Premium Cigars - Top Brands, Samplers & Etiquette

I remember the first time I savored a premium cigar – the rich aroma and smooth draw instantly hooked me. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to enjoy premium cigars. That includes what defines a premium cigar, how to choose one that fits your palate (with some of the best premium cigar brands as examples), and why premium cigar samplers are great for exploration. We'll also get into buying from reputable retailers, proper cigar storage in a humidor, cigar smoking etiquette, and even how the premium cigar market is evolving. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned aficionado, this guide will provide expert insights and tips to enhance your cigar experience.

What Defines a Premium Cigar?

Not all cigars are created equal. When we talk about premium cigars, we're referring to those high-quality, hand-rolled cigars crafted with exceptional care. A premium cigar is typically made entirely by hand using long-filler tobacco leaves (whole leaves that run the length of the cigar), unlike machine-made cigars which may use chopped tobacco or short fillers. These cigars are wrapped in whole tobacco leaf wrappers and use natural binders. Premium cigars also don't have filters or artificial tips like you might see on cheap cigarillos or mass-market sticks.

The cigar industry and regulators have specific criteria for what counts as premium. The Premium Cigar Association notes that a premium cigar is handmade with whole tobacco leaf, contains mostly long-filler tobacco, has no filter or non-tobacco mouthpiece, and contains no added flavors beyond natural tobacco premiumcigars.org

. Essentially, it's an all-natural product: just tobacco (plus water and vegetable gum to hold it together). In other words, those candy-flavored gas-station cigars don’t count as premium – the flavor in a premium cigar comes solely from tobacco and time.

Another hallmark of premium cigars is the attention to craftsmanship and detail. Many are made in famous cigar-producing regions by skilled torcedores (cigar rollers) who often train for years. These cigars might be aged for months or even years before reaching consumers, allowing their flavors to mellow and marry. The result is a cigar with a balanced, complex flavor profile – anything from creamy and mild to bold and full-bodied – and a slow, even burn. Premium cigars offer a level of quality and experience that machine-made cigars simply can't match.

Best Premium Cigar Brands

Certain brands in the cigar world have become synonymous with quality and luxury. These premium cigar brands have earned the respect of aficionados through years of consistent flavor and craftsmanship. Here are a few of the best:

• Cohiba: Perhaps the most iconic cigar name, with Cuban roots. Cohiba cigars (like the famous Behike) are known for rich, complex flavor and impeccable construction. The name itself is shorthand for premium quality in cigars.

• Montecristo: A legendary brand born in Cuba, now also made in Dominican factories for the global market. Montecristo offers a smooth, balanced experience (the No. 2 torpedo is a classic). These cigars appeal to both newcomers and seasoned smokers with their medium-to-full bodied flavors and excellent draw.

• Arturo Fuente: A pillar of Dominican cigar making. Arturo Fuente produces everything from affordable everyday smokes to high-end gems like the Opus X. The Fuente family’s dedication to quality and consistency means you can trust their cigars to deliver great construction and rich, aged tobacco flavors.

• Padrón: Nicaragua’s superstar brand, family-owned and celebrated by connoisseurs. Padrón cigars (especially their Anniversary series) are full-bodied and deeply flavorful, often with notes of cocoa, coffee, and spice. They consistently rank among the top-rated cigars in the world and exemplify Nicaraguan cigar excellence.

• Davidoff: A luxury brand with Swiss heritage and Dominican production. Davidoff cigars are all about elegance and perfect craftsmanship. Typically milder to medium in strength, they are incredibly smooth. Lighting up a Davidoff (say, a Signature or Aniversario series cigar) is like treating yourself to pure sophistication in cigar form.

How to Choose a Premium Cigar

Walking into a well-stocked humidor can be exciting and overwhelming – so many options! How do you pick the right premium cigar for you? Consider these factors:

1. Strength (Mild vs. Full): Cigars range from mellow and creamy to bold and peppery. If you’re a beginner, start with a mild to medium-bodied cigar. Seasoned smokers might prefer the rich flavor of a full-bodied cigar. Think about what intensity of flavor and nicotine you’d enjoy.

2. Size and Shape: The size (length and ring gauge) affects how long the cigar will smoke and how the flavors present. Generally, a smaller cigar will be a quicker, more intense smoke, while a larger one offers a cooler, longer-lasting experience with more complexity. Choose a size that fits the time you have and your comfort level.

