On a recent trip to Jamaica, I stumbled into an amazing cigar shop. It was filled with fine Cuban cigars—but many of the store’s visitors seemed lost, not knowing what to buy or even how to approach the subject.
Arming yourself with just a little info can help you find the ideal cigar. (And while I’m not going to reveal that cigars are good for you, straight bourbon and three-gin martinis aren’t, either.)
Cigar Clubs: In St. Louis, there are more private cigar clubs than public (see below). Among the latter: The Charles P. Stanley Cigar Company and Lounge downtown and the Cigar Inn in Belleville, Ill.
Size: A short cigar will burn hotter, while longer varieties will burn relatively cooler. A fatter cigar with a larger ring gauge will have a full draw, providing intense flavor, while a skinnier cigar will have a tighter draw and be less overwhelming.
Qué Color: One of the largest contributing factors to the flavor and intensity of a cigar is indicated by wrapper color. Much of a cigar’s flavor comes from the outer wrapper, which is also the highest grade of the cigar. The binder, or inner wrapper, and the filler are really just a vehicle for the outer wrapper. In simple terms, the darker the color, the richer and more intense the smoke will be.
Lighting Up: Most people will just grab a book of matches and go for it. Instead, use cedar strips, no-sulfur matches, or a specialty lighter. The flame should never touch the end of the cigar; just warm the end until a flame starts. Generally, the best part of the cigar is the first two-thirds, but feel free to enjoy it until you don’t.
WHERE TO PUFF IN PRIVATE
Cigar Club at Herbie’s Vintage 72: Membership includes a per-sonalized humidor and a key to the 30-seat hideaway. Dues are $1,000 per year.
The Back Room at The Cheshire: The lounge includes a private entrance and several membership levels, from $1,500 to $4,800 annually. Food-and-beverage service is available after 3 p.m.
The Cigar Club at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis: An annual membership of $2,500 includes a humidor, discounts on rooms and food, and a yearly black-tie club dinner. Public access is $50 per night, though it’s complimentary to hotel guests.
Durango Cigar Lounge at Brennan’s: An annual fee of $1,000 puts $500 toward in-house credit. Limited access and nightly memberships are also available.
A former sommelier at The French Laundry, Hoel serves as a senior wine advisor for Soutirage, a Napa Valley wine merchant and advisory firm.
