Signs Of A Great Cigar
When you're new to smoking cigars, it's not always easy to select one. You can generally tell what cigars are the cheapest and lowest quality, but beyond that, distinguishing between okay cigars and great ones takes a little more knowledge. So, here are some signs you're looking at a great cigar.
It has a brand name and a product name.
Some lower-end cigars only have one name. They might be "Brand X" cigars or "Brand Z" cigars. But the best cigar producers tend to give each of their different cigar styles a name. For example, if you see a cigar with the brand name "Rocky Patel" and the sub-name "Sixty," there's a good chance that's a better-quality cigar.
It has a rating.
An organization called Cigar Aficianado assigns ratings to various cigars. Lower-end cigars have generally not even been rated. Better cigars will feature their Cigar Aficianado rating on the packaging because they are proud of it. The higher the rating, the better you can expect the cigar to be. For example, if you see a cigar with a rating of 95, you know that's going to be a great cigar. Generally, any cigar with a rating over 80 will be quite enjoyable.
It's not a uniform cylinder.
The best cigars are hand-rolled, and hand-rolled cigars are not usually rolled in an even cylinder. Instead, they tend to take on a more tapered shape. The middle of the cigar will be fatter, and the ends will be thinner. This is not only an easier way to roll the cigar by hand, but it also results in a cigar that burns better and lights more easily. As you look at the outside of the cigar, you should also be able to clearly see where the tobacco leaves overlap.
It feels firm, but with some give.
When you feel a cigar, it should have a firm texture, but it should have just a little give. It should have a similar feel to that of a ripe orange with the rind left on. Lower-end cigars will often feel too firm because the tobacco used in them is too dry.
Hopefully you now have a better idea of how to identify a great cigar. Stick with name brands, and keep your eyes out for the cigar rating, too. Once you find a cigar you love, you can buy the same one again and again. For more information on specific cigar types, such as Rocky Patel cigars, contact a cigar seller.