Author: simplycigarslondon

Simply Cigars is one of the UK’s leading international online cigar retailers, specialising in premium Cuban cigars, New World cigars from Nicaragua, Honduras and the Dominican Republic, and a wide selection of non-Cuban international brands. With over 25 years of trusted experience in online cigar sales, we make it easy to buy cigars online in the UK and worldwide, ensuring fast delivery and exceptional service. Whether you’re looking for single cigars, cigar samplers, or full boxes, Simply Cigars guarantees quality, authenticity, and the finest smoking experience.

Hand-Rolled vs Machine-Made Cigars

The simplest way to categorise cigars is by how they’re made: either crafted by hand or produced by machine. For many beginners, the lower price of machine-made cigars can seem tempting. But for those who want to experience the true art of cigar smoking, hand-rolled cigars are in a class of their own. Hand-Rolled Cigars: Pure…

Which Cigar Merchant Should You Trust?

Every so often we hear from disgruntled smokers who’ve ordered from so-called “Havana cigar merchants” — both in the UK and abroad — and ended up disappointed. Buying cigars online can be a pleasure, but it can also be a gamble if you don’t know who you’re dealing with. Here are some insider tips to help you…

Choosing Your First (or Next) Cigar

Selecting your first cigar — or even your next one — should be a pleasurable experience, though it can feel a little daunting with so many options available. If you’re a new or occasional smoker, starting with a milder brand will help you appreciate the flavours without being overwhelmed. As your palate develops, you may wish to explore medium- to…

The History of Tobacco and Cuban Cigar Leaf

The story of tobacco — and of the legendary Cuban cigar leaf — begins in 1492, when Christopher Columbus and his Spanish expedition landed in the New World and encountered something utterly new: the Taino Indians rolling and burning mysterious leaves in a ritual ceremony. They called it “Cohiba.” That first aromatic curl of smoke marked the beginning…

Caution: The Tobacco Beetle!

There are few sights more depressing for a cigar lover than opening a cherished box of Havanas only to find tiny holes running through the wrappers. Sadly, this means your cigars have fallen victim to Lasioderma Serricorne — better known as the tobacco beetle. These pests are the bane of the cigar world. Small, discreet, and destructive, they…

How To Age Cigars & Improve their Flavour

For many UK cigar smokers, the idea of ageing cigars carries a certain romance. The thought of laying down a box of Montecristo No.2s or Cohiba Robustos and returning to them years later, their flavours deepened and refined, is an appealing one. But is ageing cigars really worth the wait — and how should it…

The Story of the Cigar Band – History, Function & Etiquette

The cigar band is one of the smallest yet most recognisable parts of a cigar — a colourful ring of paper that wraps around the cigar’s body. But behind this little detail lies a surprising amount of history, tradition, and even debate. A Brief History of the Cigar Band The cigar band was first introduced…

Preparation for Smoking a Handmade Cigar

The Art of Cigar Preperation The enjoyment of a fine handmade cigar begins long before the first draw. Preparation is part of the ritual — a moment to slow down, focus, and savour the experience from start to finish. Selecting, cutting, lighting, and finally smoking your cigar should never be hurried. Take your time; this…

Guide to Setting up Your Humidor Correctly

When you first receive your new humidor, it’s tempting to fill it immediately with your prized cigars. However, if you do this before properly preparing it, you risk drying out your cigars and ruining them. Why? Because the Spanish cedar lining inside your humidor is kiln-dried and must reach its humidity equilibrium of around 65% before it…