When buying Cuban cigars in the UK, one of the easiest ways to spot quality and authenticity is by looking for the EMS stamp. Introduced over 25 years ago by Hunters & Frankau, the EMS (English Market Selection) stamp is a mark of excellence applied only to Cuban cigars that have passed a second layer of inspection here in the UK.
In this blog, we’ll explain what the EMS stamp is, why it was introduced, and what it means for cigar smokers who want the very best.
What is English Market Selection?
EMS is an acronym for ‘English Market Selection’. English Market Selection has been used for over a hundred years in Cuba to identify cigars designated for the British market. It is like a quality control stamp, ensuring that only the best smokes are being transported overseas to Britain. It is an additional quality inspection within the UK.
The UK and Cuba have long been linked with cigars and cigar distribution, with Imperial Tobacco, a British company, integral in distributing cigars around the world. The UK also regularly gets its own regional edition limited edition cigars produced by Habanos SA.
What is an EMS Stamp?
While the English Market Selection has been around for over a century, the stamp itself was not actually created until 1993, when Hunters & Frankau developed the EMS stamp. The stamp was created so that it would be an easily identifiable marker for authenticity and quality.
Now, when a box of Cuban cigars has passed a UK quality inspection, the box will receive an EMS stamp. All Cuban cigars that have been chosen for sale in the UK market will display the stamp.
Each stamp is also individually numbered, allowing the box’s history to be traced if required.
Since 1997, the colour of the stamp has changed annually, in an effort to reduce issues with counterfeiting.
What Does the EMS Stamp Mean?
As mentioned, the English Market Selection stamp is used to denote quality. With this comes a guarantee that:
The box of cigars has come directly from Habanos S.A. to Hunters & Frankau.
The cigars have been shipped and stored by experts to ensure that the cigars are in the best condition, despite travelling overseas.
The box of cigars has passed UK quality checks.
All of the duties have been paid for the box of cigars to enter the UK.
The box of cigars has the up-to-date UK health warnings on it.
Why Are Cigar Boxes Opened in the UK?
When a box of Cuban cigars reaches the Hunters & Frankau warehouse, the box is opened, and thecigars are inspected to ensure that they are of good enough quality to be sold to the UK market. To do this, the seals of the cigar box will be cut open. Therefore, when you receive a box of cigars in the UK, the original Cuban seals and stickers will be cut through and then an EMS stamp will be placed instead.
Why is the EMS Stamp Important?
Aside from guaranteeing the above points, the EMS stamp is also a key way of deterring the sale of counterfeit cigars in the UK. Unfortunately, counterfeiting is a big problem in the cigar industry, so the EMS stamp offers some extra security. As mentioned, the colour of the stamp is changed each year to help reduce the risk of counterfeiting.
Here at Havana House, we have a wide range of genuine Cuban cigars. As well as being checked by Hunters & Frankau when imported, we check all of the cigars we receive at Havana House ourselves to ensure that the product meets our high standards.
The Top 12 Most Expensive Cigars in the World
19 February 2024 by Ellie
We won’t deny that, sometimes, smoking cigars is not the cheapest of habits or hobbies. That being said, for the quality of a good cigar and the amount of skilled work that goes into making each stick, there are some good deals out there that are worth every penny.
However, there are also a number of cigars that are likely to break the bank; we take a look at some of the most expensive cigars in the world!
Measuring in at a hefty 5 ¾” length and a 55-ring gauge, this limited edition Montecristo delivers huge volumes of sweet flavours from start to finish. Medium strength, well balanced and with a very cool draw, this cigar is dressed in the most beautiful vein-free, smooth Maduro wrapper.
This limited edition smoke is currently available here at Havana House, so shop now if you want to try this cigar before they are all gone!
11. Cohiba Behike 54 Cigar – £500 per cigar
The Cohiba Behike 54 is the Rolls Royce of Cuban cigars. Exclusive, elusive elegance amid a wonderful aroma and a numbing complexity. When the Behike was released in 2010, everyone was trying them. (Everyone that could get their hands on them, at least). From reputable cigar aficionados to those who have never smoked before, the publicity was huge!
Some reviewed the cigars as a one-of-a-kind best cigar ever made. Others called them overpriced. Without trying one, the truth will forever be a mystery to you.
The Cohiba 55 Aniversario 2021 Edicion Limitada celebrates the landmark 55th anniversary of the foundation of Cohiba! Hitting such a landmark milestone calls for an extra special celebration, a call which the 55 Aniversario answers in tremendous fashion.
