It's not always easy to take on a new passion. In fact, we often feel helpless in the face of any difficulties that may arise when we first take our first steps into an unfamiliar world. Now you're ready to take the plunge and let yourself be guided through this curious world. We've drawn up a beginner's guide for you. By following these few essential steps, you too can become an expert in the unusual world of cigars. Before you lies the field of possibilities for an experience that is striking in so many ways. Don't be put off by the sheer number of brands on the market. As a novice cigar enthusiast, all you need to do is integrate a few key notions, and you'll have the tools to follow this initiatory journey with confidence and excitement.
Cigars...? Inaccessible?
Cigar smoking is a practice sometimes wrongly associated with an experience reserved for certain initiates, often rich in financial means. On the contrary, there's a whole range of possibilities more or less accessible to everyone. You'll find products of the right quality at prices ranging from 5 to 500 francs. Note that the cigar industry is in many ways similar to the wine industry. This marvellous product matures and gains precious aromas over time. The sometimes almost "exorbitant" price is justified by the scarcity of a product on the market. However, it is absolutely possible to find premium-quality cigars for around ten francs.
The role of the specialist
Your dealer must be able to guarantee the proper preservation of this wonderful product, which requires delicate attention. In fact, cigars are stored in cellars known as "humidors".
humidors "Our sales consultants will take on the role of initiating guide, and will be able to enlighten you on your needs. The sales consultant will take on the role of initiating guide and will be able to enlighten you in your needs. That's why at Cigarpassion we're at your disposal to answer all your questions.
questions.
The cigar, a compound of material and form
Unlike cigarettes, cigars are 100% tobacco. From the inside, "the gut" to the "wrapper" that covers these marvels. Tobacco, like wine, caviar or coffee, is a luxury product, the product of a meticulously manufactured chain.
What does a cigar have to do with its shape? Indeed, there are a considerable number of different shapes - each with its own specific appellation (
Ref. Cigar sizes and module) Most of these nomenclatures are based on Cuban standards. When you examine the cigar, it actually consists of three main parts. (Summary) You have
the tripe which forms the body of your cigar. You have the
sub-cape which is the sheet that contains your tripe - it's usually an entire sheet dedicated to this function. It is then
the cape which covers this careful assembly. This leaf is generally more pleasing to the eye. It has more attractive visual qualities. Regularity is one of the properties sought for this function. In a way, the wrapper represents the color of your cigar, like the color of wine. The wrapper plays a key role in influencing the cigar's exalted aromas. There are different sizes in terms of diameter, known as Cepo (Ref.
Cigar sizes and modules), the different lengths will determine the different names. To a certain extent, it's logical to assume that the finer the diameter, the more important the function of the cape in the product's constitution. When the Cepo is wider, the flavors will come mainly from the tripe.
What we call a vitola is the combination of these shape, length and diameter parameters.
The parejos are the cylindrical cigars we tend to think of conventionally.
figurados which are more pointed in shape. Sub-categories will emerge from these two main families, such as perfectos, which are pointed on both sides with a curved body. (See image below)
What does Puro mean?
Puro is the original Spanish name for a cigar. Today, when we speak of a puro, we mean a cigar whose tobaccos are 100% from Cuba. Habanos cigars are made exclusively from Cuban tobaccos.
Following the American embargo, many tobacco growers left the island, settling mainly in Nicaragua, Honduras and the Dominican Republic. From then on, many cigar brands were produced outside Cuba. This opened the door to a new market for cigars using tobacco from a wide variety of origins. It's actually very rare to find puros outside Cuba, as most brands use different tobaccos.
Making your choice
- Intensity and strength factors?
Cigar strength generally corresponds to nicotine content from one leaf to the next. A "mild" cigar will contain less nicotine than a "strong" cigar. Unlike cigarettes, cigar smoke is not meant to be inhaled. The aim is to exalt the olfactory power of tobacco aromas. Rather, intensity is associated with the power of the aromas.
As a beginner, it's best to go for a medium-sized diameter, to encourage an experience where the smoke is abundant, without shocking your amateur palate.
One of the first things to consider when choosing your cigar is the time you have available to smoke it. Indeed, one shape, from one cigar to another, will take more or less time to smoke. Most of the time, the length of the cigar is decisive in determining the time you'll need to smoke it.
Find out more about tobacco leaves
Le Volado is obtained from the lower part of the tobacco plant, mainly used for tripe. These small leaves are lighter in color and their function is to provide mild aromas and low nicotine levels. Seco therefore has little impact on flavours. Essentially, seco is used to promote combustion. A cigar with a high amount of seco will therefore have milder aromas. The strength developed by this leaf is relatively low.
