FAQ
How do I choose the right cigar for me?
Reach out to Reinhard and he’ll be happy to assist you! Choosing the right cigar depends on previous experience with premium cigars, personal preferences regarding aroma, taste, body, strength, and size.
A few questions can already help you determine your ideal starting point:
Do you enjoy coffee?
- If you drink it with milk and/or sugar, you might enjoy milder, creamier, smoother flavors. Hence you will probably enjoy cigars with a Connecticut Shade wrapper and a light to medium body.´
- If you like your coffee black you might prefer bold, intense, and complex flavors. Those often come from a Maduro wrapper. You might prefer a medium to fully body.
You can make similar analogies with your favorite non-alcoholic drinks or spirits.
Food is another good indicator. Do you prefer fruity flavors or more earthy tones?
Have a look at our online humidor — not only do the images give you a first impression, but you’ll also find Reinhard’s tasting notes for each cigar. These can serve as a helpful compass for discovering the right flavor profile.
The vitola is also important. The larger the cigar, the cooler the smoke and the less intense and spice it will feel. If you are a beginner, you might enjoy those cigars more.
It is advisable to explore various brands, blends and vitolas to discover what suits your palate best. For a more in-depth guide, read our blog article here.
What is “Vitola”?
A vitola refers to the shape and size of a cigar — including its length and ring gauge. It affects how long the cigar will last, how it burns, and even how the flavors develop.
What does a “Blend” mean?
A blend describes the specific mix of tobacco leaves used in a cigar — often from different regions and varieties. This combination is what gives a cigar its unique flavor and character.
What is the proper way to cut a cigar?
The proper way to cut a cigar involves using a sharp cutter to open a smoke channel (at the cap at the head of the cigar). This should be done just above the shoulder to ensure a clean cut, allowing for optimal airflow while smoking. Cutting a cigar doesn’t mean cutting away a chunk of your cigar! Avoid cutting too much, as this can lead to unraveling.
Cutting a cigar is no rocket science, but you can still learn more about the topic in this blog article on our website.
How do I light a cigar correctly?
To light a cigar, use a butane lighter (soft flame or jet-flame), as these do not impart unwanted flavors. Toast the foot of the cigar by holding the flame at enough distance and rotating the cigar until it is evenly lit. Once toasted, take a few gentle puffs while applying the flame to ensure an even burn. Check that the entire foot is lit for even combustion.
When using wooden matches, make sure to burn off any sulphur from the head, in order not to affect the aromas of the cigar.
How long does a cigar typically last?
The duration of a cigar can vary significantly based on its length and ring gauge. On average, a cigar can last anywhere from 30 minutes to two or even three hours.
In any case, always take your time for and with a cigar, pull gently and patiently, but frequently, so the cigar stays lit, but doesn’t build up excess heat.
How should I store my cigars?
Cigars should be stored in a controlled environment, ideally in a humidor, which maintains a humidity level of around 69% and a temperature of approximately 70°F (21°C). This helps preserve the cigars' flavor and prevents them from drying out or becoming too moist. Read in our blog article here, how to store cigars without a humidor.
Is there a smoking etiquette for cigars?
It's not just about the cigar. The cigar experience is much broader as Reinhard wrote in this blog article. Certainly, any cigar smoking etiquette includes being mindful of your surroundings and the preferences of others. In public spaces, bars, cafe's or restaurants is courteous to ask the staff if they are cigar-friendly – you'd be surprised, how often they will bring you a cigar ashtray.