Boasting a hefty 57-ring gauge and measuring just shy of 6” in length, this veritable leviathan of a stick has naturally received the full Edicion Limitada treatment, constructed from only the finest tobaccos possible and aged for a minimum of two years. These vitolas are known as Victoria and are sure to be highly sought after by all cigar fans.
cohiba55aniversario2022
9. Gurkha His Majesty’s Reserve – $750 (£597) per cigar, $15,000 (£11,943) per box
The Gurkha His Majesty’s Reserve are very rare, with only 100 of these cigars made each year. The pre-order list is consistently pretty extensive, with people waiting years for a taste of these cigars.
Originally, this 7.5 x 52 stogie was only sold to dignitaries, and it’s easy to see why when looking at how it is made. Part of the reason for the limited release and exclusivity of this cigar is the Connecticut Madura wrapper, which is aged for fifteen years before making its way around the twelve-year-old binder and filler from the Dominican Republic.
To make it even more special, the filler is also infused in Louis XIII de Rémy Martin Cognac, to make it even more aromatic. This Cognac alone costs a whopping $2500!
8. Cohiba Behike – $18,000 (£14,331) per box
Cohiba is one of the best-loved Cuban cigar brands, so to commemorate the company’s 40th anniversary, these cigars were released. Grown and blended at El Laguito Cohiba factory, the cigars measure 7.5 in length with a 52-ring gauge.
This edition was very limited, with only 100 boxes sold containing 40 cigars each, meaning that there are only 4000 of these stogies in existence. This rarity is one of the key reasons behind the hefty price tag.
7. Arturo Fuente Opus X – $30,000 (£23,886) per box
First produced in 1993, the Arturo Fuente Opus X was released in 2003 as a 10th anniversary edition cigar. Measuring 9 ¼ x 47 all aspects of this mild cigar are from the Dominican Republic.
If lucky enough to smoke one of these, then you will notice hints of jalapeño. Each humidor contains 100 cigars, costing $30,000 for the box… what an absolute bargain!!
6. Gurkha Black Dragon $1150 (£915) each or $23,000 (£18,312) for a box of 20
The Black Dragon was a very limited edition cigar released in 2006. With a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, five-year-aged Dominican filler and binder from Cameroon, the stogie is quite large, measuring 8 ½-inches with a 52 ring gauge.
The Black Dragon is said to have a very complex flavour, giving off both sweet and sour notes. To make it even fancier, and perhaps to justify the price a little, the cigars also come displayed in a box that has been hand-carved from camel bone!
5. King of Denmark – $4,500 (£3,582) per cigar
It could be argued that these cigars are called the King of Denmark as only royalty would be able to afford them! Really, it is all of the customisable extra features that bump up the price tag on these stogies, which are decorated with gold foil, studded with Swarovski crystals and feature a band embossed with the buyer’s name.
These cigars are also rather rare, as a maximum of thirty are created each day of production. If that isn’t enough, then you can also acquire a matching humidor plated in 24k gold for an extra $8,500… what an utter steal!
4. Regius Double Corona – $52,785.20 (£42,028)
The hefty price tag is not just for the cigars in question, but rather an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience. Regius Cigars, based in Britain, offers a special edition Double Corona like no other – quite literally, as to buy it involves flying first class to their headquarters and developing your very own unique blend!
The price also covers 1000 of your custom creations, which actually isn’t too bad value for something so unique, at around $52 each! The last recorded purchase of this package was in 2013, so it’s clear there aren’t that many cigar lovers out there willing to splash quite this much cash around…
3. Gran Habano No. 5 “El Gigante” – $185,000 (£147,298)
The El Gigante is the world’s biggest cigar, at 19-feet long, with a ring gauge of 1920. Making up this gigantic stogie is around 1600 pounds of tobacco. This is roughly the same weight as around 25,000 standard sized cigars. The El Gigante is so big, in fact, that forty people could have smoked it at once! It was actually not created to be sold, rather to be displayed during trade shows. Yet, it was purchased by a dedicated collector for $185,000!
2. Mayan Sicars – $507,000 (£403,678)
These cigars originate from the Maya civilisation and are thought to be at least 600 years old. Discovered in Guatemala in 2012, these cigars were found in a clay pot labelled ‘sicars’. This is where the modern word for ‘cigars’ is believed to have originated. The stogies are so well preserved that they could still be smoked; if you were willing to literally burn away half a million, that is!
1. Gurkha Royal Courtesan – $1.36 million (£1,082,845)
Gurkha has featured a few times on this list, but none quite reach the price of this stogie – the most expensive cigar in the world!
The Gurkha Royal Courtesan is handmade in the Dominican Republic and Hondurus using Himalayan tobacco, which has been watered with Fiji water.
