For cigar novices, choosing the perfect cigar can be a daunting task. With a wide variety of options available in terms of size, shape, strength, and flavor profiles, it's essential to have some guidance to help you make the right choice. Thankfully, top cigar websites offer valuable insights and tips that can help beginners select the perfect cigar that suits their tastes. In this article, we will explore some expert advice from popular cigar websites on how to choose the perfect cigar.
Consider the Size and Shape of the Cigar
Cigars come in various sizes and shapes, and each one offers a unique smoking experience. The size of a cigar is typically measured by its length and ring gauge, which refers to the diameter of the cigar in 64ths of an inch. Cigar websites often provide size charts that can help beginners understand the different options available, such as robusto, toro, and Churchill.
The shape of a cigar, also known as its vitola, can greatly affect its flavor and draw. Common cigar shapes include parejo, which has a straight cylindrical shape, and figurado, which has an irregular or tapered shape. Cigar websites often provide descriptions and images of different vitolas, helping beginners understand the nuances of each shape.
Understand Cigar Strength and Flavor Profiles
Cigars are often categorized into different strength levels, ranging from mild to full-bodied. Beginners may prefer mild or medium-bodied cigars, as they tend to have a smoother and less intense flavor profile. Cigar websites usually provide information on the strength level of each cigar, helping beginners choose a cigar that matches their preference for strength.
Flavor profiles of cigars can vary greatly, with options such as sweet, spicy, woody, creamy, or leathery. Cigar websites often provide detailed flavor descriptions for each cigar, which can help beginners understand the taste profile of a cigar before making a purchase.
Consider Brand and Price Range
Cigars are available in a wide range of prices, and beginners may want to consider their budget when selecting a cigar. Popular cigar websites often offer a filtering feature that allows users to search for cigars based on their price range. It's important to keep in mind that the price of a cigar may not always correlate with its quality, and beginners should read reviews and ratings from reputable sources to get an idea of the value of a cigar.
The brand of a cigar can also be a factor to consider. Established brands with a long history of producing quality cigars may be a safer choice for beginners. Cigar websites often provide information on the reputation and history of different cigar brands, helping beginners make informed decisions. Seek Recommendations from Cigar Websites
As a beginner, it can be overwhelming to navigate the vast world of cigars on your own. Thankfully, many popular cigar websites offer recommendations specifically tailored for beginners. These recommendations often include cigars with milder strength, smoother flavor profiles, and manageable sizes for beginners to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. Cigar websites may also provide curated sampler packs that allow beginners to try a variety of cigars to explore different flavors and strengths.
Read Reviews and Ratings
Before making a purchase, it's wise to read reviews and ratings from fellow cigar enthusiasts on reputable cigar websites. Reviews can provide valuable insights into the smoking experience of a particular cigar, including its flavor, strength, burn, and draw. By reading multiple reviews, beginners can get a better idea of the overall consensus on a particular cigar and make an informed decision based on the feedback of others.
In conclusion, choosing the perfect cigar as a beginner can seem daunting, but with the guidance and tips from top cigar websites, it becomes much easier. Factors such as cigar size, shape, strength, flavor profile, brand, and price range are essential to consider. Learning how to properly cut and light a cigar is also crucial for an enjoyable smoking experience. Seeking recommendations from cigar websites and reading reviews can provide additional guidance. With the right information and guidance, beginners can confidently select a cigar that suits their tastes and embark on an enjoyable journey into the world of cigars. So go ahead, explore, and savor the rich flavors and aromas of a well-chosen cigar!
