What to look for in a good cigar.
Okay, so we’ve established that a non Cuban can be a real contender in the cigar world. But with literally thousands to choose from, where do you start? Many people will tell you, “Just start smoking, you’ll figure it out,” and while this is great advice, sometimes you just want a head start. I know when I started smoking cigars it was just something fun to do, I didn’t really know what to look for or how to appreciate what I was smoking. That is until someone handed me a truly amazing stick. Sure it was more than I’d like to pay for a cigar, but it opened my eyes to the possibilities; now I had something to judge the rest by. And while many high-end cigars will come with a price to match, don’t assume that price equals great flavor or quality. There are a few characteristics I look for in a premium cigar:
Construction/Appearance: When paying the big bucks for a single cigar, you can be picky. Everything should be top-notch, including the look and feel of the cigar. No soft spots, tears, holes (obviously), even the band should impress.
Draw: I won’t consider a cigar to be a contender for the best unless there is a great draw, pulling smoke out of a cigar should be as easy as taking a sip of cream soda through a straw. And with that effortless draw you will want volumes of thick, white smoke on every puff.
Flavor: Of course flavor is subjective, some like a mild smoke, others want something that will really let you know it’s there. Regardless of the style, a great cigar should make you think, the flavors should be complex, luxurious, and refined. The taste and aroma should stay with you long after the cigar is gone.
Cigar aficionados and newcomers alike can enjoy any cigar on this list, in fact, it may bring them together. You don’t have to know what you’re talking about to smoke a good cigar, just relax and soak it all in. On the next page of this article I will list my picks for the 5 best non cuban cigars, please feel free to add your comments and your picks for the cigars you think are the best.
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