The cigar is wrapped in gold leaf and held together with a band that is studded with diamonds! It is then infused with Remy Martin’s Black Pearl Louis XIII, which costs $224,000 a bottle.
The torcedors who craft these cigars are made to work blindfolded to avoid distraction, with only a few select hand rollers permitted to create the cigars.
While some of these may be a little out of your price range, we have plenty of top quality cigars online available for you to buy now!
Best Cigars for Christmas
13 November 2023 by Ellie
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Whether you want to give the gift of a fine cigar, or find that perfect smoke for your own merry Christmas morning, Havana House is here with an expertly crafted shortlist of our best cigars for Christmas gifts for you and your cigar-smoking loved ones this holiday season.
Whatever your budget, buying from this exquisite selection of Christmas cigars will give you longer to relax and properly enjoy those finer things in life.
Best Cigars for Christmas Gifts
We have a lot of fantastic cigar gift sets and bestselling choices that would make fantastic gifts for Christmas.
Ramon Allones Specially Selected Cigar – Single Gift Box
The Ramon Allones Specially Selected Cigar makes the perfect present for cigar lovers. Presented in its own individual wooden gift box, the Ramon Allones Specially Selected Cigar is an ideal gift, offering a rich taste and spicy aroma in a traditional Robusto format. Measuring 4 7/8″ x 50, this is a perfect smoke for that post-Christmas dinner downtime.
Jemar Black Cigar Case with Cigar Selection
Gift three incredible cigars in a special classic black leather cigar case that can be reused to protect your cigar stash on the go.
Inside are three cigars from Rocky Patel, Casdagli and ADVentura:
Rocky Patel Hamlet 25th Year Anniversary Sixty Cigar (6″ x 60)
ADVentura Barbarroja’s Invasion Robusto Cigar (5″ x 52)
Casdagli Daughters of the Wind Calico Cigar (6 1/8″ x 52)
Rocky Patel Festive Robusto Cigar Selection
We think cigars make an amazing Christmas gift, so choosing a selection will give you lots of choice for your Christmas Day smoke. Rocky Patel is one of our favourite cigar brands, so we have put together this Festive Robusto Cigar Selection to be enjoyed.
The festive selection contains a few of our favourite Rocky Patel cigars, including the Rocky Patel Fifteenth Anniversary Robusto Cigar, Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Maduro Robusto Cigar, Rocky Patel Tavicusa Robusto Cigar, and Rocky Patel Vintage 2006 San Andreas Robusto Cigar.
With a mix of different cigars, you’ll have plenty to choose from on the special day or to share with friends and family.
Plasencia Alma Del Fuego Sampler Box
Enjoy three Plasencia Alma del Fuego cigars with this special sampler box. These cigars from Plasencia offer the cigar smoker delicious notes of spice, complemented by savoury notes of tangerine, roasted cashews, and guava wood. They are each wrapped in Sun-grown leaves from the fields of Jalapa Valley, with only the top 3% actually being approved for use on Alma del Fuego cigars, so quality is guaranteed.
Plasencia Alma del Fuego Sampler Box includes:
Plasencia Alma del Fuego Flama (6 1/2″ x 38)
Plasencia Alma del Fuego Candente (5″ x 50)
Plasencia Alma del Fuego Conception (6″ x 54)
So whether you only have time for a quick smoke between opening presents and cooking Christmas lunch, or you want to experience a leisurely smoke all afternoon, then this is the box for you!
If you’re looking for cigar Christmas gifts this year, be sure to check out the rest of our range at Havana House to find the perfect presents!
If you know someone who is more into pipes than cigars, or maybe wants a change, be sure to take a look at our top tobacco pipes for Christmas.
Top 10 Cigars For New Cigar Smokers
31 August 2023 by Ellie
Like any new hobby, knowing where to begin when it comes to cigar smoking can sometimes be a little daunting. If you have decided you would like to join the wonderful world of cigar smoking, then one of the biggest hurdles can be deciding which cigar is the right one to make your first time enjoyable! As this is such an important yet difficult decision, we have put together our guide to the top ten cigars perfectly suited to new smokers.
As a newcomer, you probably won’t be fully aware of what makes a great starter cigar. It can be difficult to know what to look for when selecting what to begin with, and with so many brands, wrappers, colours, smells and sizes, trying to make a decision unaided can prove a little overwhelming. However, it is all of these factors that make a cigar so special and luxurious, and over time, you will learn not only to differentiate between them but also which ones are your favourites!
To help you get started on your stogie journey, we have put together what we consider to be the top ten cigars for smokers new to the cigar world!
