Emma We joined Online Cigars for an online cigar masterclass as we have noticed that cigars and whisky seem to be a popular pairing and we wanted to know more about how cigars are enjoyed.
In the world of cigars, much like fine wines, the experience is shaped by a rich tapestry of styles, origins, and craftsmanship. From the choice of leaves to the ageing process, each cigar is a reflection of its country’s heritage—whether it’s a bold Nicaraguan or a refined Cuban. Just as wines vary based on their grape varieties and regions, cigars offer diverse flavour profiles depending on the type of tobacco leaves used, their ageing, and meticulous blending, making them as nuanced and distinct as a prized bottle of wine.
How are cigars made?
The tobacco leaves arrive from the tobacco fields in dry sheets so they are first moistened, graded and sorted by the blender. The blender makes the recipe and passes the tobacco leaves onto the roller (torcedor).
The rollers then selects two to four filler leaves, which are rolled into a tube and then covered by binder leaves and then placed into a mould to shape the cigar into shape. A wrapper leaf is trimmed to size and cut to form a cap, which is glued into place.
These are then fumigated in a vacuum chamber are placed in humidors for three weeks to settle and remove any excess moisture.
The cigars are then graded and labelled.
How to smoke a cigar
First of all, get a cutter, this means that you will be smoking from an even surface. Using a cutter, slice quickly from the covered end of the cigar
Nest step is to light your cigar. You will need a flame which will burn for a while, a matchstick isn’t the best here. Place the cigar above the flame, spin the cigar around so that the end burns evenly and there is an orange glow.
One of the main things to remember is that you do not inhale cigar smoke.
Take a smooth, shallow puff, as if you are using a straw. Bring the smoke into your mouth, them blow out.
Repeat with slow puffs and enjoy the cigar taking it slow.
You don’t have to smoke the whole cigar in the one sitting, the cigar can be relit later, just don’t leave it too long!
Gifting Cigars
Looking for the perfect gift this Christmas or festive season? Online-Cigars.com have compiled a thoughtful, elegant cigar gift guide—ideal for celebrating special occasions. Whether you’re shopping for newcomers, those celebrating, or cigar aficionados, here’s a guide to help you select the perfect cigar for each person on your list!
Best for a Celebratory Budget
Recommended Cigar: Oliva Serie V Melanio Petit Corona
If you’re on a budget, the Oliva Serie V Melanio Petit Corona is an excellent choice. At just £6 per cigar, it offers incredible value while still looking impressive with its dark, oily wrapper and embossed gold bands. With rich, sweet notes of dried dates, cocoa powder, and a touch of spice, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
The Winners Cigar
Recommended Cigar: Cohiba Robusto
This iconic Cuban cigar is known for its rich coffee and spicy flavours, earning a 96/100 rating from Cigar Aficionado. Historically reserved for Fidel Castro, it’s a cigar of prestige, making it an ideal gift for entrepreneurial parents. Its golden brown wrapper and elegant gold bands make it feel like you’re unwrapping a treasure.
Unique Gift
Recommended Cigar: Cohiba Year of the Rabbit Cohiba
For a truly unique gift, the Cohiba Year of the Rabbit cigar commemorates the Chinese Lunar New Year. This limited edition beauty comes in a stunning lacquered box and is designed to impress with flavours of green tea, white pepper, and earthy notes. Only 18,888 boxes were produced, making it an exclusive gift your grandparents will treasure.
For the Romantic
Recommended Cigar: Romeo y Julieta Cupidos LCDH
Romeo y Julieta, a brand that shares its name with literature’s most famous lovers, offers the perfect gift for anniversaries. The Cupidos is a limited edition cigar available in specialty shops and online. Its sweet, creamy smoke with notes of earth, white pepper, and coffee make it a wonderful way to express your love.
For New Year Celebrations – Given to Castro’s VIPs
Recommended Cigar: Trinidad Vigia
Start the New Year off right with the bold and luxurious Trinidad Vigia. Once reserved for Fidel Castro’s foreign guests, this is now available to the public and makes a great winter cigar. Its large ring gauge allows for a full flavour profile, including earthy truffle notes, oak, and a warm nutty finish. Rated 94/100 by Cigar Aficionado, it’s perfect for ringing in the New Year.
For Birthdays and Family Occasion – Something for Everyone
Recommended Cigar: Samplers Buy
Not sure which cigar to choose? Opt for a sampler! Whether you go for the luxurious Davidoff range or a more budget-friendly option like the Nub Tubos sampler, giving a variety of cigars is a fantastic way to let your loved one explore new flavours. Samplers come in beautifully presented boxes or handy humidity pouches, making them ideal gifts for cigar lovers.
Black Friday Deals
This Black Friday, Online-Cigars.com have some special offers which are only available until 2nd December 2024.
Featured Deals
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Cohiba Robusto – The epitome of Cuban craftsmanship, with rich coffee and spicy flavours. Was £28, now £24 per cigar.
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AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes Maduro Toro – A full-bodied masterpiece with notes of cocoa and dark espresso. Was £139, now £110 per box of 20.
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Romeo y Julieta Cupidos LCDH – Romantic and creamy, with hints of earth and white pepper. Was £29, now £25 per cigar.
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Oliva Serie V Melanio Petit Corona – Perfect for budget-conscious smokers, offering a smooth, sweet profile. Was £7, now £6 per cigar.
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Trinidad Vigia – Luxurious and bold, once reserved for VIPs. Was £22, now £18 per cigar.
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Sampler Packs – Explore a variety of premium blends with beautifully packaged samplers. Starting at £28.
