When people first start smoking cigars, picking the right types is key. These are going to be the ambassadors of a wildly complex industry, so they have to do it justice. There are plenty of flavors to try, so the first cigars need to cover all the bases. Since first impressions are everything, the first cigars can make or break a person’s career. These will give the smoker some invaluable insight on what’s available. There are countless different styles, so the possibilities are endless. Even more importantly, these cigars will allow the user to discover which tastes appeal to them.

At first, it’s hard to guide yourself without a developed palate. Once someone realizes what they like, they can explore more options. This is a groundbreaking moment, since it’s where the smoker takes control. There will still be surprises, but finding a favorite style puts the client in the driver’s seat. From there, they can experiment with more brands. Since the first cigars are so essential, we created a list of 5 cigars every new smoker should try. They will open up doors to a whole new world, so prepare to explore your options!

3 Cigars Every New Smoker Should Try

Cigar #3: CAO Gold Vintage – If you are having a hard time deciding between a mild or medium bodied smoke, this is for you. This cigar starts off light with a smooth, creamy flavor. As things progress, it slowly starts sporting medium-bodied characteristics. This is the best of both worlds, & it gives first time smokers something to celebrate.

CAO achieves this beautiful balance by wrapping this line in Ecuadorian Connecticut wrappers. They were produced in 2004, so the taste stays consistent. While the wrapper is superb, the tobacco on the inside is just as impressive. It features a perfect mix of Nicaraguan & Cuban-seed Honduran tobacco. You can’t go wrong with CAO, so try this versatile release!

Cigar #2: Avo Classic – These mild cigars are the perfect introduction for first time smokers. This line is renowned for its enjoyable taste & consistent burn. Each classic is wrapped in a Connecticut wrapper, which amplifies its creamy taste. The smoke isn’t harsh at all, which makes it perfect for a novice.

This is a great preview of Avo’s impressive catalogue of cigars. The company was created by master pianist Avo Uvezian, so their attention to detail is unmatched. Over the years, they have made a name for themselves by consistently producing exceptional cigars. Don’t hesitate to try more of their inventory if the Classic wins you over!

Cigar #1: Ashton Aged Maduro – After trying this full-bodied cigar, it’s easy to see how it took the market by storm. It offers a burst of flavors that are perfect after wrapping up a good meal. Ashton wanted to create the ideal full-bodied experience, & many claim that they succeeded with this cigar.

It features hints of spice, leather, nuts & coffee. This combination of bold flavors creates a delightful experience. For this reason, this should be the first full-bodied cigar that anyone should smoke. It will set the standard, & let them know if full-bodied sticks are right for them. Wrap up your night with this surprisingly sophisticated cigar!

Just like the brand, the type of cigar is a key factor when choosing a new smoke. They can vary wildly, & the shape of a cigar can greatly affect the smoking experience. From the draw to the burning time, cigar types make an impact. This defining aspect of a cigar tells users what shape to expect when purchasing a cigar. There are plenty of industry standards, but many companies try to break the mold with creative designs. This is nothing new, & it has been used as a marketing ploy by producers for centuries.

Since standing out is the name of the game, the race to create memorable cigar shapes is in full swing. Since it can help sway hesitant buyers, plenty of money has been invested in creating new styles. Out all the wild releases, about 12 cigar types have been cemented in the industry. Over time they made the transition from fancy whims to respected cigar types.

Since there are countless variations, picking the proper cigar type can be daunting. To get the most out of your smoke, educating yourself on the different cigar types is essential. For this reason, we have compiled a list of the 10 most respected types of cigars. They have seduced connoisseurs around the world, so get ready to peak your curiosity with this list! 

Classic Types of Cigars

Out of all the variations most cigars will fall into one category, Parejos. These are straight-sided cigars that have an open foot that needs to be cut before lighting. Within this category, the cigars are either round or box-pressed. The latter variation is rare, since the sides have to be pressed into a square shape. This can be created during pre-packing or with the packing pressure inside the box of cigars. This method is definitely unique, but round Parejos are still the most embraced type of cigars.

Out of all the Parejos, 7 types steal the show:

1. The Corona is the size from which all other sizes are measured. They are usually 5 ½ to 6 in length with a 42-44 ring gauge.

2. The Petit Corona is a miniature corona about 4 ½ inches long with a 40-42 ring gauge.

3. The Churchill is the largest of the corona’s, with 7 inches in length & a 47 ring gauge.

4. The Robusto is the most popular cigar type in America. They are short & fat, measuring 4 ¾ to 5 ½ inches with a 48-52 ring gauge.

