What makes a good cigar? It’s a simple question, but one that’s liable to send experts and enthusiasts alike into a verbal brawl. Everyone has their favorites and the reasons why they’re the best. Here are a few variables that go into judging what makes a supreme cigar:
• Tobacco. It goes without saying, but without high quality and properly aged tobacco, the cigar will be harsh and difficult to keep lit. • Construction. This is where the skill of hand rolling comes into play (and let’s not gets started about whether machine rolled comes anywhere close to the best hand rolling). The wrapper must be high quality and the rolling is an art: too tight and it won’t burn properly, but too loose and it burns fast and could fall apart. • The Producer. This one’s the most subject to argument, but rather than say one cigar producer is better than another, think of it in terms of reputation and consistency. If a producer sources tobacco from anywhere they can get it and has a high turnover in rollers, the product is going to be inconsistent from batch to batch. You want to be able to know that cigar “x” from producer “y” is always going to offer a certain experience. Think of it like a good Scotch -you rely on the reputation of Glenfiddich, for example, and assume that their single malt is going to be good because it has been good consistently for over a century.
If you’re just exploring this hobby and walk into your local smoke shop, the choices can be as overwhelming as the aroma. Neither is a bad thing, it just that too much of a good thing often makes it more challenging to make a purchase that you’ll be happy with.
So, tying “”what makes a good cigar” together with the confusion facing someone new to the world of cigar appreciation, I’d suggest the relatively new option of online shopping as a worthwhile consideration. If you pick a good retailer, the inventory is actually larger than that offered by any smoke shop. Better yet, these sites offer advice to buyers, including comments from experts, along with the ability to search for a cigar based on specific criteria. It takes much of the guesswork and intimidation out of the buying experience.
When it comes to an appreciation of fine , Mike Vandenstockt leads the pack with his industry knowledge, worldwide travel and insider status. From tobacco plantations in Virginia and Southern Ontario to the famous hand rollers of Havana, Mike has visited them all in his pursuit of stogie perfection. While it?s always been tough to beat the ambiance of a well-stocked smoke shop, Vandenstockt notes an increase in the purchase of , with the incredible inventories, search capabilities, useful information and even auctions provided by better online merchants finally offering a viable alternative to personal shopping. Contact Mike with your questions at:
Address: 1100 Conroy Place
Easton, PA 18040
610-559-7000 x115
Phone #: 610-559-7000 x115