Made solely from tobacco, cigars tend to be significantly stronger than what you may be used to from cigarettes or pipes. Rather than jumping straight into the deep end, it is important to start off with a light and mild yet flavourful stogie, which is perfect for beginners, such as the ones below.
Cohiba Siglo I Cigar
The Cohiba Siglo I Cigar was introduced in 1992 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Colombus’ discovery of the New World!
The Cohiba Siglo I cigar itself is a tiny Corona and is very similar in taste to the other coronas in the Siglo line. The Siglo I’s flavour profile consists of a creamy sweetness, to begin with, followed by coffee bean and mocha flavours with a medium tobacco taste.
Montecristo No.3 Cigar
Montecristo is a premium cigar brand with some truly exceptional cigars on offer in its collection. The No.2 is often considered to be the world’s best cigar, and the No. 4 is a best seller around the world, so the Montecristo No. 3 is certainly in good company.
While Montecristo is generally more tailored to the experienced cigar fan, the Montecristo #3 is one of the milder stogies in their range. These cigars guarantee a good draw and burns evenly, making it an uncomplicated smoke, with great coffee flavours.
La Invicta Nicaraguan Shorts Cigar
When you’re first starting out with cigars, all of the tools and techniques for enjoying your smoke can be overwhelming to get your head around. This is why a machine-made cigar can be a good choice, as they come pre-cut and ready to be lit.
The La Invicta Nicaraguan Shorts Cigar is a fantastic choice if you’re after a convenient pre-cut smoke. It offers a robust yet mellow aroma, a trait associated with the La Invicta brand. The Nicaraguan Shorts can be enjoyed in around 15-20 minutes, making this a short smoke ideal for newcomers as well as time-restricted seasoned pros.
Juliany Corojo Corona Cigar
A budget-friendly option for those who don’t want to splash out when trying cigars for the first time, the Juliany Corojo Corona Cigar is a fantastic choice for both novice smokers and aficionados alike. With a short smoke time, mild strength, and fresh taste, these are ideal for new cigar smokers.
Drew Estate Acid Blondie Cigar
While there are a lot of flavour profiles across the cigar world, cigars usually offer tastes that fall within the categories of spicy, bitter, earthy or nutty. The Drew Estate Acid Blondie Cigar is super sweet and smooth, which isn’t a typical flavour for cigars but may be appreciated by some newbies to cigar smoking.
Partagas Petit Corona Especiales Cigar
The Partagas Petit Corona Especiales packs a mighty punch and a delicious flavour profile that is a great cigar to light up in the early evening with a good cup of coffee.
Partagas are loved the world over, as not only does the brand produce an exquisite range of well-blended and complex cigars, but the founder, Jaime Partagas, is responsible for developing the maturation method of tobacco that has been adopted by most Cuban cigar brands today!
H. Upmann Half Corona Cigar
When you’re just starting out with cigars, you probably don’t want to be dedicating hours of your time to a smoke – you want something short and sweet to test the waters!
The H. Upmann Half Corona is the perfect one for this, taking only around 30 minutes to smoke from start to finish. Within this shorter cigar is a well-balanced and flavourful smoke.
You’ll start with sweet, floral notes that offer creamy hints, which develop into coffee notes as you smoke it. It is complex, with a great draw, making it a fantastic smoke for new and experienced smokers alike.
Montecristo Open J Cigar
A fresh, light and gentle cigar, the Montecristo Open J Cigar is a fine option for those seeking a beginner’s smoke from one of the best Cuban cigar brands. Montecristo is typically known for punchier, bold and strong smokes, so this medium-strength option offers a gentler experience for novice smokers. Measuring only 4 3/8″ x 38, this will be a quicker smoke, which can be appreciated by newer smokers.
Punch Petit Coronations Tubos Cigar
The Punch Petit Coronations cigar is mild in flavour and strength, with woody and fruity notes present throughout. It is a delightful smoke for all experiences, but its mildness makes it perfectly suited to beginners.
Camacho Machitos Orange Connecticut Cigar
This beautiful little cigar is the perfect smoke for when time is of the essence, featuring a Connecticut wrapper and a blend of Dominican and Honduran long-fillers that give way to flavours of spice, cedar and vanilla.
The Camacho Machitos Orange Connecticut Cigars have the exact blends as their larger counterparts and are available in Connecticut, Corojo, and Criollo. Pick up a pack and take them on your next weekend away – we personally take them on our camping trips, and as the weather warms up, there’s no excuse for you not to do the same!
All of these smokes for beginners are available for you to buy cigars online here at Havana House!
Which Cigars Burn the Slowest?
18 August 2023 by Ellie
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.
Cigar Strength vs Body: What is the Difference?
