Cuban cigars are available in different shapes and sizes, and picking one among them is a question of individual inclination. Cigar smoking is an experience that is personalized for each individual. You might like one brand, and your friend may like another. So you should always choose the one that satisfies your palate. Today, we are discussing how to select one based on your own inclinations and preferences. 

Let’s get started with the factors that will play a huge role in shaping your cigar preferences.

Body/ Wrappers. 

The first thing to consider is the body of cigars. “Body” refers to the intensity of flavor. While seasoned smokers prefer full-bodied cigars, which typically have dark wrappers, novices should start with a mild or medium-bodied cigar (lighter wrappers).

Size

A cigar’s size has an impact on its intensity. The size of a cigar affects its strength. Longer cigars are gentler at first but grow more fierce later on, and thinner cigars burn faster and hotter than thicker ones. 

The majority of quality cigars are four to eight inches long and range in ring gauge thickness from 38 to 60 (64ths of an inch). But the variety of cigar sizes available shouldn’t overwhelm you. Choose your option depending on how long you have to smoke. Smoking a larger size cigar, such as a Churchill or Double Corona, is an option if you have more than an hour to relax with a cigar. Choose a Corona or a Robusto if you only have around 45 minutes.

Taste and aroma

Priority should be given to flavor and aroma while selecting a cigar. You won’t enjoy smoking a cigar if you don’t enjoy the way it tastes, regardless of its price, wrapper, or preferred size. If you are new to smoking, start with the blends that sound the most appealing in the product descriptions, staff reviews, and customer reviews. All of these sources offer a glimpse into the taste profile of a cigar, which can be woody, spicy, nutty, sweet, creamy, leathery, smooth, and more.

Aging

The cigar’s age is crucial because it alters the intensity and smells. A new cigar has an acidic undertone and is typically weaker in terms of its strength. Additionally, fresh cigars have softer scents, whereas mature cigars frequently have flavor explosions. A cigar that has aged for between three and five years frequently exhibits a more nuanced flavor profile as a result of the aging process and the cigars it was aged with. A bit more challenging to smoke for those without much skill, aged cigars also tend to produce a fuller, thicker smoke than others.

Types of tobacco used in cigars

Maduro and Seco are the two primary tobacco varieties used in cigars. Since Maduro tobacco is more thoroughly cured, it contains less sugar and has more nicotine. This is why Maduro tobacco is typically preferred by cigar smokers. It is mellower and sweeter, although occasionally it can also taste bitter. Additionally, it costs more because fewer producers produce Maduro tobacco than seco leaf (it is less expensive). 

But that doesn’t suggest you won’t relish the seco leaves! There are many excellent seco cigars available, but keep in mind that they lack the sweetness of maduros and typically have a lighter body and a more earthy flavor. If you’re new to smoking a cigar, be sure to pick your smoke wisely because it will take some time to finish one of these. When smoking your first stick, keep in mind that sweetness develops with time, so try not to criticize all cigars based solely on one negative experience.

Shape

There are two classes of cigar shapes: Parejos and Figurados. Parejos are your traditionally formed cigars with one end open and one end typically adjusted that requires cutting. Most of the stogies fall into this general class, inside which there are various sub-classes of stogie shapes.

Figurados will quite often have a projectile shape and are tightened into a sharp point at the closed end. A few specialists say this concentrates the smoke and gives you a more full flavor. Try both cigar shapes in multiple ways to see what you like best!

Strength

There are times when you should smoke a mild, medium, or powerful cigar, but you should never smoke a cigar that is too strong. It can ruin the experience completely. A cigar’s nicotine content is a factor that helps in determining its strength. Milder cigars are made using tobacco that is less potent and has lower nicotine content. 

Remember, the strength of a cigar cannot be determined by its hue. The majority of cigar descriptions found online indicate the strength either visually, verbally, or both. And when you buy Cuban cigars in India at a store, the salespeople will describe the strength of each cigar and help you choose one that you’ll feel comfortable smoking. If you start smoking a cigar and realize it’s a touch too strong, put it down and take longer pauses between puffs.

Foods & Beverages

Consider the foods and beverages you like. If you enjoy spicy food, you might enjoy a spicy cigar. Whiskey, beer, wine, and even dessert go well with cigars. When selecting a cigar, bear in mind your tastes in food and drink.

Conclusion

These factors will determine which cigar you will choose to smoke next. So keep them in mind. When you are starting your cigar exploration journey, think about keeping a cigar journal as you refine your palate to keep records of the cigars you like and dislike. This can assist you in narrowing down your search for new cigars by allowing you to sample other brands from a specific maker or nation that you enjoy. Explore Cingari’s inventory of multiple cigar brands and accessories to get your hands on some of the best ones.