How to choose your best cigars

 

Choosing your cigars: a journey of taste, independence, and pleasure

Choosing the best cigars is much more than picking something off a shelf based on a high rating. It’s about discovering what suits you. This guide isn’t about following rules or common beliefs – it’s about helping you embrace your preferences, navigate the world of cigars confidently, and truly enjoy every moment.

Whether you’re just starting your journey or refining your palate, these tips will help you take control of your choices and elevate your cigar experience.

Start with your preferences

Cigar enjoyment begins with you. What you love matters most. Before considering occasions, pairings, or context, identify your core preferences to create a selection that resonates with your taste. This foundational step ensures every cigar in your collection meets your personal standard for enjoyment.

While others’ opinions and reviews can offer inspiration, your palate is the ultimate judge.

Too often, beginners are told to start with “light” or cheap cigars. Cigars aren’t about fitting into someone else’s mold – they’re about discovering what brings you joy.

This guide invites you to step away from one-size-fits-all advice and explore the flavors, strengths, and experiences that resonate with your unique taste. Trust yourself – this is your journey.

Beginner-friendly starting points

Starting with the basics is exciting and liberating. You don’t need to dive into technical jargon or expensive accessories right away. Instead, focus on what matters most:

Nicotine strength

The strength of a cigar affects how it feels in your body. Medium-strength cigars often strike a great balance – they’re stimulating but not overwhelming. Don’t assume light cigars are your only option. If you enjoy bold flavors in food or drinks, or if you’re a cigarette smoker, a medium or even stronger cigar might suit you better.

Ring gauge

The ring gauge (cigar diameter) influences comfort and the smoking experience. Larger cigars (50+ ring gauge) may require less attention, while thinner cigars demand a more focused approach. Start with a robusto (48–50 gauge) to find your balance.

Price

Don’t let anyone tell you beginners need to smoke cheap cigars. Quality exists at many price points. Consider what you want from your experience – anyone deserves memorable cigars, and what makes them memorable depends on you.

Think beyond trends

Many myths about cigars can steer you wrong, like assuming a certain wrapper color (e.g., Connecticut shade) guarantees mildness. Cigars are crafted from complex blends, with every detail – from soil to fermentation – affecting the final product.

Instead of following assumptions, start with a variety. Sampler packs are a fantastic way to explore different flavor profiles and choose the best cigars for you. Most retailers in the U.S. offer them, and there are excellent options in Germany too.

Embrace flavor exploration

Flavor is the heart of cigar enjoyment. Each cigar offers a unique story through its blend of leaves and the nuances of its smoke. Here’s how to navigate this exciting journey:

  • Experiment broadly: Ask your tobacconist for a mix of – for example – nutty, toasted, spicy, savory, and sweet cigars.
  • Document your experiences: Take notes on flavors and sensations you enjoy – or simply mark which cigars you liked or didn’t. Over time, patterns will emerge to guide your choices.
  • Be patient with discovery: It’s okay if you don’t immediately find “the ones”. Each cigar adds to your knowledge and enhances your journey.

A thoughtful shortcut

For a smoother process, resources like Cigar Sense make exploration easier. By leveraging sensory science and your personal preferences, the guesswork is minimized. It’s not about following rules – it’s about supporting your journey.

If you’ve enjoyed a few cigars and want to explore further, a free membership offers personalized recommendations tailored to your taste. You’ll also gain insights to refine your palate, making each cigar more enjoyable.

 

The ultimate goal: pleasure

At the end of the day, cigars are about enjoyment. They’re about finding those moments of delight where everything feels just right.

Take it one step at a time and you’ll see that choosing the best cigars will become a game. Start with what you know, explore with curiosity, and let your palate guide you.

If you’re ready to take your experience further, explore “A Cigar Tasting Course” to discover where cigar flavors come from and how to identify them like a pro.

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Cigar Sense predicts which cigars best fit your personal taste. We are committed to preserve the highest objectivity, integrity and independence in the creation and dissemination of our analyses and industry analytics. This is why we do not sell cigars, nor cigar ads.

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