13 March 2023 by Ellie
When searching for a cigar, you’ll often come across the words mild, medium and full to describe the body or strength of the smoke. Body and strength are two factors which may seem somewhat interchangeable or may be mistaken for each other.
While it is fairly common for a cigar’s strength and body to be the same, for example, medium body and medium strength, this is not always the case. Body and strength actually refer to different things and aren’t always the same. We take a look at the difference between the two.
The body of a cigar refers to the depth of its flavour – meaning how much of the flavour can be detected and tasted, and how intense these flavours are.
A good way of looking at it would be to compare it to drinks. A full-bodied wine will be deeper and richer, with bolder notes and a thicker mouth-feel, whereas a mild-bodied wine will be fresh, zesty and light.
Another example from the world of drinks would see a pale ale on the mild-bodied end of the spectrum and a Scotch on the full-bodied side.
What is Cigar Strength?
The strength of a cigar is based on the nicotine content. While the term strength will give an idea of how intense the nicotine level will be in your smoke, it is something of a relative descriptor, as many factors can influence how your body reacts to nicotine. For example, you can be more or less affected by nicotine depending on when you last ate.
For the most part, though, mild-strength cigars will be pleasant but won’t have too much of an effect, whereas full-strength cigars may give you a bit of a buzz. This can go into the negative; smoking a cigar that is too strong for your body to handle at that moment can lead to nicotine sickness.
Do Cigar Wrappers Determine Strength?
There are many misconceptions about the strength of cigars. The phrase ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ certainly applies to cigar wrappers and their strength. It has been a long-held belief that the darker the wrapper, the stronger the cigar.
While that used to be a fairly safe rule to follow, it doesn’t always apply to modern cigars. Although the wrapper will play a part in the strength of the cigar, most strength will come from the filler, making the colour less of an indicator.
Cigar Strength and Body
While body and strength are two different things, there are some strong correlations between them. This is due to the fact that the tobacco leaves that contain the most nicotine are also the most flavourful. Therefore, it is typical for a cigar’s strength and body to fall under the same descriptor (mild, medium, full).
When looking to buy cigars online based on their strength and body, it is important to consider what you can handle. As a beginner to cigar smoking, it is recommended to start off with a milder bodied and milder strength cigar, such as those offered by Hoyo de Monterrey, H.Upmann or San Cristobal.
Jumping straight in with a strong cigar isn’t always advised, as you might not be prepared for the strength and flavour, and it might put you off cigars for good! More experienced cigar smokers will be able to handle the stronger intensity of a full-bodied and full-strength cigar, so long as they smoke correctly, without inhaling any of the smoke.
Cuban Cigar Strength Chart
Below are a variety of popular Cuban cigar brands that are associated with each strength. While each brand will have cigars on offer that break the mould of the below chart, it’s a good starting point to find brands that craft the type of smoke you are after.
If you are new to cigar smoking and are looking for recommendations for cigars for beginners or a guide to cigar smoking, then be sure to check out our blog posts for all of the advice you need!
Best Thin Cigars to Try
16 February 2023 by Ellie
For several years now, big cigars have been considered the most desirable for consumers. We’ve seen ring gauge sizes go up and up to the point that nowadays, some cigars are so big that they can’t even fit in certain cigar cutters!
Although we’re sure the trend for big ring gauges won’t be going away any time soon, sometimes a larger smoke isn’t what you need. If you’re a bit strapped for time, or would like to enjoy a quality Cuban cigar without needing to spend an entire evening smoking it, then thinner cigars can be the answer.
We share a few of our favourite thin ring cigars that we have available here at Havana House for you to try.
Montecristo Joyitas
Size: Laguito No.3 (4 1/2” x 26)
One of the smallest cigars we have on offer here at Havana House, the Montecristo Joyitas, is a very thin cigar with a ring gauge of only 26. It is quite a light-bodied cigar that smokes smoothly, offering hints of leather and bitter wood.
This is the perfect choice for a quicker afternoon smoke or when you don’t have too much time, as it is mild, fairly small and offers a reliable draw, meaning you won’t have to waste time relighting and resolving draw problems.
Cohiba Panetelas
Size: Laguito No.3 (4 1/2” x 26)
Another cigar in the vitola Laguito No. 3, the Cohiba Panetelas measures 4 ½ inches x 26 ring gauge. Despite being small, this cigar is as rich and full as others in the Cohiba range.
This cigar has a history as rich as its flavour too! The Cohiba Panetelas was created in 1969 and were only made available to the top Cuban officials and those who received them as a diplomatic gift.
