Deciding which type of cigar is right for you is always a complicated and time-consuming process, especially if you are new to the cigar-smoking world.

The best advice I can give is to experiment – test out as many different types and brands of cigar as you can, and in time you will learn which kinds suit you better than others. Experience is the key in this area.

Like the amount of water to put in whiskey, the type of cigar you smoke is a matter of personal choice. There is no right or wrong answer, and it’s important that whatever type of cigar you end up choosing matches your own preferences and is not influenced by external factors.

Size, shape and color
The size of a cigar is written LXRG, where L is the length of the cigar in inches, and RG is the ring gauge. Havana cigars range from 9X64, which is 1 inch wide, to 4X30. Most of the time, cigar smokers tend to stick with the size they are accustomed to, as it can be difficult to compare the taste and aroma of a cigar in a size you are not used to smoking. It’s best to find a size you are comfortable with and stick to it.

The size of a cigar is measured by its length and ring gauge (the diameter of the cigar). One ring is equivalent to 1/64 of an inch. In general, the larger the ring size, the fuller and more complex a flavor the cigar will have, and the more smoke it will produce. This is because a larger ring size allows cigar makers to blend and combine different types of leaves to a greater extent.

It is often difficult to judge the way in which the shape of a cigar affects its taste. This is exacerbated by the fact that there are no set standards used between manufacturers when it comes to the shape, so it is difficult to compare the shapes of different brands of cigar. It is often easier for the cigar neophyte to make a note of the shape written on the box in order to remember what he has been smoking. A good tobacconist will be able to help you find a cigar that matches your preferences.

In terms of color, the darker the wrapper, the more full-bodied the cigar is likely to be. The longer the leaf stays on the plant, the more sunlight it gets and the darker it will end up being. There are dozens of possible shades of cigar wrappers. Some of the more common colors are:

• Double Claro – has a light green wrapper and a very mild flavor.
• Claro – has a light tan wrapper and a smooth, mild flavor.
• Natural - light brown to brown. It has a fuller bodied flavor than the Claro.
• Colorado - reddish dark brown, with a robust, rich flavor.
• Colorado Maduro – a dark brown wrapper with a rich, aromatic flavor.
• Maduro – is very dark brown, and usually has a strong, sweet flavor.
• Oscuro - the darkest maduro wrapper, oscuro is almost black and is stronger than the lighter maduro wrappers.

Ask your tobacconist
You should not be afraid to ask your tobacconist for help when purchasing. Cigars are a luxury item, and the service you receive should reflect this. It’s a good idea to talk with the staff and let them guide you through the various options (and there are many) that are available to you.

A good tobacconist should have a good quality humidor, and should keep the cigars properly in addition to displaying them well.

Cigar care
A little bit of bloom on the cigars is acceptable, and indeed, is the sign of proper ageing. Bloom will show itself as tiny dots, which can be brushed off and the cigar put back on display. More of a problem is the threat of tobacco beetles, more information about which can be found here: How to deal with tobacco beetles.

When buying cigars, you should always check the freshness before you purchase. There is nothing wrong with asking your tobacconist to let you see a cigar up close, and this will allow you to check the quality of the construction of the cigar as well as the freshness. A well-constructed cigar should be spongy to the touch, yet resilient enough to hold its shape where you have pressed your finger into it.