To the average newbie, cigar collecting might sound intimidating — but it’s more doable than you think. Some folks have rooms full of rare Cubans worth more than your car, but that’s not where you start.
Think of cigar collecting like building a really cool library, but instead of books, you’re accumulating these incredible little bundles of craftsmanship, each with its own history. A couple of stories revolve around the sunny fields in Nicaragua. Others whisper of Dominican artisans skillfully rolling tobacco leaves.
What makes cigar collecting unique?
Here’s what distinguishes cigar collecting from, say, baseball card collecting. Each cigar is truly a work of smokable art. Someone cultivated those tobacco leaves – probably their family has been doing it for generations. Then someone hand-rolled it, using techniques passed down for hundreds of years.
So what’s special about collecting cigars? No two cigars from the same box are identical—like snowflakes, but way more fun. They carry the DNA of their soil, microclimate, and year. A 2019 cigar can taste completely different from that same blend in 2023. And here’s the kicker – cigars actually age well! Not all, and not invariably, but most grow more subtle in taste with proper storage over months or years.
Benefits of building your own collection
Building your own collection is like having a personal flavor library. After a stressful day, grab something mild to relax. Celebrating a win? Break out that special cigar you’ve been saving.
Got some friends who usually don’t smoke dropping by? Wow – you have something to suit their palate, on standby. There’s the investment angle, too; however, that shouldn’t be your main reason to collect. Certain rare cigars increase in value over time.
Understanding cigar basics before collecting
Before you start spending a pretty penny on pretty cigar boxes, let’s review the basics. This isn’t rocket science, but having them at your fingertips will save you from rookie pitfalls.
Cigar types – Shapes, sizes and strengths
Cigars are divided into basically two shape families: Parejos and Figurados. Parejos are your standard straight-sided cigars – think the classic cigar shape. Figurados are the classy ones tapered at the head and/or foot, like Torpedos (head) or Perfectos (head AND foot).
Size matters, measured by length and ring gauge (diameter in 64ths of an inch). Thicker cigars usually offer more flavor and longer smokes; slimmer ones burn faster. Neither is better—just different experiences.
Strength is when it gets good. Mild cigars won’t knock your socks off – they’re smooth, perfect for beginners. Medium cigars are more flavorful without being overwhelming. Full-bodied cigars are heavy hitters that will overwhelm a newbie.
Famous cigars to know
Arturo Fuente is the Honda of cigars – reliable, masterfully made, loved by everyone. Romeo y Julieta is perfect for beginners – smooth, mild, subtle, forgiving. Montecristo’s White Series offers buttery, gentle flavors that won’t dominate.
Then you have the heavy hitters: Padrón, Perdomo, Oliva. These brands age beautifully and never fail to impress. VegaFina Classic is another mild, tasty ‘starter.’
Reading cigar labels and packaging
Cigar labels are like mini passports. The trademark tells who made it. Size specs (i.e., ‘6 x 50’ meaning 6 inches long with 50 ring gauge), tell you the smoking time.
The wrapper – that outer leaf – is everything. Lighter wrappers mean milder flavors; darker ones pack a bigger punch. Origin matters immensely. Cuban cigars are legendary for a reason, but Dominican, Nicaraguan and Honduran cigars all possess their distinct character.
How to start your first cigar collection
This is where the rubber meets the road. Starting out doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
Budgeting for your collection
You don’t need to blow your budget. Quality beats quantity every time. I’d rather have 5 really good cigars than 20 so-so ones that’ll let you down.
A bunch of amazing cigars sell for $8-15 – not inexpensive, but not mortgage-payment level either. Sampler packs are your best friend when starting—they let you try brands without committing to full boxes of cigars you might not like.
Cigars for your palate
- Start mild, no exceptions. Jumping to strong cigars as a newbie is like trying a marathon without training.
- Play around with different origins, wrapper types and sizes.
- Keep notes on what you like and why—your palate will evolve.
- Try smaller cigars. A 4-inch cigar will take 30-45 minutes to puff, but a 7-inch monster can burn 2+ hours. When learning, less is more.
