If you’ve seen Scarface one too many times or the allure of blowing smoke rings has gotten to you, the world of cigar smoking might have something to offer. Here’s a quick guide for picking cigars, compiled after a chat with Edward Gnehm III, the manager of Georgetown Tobacco on M Street.
The Ashton Classic is a great cigar for a first-time or novice smoker. It’s in the $7 price range and is mild in flavor and body. A cigar’s flavor is equivalent to its strength and its body is equivalent to the amount of smoke extracted per pull.
For a more experienced smoker, the Dominican Republic’s Partagas Spanish Rosado is a wise pick. The Spanish Rosado encapsulates a subtle blend of earthy, woody flavors with a powerful, yet welcome, peppery spice. This one’s got a medium body with a complex, well-balanced flavor. At about $8-$9 each, the Partagas Spanish Rosado is a bit pricy for those who may not appreciate it but well worth the cost for a more seasoned smoker.
For a rough and tumble, down and dirty cigar, the Legend-Ario is for you. It has great flavor, but isn’t refined in the slightest. If you know what to expect, however, in a full flavored and full-bodied cigar, this is a great choice. The Legend-Ario isn’t for the faint of heart—it will turn you green if you aren’t used to strong cigars and you’ll be tasting this one for a while after you’re done smoking. The Legend-Ario series is in the $9-$10 price range.
For a full-bodied, sophisticated, well-aged pick, the Davidoff Millenium should be on your list. Made in Switzerland, this cigar is for the affluent cigar smoker. The Millenium is in the $15-$16 range and boasts an array of rich, complex flavors and aromas.
If you’re interested in defying common sense and picking up a cigar habit, the staff at Georgetown Tobacco will work with you to find where your tastes lie. “Cigars are like beer” says Manager Edward Gnehm—you should pick one you think you like and work from there.
