Cigars Buying Guide

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Welcome to the wonderful world of cigars.  If this is your first time purchasing cigars, this guide will give you the basics on how to choose cigars, from type to flavour to price. If you're already into this popular pastime, this guide can help you become a true connoisseur. If you're looking for more specific information regarding cigars, scroll down to the bottom of this page. These related buying guides are more focused articles on the same general topic - cigars! We've also compiled a list of external links, or unaffiliated websites that we think you might want to check out. Do you know something we don't? Add it! ShopWiki articles can be created, edited, and written by anyone, so don't be shy - share with us!

Things to Consider

Do you want a machine-rolled cigar  or a handmade cigar?  Usually handmade cigars fall under a higher price bracket and often pertain to what are deemed premium  or super premium  cigars. Premium cigars contain pure tobacco,  unlike machine-rolled drugstore counterparts. Sometimes you will hear talk of "long fillers"  when looking for premium cigars. These are cigars which have been diligently rolled by hand using only full leaves.

You may also wonder about the different shapes and sizes of cigars. The typical shapes are categorized by length, girth (aka ring gauge), the barrel shape, as well as the smoking time. Length is measured in inches, and typical lengths go from 3-7 inches. A cigar classified as short  is 5 1/2" or less, long  is more than 6 1/2". Something slightly longer or larger may be called gordaspellerr,  grande,  gran,  doble,  or larga  (longer cigars tend to last longer and give a "cooler" smoke. The diameter of a cigar is measured by a ring gauge. As a rule, a ring gauge of 64 means a 1" diameter. So, gauge is determined by 1/64ths of an inch. Typical gauges go from 32 to 52.

The wrapper is the outer leaf of the cigar and it can range from a greenish hue to a dark brown, nearly black colour. It is important to consider the wrapper because it influences the immediate taste of the cigar in your mouth. However, it is less influential on the smoke itself. Another way of reading a cigar's strength is on a rating scale from 1-5, where 1 is mild and 5 is full bodied.

Types of Cigars

Below are the most common cigar types. Other types include Belicoso,  Pyramid,  Torpedo,  and Culebra.  If you would like a lengthy, but comprehensive explanation of types, sizes, and more, please see this cigar FAQ.

Cigar TypeLength & Ring Gauge
  • 3-5" 30-36
  • 4.5" 48
  • 5.5" 42
  • 5" 40-42
  • 5.75" 44-46
  • 6" 44-46
  • 7" 49-52
  • 6-6.5" 34-39
  • 6" 43
  • 7-7.5" 49-52
  • 8".5 52
Smoking Minutes
  • 15-20
  • 25-40
  • 30-45
  • 25
  • 40
  • 45
  • 45-60
  • 35-45
  • 45-50
  • 45-60
  • 60-90

Country of Origin

Tobacco for cigars is grown all over the world. Likewise, cigars are produced in several countries. Here are just a few of the most common. For an in depth breakdown of the various flavours, please see this cigar FAQ (section 2.7 and 2.7a).

Cigar Books 

Cigar of the Month Club 

Cigar Samplers 

Cigar Gift Sets 

Cigar Accessories

External Links

  • Cigar.com -- A great site with plenty of information for beginners as well as connoisseurs.
  • Cigar Envy -- A great site for learning everything from rolling to smoking health as well as reviews on the best cigars around.
  • Cigar Shopping Guide -- This site is somewhat limited, but more palatable for a beginner.
  • Camino Viejo Cigars - An online cigar retail store. Purchase preminum cigars, humidors and accessories.
  • CigarCylopedia Almanac -- An extensive list of the various brands in (and out) of circulation.
  • Cigar Diary -- An online community.
  • Cigar Review  -- Great site, well organized, and comprehensive.