How to Choose Tobacco of the Highest Quality

No matter what anyone would have you believe, tobacco is one of the finer things in life. It is a delicacy that many indulge in, and for good reason.

It feels good to consume tobacco, and it is a luxury that many cannot live without. The secret, though, is to find and smoke the finest tobacco that you can get your hands on, which isn’t always easy. If you know what to look for, though, then you are in for the experience of a lifetime. Here’s how you can choose tobacco of the highest quality. 

Shape 

Many experts believe that shape is one of the most important factors determining the quality of a cigar. Before we get into the details, you should know what a cigar consists of first. The head is the part of the cigar that you put in your mouth. This is often sealed off and you will need to cut it so you can start smoking it. While a knife would do the trick here, it is always best to use a guillotine, but never your teeth. The wrapper is the body of your cigar, which encloses the filling of tobacco. Much of the cigar’s flavor comes from that wrapper. Then you have the foot, which you light. 

So, how do you find a cigar that is of the highest quality? It doesn’t need an expert. Do you feel comfortable holding it in your hand? Does it look good? The wrapper needs to be applied without any gaps, tears, or other deformities. The color of the cigar wrapper also tells you a lot about its quality; it needs to be uniform, without any spots or varying shades. 

Tobacco Quality  

The cigar you smoke needs to be of the highest quality, and you need to find a seller that tells you the origin of the tobacco and how it was manufactured. Different types come from all over the world, and the history of tobacco can help you determine its quality. As explained on Gotham Cigars, you need to know where the wrapper came from, the origin of the tobacco itself, and the strength of the cigar. Details like this will help you judge the quality of the tobacco you are about to get. You should look for fermented tobacco with as little additives as possible.

Cigars with plenty of additives are rarely of high quality and you should steer clear of those. It might also be worth it to look for aged tobacco, which tastes a lot better, though it might be more expensive depending on the seller. You should also avoid cigars that were not kept at appropriate humidity levels because the tobacco in those will feel dry and tasteless. 

The Feel 

The feel of the cigar will also tell you a lot about its quality. A cigar should be filled with tobacco and have a firm feel in your hand. It shouldn’t have any weak spots. You can test that by rolling between your thumb and index fingers and make sure it doesn’t have any lumps or gaps. The texture of the cigar should also feel smooth, not rough, because bad construction makes for a poor smoking experience. It’s important that you feel comfortable with the cigar in your hand because a well-built cigar most likely has quality tobacco and will offer a great experience. 

Fragrance 

The last thing you need to examine while looking for quality cigars is the fragrance. The flavor of the cigar makes a world of difference in the experience, and you need to make sure it is good. You can remove the outer wrapping of the cigar, bring it closer to your nose, and inhale. How does it smell? If it smells good, then chances are it will taste good as well. Some manufacturers, for instance, enhance the flavor of their cigars with a little rum and honey. Others add a hint of creamy vanilla, while some add exotic earthy flavors like raisins or nuts. These flavors add a beautiful fragrance to the cigar and they provide a delightful smoking experience. 

In time, you will get better at identifying the best cigars out there with the highest quality tobacco. You can never go wrong with the bigger brands because they often offer high-quality tobacco. You should steer clear of the more expensive types, though, at least at first. You won’t be able to identify the difference between an expensive cigar and a cheap one. So, give your palette a little time before moving to the pricier cigars.