Is there a cigar aficionado on your gift list? Are you wondering how to choose a decent cigar for a friend or loved one? Even if you know nothing about buying cigars or choosing a good cigar, just learning a few basics can help you select a top notch premium cigar to give away as a gift.
Fortunately, cigars have now entered the mainstream. Once the symbol of the rich and powerful, it’s easier than ever for just about anyone to purchase good cheap cigars. Of course, you probably won’t be able to buy your friend a box of top-tier Cuban cigars, but you can definitely buy them a good quality cigar that will put a smile on their face.
First, visit your local tobacconist or specialty smoke shop for the best quality and widest selection. Avoid the cheap cigars you can buy at drugstores. They just aren’t going to have the kind of quality you really want to give away as a gift. Although they may be inexpensive and convenient to purchase, drugstore cigars are usually filled with preservatives and generally of poorer quality. They may contain ingredients you would not want in a decent stogie like saltpeter, paper, glycerin, and other preservatives and irritants. You should make sure that the cigars you purchase are made of 100% tobacco, preferably quality tobacco. If you have any questions regarding the cigars ingredients, ask someone who works at the store. An experienced smoker will be able to tell you extensive information about the quality and strength of thevarious cigars. If you are completely unsure, try sticking to a name you may have heard of before like Romeo y Julieta, Macanudo or Partagas cigars.
Your local tobacco shop is a good place to shop because you will generally be allowed to smell and touch the cigars. Squeeze the cigar gently. A good quality cigar will give a little when squeezed. The cigar should be firm, with no excessively soft or hard spots. Never buy a lumpy cigar or one that appears to be dried out. Look at the wrapper (the outside of the cigar). If you notice any drying or discoloration, its best not to buy it. Ideally, the wrapper should be tight and smooth. Inspect the color of the tobacco to make sure it is even. The dark colored cigars tend to be on the stronger more full bodied side. Do this by inspecting the end of the cigar. Some color variation is normal, but if the color changes quickly, the cigar may not have been rolled properly. A cigar that is not rolled properly will end up with uneven burning and unpleasant odors.
If you’re not sure how much your friend smokes, choose a longer cigar. In the cigar world, longer is better. Longer cigars tend to have a lighter taste when you first light them making them an excellent choice for beginners. If you know your friend is an experienced and regular smoker, choose a cigar that is greater in diameter. This will allow a much fuller draw. The better draw packs more flavor into each puff. Stick to these basics and you’re sure to find a cigar that your friends will enjoy.