For cigar lovers, being able to identify a high-quality cigar is an essential skill. With so many options on the market, knowing what makes a cigar well-constructed and flavorful can help you choose the best smokes and avoid wasting money on inferior products. We asked professional tobacconists and cigar experts to share their insider tips for assessing cigar quality.
Examine the Wrapper
The wrapper is the outer leaf that holds the cigar together. According to experts, this is the first place to look when evaluating quality. The wrapper should be smooth, silky, and free of large veins, gaps, tears, or holes. An even coloring also signals quality consistency in the curing process. Flaws typically mean the manufacturer cut corners or rushed production. High-end wrappers come from the upper leaves of plants grown under ideal conditions. Ecuadorian Connecticut, Cameroon, and Cuban-seed tobacco are premium wrapper leaves.
Check the Construction
A well-constructed cigar starts with the filling, which contains multiple tobacco leaves layered to provide aroma, flavor, and complexity. The filling should be firmly packed from end-to-end. No gaps or soft spots should be present. expert rollers shape the cigar to consistent proportions for an even burn. They expertly roll the filler leaves in the binder leaf, then wrap the whole bundle in the wrapper leaf. Quality construction ensures each third of the cigar provides complexity of taste.
Inspect the Cap
The cap is vital for controlling airflow. Cut by hand, the cap should form a tapered spiral. On cheaper machine-rolled cigars, the cap may be uneven, impacting draw and burn issues. Experts say the cap is the most delicate area of construction, as any issues here often translate to problems with the rest of the cigar.
Assess the Bands
With mass production, some low-end brands apply imitation bands made with cheap paper and glue to mimic premium cigars. Genuine bands use high-quality paper and vegetable/rice glue that dissolves easily when wetted. Authentic bands match the company’s branding and fonts. Microprint security features are sometimes present. Multiple bands indicate different tobacco leaves used in sub-binder and filler layers.
Check the Weight and Density
Lifting a cigar assesses weight distribution. Quality hand-rolled cigars feel heavier than cheap machine-rolled ones as they contain more tobacco. Heft signals density, which impacts draw resistance and burn time. Ideal cigars feel firm and resilient when squeezed gently. Soft spots typically cause uneven burns and draw issues. Checking density takes practice but is key to quality identification.
Try a Dry Puff
Before lighting up, you can do a “dry puff” to evaluate aromas. Clip the cap then breathe through the cigar without lighting it. Quality tobacco smells sweet and earthy, perhaps with hints of nuts, coffee, or spice. Off-putting odors like ammonia indicate fermenting issues during curing. You can also get a sense of draw resistance as you gently puff. Too firm or too loose is problematic. The pre-light sniff test gives cigar experts valuable insights.
Ask Your Tobacconist
Buying from a knowledgeable tobacconist is wise, especially for beginners. Reputable specialists source their inventory directly from manufacturers. Ask your tobacconist why they selected particular brands. Tell them your budget and flavor preferences. Allow them to be your guide as you explore. Over time, you’ll calibrate your palate to discern flavor nuances that distinguish exceptional cigars.
Educating yourself by enlisting experienced cigar insiders allows you to invest in quality with confidence. Soon you’ll be able to distinguish fine tobacco leaf from inferior filler. By applying these expert tips, your next cigar purchase promises to be sheer smoking enjoyment.
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Looking for more expert tips and recommendations? Check out our cigar blog for articles that will help you find new favorites.