5. The Corona Gorda also goes by the name Toro. They are normally 5 5/8 inches long with a 46-ring gauge. But they can also be 6 inches long with a 50-ring gauge. Recently, they have emerged from obscurity & are exploding in popularity.

6. The Double Corona is 7 ½ to 8 ½ inches long with a 49-52 ring gauge.

7. The Panetela is strikingly similar to a beefed-up cigarette. They are long & thin, measuring 5 to 7 ½ inches with a 34-38 ring gauge. Even though their popularity is fading, they are an iconic type of cigar.

While Parejos are more uniform, Figurados break the mold. This category of cigars includes anything that isn’t a straight sided cylinder. As cigar producers fought to broaden their portfolios, they ventured into creating Figurados. These exotic looking cigars are a fun burst of individuality in an industry plagued by conformity.

Out of all the different Figurados, 3 types are most recognized: 

1. The Pyramid is a cigar that sports a head that tapers to a point. They have cut feet, & their unique shape provides an unmatched burst of flavor. They are usually 6 to 7 inches in length. The 40-ring gauge head widens to a 52 or 54 ring gauge at the foot.
2. The Torpedo is easily confusable with a Pyramid, but it has a closed foot. They have a head that tapers to a point, with a noticeable bulge in the middle. Amidst rampant misrepresentation, finding a true Torpedo is rare.
3. The Culebra is one of the most exotic shapes of cigars ever made. They are created by braiding three Panetelas together & tying them with string. They are usually 5 to 6 inches long, with a 38 ring gauge. To smoke them the string is untied & each braid is enjoyed separately. Their heyday is far from over, but they aren’t nearly as popular as they were 100 years ago.

Even though anyone can enjoy a cigar, not all of them are affordable for the common man. What once was a birth right has now turned into a luxury. In the last century, cigar smoking has inadvertently been associated with the wealthy. The US trade embargo with Cuba created an added allure that allowed some brand’s prices to skyrocket. The cigar production bonanza continued, but it had to evolve with the times. Castro’s revolution caused many great producers to migrate, which gave birth to some delightful hybrids. By luck or fate, these new creations captivated connoisseurs around the world.

While you don’t have to break the bank to get a quality cigar, trying an extremely rare release will. These hand-rolled masterpieces were rolled with the world’s best tobacco, & it’s reflected on the price tag. The jury is out on whether they are really worth the hefty price tags, but their mystique has made them legendary. Since many of us will never attain them, we decided to compile a list of these elusive sticks. Now everyone can at least get a glimpse of the world’s most expensive cigars!

The Most Expensive Cigars in the World

Cigar #3: Behike, Cohiba – Cuba is home to some of the finest cigars in the world, so it’s no surprise that they made our list. To this day, Cohiba is the most notorious producer of cigars in the world. It was Fidel Castro’s favorite, & the El Laguito rolling factory is a historic landmark. To celebrate their 40^th anniversary in 2006, Cohiba released only 100 boxes of Behike cigars.

These hand rolled cigars are 7.5 inches long with a 52 inch ring gauge. They are rolled with the finest volado, seco & ligero leaves in Cuba, along with rare medio tiempo leaves. This proved to be a winning combination, & they have been praised by cigar aficionados worldwide. Unfortunately, perfection has its price. Each box retails for $18,000, making each cigar worth over $420.

Price: $420 each, $18,000 a box

Cigar #2: His Majesty’s Reserve, Gurkha – Made with a premium mix of tobacco that’s soaked in cognac, this cigar is extremely rare. Only 75 boxes are produced a year, with each one retailing for $15,000. With 20 cigars in a box, this gives them a terrifying price tag of $750 a stick. This mysterious cigar has enticed many political figures, but only a few normal people have gotten lucky enough to try it.

Unsurprisingly, it’s made exclusively with premium ingredients. The one-year-old Connecticut Maduro wrapper artfully contains a 12-year-old Dominican binder & filler. To make the flavor more sophisticated, each batch of cigars is infused with an entire bottle of Louis XIII Cognac. The bottle of cognac alone costs $2,500, so it’s no surprise that these cigars aren’t cheap.

Price: $750 each, $15,000 a box

Cigar #1: Black Dragon, Gurkha – If His Majesty’s Reserve was notorious, this line of cigars steals the show. In 2006, Gurkha made history with this limited-edition blend. Only 5 boxes were produced, making it one of the rarest cigars in the world. Each cigar retails at $1,150, while a box goes for $115,000.

