What Impacts the Price of Cigars?

Man in a purple suit with a cigar

When searching for the perfect smoke, one thing that can often prove to be a stumbling block for many first-time buyers is cost. Across the market, cigar prices can vary greatly, making it difficult to know which cigars are best to purchase.

While some are suspiciously low-priced, others seem to be ludicrously expensive. So, what impacts the price of cigars? Below, we take a look at some of the factors that can influence their overall cost:

The Cigar Brand You Choose

Like most products, a brand name can greatly impact a cigar’s price. You’ll often find that renowned, prestigious brands will be costlier than an up-and-coming manufacturer.

Well-established cigar companies that have been in business for a longer period usually have a more reliable reputation in comparison to newer brands and thus can charge more for their products.

Not only this, but premium brands like Montecristo and Cohiba have access to high-quality tobacco and skilled cigar rollers, which can mean the resulting cigars are worth more money.

However, cost doesn’t always equate to quality, so if possible, it’s good to sample a range of cigars with different price points to find one that suits your personal preferences best.

The Tobacco Used In the Cigar

Like with other products, the ‘ingredients’ have an impact on the price. A cigar is made up of three parts; binder, filler, and wrapper leaves. Some companies have their own tobacco farms and manufacturing factories, while others have to buy their tobacco or outsource their production, which can add costs to the cigars.

Wrapper leaves for cigars have to be quite specific, and some types will be rarer or more difficult to produce, which will contribute to the costs.

Further, the country of origin will also have an impact. Connecticut tobacco is quite popular for wrapper leaves. As it is primarily grown in Connecticut in the United States, the labour costs will be more expensive than for tobacco grown in many Central or South American countries.

Additionally, a cigar’s filler leaves can also increase its value, not only because they provide much of its flavour but also because blending tobacco leaves to achieve a specific flavour is a skilled art that, again, takes time.

The Age of Cigars

Another factor that can influence the cost of a cigar is the age – either of the cigar as a whole, or the individually aged tobacco elements. For example, if the tobacco used in a stogie has been aged for several years, the price is likely to be higher.

This is because curing, fermenting, and ageing tobacco for an extended period requires both knowledge and time to ensure the finest quality cigar is produced.

Rarity of The Cigar

The rarity of the cigar will also have a huge impact on a cigar. If a cigar brand is made at scale, with millions produced each year, the cost per cigar will be lower than those produced in small batches.

As such, limited edition cigars will likely be more expensive than those that are a regular part of a brand’s range. Not only this, but some cigars will be considered collector’s items, which also increases their price.

Size and Shape of the Cigar

The size of cigars undoubtedly impacts their cost. As with most things, if you purchase a larger cigar, you should expect to pay a higher price, as it contains more tobacco.

Similarly, if your chosen stogie has an unusual shape, like the Double Figurado, the Belicoso, or the Torpedo, it will be more expensive as a result of the work that has gone into rolling it. Only specialised rollers who possess the right skill set can roll unconventionally shaped cigars, thus justifying their often-high price tag.

Quantity of Cigars

Buying in bulk can often save you money on a variety of products; cigars are no different. If you buy a box of cigars rather than a single stogie, this can make your overall purchase less expensive, and you will ultimately save money.

However, be sure that you have the correct storage equipment first before purchasing several cigars at once. If you don’t already have one, buying a humidor is a good idea if you’re planning to store a batch of cigars, as this will preserve them over a long period without affecting their quality.

Tax on Cigars

In every state or country, an unavoidable factor that largely increases the price of cigars is tax. Tobacco products are generally taxed quite highly, which can quickly add more to the cost of your cigar.

Why Are Cigars So Expensive in the UK?

In the UK, as of 2023, tobacco duty means buyers are charged an extra £3.28 on every 10g cigar they purchase.

However, this is automatically included in their price, along with the standard 20% VAT rate currently applied to retail products in the UK. As a result of this added cost, many connoisseurs now buy their cigars online to save money and take advantage of special promotions.

Most cigars enjoyed in the UK also need to be imported, as the British climate is not suited to tobacco growth for cigars. As a result, the Cuban cigar UK price will be higher than in some other countries, as the cigars need to be shipped over.

Here at Havana House, we have a wide range of cigars at a variety of price points, so we’re sure to have one that will fit your budget! Check out our collections now to find a smoke that’s the perfect price for you.

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  1. Pingback: The Complete Guide to Cigar Smoking for Beginners | Havana House

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