So, you’re getting into cigars, but when people start talking about cigar flavors – notes of coffee, cedar, pepper, chocolate – you find yourself wondering if you’re talking about cigars or dessert menus.
You’re not alone. Cigar flavor profiles can sound fancy, but the truth is, you don’t need a refined palate or years of experience to start noticing flavors. You just need to know what to look – er, taste – for.
This guide will break it down, helping you understand what influences cigar flavors, how to pick a good cigar based on your tastes, and how to develop your palate over time.
A cigar’s flavor isn’t just about the tobacco itself. It’s about the wrapper, the blend, the aging process, and even how you smoke it. Here’s what makes the biggest impact:
The wrapper is the most influential part of a cigar’s flavor—it makes up about 60-80% of what you taste.
If you’re new to cigars, start with a Connecticut or a lighter Habano before diving into the richer Maduro or Oscuro wrappers. Also, check out our helpful Cigar Terminology Guide for Beginners for more info and tips as you’re getting started.
Different tobaccos produce different flavors, depending on where they’re grown. Some common cigar flavor influences include:
Many cigars use a blend of tobacco from different regions to create unique cigar flavor profiles.
Like a good whiskey, an expensive wheel of Parmesan, or a fine wine, cigars develop deeper flavors as they age. The longer the tobacco sits in a controlled, humidified environment, the more refined and complex the taste becomes.
Not sure what to try? Here’s a simple guide based on what you already enjoy:
If you want a chance to try our favorites from each category, pick up our Signature Selection Burton Box, which includes two sticks of each flavor type. Share with a friend and find out which flavors you like best!
If you’re just starting out, don’t worry about detecting every subtle note—just focus on enjoying the smoke. But if you want to get better at picking up flavors, try this:
If you’re still wondering how to pick a good cigar, the best way is to experiment. Our Burton Variety Boxes are designed for exploration and enjoyment, featuring a mix of different cigar flavor profiles so you can find what suits your taste.
Bonus: For a limited time, you’ll get a free lifetime Burton Value Membership (10% off all future purchases) when you buy any sampler box.
Cigar smoking is all about enjoyment, discovery, and taking your time. Start with what you like, explore different flavors, and soon enough, you’ll know exactly what works for you.
What’s your go-to cigar flavor? Let us know in the comments!
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