Davidoff Signature No. 2
Size: Panetela (6” x 38)
Despite having a smaller ring gauge than many cigars currently on the market, the Davidoff Signature No. 2 cigar remains a solid favourite for many – including the brand founder, Zino Davidoff!
Offering a delicious, balanced blend of Dominican tobaccos and a Connecticut wrapper, the Signature No. 2 brings a mild strength, with earthy and woody notes, for a classic cigar smoking experience. The Panetela cigar is finished with a pigtail twist at the top, like other cigars in the Signature range.
Quintero Panetelas
Size: Corona 5″ x 36
Quintero Panetelas are small but mighty! They are surprisingly strong, with a pronounced taste of tobacco. They go exceptionally well with a cup of coffee, making this 5″ x 36 cigar ideal for your coffee breaks or post-dinner puff.
Cohiba Exquisitos
Size: Petit Palma 5″x36
Part of Cohiba’s first commercial series, the Cohiba Exquisitos is a small panatela cigar that was introduced in 1982. It has held up its worth since then and is still considered one of the best Cohibas. The Exquisitos has a dominant taste of tobacco and offers a smooth, full-flavoured smoke. Measuring 5″ x 36, it is considered a Petit Palma cigar.
H. Upmann Coronas Minors Tubos
Size: Coronitas (4 5/8” x 40)
In the past, a 40 ring gauge would have been considered fairly big for a cigar, but now, in a world of 64 ring gauges being quite commonplace, this cigar is now thought of as ‘small’.
While H. Upmann cigars are usually renowned for their bold, punchy flavour, the Coronas Minors cigar offers a much lighter alternative for those who would like to sample H. Upmann without the intensity. This mild cigar instead presents lighter floral and fruity notes throughout the tobacco.
Punch Petit Coronations Tubos
Size: Coronitas (4 5/8” x 40)
The Punch Petit comes in the Coronitas size, and as the petit name suggests, it is smaller than many of the other cigars in the Punch range.
This is a mild-medium cigar with woody tones and fruity notes. Its pleasant flavour is ideal for newbies to cigar smoking and experienced aficionados alike.
If you like thin cigars but want a more affordable option, take a look at our cigarillo recommendations:
If thin cigars aren’t your type, then we have a vast range of cigars online available for you to check out!
Secret Santa Gifts For Cigar Smokers
9 November 2022 by Ellie
Soon it will be Christmas, and in the run-up to that are a whole host of fun festive activities, meeting up with close friends for a Christmas drink, late-night shopping and the work Christmas party! The latter also means the dreaded Secret Santa presents, which could mean you snare the guy from accounting that you know absolutely nothing about.
There is no need to fret! Here at Havana House, we have a great selection of cigar gifts to suit all budgets; from £5 to £15, there is something for everybody. Below you will find some of our favourite gifts to treat one of your colleagues to this Christmas:
Henri Wintermans Tubed Coronas Deluxe Sumatra Cigar
The point of Secret Santa tends to be cheap and cheerful gifts, so this affordable cigar option from Henri Wintermans is the perfect choice for cigar lovers or those who want to experience a Christmas smoke.
Henri Wintermans Tubed Coronas Deluxe Sumatra is a small cigar made from a blend of the finest tobacco leaves from Cuba, Colombia, and Indonesia. A well-constructed machine-made cigar with a balanced flavour, delicious aroma, and smooth draw, the Coronas Deluxe Sumatra offers a sweet but mild smoke, ideal for a quick and relaxing experience.
Mr Stanley’s Gentlemen’s Club Milk Chocolate Cigars
For those with a sweet tooth, there’s nothing better than a chocolatey treat for Christmas. If you don’t know your Secret Santa’s cigar preferences, beyond knowing that they like cigars, this can be a safe bet. So, if the cigar lover in your life likes things sweet, these cigar-shaped milk chocolates from Mr Stanley’s Gentlemen’s Clubare the ideal choice!
Mellow and moreish, these foil-wrapped chocolate cigars make the perfect gift for sweet-toothed smokers or those who want a more sophisticated and refined after-dinner treat to relax with, without lighting up.
Romeo y Julieta Petit Julieta Cigar
Cuban cigars are known for being pricey, but luckily there are some affordable options that would make ideal Secret Santa presents. Romeo y Julieta is a premium cigar brand that is very popular, so you’re getting great value for money.
The Petit Julieta offers a complex mix of flavours that stays light in strength, with a mild and smooth smoking experience. As you puff, subtle notes of earthy flavours and smoked leather present themselves, with hints of spiciness appearing towards the end.
Perfect for novices and enthusiasts alike, this cigar is a great choice for Secret Santa as it can be enjoyed by those who have never smoked a cigar before, as well as by those who are aficionados already.
