Jumping into a new passion or hobby can be a daunting task. Pursuing an enjoyment of cigars does not have to feel that way. Members of the cigar smoking club are friendly and excited to share their knowledge with like-minded individuals. For the budding cigar aficionado, below are a few things you should know that will help assimilate you into the cigar culture.
#1: Only buy your cigars from a tobacconist.
Tobacconists are experts on cigars, accessories, and all things tobacco. As a new smoker the best form of education is talking to the tobacconist and asking questions. Do not walk into a cigar shop and act like you know anything that you don’t. Be honest, open, and communicative.
#2: Know the parts of a cigar.
The full cigar can be divided into four parts. The cap (or tip) is the small piece that seals the top of the cigar and must be cut prior to smoking. The head is the part of the cigar that goes in your mouth. The foot of the cigar is the part that is lit. Between the head and foot is the body of the cigar.
#3: Understand the anatomy of a cigar.
The cigar itself is made up of three different parts, the filler, binder, and wrapper. Each of these cigar components come from a different part of the tobacco plant.
The filler is the what makes up the core or innermost part of the cigar, this is where most of the flavor and aroma comes from. Filler is a mixture of the tobacco leaf “primings” - volado, seco, and ligero.
The volado leaf primings provide little flavor, but are a key factor in the burning characteristics of the cigar. The seco leaves have mild flavor and is very aromatic. Ligero leaves, the topmost leaves of the tobacco plant, have the strongest flavors, and contain the largest concentration of nicotene.
The binder is the second layer of the cigar. This holds the filler together and serves as a “platform” for the wrapper to attach to. Binder is usually made up of the capote leaves of the tobacco plant. This is a leaf between the volado and seco plant parts.
The wrapper is the outermost covering of the cigar. The visible part. Seco leaves are most commonly used for the wrapper.
#4: Know where cigars originate from.
Cuba is the country most associated with cigars, however, three other countries are known for their cigar origination. These countries are the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Cigars are 100% tobacco and are typically made from a variety, or blend, of tobacco’s from each of these countries. A cigar that is manufactured with tobacco from only one country is referred to as a “puro”.
#5: Understand how cigars are sized.
A cigars shape and size is referred to as its “vitola”. The vitola typically includes the shape, the size, and the ring gauge. There are two main categories of shapes, with multiple variations in each. Parejos are cigars that have a more normal cylindrical shape. Figurados are irregular and come in a variety of unique sizes and shapes. The thickness, or girth, or a cigar is measured in ring gauge. The ring gauge is based on increments of 1/64th of an inch. A 64 gauge cigar would be 1” around. The closer the number is to 64 the thicker the cigar will be.
#6: Start with something mild.
New smokers should start with a cigar that is mild in strength. The cigars strength refers to its nicotine content. A cigar that is too strong for the smoker can result in dizziness, or nausea. Start mild and work your way up over time. A cigars strength is not necessarily related to its flavor. A cigar’s flavor and taste is referred to as its “body”.
Check out this video from, Modern Rogue, on "Understanding Cigars":
Additional Resources for the New Cigar Smoker
- Cigars International, “Cigar Basics”
- "Cigar Guide (Quick Reference Card)"
- The Tobacconist Handbook: The Essential Guide to Cigars & Pipes
- Tobacconist University
- Conquistigar.Club
- Cigar Inspector, "Cigar Flavor Wheel"
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