Cigars - How to choose the right cigar for you

Choosing a cigar is an individual thing. It depends on personal taste, availability and budget. At the tobacconist, Purdy & Tully we stock over 150 brands of cigar, in all sizes and strengths.

The best cigars are handmade in Cuba. However many other areas also produce fine cigars, including much of the Caribbean, Central America, the Philippines and the Canary Islands. Different areas produce different quality leaves giving different flavours. Experiment until you find the type that suits you.

Cigar sizes are often based on well-known brand names, but this measure is at best applied freely and at worst can be misleading. The standard sizes are generally regarded to be the panatela, robusto, corona, double corona, especial, Lonsdale and Churchill. The cigar thickness is expressed by ring gauge, which is calculated by measuring the diameter in 64ths of one inch. Thus a ring range of 32 would be half an inch in diameter.

When choosing a cigar as a novice it is sensible to start with a fairly small size and not too strong a flavour, however there is no golden rule. Other considerations are when and where the cigar is to be smoked. A larger cigar such as a Churchill can take over an hour to smoke, ensure you will have the time to do it justice.

Storing your cigars correctly is essential. Well-stored cigars improve with age like fine wine; badly stored they dry out or rot. If you don’t have a humidor, which is the ideal, ensure your cigars are stored at room temperature, avoiding extremes. Put the cigars in an airtight box or cupboard in an area with 65 –70 per cent humidity. Placing a damp sponge or small glass of water can keep the humidity at an acceptable level. Whatever you do, check the cigars regularly to ensure they don’t dry out.

When in doubt, talk to one of Purdy & Tully’s members of staff, they will be happy to give you help and advice.