Expert: James Yee - 12/9/2007

Question
I have only been smoking cigars from Aug07 and had few different cigars, But i've only bought samplers and 5-packs. I will be going to paris soon and have names and address of a few well known shops to visit. Apart from being confused on which brand to buy first???(thinking R+J short churhills WOW!!) My main concern is what am i actuly ment to look for when buying a box? I know the shops are genuine! Its just that it will be the first box of 25 i'll buy, So i just want to give it a little inspection first.
Also read you was bringing a book out? If so can you tell us the name so i can look for it...

THANK AGIAN for your help

Answer
Hi Mario,

If you’re sure the shops are all reputable and genuine, then the only thing you need to look for when buying cigars is the quality of cigars.  Here is a checklist of things you should look for when buying a box of cigars:

Wrapper colour:  Always look for a nice, consistent shade of wrapper colour.  Many smokers prefer to buy dark, oily cigars because they have more potential for aging and richer flavours.

Wrapper quality: Avoid cigars that are overly-veiny or have spotty wrapper leaves.  The wrapper leaves should be smooth.  Also avoid cigars with holes in them (we all know what those are from).

Cigar quality: Pick up a cigar from the box and feel it in your hands.  The cigar should be firm and spongy and not dry.  The cigar should also have a nice weight but not feel too heavy or hard (this would indicate that they’re tightly rolled and overfilled.)  Very delicately pinch the body of the cigar with your thumb and index finger and feel for any hard spots.  Hard spots would indicate knots in the filler tobacco that could obstruct the draw and make the cigar unsmokeable (or at least less enjoyable).  Avoid overly-soggy cigars as they have been over-humidified.

Pleasant aroma:  Pick up a cigar and smell the wrapper leaf and then the foot of the cigar.  You should smell a pleasant aroma.  If the scent is too faint or there is no aroma, the cigar(s) may be too bland/dry.  The aroma should also be pleasing.  If it smells too sharp or bitter, the tobacco may not be so good so select another box.

Nice shape:  Look for cigars that have a good shape.  Parejos (traditional cyclindrical-shaped cigars) should have even bodies, appear well constructed/rolled and look “full” and snug inside the box.  Avoid cigars that appear “shriveled” as they have either been 1/poorly-humidified or 2/aged too long under less-than-optimal conditions.  Figurados (oddly-shaped cigars like torpedos, belicosos) should have clean, tapered heads, even bodies and also appear snug inside the box.

Traditional vs Box-pressed:  Some cigars will appear flat and square instead of being round.   These are “box-pressed” cigars and they are not over-packed into a box.  If you see box-pressed cigars, don’t be alarmed because they’re meant to look like this.

Taste test: If you have time and the cigar store permits smoking, light up a cigar after your purchase and give it a taste test.  Most reputable stores will honour an exchange as long as you’re still in the store if there’s something wrong with your cigar or with the entire box.

To make a long story short, a nice, well-constructed box of cigars will look perfect and beautiful. :)

Also, do not be afraid to ask the sales staff to see more than one box of a certain cigar if you’re interested in it.  Sometimes the display boxes on the shelves may not be the nicest looking boxes in their inventory.  Many stores will be happy to open several boxes for you to look at; especially if you’re a customer interested in buying a box.

Buying a box of cigars can be a major purchase so don’t be afraid to take your time and ask as many questions as you have about the cigars.  Also don't be afraid to shop around and find a good price.  What you should also do is browse all the reputable stores you plan to visit first, examine the prices and then decide on which store(s) you'll buy and come back the next day.  Even though cigar prices will be relatively the same at most reputable stores, some may have some great deals or a wider range of stock so "browse today, buy tomorrow".

Lastly, reputable or not, cigar stores can have a pushy sales staff that hate customers who are “thorough” when buying cigars.  If you don’t feel comfortable in the store or you don’t feel comfortable with the cigars the staff shows you, simply leave and visit another store.  The last thing you want is to buy a box of cigars and have regrets over it.

Hope this answers your question.  If you have anymore questions, please feel free to just ask and I’ll be happy to help.

Regards,
James

P.S. – My book is still in the production stage and if all goes well, I’m scheduled for a Q2-Q3 2008 release.  It will cover everything about cigars, cigar smoking and cigar/humidor maitenance and even have many trade secrets and tips that many cigar publications either don't know or talk about.  :)