How to Choose and Store Premium Cigars: Expert Guide
Whether you're new to cigar smoking or looking to refine your selection process, understanding how to choose and properly store premium cigars is essential for an optimal smoking experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything from selecting your first cigar to maintaining a proper humidor.
Understanding Cigar Basics
Cigar Anatomy
Before selecting a cigar, it's important to understand its construction:
- Wrapper - The outermost tobacco leaf that significantly influences flavor
- Binder - Holds the filler tobacco together beneath the wrapper
- Filler - The interior tobacco blend that forms the cigar's core
- Cap - The small piece of wrapper that seals the head of the cigar
Cigar Sizes and Shapes
Cigars come in various sizes, measured by length (inches) and ring gauge (diameter in 64ths of an inch):
Popular Sizes:
- Robusto - 5" x 50, medium smoking time (45-60 minutes)
- Churchill - 7" x 48, longer smoking experience (60-90 minutes)
- Corona - 5.5" x 42, classic size (30-45 minutes)
- Toro - 6" x 50, popular modern size (60-75 minutes)
- Torpedo - Tapered head, concentrated flavor
Larger ring gauges typically provide cooler, smoother smoke, while smaller gauges offer more concentrated flavor.
How to Select Your First Cigar
Consider Strength Levels
Cigars are categorized by strength, which refers to nicotine content and flavor intensity:
- Mild - Connecticut Shade wrappers, smooth and creamy, ideal for beginners
- Medium - Balanced flavor, Cameroon or Ecuadorian wrappers
- Full - Bold, complex flavors, Maduro or Oscuro wrappers, for experienced smokers
Beginner Recommendation: Start with mild to medium-bodied cigars to develop your palate before progressing to fuller-bodied options.
Wrapper Colors and Flavor Profiles
The wrapper significantly impacts flavor:
- Connecticut Shade (light tan) - Mild, creamy, subtle sweetness
- Natural/Colorado (light brown) - Medium body, balanced flavor
- Maduro (dark brown) - Rich, sweet, full-bodied
- Oscuro (nearly black) - Strongest, bold, intense flavor
Inspecting Cigar Quality
When selecting a cigar, check for:
- Firm but slightly springy feel - Indicates proper humidity
- Smooth, oily wrapper - Sign of quality tobacco
- No soft spots or hard lumps - Even filler distribution
- Intact wrapper - No tears, cracks, or damage
- Fresh aroma - Pleasant tobacco scent, not musty
Proper Cigar Storage
Why Humidity Matters
Cigars require specific humidity levels (65-72% RH) and temperature (65-70°F) to maintain optimal condition. Improper storage leads to:
- Too dry - Harsh, bitter taste, wrapper cracking
- Too humid - Difficult draw, mold growth, uneven burn
Humidor Essentials
A quality humidor maintains ideal conditions for your cigar collection:
Key Components:
- Humidification device - Maintains proper moisture levels
- Hygrometer - Monitors humidity percentage
- Spanish cedar lining - Regulates moisture and enhances flavor
- Proper seal - Prevents humidity loss
Humidor Setup and Maintenance
Initial Setup:
- Season your humidor by wiping interior with distilled water
- Allow 24-48 hours for wood to absorb moisture
- Add humidification device with distilled water or propylene glycol solution
- Calibrate hygrometer for accurate readings
Ongoing Maintenance:
- Check humidity weekly
- Refill humidification device monthly
- Rotate cigars every few months
- Remove cellophane or keep it on (both methods work)
Alternative Storage Solutions
If you're not ready for a humidor:
- Tupperware with Boveda packs - Affordable temporary solution
- Travel humidors - Portable protection for 3-10 cigars
- Cigar bags with humidification - Individual cigar storage
Cigar Smoking Tips for Beginners
Cutting Your Cigar
Use a sharp guillotine cutter, V-cutter, or punch:
- Cut just above the cap line
- Make a clean, quick cut
- Avoid cutting too much (causes unraveling)
Lighting Properly
- Use butane lighters or cedar spills (avoid regular lighters with chemical taste)
- Toast the foot evenly before drawing
- Rotate while lighting for even burn
Smoking Technique
- Take slow, gentle puffs (once per minute)
- Don't inhale cigar smoke
- Allow ash to build naturally (1-2 inches before tapping)
- Smoke to the final third, then let it rest
Building Your Cigar Collection
Start Small
Begin with a sampler pack featuring different:
- Wrapper types
- Strength levels
- Sizes
- Countries of origin
Recommended Beginner Brands
- Arturo Fuente - Consistent quality, various strengths
- Macanudo - Mild, smooth, perfect for beginners
- Romeo y Julieta - Classic Cuban-heritage brand
- Oliva - Excellent value, quality construction
Keeping a Cigar Journal
Track your experiences:
- Brand and vitola (size)
- Wrapper type
- Flavor notes
- Strength rating
- Overall enjoyment
This helps identify your preferences and guides future purchases.
Where to Buy Quality Cigars
Spirit Fire Tobacco Co offers an extensive selection of premium cigars from renowned manufacturers. Our advantages include:
- Proper storage - All cigars maintained at optimal humidity
- Authentic products - Direct relationships with authorized distributors
- Expert guidance - Knowledgeable staff to help with selections
- Competitive pricing - Best value on premium cigars
- Fast shipping - Secure, temperature-controlled delivery
Conclusion
Selecting and storing premium cigars doesn't have to be intimidating. Start with mild to medium-bodied cigars, invest in proper storage, and take time to develop your palate. With practice and patience, you'll discover the cigars that perfectly suit your taste preferences.
Ready to start your cigar journey? Explore our curated selection of premium cigars and humidor accessories at Spirit Fire Tobacco Co.
Health Warning: Cigar smoking carries health risks. This article is intended for adults of legal smoking age who have already made the personal choice to use tobacco products.
