The most basic method of categorizing cigars is by the method in which they are made. Cigars are either rolled by hand, or manufactured by machines. The novice smoker may be tempted to start by trying machine made brands. However, the aspiring connoisseur should consider spending a little more and move up to hand rolled cigars, which are sold online or at a local tobacconist.

Hand Rolled Cigars Are Made With Pure Tobacco

The filler in machine made cigars is not 100% tobacco, but may contain paper, preservatives, and various chemicals. On the other hand, a handmade cigar consists of the filler, the binder to hold the filler, and the outer wrapper, all consisting of 100% tobacco. Most of the tobacco in hand rolled cigars is imported from other countries, such as the Dominican Republic. For the most part, such tobacco has a much better flavour than what is used in the machine made cigars. Although long filler is used in cigars which are totally made by hand, it is noted that some cigars are mislabelled as handmade because the wrapper was rolled by hand over a binder containing short filler, which was bunched and bound by machines.

Daily Smokers Vs Connoisseurs

Individual cigar smokers have their own unique tastes, and have their own individual financial constraints. Those who enjoy smoking several cigars per day may need an "everyday" cigar that is inexpensive. Therefore, the taste and cost of machine made cigars can be very attractive to some smokers. However, to the aspiring or experienced connoisseurs, the ones who enjoy an occasional cigar as a special treat, the hand rolled cigar is worth every penny.