Cigar Aficionado – A Journey into The Cigar Universe

A cigar aficionado differs from other pastimes, as being a cigar enthusiast requires great devotion and passion. It is for some who regard to savoring the artistry of smoking, the memorable journey is encapsulated in a unique legacy and an expansive vivid narrative that captivates all five senses. The very first encounter with premium cigars is utterly mind-boggling, it requires a tremendous amount of background understanding which makes this new world seem so inviting.

In this post, I am going to explain in further details about Cigar aficionado, the aspects differentiating the varieties of cigars, how best one can relish and delight in cigars, and lastly, why OM Cigars has everything a cigar aficionado desires in regards to premium cigars.

What is a Cigar Aficionado?

Passion-driven individual who loves discussing about the different types of cigars, their historical significance, production, and the surrounding culture is described as a cigar aficionado.

Because of the painstaking effort that goes into making a cigar, enthusiasts treat every cigar as a masterpiece. From the flavor to the craftsmanship, smoking a cigar is an occasion that garners absolute focus and precision.

To most people, aficionado means appreciating the best of the best, but in this case, it means putting together a custom ritual. It begins with picking the appropriate cigar, trimming, lighting it, ensuring it burns flawlessly, and finally, immersing oneself into the world within the cigar.

Aficionados go beyond just consuming cigars. The cigar aficionado uses them as every single cigar is a passion that follows them wherever they go.

How To Pick The Best Cigar For Smoker You Are

If you are someone who smokes cigarettes, you would not be surprised that worrying about which cigar to smoke comes next in line. Cigars tend to differ on a lot of aspects like size, shape, appearance and even the brand of tobacco used and every cigar comes with its own distinct features. In its simplest form, here are some pointers that can help you get the best cigar:

1. Tobacco Blend

Tobacco blend as the name suggests is arguably the most pronounced part of a cigar and it does come with a distinct and unique taste that is different to say the least. A cigar is usually created from 3 different types of tobaccos:

• Filler: which is the inner most part of the cigar
• Binder; which is the tobacco that holds things together
• Wrapper: which is the most external leaf that makes the cigar look nice and gives it class.

Funnily enough, all of these factors determine the taste of the cigar.

• Cigar smokers who prefer mild to medium bodied cigars will find it best to look in Dominican Republic.
• A smoker who is into fuller bodied and more intricate flavored cigars will find Nicaragua satisfying.
• Cuba is historically known for their cigars that are rich in flavor and full of complex taste.

2. Cigar Size and Shape

Cigar size and shape aren’t just about aesthetics—they directly affect burn time, smoke output, and flavor intensity. A cigar’s length and ring gauge (diameter) influence how long it burns and how cool or hot the smoke is.

• Robusto (5 x 50): A short, thick cigar offering rich flavor in a compact smoke.
• Toro (6 x 50): Slightly longer than the Robusto, delivering a slower, fuller-bodied experience.
• Churchill (7 x 48): A classic, longer smoke with room for evolving flavor notes.

Understanding shapes can also help:

• Parejo (straight-sided cigars): Traditional shape, easier to cut and light.
• Figurado (irregular shapes): More complex construction, often associated with premium craftsmanship.

3. Wrapper Leaf

Often underestimated, the wrapper leaf can contribute up to 60% of a cigar’s flavor. It’s also the first thing you see—making it essential both for aesthetics and taste.

Common wrapper types include:

• Claro: Light in color, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
• Maduro: Darker, richer, and typically more complex in taste—great for experienced smokers.
• Oscuro: Even darker and oilier than Maduro, delivering deep, bold flavors with subtle spice.

Some wrappers have unique characteristics such as vein texture, sheen, and elasticity, which can influence burn and aroma. A high-quality wrapper enhances smoothness and ensures a consistent smoking experience.

4. The Process of Aging

Unlike any other item, cigars tend to improve with age. The mellowing of flavors over time greatly enhances the experience. Most aficionados believe that aging cigars over several years improves their smoothness.

For Aficionados: Enjoying A Cigar In An Orderly Fashion

Every aficionado worth their salt knows that enjoying the cigar step by step is an experience by itself. The enjoyment starts from selecting the cigar to each puff taken and must seamlessly carry on to each movement. Here are some great tips that will allow you to enjoy your cigar to the fullest:

1. Cutting the Cigar

The first step to enjoying a cigar is perhaps the most tedious which is cutting the cigar. It is advised that you only cut the crown of the cigar and nothing else. Free and unhindered airflow should be maintained while smoking the cigar. There are different types of cutters: guillotine, v-cut, or even punch cutters. In the end, choice of cutter rests on personal taste.

2. Smoking the Cigar

Using a butane torch lighter or matches to ignite the cigar guarantees no unwanted flavors. It’s crucial to light the foot properly and to take air into the cigar to avoid uneven lighting.

3. Enjoying the Cigar

Cigars are best enjoyed when smoked because of the chronology of the flavors, aroma, and the changes in flavor. The smoke should be savored not inhaled as cigars are to be enjoyed not drawn in.

4. Taking a break with the Cigar

Relishing a cigar during or after savors guarantees even burn and rested flavor ensuring maximum enjoyment. Cigar lovers enjoy time while taking in every puff and appreciating the sheer magnificence of the flavors and fragrant notes with each draw.

Why Choose OM Cigars for Your Cigar Experience? 

It is our aim to strive for perfection and stand out with OM Cigars being one of the leading experts in the cigar industry. We focus on ensuring that you have a premium cigar either for yourself, or as a gift to share with other aficionados.

Here is why OM Cigars is the one stop shop:

1. Only the best grade cigars are selected from us that are proven to be of the highest standard grade tobacco.
2. Your cigar will be selected with the utmost care by our knowledgeable staff who are surely going to ensure it’s a flawless match.
3. You’ll find branded OM Cigars cutters, lighters, humidors and even elegant attorneys, so your cigar finishing touches are as personalized as they come.
4. Whether you prefer a mild cigar, or the boldness of a full bodied experience, we will always provide tailored recommendations for you to optimize your time with us.
5. We pride ourselves on superior service at OM Cigars, which includes help from the first order to the last puff of your cigar.

Final Words: Embrace The Art Form That Is Enjoying Cigars

Becoming a member of the smoking community means indulging in premium cigars. But celebrating the craft that goes into each cigar and every single detail of each experience is a whole different world. No matter if you are an experienced cigar enthusiast or just starting out, you’re bound to appreciate the symphony of taste and aroma with a rich historical background.