by David Braybrooke

Created on: August 17, 2007

The range and prices of cigars on the market is simply staggering. Many countries of the world produce good quality products yet Cuba is widely regarded as the market leader for the finest available. If one can afford them, hand-rolled cigars are a better cigar than the machined variety; other factors to take into consideration are the strength of the cigar, the particular taste sought and of course, one's budget.

To the cigar aficionado the particular taste of a brand differs from another. Cigars have many subtle flavors which may include a hint of spice, cocoa/chocolate, peat/moss/earth, coffee, nut, wood, berry and even honey.

Along with the purchase of the cigars themselves, one may decide to buy a humidor, cigar case, lighter, cutter and ashtray. Once the basics are acquired then a rewarding smoking experience can begin.

The #1 Cigar in the world, based on popularity, is the Montecristo No. 4 (Cuban). A box of 25 may set you back $300 (US) or thereabouts but the sheer luxury of the taste is hard to beat.

For the beginner and inexperienced, I would advise that one starts with a milder brand of cigar in order to get used to the taste and sensation. Brands such as Baccarat, Panter or La Fontana produce a milder product. Although it is not widely known, cigars from Jamaica are quite often very mild in taste.

For the more experienced Don Diegos, Las Cabrillas and Quinteros then moving onto the more full-bodied Bances, Henry Clays or Te Amos. Keep in mind that there are a large number of different cigar brands so shop around to find the one that appeals to you.

Two cheap cigars available are the Exalibur No 5, $3.25 each (approx.) or a Flor de Oliva Torpedo. Both are recognized as being a good buy for those wanting to try cigar smoking yet don't want to pay top dollar.

Personally, I used to enjoy smoking a German brand of cigar when I was a resident of a Hotel but personal taste will vary for each individual. When one considers that so many countries produce them, including Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Finland, Greece, Honduras, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Turkey, United States, Venezuela and others, one begins to see how wide a choice is available on the market.

Brands like Boliva, Cohiba, Cuaba, Diplomaticos, Juan Lopez, Quintero, White Owl, Taino and Ankara are all recommended. So many on-line sites selling cigars handle orders, these include:

1001 Cuban Cigars, 2000 Smoker, 2 Guys Smoke Shop, 6Gares, ABC - The Cigar Store, Alexander Cigar Merchants, All Flavored Cigars.com, Best Cigars On-line, Best Priced Cubans. Shop around to find the best deals or visit your local tobacconist to get a real feel and aroma.

You get what you pay for but no matter if you are indulging in a Double Corona limited edition or are unlucky to have selected a 'dog rocket' (poor quality cigar), take some time to research the available lines of several companies in order to find a satisfactory brand. Happy smoking!

SOURCES:

www.beerliquors.com
en.wikipedia.org
w ww.cigargroup.com
www.cigarsforless.com
cigars.about.c om

Learn more about this author, David Braybrooke.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.