Beginners Tips: Selecting a Cigar

Filed in archive Information on June 5, 2010

© I'll Never Grow Up

We all have to start somewhere and if you are delaying trying a cigar because you don't know the first thing about how to choose one, here are some tips.

Start off with a mild cigar. You can graduate to stronger cigars when you feel ready. Each strength has dozens of tastes. As you become more knowledgeable about cigars, the brands, the tastes, pairing with food and drinks, you will gradually settle on one that you like.

You are looking for a cigar that has a firm feel to it. Gently squeeze the cigar and check for firmness. If it feels hollow or flimsy, put it aside. Don't break the leaf when squeezing, just use slight pressure.

Don't buy more than two cigars at a time. As a beginner you will be trying lots of cigars. If you buy several at a time and don't yet know how to keep them, they will dry out or rot. Although you may invest in a small humidor in the future, initially you can keep your cigars in a dry tin in a cool environment.

Take notes. Note what you like and dislike about each cigar and use that information to help you narrow down your preferences.