Cigar Minder All-Purpose Cigar Clip
Cigars notoriously take a long time to smoke – some even require hours dedicated to smoking them. Sometimes you’ll need to put them down to do something else, whether that’s while working in the garden or when taking a swing on the golf course. The Cigar Minder clip is a handy bit of kit that can help out cigar smokers.
La Invicta Honduran Robusto Tubed Cigar
A great value cigar from La Invicta, the Honduran Robusto was made from the finest tobacco from Honduras, presenting a light-medium strength smoke with a spicy, yet mild, sweet taste.
The Robusto is a great size, measuring 5 inches with a 50 ring gauge. The light flavour, milder strength and manageable size makes this a fantastic cigar for both cigar newbies and experienced smokers. The tubed packaging of this cigar makes it an ideal gift, as it adds a sleek touch to the cigar, while providing protection, allowing it to be taken out to parties and on the go.
Haven’t found the perfect gift yet? Take a look at our recommended cigar gift sets for every type of smoker. While you’re at it, why not buy cigars online or in-store from us and light one up after the boss picks up the dinner cheque?!
How to Buy a Cigar as a Gift
7 November 2022 by Ellie
Choosing a cigar as a gift can be a daunting task, to say the least. Similar to trying to pick out the perfect bottle of wine for a loved one, choosing a cigar may require the knowledge of the smoker’s preferences when it comes to strength and flavour.
But thanks to our insightful guide, you don’t have to endure this experience alone, so you can make an informed purchase that is sure to be the best cigar gift the recipient will ever receive.
When to Buy a Cigar as a Gift
Giving a cigar as a gift originates from Native American culture, where they were used to mark important occasions, particularly when a baby was born. Now it is customary to gift a cigar for a range of events, such as the birth of a new child, weddings and graduation, as well as for annual events like birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas.
How to Choose a Cigar as a Gift
While some cigar smokers will be happy with any cigar gift, others have more concrete preferences around brand, size, strength and tasting notes. We share a few ways to find the ideal gift for the cigar lovers in your life.
Look at the Cigars They Love
If you’re buying for someone who loves their cigars, you can take a look at the ones they buy themselves for inspiration. Take a look at the bands to discover the brands they prefer – this can give you a good starting place and can help narrow down whether they prefer Cuban or New World cigars.
Look at the colour of the wrapper – the outermost leaf of the cigar – as well as the length and width of the cigar to have more of an idea of what they like. You could even snap a few pictures of their cigar collection if you are able to get access.
Take this information to your local cigar shop, or get in touch online, and the cigar vendor should be able to point you in the direction of the perfect cigar for the person you are buying for.
Explore Cigar Selection Packs
When shopping for a present, a cigar selection pack can be an ideal gift, as it will include a handful of different cigars. Chances are at least a couple will go down a treat for your recipient!
Here at Havana House, we have a wide range of cigar selections to choose from, including brand collections, starter packs, bestsellers, and pairing gift sets.
Top Cigars
Another way to choose a gift is to look at the top-rated cigars – there’s a good reason why they’ve been so well-reviewed! Cigar Aficionado and Cigar Journal both offer annual rankings for the top 25 cigars of each year, while here at Havana House, we recommend our own Havana House Top 10 Cigars.
Tips For Buying Cigars
There are a few things to keep in mind when buying a cigar.
Choose a Trusted Vendor
Make sure you are purchasing cigars from a trusted seller. Cigars need to be kept in the right conditions, which an experienced cigar retailer like Havana House will be able to ensure, but a seller on eBay might not. A legitimate retailer will also check to ensure that the cigars imported into the UK are genuine, well-constructed and suitable for smoking.
Feel the Cigar
When buying a cigar in a shop or after purchasing online, it is always worth checking the cigar. While Havana House will always offer a premium service, we urge people to inspect the cigar they are considering purchasing.
Pick up the cigar and give it a gentle pinch up and down. This is to carry out a routine check that can help discover any imperfections or small tears that may have occurred. And while this is uncommon, we feel it’s best to carry out the checks anyway; after all, you don’t want the receiver of your beautiful gift to have any problems smoking your present once lit.
You may also want to feel over the cigar for the feeling of an irregular dip. While this may well be even more uncommon than the aforementioned imperfections, it has the potential to affect the way in which the cigar smokes in terms of its evenness. You are best off feeling a few and opting for the one that feels best to you.
Our Quality Guarantee
At Havana House, we want to make sure that the cigars you receive are in the best possible condition. We open and check every humidor, box, pack and tubos to check that the cigar is to our very high standards. If the cigar passes inspection, we are proud to apply our seal of approval.