Where to buy quality cigars
Local shops are great for beginners—staff guide you, you can smell cigars, buy singles, and often enjoy lounges with other smokers.
Online sellers have huge inventories and generally lower prices as well, especially on rare editions. Reputable sites assure authenticity, which is highly significant, as fake cigars are a reality. Avoid deals from no-name sources – if it sounds too inexpensive, it probably is.
Proper storage and maintenance
This gets a little geeky, but humidity is the difference between great cigars and expensive sadness.
The magic of humidors
Cigars are oily and must stay moist. Too dry, they crack and taste harsh. Too humid and they’ll develop mold or tobacco beetles.
A humidor will keep them in perfect conditions: 65-72% humidity and 68-72°F. Most are lined with Spanish cedar, which regulates the moisture and keeps out beetles. You need three things: a humidification system, a hygrometer (measures humidity), and a quality seal.
Seasoning and maintaining a humidor
Season your new humidor before you load cigars into it, like breaking in a baseball mitt.
Wipe the inside with a distilled water-dampened cloth (never tap – the minerals screw things up). Then, stick a wet sponge in there for 24-48 hours with your humidifier. Let the wood absorb humidity until your hygrometer reads the target RH steadily.
For maintenance, keep a close eye on your humidifier and refill it as needed. Rotate cigars occasionally for even aging. It’s a bit like tending a mini garden – but easier and with more immediate rewards.
Alternative storage options
No $200+ fancy humidor? No problem. Tupperdors are Tupperware with humidity packs–they work amazingly and cost around $20. For bigger stashes, some use converted wine fridges (wineadors) that maintain perfect temperature and humidity. The secret is steady conditions, not the snazziest gear.
Aging cigars
Well-aged cigars blend oils, soften, and deepen flavors. Not all age well—some peak after months, others years. The only way to know is by tasting the same cigar over time.
Aging tricks and tips
Keep conditions – temperature and humidity swings are aging’s nemesis. While a few collectors age entire boxes unopened, others unbox cigars and age individually. Both work. The secret is patience and sporadic tasting.
Taste one or two from your aging stock every few months and note it down. You’ll know when a cigar hits its sweet spot for you. Expand and diversify your collection. Once you know what you like, it’s time to get adventurous.
Exploring limited editions and hidden treasures
The temporary nature of limited editions makes them valuable. Thankfully, many brands do yearly or anniversary blends. These can be great add-ons and can even sometimes appreciate in value.
A good place to start your explorations would be attending cigar events and forums at your local neighborhood lounges. The employees typically know their stuff, and customers are usually glad to trade tips. Lots of them host cigar fests and events with brand reps, tastings, and educational seminars around the country – kind of like comic cons for smokers.
Cataloging your collection
Keep track of your collection in a notebook, spreadsheet, or app like Cigar Scanner. Record purchases and tasting notes. For expensive cigars, take photos of bands and boxes. This isn’t obsessiveness – it’s great for keeping track of what you loved and what you didn’t.
Curating a collection that suits your palate
Some enthusiasts prefer a theme—maybe all Cubans or just from one brand. Others prefer variety. Mix everyday smokes with landmark cigars. Have mild cigars for newbie smoker buddies coming over, and full-bodied powerhouses for when you want to get deep.
Common mistakes to avoid
Let’s save you some money and frustration:
- Don’t buy a bunch before you know what you like!
- Don’t cheap out on storage – destroyed cigars are expensive mistakes.
- Season your humidor.
- Don’t buy from sketchy, questionable sources.
- Don’t get carried away with brand buzz – your palette matters, not the magazine ratings!
Conclusion
Building an impactful cigar collection is about defining your own journey of craft, tradition, and taste. Get going with a bang and never forget that each cigar has a story. Concentrate on excellence, don’t doubt your palate, and keep your stogies properly humidified.
Most importantly, enjoy the process. Each cigar is a lesson. Every conversation expands your knowledge. Each perfectly aged stick reminds you why this hobby is fulfilling.
Your collection is uniquely yours. Make it count, make it fun and make it represent your adventure through this marvelous universe. Your best humidor isn’t the priciest one – it’s the one making you happiest, one sublime stogie at a time.