This startling cost isn’t due to the unforgettable Honduran tobacco blend alone. Each box was hand carved out of camel bone, so there’s no box on the planet that’s more exotic. Since so little boxes were made, getting ahold of one is about as easy as taking a selfie with Obama.

Price: $1,150 each, $115,000 a box

Choosing and lighting a cigar is a ritual. The selection by scent, the feel, the cut, the fire, and then that first taste. A key factor to consider in this vaulted selection process is size.

How are cigar sizes measured?

Cigar sizes are measured by both length and cigar ring size. Size does matter.

Would you like 5 by 50 or maybe you like a nice 6 by 32? An 8 by 58? Or the unforgettable 7-47. Cigar sizing can be a slight puzzle to new smokers. The first number (5,6,7) refers to the length of the cigar in inches. The 2nd number is typically between 32 and 64 called the ‘ring gauge’ and refers to how thick around the cigar is.

Which is the perfect cigar size?

There is no true ideal when it comes to cigar size. Your personal preference is the largest factor. How the cigar feels in your hand and mouth. And of course how long you have to work with it.

Cigars can also be about the look as much as the feel. A petite smoker may not want to be seen holding an oversized log of tobacco. By the same measure a large hand may fully obscure or even be burned by a cigar too short for a hand meant to palm basketballs. 

Each size has a different advantage when you are put in different scenarios. Size impacts not only the draw but also the length of time needed to truly enjoy yourself.

 Does size affect taste?

Yes and no. Length and thickness affect the burn, the draw, and the heat of the smoke. While the flavor of the leaf may not be changed the heat is a big factor in taste. Compare it to the difference between a steaming hot plate of mac and cheese and a cold leftover breakfast of mac and cheese. Both satisfying but very different taste experiences.

Let's focus on the two main factors in size. Cigar ring size or ring gauge and length. That 5 by 50 number. Different shapes of cigar will be addressed in another blog, dedicated to the topic.

Cigar ring size or ring gauge

When you first grab for a cigar, the key thing to look for is the ring gauge, this is the thickness or girth of the cigar. This is a good first point to focus on as it has the largest effect on the coolness of the smoke. Cooler smoke has less of a pallet burn, there is less heat in your mouth.

There may be a time when you want a hotter cigar, a cold night for example, for the feel and contrast. On a hot summer day, though, you might want a cooler smoke while you play a few holes in the sun. Like with all things related to this decadent habit, personal choice and even mood should play into the choice. A cigar is an experience to be savored. 

The diameter of a cigar is measured in increments of 1/64th inch. A 32 ring gauge is a half-inch which will have a hotter smoke but may be less satisfying for your mouth feel. A 64 ring gauge is by contrast a whole inch in diameter. A much cooler customer. This massive size can be quite a mouthful. The majority of cigars fall between a 32 and 52 cigar ring size though you can find pictures of the largest sizes, smallest sizes, and oddest shapes published in cigar magazines. The popular Churchill is usually a 47 ring gauge. The famous 747. Examine this Cigar Size Chart

Cool smoke in large sizes is caused by the larger gauges having more air flow. This allows for an easy burn and an easy draw.. There may be some tightly rolled cigars but as a rule the larger the cigar the cooler and easier the air flow. There is space for air to move through the layers of tobacco leaf, allowing fresh air to lighten and cool the smoke. 

On the other hand, lighting up a smaller ring gauge can be a thrilling challenge. The draw is slow and strong like trying to drink a thick milkshake through a straw. The small ones pull harder and the resulting smoke can be harsher. This shouldnt discourage you from trying a smaller ringed stick. Some people prefer the huffing and puffing. Harder work but with a satisfying reward. It can be a more involved experience. With all things cigar, the experience should be personal, catered, and enjoyable in the moment.

Do you want to feel the burn, or are you a cooler customer?

When choosing the right thickness, personal comfort should also be a consideration. Holding a fat cigar between your teeth can make you salivate. Your drool will over saturate the tobacco. An overdamp leaf will ruin the taste. A chewed cigar is a ruined cigar.

So the brunt of the weight needs to be supported by your lips. A small mouth and small lips may not be up to the weight of a fat 64 ringer.

Other smokers may experience jaw fatigue or jaw ache when overburdened by a generously thick cigar. A smaller cigar ring size may be more fitting to a petite smoker. But this isn't a hard and fast rule. Many a smoker enjoys feeling dwarfed by a large cigar, perhaps they find the cooler smoke worth a little jaw ache. You should test how much weight you can comfortably hold. 

Cigar Length 

The length of your stick is the key factor in how long it will take to finish. You should choose your length based on how long you have to enjoy the experience. It is a shame to waste the experience.

