Know Your Cigars

Cigar Shapes

Cigars come in two primary shapes: Parejos and Figurados.

Parejos Straight Cigars

These cigars have straight sides and a rounded cap, making them the most common cigar shape.

• Corona: Classic shape, known for balance and easy draw.
• Robusto: Shorter and thicker, providing a bold, concentrated flavor.
• Churchill: Long with a larger ring gauge, offering a slow and elegant smoking
  experience.
• Lancero: Long and thin, emphasizing the wrapper’s flavor.
• Panatela: Thin and elegant, often more challenging to roll.

Figurados Shaped Cigars

These cigars feature unique shapes, often considered works of art.

• Torpedo: Tapered at the head, allowing precise control of the draw.
• Belicoso: Similar to a torpedo but shorter and stubbier.
• Perfecto: Tapered at both ends with a bulge in the middle.
• Pyramid: Broad foot with a sharp taper at the head.
• Culebra: Three thin cigars braided together for a unique appearance and
  experience.

Cigar Sizes

Cigars are measured by length (in inches) and ring gauge (diameter in 64ths of an inch). Common Sizes:

• Petit Corona: 4.5 x 42
• Robusto: 5 x 50
• Toro: 6 x 50
• Churchill: 7 x 47
• Lancero: 7.5 x 38
• Double Corona: 7.5 x 52

Key Considerations:

• Longer cigars generally burn cooler and offer more transitions in flavor.
• Thicker cigars provide a longer smoke and a smoother, more complex draw

Cigar Wrappers

The wrapper is the outermost leaf of a cigar and significantly influences its flavor.

1. Natural Wrappers
   • Connecticut Shade: Light tan, mild flavor with creamy and nutty notes.
   • Claro: Pale green, mild, and grassy.
   • Natural Colorado: Light brown, balanced and slightly sweet.
2. Dark Wrappers
   • Maduro: Dark brown, rich and sweet with chocolate or coffee notes.
   • Oscuro: Almost black, bold and full-bodied.
   • Habano: Dark reddish-brown, spicy and complex.
3. Specialty Wrappers
   • Sumatra: Grown in Indonesia, with earthy and herbal flavors.
   • San Andrés: Mexican wrapper, rich and sweet with hints of chocolate.
   • Candela: Bright green, grassy, and herbal flavor.
   • Corojo: Cuban origin, spicy and peppery with bold characteristics.

Finding the Perfect Cigar

Choosing the right cigar involves considering various factors that match your
preferences, experience level, and occasion. Here’s a detailed guide to help:

1. Know Your Flavor Preferences

The flavor profile is one of the most important factors when selecting a cigar. Cigars range from mild and creamy to bold and spicy.

• Mild Cigars: Ideal for beginners or those who enjoy a subtle, smooth smoke. Often feature Connecticut or Claro wrappers with notes of cream, nuts, and cedar.
  Examples: Montecristo White, Macanudo Café.
• Medium Cigars: Balanced flavors that suit a wide range of palates, often with hint of cocoa, coffee, or earthiness.
  Examples: Arturo Fuente, Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real.
• Full-Bodied Cigars: Best for seasoned smokers who enjoy intense flavors like spice, dark chocolate, and espresso.
  Examples: Padron Serie 1926, Liga Privada No. 9.

2. Determine Your Smoking Time

Cigar sizes correlate directly with how long they take to smoke. Pick a size based on the
time you have available:

• Short Smoke 30 minutes or less: Opt for smaller cigars like a Petit Corona, Cigarillo, or Short Robusto.
• Medium Smoke 45-60 minutes: Robustos or Toros provide a satisfying yet manageable experience.
• Long Smoke 1 hour: Perfect for extended relaxation; consider Churchills, Double Coronas, or Lanceros.

3. Consider the Occasion

Cigars are often selected to match the mood or setting. Here are a few examples:

• Casual Relaxation: Robusto or Toro for an easy, enjoyable experience without requiring a major time investment.
• Celebrations: Choose something unique, like a Figurado (e.g., Torpedo or Perfecto), for added elegance and visual appeal.
• Special Milestones: Go for premium, aged cigars or limited editions. A Churchill or Lancero can also add a touch of sophistication.
• Outdoor Activities: A thicker cigar like a Gordo 60 ring gauge works well because it holds up better in windy conditions.

4. Match with Beverages

Pairing cigars with beverages enhances the overall experience. Choose complementary flavors:

• Coffee or Tea: Pair with mild to medium cigars with nutty or creamy profiles.
• Whiskey or Bourbon: Medium to full-bodied cigars with rich, oaky notes.
• Wine or Champagne: Milder cigars that don’t overpower delicate flavors.
• Craft Beer: Match the strength of the cigar to the beer style (e.g., Maduro with a stout, Habano with an IPA.

5. Explore Wrapper Options

The wrapper contributes significantly to the cigar’s flavor. Experiment with different wrappers to discover your favourite style:

• Connecticut Shade: Mild, creamy.
• Maduro: Sweet, rich, and complex.
• Habano: Spicy, bold, and peppery.

6. Start with Recommendations

If you’re new to cigars, start with tried-and-true brands known for consistency and quality:

• For Beginners: Macanudo Café, Ashton Classic, Davidoff Signature.
• For Intermediate Smokers: Oliva Serie V, My Father Le Bijou 1922.
• For Experts: Cohiba Behike, Opus X, Padron Anniversary Series.

7. Keep Trying New Things

Every cigar smokers palate evolves over time. Experiment with different shapes, sizes,
and wrappers to expand your preferences. Many cigar enthusiasts enjoy keeping a journal to track which cigars they liked and why.