3. Experiment and Ask for Advice: Ultimately, finding your favorite cigar comes with a bit of trial and error. Consider picking up a premium cigar sampler to sample a variety of brands, blends, and even different wrapper types without committing to just one. And don’t hesitate to ask a tobacconist or a fellow aficionado for recommendations – cigar people love to help others discover great smokes!

By thinking about strength and size – and being open to trying new things – you’ll be well on your way to selecting cigars that suit your palate. Remember, every cigar you try teaches you something about your preferences, so enjoy the exploration.

The Appeal of Premium Cigar Samplers

Variety is the spice of life – and that’s exactly the appeal of a premium cigar sampler. Sampler packs are curated sets of cigars (often 5 or 10 different sticks) bundled together, usually at a friendly price.

For newcomers, samplers are a fantastic introduction to the cigar world. Instead of buying a whole box of one kind, you can try an assortment of brands and blends to discover what you like. For example, a sampler might include one cigar each from five top brands, letting you compare a mild Dominican, a spicy Nicaraguan, a rich Honduran.

Seasoned aficionados enjoy samplers too. They’re a convenient way to sample new releases or limited editions without having to hunt down individual cigars. Many cigar lovers buy samplers to broaden their horizons or just to have a mix of smokes on hand for different moods or occasions.

Samplers also make great gifts. If you’re not sure what someone likes, a well-chosen sampler gives them a fun tasting journey. Just be sure to buy from a reputable retailer so you know the cigars are fresh and authentic. A premium sampler from a trusted source ensures you’re getting genuine, high-quality cigars.

In short, a sampler pack is your ticket to exploration. It offers the joy of experiencing a range of flavors and styles – a perfect fit for both newbies figuring out their palate and veterans looking for something new.

Is Cigs Premium Legit? Ensuring Retailer Legitimacy

You might find yourself googling something like "is cigs premium legit" when you come across a new website with tempting deals. Ensuring a cigar retailer is reputable will save you from scams or subpar products. Here are some tips:

• Do Your Research: Look up customer reviews and community forum posts about the seller. A well-known retailer with lots of positive feedback is a good sign; a site with many complaints or no track record is risky.

• Be Wary of Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals: Premium cigars aren't cheap to make, so if an online shop is selling top-tier cigars at unbelievable prices (especially rare Cuban cigars shipped to the US), be skeptical. Trustworthy retailers may have sales, but they won’t be practically giving $20 cigars away for $5.

• Test with a Small Order: If you’re unsure about a new vendor, buy just a few cigars first. See if the cigars arrive fresh, well-packed, and as described. A trial run lets you gauge their service and authenticity before committing to a larger purchase.

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the convenience of buying premium cigars online while avoiding the pitfalls. Stick with well-reviewed and established retailers, and you'll be lighting up genuine, great cigars every time.

Proper Storage and Maintenance of Cigars

To get the best flavor and longevity from your premium cigars, you need to store them correctly. Improper storage can dry out cigars or make them too damp, ruining the smoking experience. Here are some quick tips for keeping your cigars in top shape:

• Use a Humidor: A humidor is a special box (often cedar-lined) that maintains the ideal environment for cigars. Store your cigars in a humidor to keep them fresh. If you don’t have one, a sealed plastic container or bag with a humidification pack can work as a short-term solution.

• Maintain Proper Humidity (~70% RH): Premium cigars should be kept around 65-70% relative humidity. Too dry and they’ll become brittle and harsh; too humid and they may develop mold or burn poorly. Place a hygrometer in your humidor to monitor the humidity and adjust your humidification device (like humidifier jars or Boveda packs) as needed.

• Keep it Cool: Store cigars in a cool, stable temperature, about 65-70°F (18-21°C). Avoid extreme heat or cold. Never refrigerate cigars – refrigerators are too dry and cold, which can damage the tobacco. Also keep your humidor away from direct sunlight or heating vents to prevent temperature swings.

• Don’t Mix Flavors: Cigars can absorb flavors from their environment. It’s fine to store different cigars together, but don’t mix flavored or infused cigars with your traditional premium smokes, or everything might end up tasting like that one infused stick. Keep similar profiles together for the best experience.