While putting out a cigar and re-kindling at a later time can be done. Everyone agrees that a fresh smoke can’t be beaten. The old burn will affect the taste of the tobacco, in what most find to be an unpleasant manner. It is often an ashy start to a second round of burning.

It is essential to plan ahead. Always think before you fire your cigar. On a cold winter day, short and quick is probably best lest you freeze on your porch wanting to enjoy your cigar just a little bit longer. If you are in a rush it is best to choose short and quick. By the same logic a nice long cigar may be ideal for summer idle. It can also be more comfortable for social situations when you are taking your time and sharing the experience with others.

What's a cigars burn life?

A cigar's burn life is usually between thirty minutes and two hours. An average being around ninety minutes for the typical lengths. Smoking a cigar is a leisurely activity, with a puff every thirty to forty-five seconds, the pace should be unhurried. Controlling the heat and burn of the cherry of a cigar is a learned skill, slow and smooth. Pace yourself, a rhythmic pace provides the best smoking experience.

So, which cigar size is right for you? 

May this wisdom guide you to the perfect choice for any occasion. Remember the key rules of choosing the perfect cigar size: length and thickness. Choose not only by sight, but by feel, by what your mouth can handle and by your level of time commitment. Nothing beats the ritual of first flame to a good cigar and the sweet taste of your first draw. Enjoy alone or in good company. Never forget your cigar holder, don't get caught close, but no cigar. 

There are few commodities that have the same allure as Cuban cigars. During the last 50 years they have gone from indispensable accessories for the wealthy to the world’s ultimate forbidden fruit. Even though this infamy is worldwide, it was due to a strict embargo put on Cuba’s trade by America. Having a thriving cigar producing tradition & superb soil helped. But you can’t beat the mystique of something that’s illegal. However, now that the embargo has been lifted public opinion hasn’t changed. People around the world are still clamoring for Cuban cigars. This trend validates claims that Cuba actually produces superb cigars.

Cigar aficionados swear that nothing compares to the taste of Cuban tobacco. Many attribute this to Cuba’s top notch soil, micro-climates & national reverence for cigar production. Others claim that this is an artificial infamy that was created by the U.S. embargo. Either way one thing is clear, when it comes to cigars Cuba has stolen the show. In this article we will dive head first into Cuban cigars to see what makes them so special. Be prepared to be shocked by this brilliant tradition!

The Essence of Cuban Cigars

In Cuba cigars are more than a hobby, they are a vital part of the culture. Long before the Spaniards conquered the islands, Taino Indians were smoking bundles of tobacco called “cohiba”.  When Columbus landed in Cuba in 1492, he was greeted by these mysterious natives who smoked cigars. He took this tradition back to Europe, where it caught on like wildfire. Soon every king & aristocrat were doing back flips to get their hands on these cigars.

Once Spain conquered Cuba, the race to produce cigars was on. King Phillip II pioneered the mass production of Cuban cigars from 1527 to 1598. These visionary steps allowed Cuba to dominate the cigar industry with their potent products. However, like every monopoly, eventually it came to an end. The “doomsday” for the Cuban cigar industry happened in 1960 when Fidel Castro’s soldiers raided the finest gems of Cuba’s cigar crown. Seeing that the communist revolution was going to be a disaster, many of Cuba’s expert growers fled the country. This gave birth to many competent cigar factories in Honduras, Nicaragua & the Dominican Republic.

By 1962, the relationship had already soured between the U.S. & Cuba. The American government placed a trade embargo on Cuba. This took away two thirds of their export business, but the cigar industry still survived. Allegedly the cigars were so delightful that JFK bought 1,200 H. Upmann Cuban cigars before he imposed the embargo. Even though the door was shut on Cuban cigars, they were far from forgotten.

Over the years, Soviet money helped sustain Cuba’s cigar industry. This cash flow paved the way for enhanced quality control, which preserved the legacy of Cuban cigars. The Western part of Cuba was home to many favorable micro climates for tobacco growing. Experts agree that their rich soil gives the cigars a unique flavor. These factors were compounded by the fact that the entire production process was revered by the Cuban people. A lot of love went into growing, curing & rolling this crop.

To this day Cuba’s cigar industry is under direct control of the government. They learned not to deviate from their winning combination of quality micro-climates, soil & tobacco strains. Even though Cuban cigars are a preference, their quality can’t be negated. You can’t beat a crop that’s grown in climates & soil that are completely unique. Throw in the fact they are nationally revered & you have an export that’s ready to take the world by storm.