Which is the Best Cigar?

Questions like this or similar ones are frequently posed to our team. In today’s performance-driven society, the desire for a clear “number one” or the best of the best seems almost inevitable. However, before we delve too deeply into philosophical musings, let’s first focus on some criteria that might help answer this question for both novice and experienced Aficionados.

How Can You Identify the Best Cigar?

Should it look good? For example, should it have a finely textured wrapper and an ornate band? Or is a more rustic appearance acceptable? How important is the visual appeal?

Or are the aromatic characteristics the primary factor in choosing the best cigar? Should it be strong and full-bodied? Or mild and subtle? Should the best cigar offer a developing flavor profile, or maintain its (high) quality throughout? Can this perfect cigar only be found in a specific size? Or does it simply need to be expensive? The list of questions you can ask yourself is virtually endless, and the answers will vary depending on the individual. Asking these questions helps you reflect on your cigar enjoyment, allowing you to define your personal taste over time. This will inevitably lead you to your best cigar! What we can say with certainty is that the best cigar does not necessarily need to be expensive or belong to a high price range. Additionally, you can have multiple favorite cigars, as each day or situation might call for a different choice. After a delicious steak on a late summer evening, you might prefer a strong, spicy, and flavorful cigar rather than a subtle and mild one you could enjoy first thing in the morning.

When it comes to the “format”, you will likely develop preferences for your favorite vitolas over time. But even the choice of the perfect format depends on the situation – for instance, if you’re short on time, opting for a Double Corona might cause more stress than relaxation.

What Do Ratings in Trade Magazines Indicate?

Each issue of these magazines typically reviews cigars and ranks them using a points system for comparison. At the end of the cigar year, the results are summarized, highlighting the best cigars from each country (Cuba, Nicaragua, Honduras, etc.). The “Cigar of the Year” award, the pinnacle of these accolades, is naturally not to be missed! Should cigar enthusiasts simply rely on these ratings or the subjective evaluations of “cigar professionals,” often based in the USA?

Relying on such ratings from trade magazines or on our own impressions of the cigars available in our online shop isn’t necessarily wrong. However, these opinions shouldn’t automatically become your own. Instead, they should serve as a guide to finding your personal taste! And personal taste is subjective, shaped by individual experiences rather than someone else’s preferences. A cigar enthusiast from the USA, for instance, will have a different relationship with cigars and other indulgences than someone from Europe or Asia. Think of the differences between regional cuisines – they evoke distinct sensory perceptions and memories. These differences, along with variations in cigar culture between the USA and our own, highlight the importance of considering such factors when interpreting ratings in trade magazines.

What Other Factors Play a Role in Evaluating Cigars?

To form an opinion on the best cigar, you need to discover your own taste while considering external factors such as weather, season, company, and more. Bear in mind that personal preferences are not static and will change over time. Long-time cigar smokers will confirm this. The cigar industry, with all its nuances and delights, is continually evolving, always open to new creations in the quest to offer the best cigar on the market. Other people’s opinions can be helpful but may not necessarily reflect your own. After all, we all know tastes differ!

Ultimately, through the process of gaining your own experience – provided you’re open to trying different cigars – you’ll discover your best cigar. And if all goes well, you’ll be happy to name more than one favorite. We’d be delighted to assist you in person, helping you get closer to finding your perfect cigar!