Opening a fresh box of cigars is always an exciting moment — the scent of cedar, the gleam of wrapper leaves, the promise of perfect evenings ahead. But here’s the truth: cigars fresh from the box aren’t always ready to smoke. Most are still young and need a little time to settle, age, and develop their true character.
Whether you’re new to cigars or a long-time aficionado, learning how to judge, store, and age your cigars properly is one of the most rewarding parts of the hobby.
The Importance of Proper Storage
If you want your cigars to perform as the blender intended, a humidor isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. While keeping cigars in their original box may work for a few weeks, they’ll soon dry out and lose their flavour.
A quality humidor maintains the perfect microclimate: around 70% humidity and 70°F (21°C). Remember the “70/70 rule.” Anything drier and your cigars will crack; anything wetter, and you risk mould or tobacco beetles.
Humidors come in all shapes and sizes, from compact desktop models to grand cabinet humidors. Look for:
- Spanish cedar lining – naturally aromatic and moisture-stabilising.
- Reliable hinges and tight seals – essential for consistent humidity.
- A hygrometer and humidifier – to monitor and maintain the climate.
- Partitions or trays – helpful in separating brands and vitolas.
When buying a humidor, craftsmanship matters. Choose a sturdy build with precision hinges, and if your collection is valuable, consider a lock — not to guard against thieves, but well-meaning friends.
Rotate your cigars every month or so, moving the top layer to the bottom. This helps maintain even moisture and prevents over-humidification in certain areas.
For travel, a portable humidor or cigar case will keep your favourites safe and in perfect condition wherever you go.
Ageing and Bloom
If your cigars seem a little “green” or fresh, give them time to mature. Proper ageing — six months to a year — allows the filler, binder, and wrapper to harmonise, mellowing harshness and deepening flavour.
You might notice tiny white dots forming on the wrapper over time. This is called bloom (or plume) — a natural sign of healthy ageing as essential oils crystallise. Simply brush it off.
If, however, you ever see small insects (the dreaded Lasioderma beetles), isolate the affected cigars immediately and clean your humidor. Keeping the temperature below 21°C (70°F) will prevent hatching, though, thankfully, infestations are rare.
How to Judge a Cigar’s Quality
Before you even light up, a well-made cigar will reveal itself through sight, touch, and aroma.
1. Appearance
A good cigar should look elegant — its wrapper smooth, lightly oily, and evenly coloured. The leaves should spiral consistently in one direction without rough seams or prominent veins.
2. Touch
Gently roll it between your fingers. It should feel firm yet springy, not brittle or overly soft. Hard or hollow spots can signal poor construction, which can lead to uneven burning.
3. Aroma
Even unlit, a fine cigar offers a rich, inviting scent — earthy, woody, spicy, or sweet, depending on the blend. If it smells flat or musty, it’s unlikely to smoke well.
4. Burn and Draw
When lit, a premium cigar should draw smoothly and burn evenly, producing a steady column of firm, grey-white ash. A loose, flaky ash or uneven burn often hints at rushed rolling or uneven tobacco distribution.
Flavour, Body, and Aroma — The Cigar Trinity
Like wine, every cigar can be appreciated through three main qualities: flavour, body, and aroma.
- Flavour – Cigar flavours range from sweet and nutty to spicy, woody, and creamy, with notes of coffee, cocoa, leather, citrus, or cedar. These nuances reflect the tobacco’s origin, fermentation, and age.
- Body – This refers to the cigar’s strength and presence on the palate — light, medium, or full-bodied. Beginners may prefer medium-bodied cigars while developing their palate.
- Aroma – The aroma should captivate you — rich, smooth, and balanced. It’s the invisible part of the experience that lingers in memory long after the smoke fades.
Quality Tobacco Makes the Difference
Even the best rollers can’t save poor tobacco. Great cigars rely on consistent access to top-grade leaf — grown, fermented, and aged with care. From Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo to Nicaragua’s Estelí Valley, terroir shapes the taste, texture, and burn of every cigar.
A good cigar should deliver the same smooth character across the box. If you notice dramatic variation between sticks, something may have gone amiss in storage or blending.
Remember — no two smoking experiences are ever identical. A cigar enjoyed in the morning with coffee will taste entirely different after dinner with a fine cognac. That’s part of the magic.
Final Thoughts
A fine cigar is more than rolled tobacco — it’s craftsmanship, patience, and passion in leaf form. Whether you’re learning to judge your first box or curating a collection worthy of envy, take time to observe, care for, and appreciate each cigar.
With proper storage, patience, and a keen eye, you’ll quickly learn to tell a good cigar not just by how it looks — but by how it feels, smells, burns, and, above all, satisfies.