Jim's Cigar Guide: Choosing, Pairing, and Enjoying Cigars

Jim's Cigar Kingdom: A Beginner's Guide to Choosing, Pairing, and Enjoying Cigars

Hi, I'm Jim, and I've been immersed in the cigar world for 40 years. Over the decades, I've had the pleasure of discovering incredible smokes, exploring different styles, and finding the perfect pairings. Today, I'm sharing some of my favorite insights from the kingdom.

1. How to Choose a Cigar: Simple Rules

If you're new to cigars, choosing one can feel complicated. Thankfully, there are a couple of really simple rules to follow based on two key characteristics: wrapper color and thickness.

Rule 1: Wrapper Color (Strength)

The color of the wrapper leaf is the best indicator of the cigar's strength:

• Lighter Wrappers: These tend to be milder in flavor and strength. The tobacco is typically aged for a shorter period.
• Darker Wrappers: These tend to be stronger and fuller-flavored. These leaves are aged longer and can sometimes be a little more oily.

Rule 2: Cigar Thickness (Burn Temperature)

The thickness, or ring gauge, also affects your experience:

• Thicker Cigars: These tend to burn a little bit cooler than thinner cigars, which can lead to a more relaxed and extended smoke.
• Thinner Cigars: These typically burn a bit hotter and faster.

Remember the simple guide: Milder, thicker, darker, thinner. It's just that easy!

2. My All-Time Favorite: The Monte Cristo White Label

If I had to pick just one, my all-time favorite cigar brand would have to be Monte Cristo.

The specific blend I always come back to is the Monte Cristo White Label series. This is a Dominican Republic cigar, offering a mild, mild flavor and a wonderfully slow, even burn. It lasts me about 45 to 50 minutes when I'm puffing gently.

For a perfect experience, the White Label goes great with just about any whiskey or bourbon. My personal favorite to pair with it is Drambuie.

3. The Perfect Pairing: Full-Bodied Cigars and Espresso

When it comes to beverages, one of my favorite intense pairings is a strong cigar with a cup of espresso.

Espresso is a very strong, almost bitter drink. To hold up against that kind of flavor, you need a cigar that has a lot of body and strength. I recommend reaching for a darker wrapper and a full-bodied cigar.

For this strong pairing, I often choose a cigar from Nicaragua. A Nicaraguan full-bodied smoke provides a rich and balanced contrast to the coffee. Try this pairing; I think you'll enjoy it.

4. Understanding Flavored Cigars

Finally, let's talk about flavored cigars. The variety is extensive, from simple sweeteners like honey and sugar to complex infusions like liqueurs, bourbons, and cognacs.

A crucial insight here is where the flavor actually resides. When you smoke a cherry-flavored cigar, for instance, the intense taste is typically applied to the wrapper, which you feel on your lips. The smoke itself is not overpowered, and the core tobacco taste is not affected a whole lot, though some people do feel the infusion makes the cigar a little smoother.

They’re a great choice if you’re looking for a slight twist on tradition, and they are certainly worth trying.

I'm Jim. Welcome to the kingdom!