Cigars 101: What is, What’s in, & How to Enjoy a Cigar?

Cigars may look simple and straightforward. However, in reality, they are so much more complex than they look. Dedication, time, and care are put into every single stogie you have smoked. They are perfectly hand-rolled, and quality control is top-notch at every step. Years and years are spent on the making and aging of these fine cigars. Let’s have a closer look at what a cigar is and its various components. Keep in mind their shapes and sizes influence how long a cigar can last and how to hold it. Additionally, their flavor and aroma can draw you to a certain type when you are about to pick and enjoy a cigar.

Cigar Anatomy

A stogie is defined as a cylindrical tube of fermented and aged tobacco rolled in a tobacco leaf for smoking. Their basic yet curated structure consists of 3 layers: filler, binder, and wrapper.

• The filler normally consists of a blend of 2-4 different varieties of tobacco leaves. This depends on the diameter of the stogie. Additionally, blends provide a variation in aroma and taste, which are unique for the different brands.
• Then the binder encloses the filler and gives its proper shape and size. Leaves used for this purpose usually have the tensile strength to hold the cigar together.
• Finally, the wrapper gives the final touch. It must be strong, elastic, silky in texture, and even in color. Another special characteristic is its pleasant flavor and good burning properties. Keep an eye out for bumps or imperfections, as high-quality stogies are smooth and unblemished.

How do I pick a cigar?

Cigars vary in terms of strength as they can be mild, medium, and bold. This classification has nothing to do with their flavor, aroma, or shape. It simply determines the amount of nicotine the cigar holds. Keep in mind the intensity can be felt in the gut due to the tobacco’s gastric reaction. Its recommended to new cigar smokers to choose a mild cigar as the flavor and aroma can be deeply appreciated. For cigar enthusiasts, special occasions, times of the day, or certain drinks rely on the puro intensity chosen. Here is a closer look at each intensity:

• Mild stogies tend to be lighter and are ideal for indulging earlier in the day with a refreshing beverage. These are also perfect for new smokers due to their burst of mellow flavor. Please read about our top mild cigar choices for beginners.
• Medium cigars are a tad stronger than mild stogies. Recommended only to previously experienced smokers as you avoid intense strength overload. You can appreciate the best of both worlds, flavor, and intensity. Most premium cigars made are medium-bodied because they appeal to the widest audience.
• Bold, also known as full, is by far the strongest. It can only be enjoyed by true cigar aficionados due to its intense punch. Make sure to enjoy it slowly and pair it with coffee or whisky to balance the intensity. If you plan to try one of these for the first time, make sure you have a hearty meal before.

How long can cigars last?

Stogies are made in various shapes and sizes, and each one offers a different smoking experience from the fullness to the burning time. For example, a petite corona with about 4 1/2 to 5 inches long and a ring gauge between 40-42 can last up to 25 minutes. However, a Churchill measuring 7 inches with a 48-50 ring gauge can last up to 60 minutes. Additionally, the diverse formats often influence pricing and can be very confusing to new puro smokers. The most common stogie shapes are the following:

• Parejo
• Torpedo
• Pyramid
• Presidente
• Perfecto

Remember you can’t rush a puro. It’s best to enjoy a small cigar when you have a tight schedule. A relit stogie will not taste the same and the flavor will not be the intended. Make sure to smell and feel the stogie beforehand as this will help you choose the correct one. The next step is to cut your cigar, unsure of what to do check out this guide.

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