Not all cigars are made equal. So how can you tell the difference between a well-constructed cigar and a poor one? Believe it or not, there are a few telltale signs of a high quality cigar, even before you smoke it. You just need to know what to look out for.
Below, we’ve broken down the seven signs of a well-constructed cigar, and key things to watch out for to ensure a premium smoking experience, instead of a disappointing one.
What is in a cigar?
First thing’s first, let’s take a look at the different parts of a cigar, as understanding the basic anatomy is essential to being able to choose the right cigar with confidence. There are five main components to a cigar:
- The filler: the tobacco contents of the cigar that determines the strength, aroma and complexity of the smoke.
- The binder: the leaf that sits just beneath the wrapper and holds the filler together.
- The wrapper: the outer-most layer that determines the flavour and mouthfeel of the cigar.
- The cap: the loose piece of tobacco that holds the wrapper together and gets cut off before smoking.
- The foot: the end of the cigar that you light.
Some premium cigars will also have a band round the upper body which displays the logo of the cigar brand.
What are the signs of a quality cigar?
Whether you’re a keen beginner or a seasoned cigar aficionado, being able to identify what makes a good cigar isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Here are 7 signs of a well-constructed cigar to look out for to ensure you’re getting the best smoking experience.
1. Appropriate storage
How a cigar is stored can make a massive difference to its quality. Too humid, and the cigars can become difficult to draw and start to develop mould. Not humid enough, and they will dry out and lose their aroma and flavour.
To ensure the perfect storage conditions, many cigar shops and sellers will use a humidor to maintain optimal temperature and humidity. For premium cigars, you want to make sure that the seller you’re purchasing from is storing the cigars correctly, and that you have the right humidity management in place to preserve the cigars after purchase.
2. A smooth, even wrapper
A well-constructed, premium cigar will have a clean, smooth, and evenly coloured wrapper that is slightly oily to touch. If the wrapper appears to be brittle or blemished, it likely means the cigar is poorly constructed and a lower quality.
3. The right firmness
The packing of a cigar is just as important as the wrapper. The filler is what will determine the way the cigar burns and the amount of flavour you’ll get from it, so a well-constructed cigar should have a consistent texture and fill throughout.
If it’s packed too tightly, smoke won’t be able to pass through it, making it a hard draw with very little taste or aroma. However, an underpacked cigar will result in a much harsher taste, and will cause it to burn much quicker and hotter.
The best way to assess the cigar construction is by rolling it between your thumb and finger and seeing how soft or firm it feels. For an even filling, it should feel the same across the entire body of the cigar, without any significant lumps or bumps.
4. An even burn
One of the main differentiators of a well-constructed versus poorly-constructed cigar is how well it burns. A quality cigar should burn smoothly and evenly, right to the end. If the burning requires correction or touch-ups, it’s usually a sign that the cigar hasn’t been packed tightly or consistently enough, or that the tobacco isn’t well-fermented.
5. A consistent taste
While taste is of course subjective, a quality cigar will taste the same every time you smoke that particular brand or blend. If there is a significant variation in taste and burn pace within a single box of cigars, that’s usually an indicator that the cigars are of low quality.
Similarly, cigars aren’t supposed to taste bitter or stale. If they do, this can be a sign that the cigars haven’t been stored or lit correctly.
6. Long ashes
You can usually identify a well-constructed cigar by watching the ash. As the cigar burns, the ash should hold a firm conical shape, holding for roughly an inch before falling. If the ash crumbles easily or fails to hold any length before falling, it can be an indication that the cigar either wasn’t packed tightly enough or the tobacco leaves aren’t as high quality as you might want.
7. Tobacco quality
From the aroma to the taste, high quality tobacco completely transforms the experience of smoking a cigar. While the body and intensity of the cigar might vary by preference, well-fermented tobacco will typically have a rich aroma – sometimes earthy, sometimes sweet, sometimes even spicy. The exact scent and taste will depend on the blend, but it should never smell musty or flat, as this is usually a sign that the cigar hasn’t been stored correctly.
The ageing process will also contribute to the flavour profile of the tobacco, with manufacturers often ageing tobacco leaves for months or even years before packing them. Without proper ageing and fermentation, the taste of the cigar can easily turn more bitter and harsh.
How to choose a good cigar
Choosing the right cigar isn’t just a matter of quality and construction. It’s about choosing the right one for the moment – something that fits the occasion, personal preferences, and company. Here are some factors to consider to help you choose the perfect cigar with confidence, every time:
- Consider the occasion. Where are you? How much time do you have? Who are you with? These are all important factors to determine the right cigar for the specific moment. Cigars can vary massively in burn time, so you need to make sure you have plenty of time to fully indulge in the smoking experience.
- Decide what flavour profile you want. The strength, wrapper and tobacco blend will all play a part in how the cigar tastes and its nicotine content. For some smokers, a milder cigar will suit their palette better, while others might prefer a full-bodied smoke.
- Consider the price and value of the cigar. While a high price tag doesn’t always guarantee a better smoking experience, a cheap, poorly-constructed cigar will rarely meet expectations. Premium cigars tend to cost more due to the time, craftsmanship and quality produce that goes into them.
- Choose your cigar based on experience. Are you a beginner or something of a cigar connoisseur? While taste is ultimately down to preference, beginners tend to favour milder cigars that don’t overwhelm the palette, while more experienced smokers might prefer a fuller bodied cigar.
How much does a good cigar cost?
The cost of a good cigar will vary depending on the region it’s from, the brand it’s sold under, and the quality of the ingredients used. As a general rule, a premium, well-constructed cigar can cost between £15 and £40 per stick, reaching in excess of £75 for a top-tier Cuban cigar.
Explore premium cigars at Cigar Club
Looking to start or expand your collection of premium, well-constructed cigars? Then you’re in the right place. With over 50 years of trading experience, The Cigar Club stocks cigars from some of the most renowned regions and brands, guaranteeing exceptional quality and rich heritage in every pack.
Get in touch today to speak with our experts and get tailored advice to suit your unique tastes and preferences.
