Sunday, November 18, 2007

How to Select a Fine Cigar

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Jordan, Rush Limbaugh, David Letterman, Justice Clarence Thomas… these are some of the most recognizable names of our times, names that will be huge in history. All of these men share one similarity with the each other, they are all regular cigar smokers.

Powerful men and cigars what is with this pair? Until recently, there was a prevailing stereotype that only rich men are the ones who smoke cigars. These days, there really is no line that separates the rich men from the not-so-rich men with regard to cigar smoking. Almost any person today can afford a stick or two of their favorite smoke.

There is one thing for certain though, and that is there’s a difference between a premium cigar and cheap cigar. You're going to want determine if that cigar is worth buying. There are certain tips to follow when buying one.

First thing is find your local tobacconist specialty store that carries a large selection of cigars including those of the highest quality and finest tobacco. The store owner will also have the knowledge and expertise to direct to the best of the best.

Only choose cigars of good quality and ensure that it is made of one hundred percent tobacco. Some lower quality cigars can contain non-tobacco components like paper, glycerin or saltpeter.

Visually check that the wrapper is smooth with a slight shine feature and that is free of any blemishes or discoloration.

You don't want a lumpy cigar, so give it a gentle squeeze, it should be resilient enough to hold its shape when you press it. Watch also for hard or soft spots within the cigar as that can be a sign of poor quality and cheap construction.

Take a good smell of the cigar, it should have a deep, rich aroma that you should have no trouble detecting. Cigars that have hard to detect smells may be dry due to age or improper storage, stale, or just of low quality and should be avoided.

Follow these few simple tips when selecting your next premium cigar and you will have a pleasant experience and the best value for your money.