How To Choose A Good Cigar as A Gift
Is there a cigar lover on your gift list? Or are you simply curious about how to choose a decent cigar for one of your friends or loved ones? The good news is that even those who know nothing about cigars or about choosing a great cigar can learn these few simple tips on how to sniff out (sometimes literally) a good cigar for your friend or relative.
In case you haven’t noticed, cigars have now entered mainstream culture. While the use of cigars was once the symbol of the rich and powerful, it’s now completely acceptable and affordable for just about anyone to purchase a good cigar. This doesn’t mean, however, that you will be able to buy your friend a box of top-tier Cuban cigars. Instead, you can feel comfortable that you are buying a good quality cigar that will put a smile on your friend’s face.
The first tip involves visiting your local tobacconist or specialty smoke shop for the highest quality and widest selection of cigars. Avoid buying cigars from the drugstore or grocery store. While they may be inexpensive and convenient to purchase, these cigars are usually filled with preservatives and are generally of poorer quality than those you’ll find at a specialty shop. Drugstore cigars may contain saltpeter, paper, glycerin, and other preservatives and irritants. When you visit the tobacco shop, you should ask to purchase only those cigars that are made of 100% tobacco. If you’re inexperienced about the ingredients in cigars, feel free to ask the salesperson. An experienced and knowledgeable sales clerk will understand the merchandise and will be able to tell you whatever you need to know about a cigar’s ingredients.
If you’re not sure if your friend is a heavy or light cigar smoker, it’s best to choose a longer cigar. Longer cigars often have a ‘cooler’ taste and are an excellent choice for beginners. If your friend is an expert on cigars and regular smoker, choose a cigar that is of a thicker diameter. Thicker cigars often display richer flavor which is greatly appreciated by the most experienced smokers.