How to Choose Your Next Cigar: A Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting Cigars

How to Choose Your Next Cigar: A Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting Cigars

Part of the fun of enjoying cigars as a hobby is trying new varieties. Seasoned smokers often delight in picking out rare and exotic smokes and adding them to their collections. However, newer cigar lovers may find it challenging to navigate a cigar shop, have trouble finding their favorite cigars, or even feel overwhelmed at the sheer number of brands and sub-brands available for purchase. That’s where we come in. Check our step-by-step guide to selecting cigars so that you can choose your next smoke like a pro. 

Step #1 Set a Budget

If you remember anything from this article, let it be this: new cigar smokers should NOT spend a lot of money on cigars. If you’re new to the cigar hobby, please don’t blow hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on cigars you may not like or even be able to store correctly. Instead, set a budget (say $30) and pick out 3-4 cigars to sample. That way, you won’t get stuck with a box of cigars you may not even smoke. 

Of course, experienced smokers can and should set budgets as well — no matter how tough it may be to stick to them!

Step #2 Narrow Your Search

Unless you plan on spending hours online or in a cigar shop, which some folks don’t mind, it’s best to have *some* idea of the cigars you want to purchase before purchasing them. Consider narrowing your search down in some way before you shop. Restrict yourself to cigars made in Nicaragua, cigars made with Connecticut Shade wrappers, or cigars under $8 — or whatever filter you like best! The point is that giving yourself a constraint will help you find a cigar quickly without much stress or hassle. 

Step #3 Ask Around

To newcomers, the cigar community can sometimes feel like a private club. And asking a question of a shop employee or a fellow cigar enthusiast can be intimidating. The truth, though, is that most cigar lovers will be only too happy to answer any questions you may have about cigars and provide recommendations as well. Don’t be afraid to ask for a bit of help!

Step #4 Think About the Occasion

A great cigar is perfect for any occasion, right? Well, not exactly. If you know you’ll only have 20-30 minutes to smoke a cigar at an upcoming party, for example, then don’t purchase a big cigar like a Churchill (which can take well over an hour to smoke). Remember this before you buy a fantastic cigar that isn’t right for what you have planned. 

Step #5 Sign Up For Cigar World

Cigar World has all the tools you need to find the next great smoke in your life. With Cigar World, you can use our database to find reviews of popular cigars, talk to experienced cigar aficionados, discover cigars similar to your favorites, and access articles and features that highlight incredible new cigars hitting the market all the time. Plus, you can use our store locator tool to find tobacconists near you! Sign up today and find the perfect cigar for your next session.