I have owned several cigar shops and worked in the industry over the last 30 plus years. My objective as Steve requested is to give you a quick overview of cigars. This will hopefully help you pick great cigars across the many manufacturers from your local shop. (You do support your local cigar shop right?)

 

Nowadays there are so many choices when it comes to buying a cigar. With the popularity of relaxing and smoking a great cigar you can quickly become overwhelmed. There are different colors, sizes, flavors, and more importantly prices. 

 

In 2010 this part of the website will be focused on different types and styles of cigars that you can enjoy on the back porch or on the golf course. Like golf, the more you try different types of cigars the easier it becomes to really hone in on the brands and styles that fit best. 

 

Wrappers. An intro to what you will hear at the cigar store.

The wrapper is a high quality leaf of tobacco that is as the name implies “wrapped” around the filler and binder. The wrapper is able to be worked quite a bit and can be flexible. The wrapper can contribute substantially to flavor by more than half of what you get when you smoke a great cigar. Some keys to a good wrapper are that it not be dry, or easily break when in the rolling process. Here are some types to look for:

 

Connecticut Shade Wrapper:  This is a popular wrapper used on cigars found in many stores. The wrapper is grown as the name may have tipped you off in Connecticut. Grown on 1200 acres this wrapper will provide a smooth, light, and often complex flavor.  This wrapper is the most popular of the wrappers in the United States.  It’s grown in the shade with covers over the leaves to prevent it from drying out or becoming too tough.  One interesting point of history. On my travels I took seeds and plants to Costa Rica on an idea that it could grow there amidst the best tobacco in the world. No luck. It’s only native to the Connecticut area.  The flavors and complexity are only consistent with what we all have come to expect from this region.

                                                                        

Cameroon Wrapper:  This is a wrapper that is native to the West African continent. It will typically host a much darker, richer flavor not found in other wrappers.  It’s found in the Fuente and Partagas families and other more expensive brands.  It’s definitely worth your time if you enjoy complex cigars. It’s one of the most expensive wrappers grown. It can even be found now in different parts of the world. I have a friend in the business that routinely grows it in Ecuador.  The best Cameroon wrappers will be native to West Africa. 

 

Maduro Wrapper: Ahh this is the cigar that will turn off many buyers when in the store because of colors that resemble a dark night. With colors that are dark brown to black it’s not surprising to associate this wrapper with stronger flavors and aromas.  The interesting thing about these wrappers is that not all of them will overpower the intent of the manufacturer. Obviously the black wrappers are stronger, however you can choose to smoke one with mild blend and strength. I recommend the CAO or Punch product. Both have a nice finish packaged in a typically stronger Maduro. Acquired taste? Sure. It’s like hitting that set of forged blades in golf. You have to work up to it. I don’t recommend the Maduro for those who read this starting out with cigars. Stick to the above wrappers. 

 

With that Ill wrap up this article for the guys at WereTalkingGolf. My next column will feature the key regions and sizes and brands you need to know about. Remember that smoking cigars is something you can truly enjoy on the golf course, back porch, after dinner. I have found that in my lifetime that it is always a great way to make friends. Some of my best friends in the world are fellow cigar smokers. 

 

Your man in Habana!

Goce de este cigarro!! 

 

P.S.  One of our favorite photos of a true cigar lover….