If you’re new to the world of cigar collecting and wondering how to build a premium collection, you’ve come to the right place. Cigars have a rich history and an allure that captivates enthusiasts around the globe. Whether you’re an occasional smoker looking to appreciate the craftsmanship of fine cigars or a true connoisseur seeking to curate a diverse collection, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the basics of cigar collecting. From selecting the right cigars to proper storage and appreciation, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your journey as a passionate cigar collector.
Understanding Cigar Basics
Before you dive into collecting cigars, it’s essential to understand the basics. Cigars come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors, each offering a unique smoking experience. The shape and size, known as the vitola, play a significant role in the smoking characteristics of a cigar. For instance, the robusto is popular for its balanced flavor, while the longer Churchill offers a more extended smoking time.
The flavor profile of a cigar depends on the blend of tobacco leaves used in its construction. The filler, binder, and wrapper leaves contribute to a cigar’s taste, strength, and aroma. Learning about the different cigar types and their origins will help you choose the best ones for your collection.
Selecting Quality Cigars for a Cigar Collection
Quality is crucial for building a cigar collection. Look for reputable cigar brands and trusted cigar shops. Inspect the cigars for a smooth and even wrapper, firm construction, and no visible imperfections. A well-constructed cigar ensures an even burn and a satisfying smoking experience.
The aroma of a cigar is also an essential indicator of its quality. Gently smell the cigar’s foot (the end you light) to gauge its aroma. A rich and inviting aroma suggests the cigar is appropriately aged and well-made.
Remember, the price of a cigar is not the only determinant of its quality. Sometimes a luxury cigar may come at a reasonable price, while others with higher price tags may not meet your expectations. Don’t be afraid to explore different options and brands to find the best cigars that suit your palate.
But what influences the price and value of investment-grade cigars?
Age and Aging
Aging cigars is like a fine wine; the flavor develops and improves with age. Don’t expect dramatic changes; it is subtle but worth it. Older cigars are more valuable because there’s less of them.
The U.S.A.’s embargo on Cuban cigars during the Cuban missile crisis certainly helped (or hindered, depending on how you look at it) these cigars to reach high prices.
Country of Origin and Regional Releases
Where the cigar was produced, most of us know Cuban cigars reign supreme in the cigar world, and for good reason! They care about producing top-notch cigars, and over 100 steps are involved in making a handmade Cuban cigar. The attention to detail is astounding and pushes the price up. Nicaraguan and Dominican cigars are good options if you’re trying to build up a collection of quality cigars.
Limited Edition Cigars
Limited editions will always attract higher prices because very few are in the market. It is a case of supply and demand—20,000 cigars vs. 2,000 cigars makes you want to own a box of those rare two thousand cigars! Run-of-the-mill cigars are riskier as investments because there are many of them, but anything can happen…
Luxury Cigar Brands
Brand plays an important role. Again, it concerns the cigar’s quality standards, exclusivity, and rarity.
Big names like Cubano Davidoff, Padron, Habanos SA, and LDF are excellent and safe investment choices. All of these cigar manufacturers cater to the luxury cigar industry.
Perfect Condition Equals Good Investment
Condition is paramount. Properly stored cigars are more likely to reach high prices because you’ve taken the time and patience to care for the cigars.
An unopened box is also worth a lot more than an open one because it is a ‘complete set’ instead of a broken set of cigars.
Inspect Your Cigars
Just like you won’t buy a box of cigars, you’re going to smoke without inspecting them; the same goes for your investment cigars. Opening a box of rare cigars to find they’ve succumbed to mold or cigar beetles feasted on the wrappers is a costly surprise you don’t want to encounter. Or, a box of inconsistently colored cigars is a huge letdown… Always inspect the goods before you hand over money. When buying from a reputable dealer, you will have some guarantee that you are getting a quality product.
Buying Cigars at Auctions
With the rise of online auctions and cigar sellers on the internet, it’s essential to be cautious and avoid wasting money on subpar cigars. While they may appear appealing in pictures, it’s crucial to check if the cigars are consistent in color and free from mold or hidden beetles. Always buy from reputable dealers or auction houses to ensure a safe purchase.
When participating in auctions, staying vigilant is critical to avoiding deceptive sellers. Thoroughly inspect the cigar box before purchasing to ensure authenticity and quality.
Alternatively, consider buying directly from the manufacturer or trusted cigar shops and auctioneers for added confidence in the cigar’s production and care.
Auctions often feature Cuban vintage cigars and select regional releases, so having a keen eye is vital to identify cigars with wholesome and flavorful tobacco blends. Examining the wrappers is crucial; a glossy and evenly veined appearance indicates a well-crafted cigar.
The filler tobacco’s aroma also helps assess its quality, as experienced cigar aficionados can confirm.
The type of wrapper leaf, whether dark or light, influences a cigar’s appeal and price at auctions. While dark wrapper leaves may not affect flavor significantly, their visual allure makes them more sought after and valuable.
While Cuban wrapper leaf carries prestige, its impact on taste and quality may be minimal. Despite this, top auctions often showcase Cuban brands, yet quality cigars from any origin will always find buyers.
Being well-informed and observant ensures a satisfying and enjoyable cigar-collecting experience.