Seco is obtained from the intermediate part of the plant, and is also mainly used for tripe. Its flavors are slightly more exalted than those of seco. This type of leaf is designed to add taste, flavor and aroma, and is of medium strength.
Upper leaves (Médio tiempo)
Ligero: This leaf is located at the top of the tobacco plant. It is considered to provide the most power and strength to the tripe blends.
Time for action
If you're not accustomed to cigar smoking, it's a good idea to smoke on a full stomach, as you're less likely to be affected physiologically by the experience, which can sometimes make you feel slightly nauseous.
- Another tip is to smoke a cigar shorter in size, which will give you a shorter smoking time. Example: Gurkha heritage Robusto (small corona or Robusto type)
5 Cigars for beginners
Arturo Fuente Rosado Sungrown Magnum R 52
We selected this cigar because it perfectly matches the premium product standard for the novice cigar enthusiast. It is a small robusto, one of the smallest in the Rosado Sungrown range. It is the smoothness of its aromas that prompts us to recommend this cigar for a new enthusiast. The Arturo Fuente Rosado Sungrown Magnum R 52 is a relatively mild, aromatic cigar.
The first whiffs are of cedar and nuts. During smoking, it will develop a slightly spicy creaminess without ever becoming too dominant. This is a magnificent Robusto, which, because of its small size, is unlikely to become too dominant.
| - Country of production |
Dominican Republic |
| - Length (mm) |
127 |
| - Diameter |
20.57 |
| - Smoke time |
25-35 minutes |
| - Strength/Power |
Medium |
| - Cape leaf |
Ecuador Sungrown |
| - Tripe |
Dominican Republic |
| - Under-Cape |
Dominican Republic |
Montecristo N°4
This Puros of Cuban origin is by far the most smoked cigar in the world. What better way to start your journey? The wrapper of this cigar is golden and silky, almost comparable to fine Italian leather. The veins of the tobacco leaf are clearly distinguishable, as are its peppery aromas. Sometimes criticized by experts for its light smoke, this makes it an asset for an inexperienced smoker.
| - Country of production |
Cuba (100%) |
| - Length (mm) |
129 |
| - Diameter |
16.67 |
| - Smoke time |
30-45 minutes |
| - Strength/Power |
Medium |
| - Cape leaf |
Habanos |
| - Tripe |
Habanos |
| - Under-Cape |
Habano |
Romeo Y Julieta Small Churchills
The wrapper of this cigar is firm, satiny, clear and seductive. The construction of Romeo Y Julieta Petit Churchills is supple and silky on the palate. Essentially woody and chocolatey aromas follow one another during the first part of smoking. A few puffs later, we discover a cigar with character, revealing more nerve. The finish increases in strength and complexity. This product is therefore a classic, simply ideal for enthusiasts looking to train their palate.
| - Country of production |
Cuba |
| - Length (mm) |
102 |
| - Diameter |
19.84 |
| - Smoke time |
15-30 minutes |
| - Strength/Power |
mild-medium |
| - Cape leaf |
Habanos |
| - Tripe |
Habanos |
| - Under-Cape |
Habanos |
CAD Pilón Robusto
The Habano Ecuador maduro wrapper leaf is elegant and dark. To make the "Pilón", an ancestral Cuban fermentation technique is applied to the tobacco leaves to reveal maximum aromas and give them a beautiful color. The Ecuadorian wrapper dresses the cigar superbly, and the wrapper and filler leaves come from the best terroirs in Nicaragua. The CAO Pilon Robusto is easy to draw, making it highly accessible to new explorers.
| - Country of production |
Nicaragua |
| - Length (mm) |
127 |
| - Diameter |
20.47 |
| - Smoke time |
20-30 minutes |
| - Strength/Power |
Medium |
| - Cape leaf |
Ecuador Habano |
| - Tripe |
Nicaragua |
| - Under-Cape |
Nicaragua |
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure n°2
Many smokers began their Cuban apprenticeship with this pleasant Robusto. Its floral bouquet, enhanced by a touch of gingerbread, opens on a totally unexpected, but pleasantly fresh note. This is a medium-bodied cigar, but the complexity of the blend can sometimes make it stronger on the palate of novices, so we recommend it to the more adventurous curious. Why not savor this marvel during a gentle walk in the woods?
| - Country of production |
Cuba |
| - Length (mm) |
124 |
| - Diameter |
25 |
| - Smoke time |
30-45 minutes |
| - Strength/Power |
Medium |
| - Cape leaf |
Habanos |
| - Tripe |
Habanos |
| - Under-Cape |
Habanos |
