar Books 

Cigar of the Month Club 

Cigar Samplers 

Cigar Gift Sets 

Cigar Accessories

External Links

For general information, check out the sites below:

  • Cigar.com -- A great site with plenty of information for beginners as well as connoisseurs.
  • Cigar Envy -- A great site for learning everything from rolling to smoking health as well as reviews on the best cigars around.
  • Cigar Shopping Guide -- This site is somewhat limited, but more palatable for a beginner. You can learn about Montecristos, Cohibas, and Romeo y Julietas, some of the most well-known brands.

Because there are so many different brands of cigars of all prices and styles, you are best off trying out different types here and there before commiting to a case of one particular type.

  • CigarCylopedia Almanac -- An extensive list of the various brands in (and out) of circulation.
  • Top Cubans -- Nice gift sets and samplers for gifts, but keep in mind that it's illegal to import Cuban cigars to the United States.

Check out online cigar ratings for some guidance:

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