Proper Storage and Humidification
Cigars require specific conditions to maintain their freshness and flavor. Investing in a good quality humidor is essential for any aspiring cigar collector. A humidor is a specially designed box that regulates temperature and humidity, creating the perfect environment for your cigars to age gracefully.
To ensure that your cigars remain in optimal condition, maintain a relative humidity of around 65-70% and a temperature between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21ºC) inside the humidor. If you’re interested in long-term storage and investment, the 65-65 rule is the safe option—65% relative humidity at 65ºF to prevent mold and bugs from attacking your prized cigars.
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations, as these can affect your cigars’ flavor and overall quality.
Aging Cigars
Aging cigars is a widespread practice among cigar enthusiasts, as it can enhance their flavors and make them even more enjoyable to smoke. However, not all cigars age well. Some cigars are meant to be enjoyed fresh, while others benefit from aging to mellow and develop complexity.
Cigars with a higher tobacco quality and more extended fermentation process have better aging potential. Connect with fellow cigar enthusiasts and seek advice from experienced collectors to learn which cigars are worth aging and how to do it properly.
Research and Keep Track of Trends
As you collect cigars, it’s essential to research the cigars you gain. Keep a cigar journal or use smartphone apps to record information about each cigar, such as its brand, size, age, and tasting notes. This record will help you understand your preferences and guide future purchases.
Reading reviews and seeking recommendations from experienced cigar enthusiasts can also help you discover new and exciting cigars to add to your collection. Online forums and cigar communities are excellent resources for staying up-to-date with the latest releases and cigar-related events.
Limited releases are also an excellent way to get cigars for investment. Again, you know what to look for, and luckily, Cuban Cigar Website offers lists of limited-edition cigars you can invest in. Take your time to familiarize yourself with the brands and their offerings. Some of the major brands you can consider for your collection include: 
- Cohiba
- Montecristo
- Partagas
- Romeo y Julieta
Diversify Your Collection Beyond Only Cuban Cigars
A well-rounded cigar collection includes cigars from different regions and blends. Each country has unique tobacco-growing areas and processing techniques, resulting in diverse flavors and aromas.
Explore cigars from various countries like Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras, etc. Diversifying your collection allows you to experience the distinctive nuances and subtleties offered by cigars from different regions.
Care and Patience: Hallmarks of a Cigar Aficionado
Collecting cigars is an art that requires patience and care. Avoid rushing to build a vast collection quickly. Instead, take your time to select cigars thoughtfully, learn about their origins, and enjoy each one in due time.
Proper storage and aging will reward you with cigars that develop rich and complex flavors. As you collect more cigars and gain experience, you’ll create a refined palate and a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind each blend.
Establish a Budget
Cigar collecting can be a rewarding hobby, but it’s essential to set a budget and stick to it. Premium cigars can be costly, and it’s easy to get carried away when faced with an array of exquisite choices. Determining how much you can comfortably spend on your collection will prevent overspending and financial strain.
Decide whether you’ll focus on collecting rare and high-end cigars or prefer a mix of premium and affordable cigars. Setting a budget will help you prioritize your purchases and make informed decisions.
Remember, it is a budget, not a target! Collecting as many cigars as possible in a short time is tempting, but you won’t be doing yourself any favors. Museum collections have been built up over many years, not overnight—treat your cigar collection the same way.
A few rare, premium cigars are worth more than a bunch of okay-ish premium cigars you bought in bulk at a quirky little shop while traveling.
Join Cigar Clubs and Forums
Joining cigar clubs and online forums is an excellent way to connect with other enthusiasts, learn from experienced collectors, and stay updated on the latest cigar releases and events. Engaging with the cigar community can deepen your appreciation for cigars and enhance your collecting experience.
Cigar clubs often host events, tastings, and educational sessions that offer valuable insights into the world of cigars. Building relationships with fellow collectors allows you to share knowledge, trade cigars, and gain access to exclusive releases.
Knowing When to Smoke and When to Save
The temptation to smoke your prized cigars can be intense as a cigar collector. While enjoying your collection is part of the pleasure, some cigars might be best reserved for special occasions or when shared with fellow aficionados.
Cigars with historical significance, limited editions, or exceptional aging potential are often better suited for saving and cherishing. Knowing when to smoke and when to keep adds value to your collection and makes each smoking experience more meaningful.
Patience may not be a virtue many possess, but it’s a must when it comes to cigar collecting. Proper maintenance and care allow cigars to develop enhanced richness and flavor over time. As your collection ages, the supply of your special cigars may dwindle as enthusiasts enjoy them.
Staying informed about the world of collectible cigars is crucial in this regard. Keeping an ear to the ground and being aware of market trends will help you make informed decisions.
Who knows how much your prized cigars will be worth in the future? Age plays a significant role in maximizing your cigar portfolio’s investment potential.
So, embrace the waiting game and let your cigars mature like fine wine. The reward will be well worth it in the end.
Conclusion
Investing in cigars can be a fulfilling journey, blending the enjoyment of a premium smoke with the excitement of building a curated collection. As an aspiring cigar collector, start small, educate yourself on the art of cigar appreciation, and explore a variety of cigars from different regions. Your cigar collection will flourish with patience, care, and dedication, bringing you joy and relaxation for years. Remember, cigar collecting is an ongoing process of discovery and learning, so enjoy the journey and savor each exquisite cigar in your collection. Happy collecting!