Does the Size and Shape of a Cigar Affect Its Taste?
9 October 2022 by Ellie
As you browse for cigars online, you’ll notice that there are a vast range of different vitolas available. Vitolas are the descriptive name for a particular size and shape of a cigar.
For example, a Churchill cigar is a cigar with dimensions of around 7 inches in length with a ring gauge of 47.
If you’ve already tried your fair share of cigars, you may have a good idea about which sizes and shapes you prefer for your smokes. However, novice cigar smokers may find the variety of options a bit overwhelming.
You may have a lot of questions about cigar vitolas, and how the size and shape of a cigar can affect the flavour experience. Here, we will explain how size can impact taste!
Cigar Shapes
Cigars come in two categories; Parejos and Figurados. The difference between the two is down to their shape.
A Parejo cigar is the more traditional style, and the most common. It features a flat head and is consistent in size from head to foot. Vitolas like Churchill, Corona and Robusto are all Parejo cigars.
A Figurado cigar features slightly more unique dimensions. They may have a pointed head, leading to a bulge in the middle of the cigar, before tapering in at the bottom. Examples of Figurado cigars include Torpedo, Piramide and Perfecto.
Cigar Vitolas
The shape, length and ring gauge of your cigar is identified by its vitola. A vitola is like a standard size descriptor for cigars.
Cigars are measured in length in inches, and by their ring gauge, the diameter measured in units of 1/64th of an inch. This means that a 64 ring gauge cigar would be an inch in diameter – although most are smaller than this!
Each cigar labelled with a particular vitola will have a very similar length, ring gauge and shape, so you will know what size the cigar is by its name alone. For example, the Montecristo No 3, the Davidoff Chateau Latour and the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Roi are all Coronas.
See some of the most popular cigar vitolas available in our graphic below:
Why Are Cigars Rolled in Different Sizes?
The main reason for having different sizes of cigars is down to the time it takes for it to be smoked. A long and thick cigar is simply going to take a longer time to burn than a short and thin cigar.
Sometimes you want to sit back, relax and savour a cigar over an evening, whereas other times you may only have time for a quick smoke on the go!
Plus, having different sizes and shapes of cigars adds a bit of variety to our humidors and can be very interesting for those who appreciate cigars!
How Does a Cigar’s Thickness Impact Flavour?
There are a few ways in which the thickness of the cigar can impact its flavour.
How Hot the Cigar Burns
The thickness of a cigar often has an impact on how hot it burns.
A thick cigar will burn slow and cool, while a thin cigar will be faster and hotter. This is one of the reasons that a bigger cigar takes longer to smoke than a thinner cigar.
Be careful when smoking a thinner cigar. If you’ve picked a smaller smoke, then you may be in a rush, but this shouldn’t mean you puff faster. By smoking faster, you are likely to make the cigar overheat, which can contribute to burn issues and bitter tastes.
Leaf Ratios
A cigar is made up of filler, binder and wrapper leaves of tobacco. The outermost layer, the wrapper leaf, is the most flavourful part of the cigar, contributing to around 80% of the flavour of the whole cigar!
When a cigar is thicker, there is proportionally more filler and binder tobacco than in a thinner cigar. When you smoke a thicker cigar, the flavourful wrapper leaf may get a little diluted by the cheaper filler and binder tobacco.
Of course, cigars are always designed, rolled and tested for years to create what is considered to be the perfect blend, so you are still going to get an excellent smoke either way. But if you are after a punch of flavour, then sometimes, smaller ring gauges, which are made up of more wrapper leaf, can offer a more concentrated flavour.
How Does a Cigar’s Length Impact Flavour?
The length of a cigar determines how quickly the heat reaches your palate.
The shorter a cigar, the closer the lit end is to your palate, so you’ll experience the flavours of the smoke faster, and more intensely.
As such, a longer cigar may allow you to enjoy more subtle tasting notes as they emerge throughout the smoke, whereas a shorter cigar may give you an immediate, bold smoking experience.
Trendy Sizes
There isn’t a right or wrong answer when it comes to which cigar size is best. It is completely down to personal preference and the flavour experience that each cigar offers you.
What we do see though is clear trends in which cigar sizes are in vogue.
The most notable change comes from ring gauge preferences. During much of the 20th-Century, thin ring gauge cigars were the most popular. Ring gauges between 28 and 38 were commonly enjoyed.
However, since the 1990s, there has been a growing trend for larger cigars, with brands pushing the boundaries on width! In fact, some cigars nowadays are so large that they don’t even fit within a guillotine cigar cutter!
What is your favourite cigar vitola or size to smoke?
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