The smoking gun: the beginner’s guide to everything you wanted to know about Cuban cigars.

By Paul Hurst
Photos by Mark Burnham

Although many people object to the perfume of a nice Habana puro, others think a cigar has a nicer scent than a cigarette. Cigars can be a very classy and different way to celebrate your convocation. Here’s a beginner’s guide to the ups and downs of the Cuban cigar.

First off, most serious cigar smokers prefer Cuban hand-rolled cigars from the major brands. A hand-rolled cigar has a bundle of filler leaves that make up most of the body: these are held together by a few binder leaves. After being compressed in a mould for a while, the cigar is finished by putting on the wrapper leaf, which provides the nice appearance and much of the flavour, as it uses the best tobacco. A cap is put on the mouth end of the cigar, and a brand label is attached.

Normally, leaves are aged for a while before being made into cigars. A freshly rolled cigar is the best, otherwise a box of aged cigars is preferable to cigars that are a few months old.

Before you hack the cap off with scissors, consider using a punch cutter, or a normal pen to punch a small hole in the cap end of the cigar. It’s best to use wooden matches to light the cigar, but you can also use a strip of cedar.  If you plan on using a lighter, then hit the dollar store and get a torch lighter; they work even on a windy day.

I normally buy my cigars from Cigar Connoisseurs at 346 Water Street in Gastown. The owner is extremely knowledgeable and can help you choose the cigar that will suit you best.

Your cigar should go out regularly, as this is a sign it is properly moist, and has lots of flavourful oils. Make sure to buy your cigars just before you smoke them: a dried out cigar will taste terrible. Store them in a sealed plastic bag before enjoying.

Here’s three cigars that you might want to consider.

1. The Bolivar “Royal Corona” which is a “robusto” size of cigar, for $27. It’s moderately mild, and to be smoked slowly.

2. The Partigas “Serie D No. 4,” also a robusto. For the same price, this one’s a bit stronger and more full-bodied, with pepper notes. To be smoked very slowly.

3. The best of the best: The Cohiba Bihike 52.  This cigar rings the register at $70, but if you only smoke one cigar in your life, let it be this one. The Bihike label is relatively new, and uses only wrapper leaves. It’s mild, but perfectly flavoured. It will last a good two hours.

One final note: Cuban cigars are illegal in the United States, so do not take them on a road trip to Bellingham.