• Check on Them: Every so often, open your humidor and take a look. Ensure there’s no mold (fuzzy white spots) on the cigars and that they feel supple, not dry or soggy. Rotate your cigars occasionally so they all get equal exposure to humidity. A little TLC will keep your collection ready to smoke at any time.

Cigar Smoking Etiquette and Tips

Part of appreciating a premium cigar is knowing how to enjoy it properly and courteously. Here are some essential etiquette tips to enhance your smoking experience:

• Cut and Light Correctly: Use a quality cutter (guillotine, V-cut, or punch) to remove just the cap of the cigar (the closed end) – you don’t need to cut deep. When lighting, prefer a wooden match or butane torch for a clean flame (fluid lighters can add off-tastes). Toast the foot first, then puff as you light to ensure an even burn.

• Do Not Inhale: Unlike cigarettes, cigars are about tasting the smoke, not breathing it into your lungs. Simply draw the smoke into your mouth, enjoy the flavors, and then exhale. Inhaling cigar smoke will likely be unpleasant and can overwhelm you with nicotine. Savor the taste, then let it out.

• Mind Your Ash, and Finish Gracefully: Let an ash form up to about an inch before gently tapping it off in an ashtray. There's no need to constantly ash every puff. When you're done (or the cigar is too short to hold comfortably), just set it down in the ashtray and let it extinguish on its own. Don’t stub it out like a cigarette – that’s considered bad form and can produce a nasty smell.

• Be Considerate of Others: If you're smoking around others (in a lounge or at a gathering), be mindful of your surroundings. Try not to blow smoke toward anyone and check if those nearby don’t mind you lighting up. Most people appreciate the courtesy. Cigar smoking is often a communal pleasure, and a little consideration goes a long way.

Following these guidelines will make your cigar sessions more enjoyable for you and those around you. Practicing good etiquette shows respect for the tradition of cigar smoking and for your fellow aficionados.

The Evolving Premium Cigar Market

The premium cigar scene continues to grow and change. Cuban cigars will always be classics, but these days cigars from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Honduras (and more) often rival the Cubans. Many of the highest-rated cigars in recent years have been Nicaraguan or Dominican. For enthusiasts, this means an abundance of choice – new blends, flavors, and brands to explore beyond the old favorites.

Another big change is the audience. The image of a cigar smoker has broadened. Younger adults are joining the hobby, drawn by the luxury and relaxation cigars offer. Cigar lounges are popping up as trendy social spots, and online communities connect aficionados worldwide. Meanwhile, manufacturers are innovating: releasing special small-batch blends, aging tobacco in novel ways, and creating cigar subscription clubs to reach consumers. Despite regulatory challenges in some countries, the premium cigar market is healthy and growing (the premium segment is even projected to keep expanding steadily in the coming years​ mordorintelligence.com. All this means it’s an exciting time to be a cigar lover – tradition is alive and well, but there’s always something new on the horizon.

Conclusion: Expert Recommendations and Key Takeaways

To wrap up, here are the key points every cigar enthusiast should remember:

• Premium = Quality: Premium cigars are defined by superior, hand-rolled construction and pure long-filler tobacco. They cost more than your average smoke, but they deliver richer flavor and a more refined experience.

• Stick to Trusted Brands: Especially when starting out, choose renowned premium cigar brands (think Cohiba, Montecristo, Arturo Fuente, Padrón, Davidoff, etc.). These brands have a proven track record for excellence. As your palate develops, feel free to explore boutique brands and new blends to expand your horizons.

• Choose and Store Wisely: Pick cigars that match your taste and the occasion – consider strength and size (and remember, a premium cigar sampler is a great way to discover what you like). Buy from reputable sources (if you wonder is cigs premium legit, it probably isn't – do some research!). And always store your cigars in a humidor at proper humidity so they stay fresh and ready to smoke.

• Enjoy with Etiquette: Savor your cigar slowly, don't inhale the smoke, and be courteous to those around you. Proper cutting, lighting, and letting the cigar rest between puffs will maximize enjoyment. Cigar smoking is as much about relaxation and camaraderie as it is about flavor, so take pleasure in the ritual and respect the tradition.

Happy smoking! May each premium cigar you light bring you enjoyment and a moment of true relaxation.