Which Cigars Burn the Slowest?

Every smoker looks for something slightly different when on the hunt for their ideal cigar. Some may look for a stronger cigar, whereas others may focus on finding one with specific caramel flavours, for example. Not focussing on the specifics of taste, other cigar smokers will rather consider the time it takes for the cigar to be smoked.

Again, this is an area down to preference and context, as some will rather a quicker smoke, especially in the winter months when needing to smoke outside, whereas others will want to sit back and relax with a cigar, dedicating their time and attention to the luxuriousness of their smoke. For those people, we have created a guide to some of the slowest burning cigars that can provide a long smoke (and for quick smokers, a list of cigars to avoid!).

What Impacts How Fast a Cigar Burns?

The burn rate of cigars can be influenced by various factors, including the type of tobacco, the way the cigar is rolled, and the environmental conditions in which it is smoked. Generally, cigars with certain characteristics tend to burn slower than others:

• Large and Thick Cigars: Larger and thicker cigars usually have more tobacco, and thus, they tend to burn slower than thinner cigars.
• Tightly Packed Cigars: Cigars that are tightly rolled and well-constructed can burn more slowly as the tobacco is packed more densely, resulting in a slower burn.
• Aged Cigars: Aged cigars can have a more refined and slower burn due to the maturation process of the tobacco, which can impact the combustion rate.
• Premium Cigars: High-quality cigars made from top-tier tobacco are often better crafted and can burn more evenly and slowly.
• Wrapper Leaf: The type of wrapper leaf used can also play a role. Maduro wrappers, for example, tend to burn slower than some lighter wrapper types.

Keep in mind that the slow burn rate of a cigar is also affected by how it is smoked. A slower, gentle puffing rhythm can help maintain a steady burn, while excessive or irregular puffing might cause it to burn faster.

Cigars With Long Smoke Times

Cohiba Maduro 5 Magicos Cigars

Cigars with Maduro wrappers offer up a full-bodied and flavourful smoke, which, when added to a thicker cigar, provides a smooth, yet long smoking experience. One of the best slow-burning Maduro cigars is the Cohiba Maduro 5 Magicos Cigar.

Despite being fairly short, at 4 ½ inches, it is the width of a cigar that has an impact on the smoke time, so the 52 ring gauge of this Cohiba Magicos cigar is set to smoke for around an hour. The rich roasted tobacco notes of this cigar will certainly make the longer smoking time worth it.

Partagas Lusitanias

As a brand, Partagas produce some of the most intense smokes, presenting strong flavours and packing a punch with each puff. As such, they tend to be reserved for more experienced smokers, but these qualities also make Partagas cigars the perfect choice for a longer smoke. With such strong flavours, you won’t want to rush through it. Luckily, Partagas tend to be built for this, offering up a smoke time of at least an hour.

The Partagas Lusitanias begins floral and sweet before imparting layers of leather, cedar, spice and almonds. Many smokers report spending over two hours with this cigar. Measuring a whopping 7 ⅝ inches long with a 49 ring gauge, it’s no wonder this is a cigar to savour.

Padron Series 1926 No. 9 Maduro

This premium cigar from Padron is renowned for its slow and even burn, thanks to its meticulous construction and aged Nicaraguan tobaccos. The Padron Series 1926 No. 9 Maduro is a complex smoke with perfect balance, showing flavours of chocolate, coffee and nuts, as well as some black cherry.

With a ring gauge of 56, this is a thick cigar, which takes around 60-90 minutes to smoke.

Slow Down Your Smoke

If you would rather stick to the stogies you usually smoke, making small changes to your smoking style can elongate the time you have with each cigar. Smoking too quickly can cause a number of problems, leaving your cigars with a bitter taste, or burning through too quickly to properly savour all of the complex flavours. Smoking a cigar too fast can also make it burn too hot, which can cause damage to your taste buds, further reducing the amount of flavour you experience.

Slowing down your smoke by letting the cigar rest for a minute or two after each small puff can be really beneficial. Not only does it give you a chance to pick up the flavours more, but it gives the cigar a chance to cool down, both slowing down the rate at which it burns and helping it to burn evenly.