Article updated and revised on 5/11/18

AGEING. WRAPPERS. FACT OVER FICTION

Considering the numerous generations who have smoked Cuban Cigars, it's only natural for a few rumours and false stories to have surpassed through history. Some are believable, others comical. Here we debunk the myths and source the truth on our Cuban cigars online.

CIGARS TASTE BETTER WITH AGE 

While we can argue comfortably that most cigars taste better with an extra dose of resting, it can't be true for all. Milder and sweeter cigars do not benefit greatly. It's also down to personal preference. Fresh cigars tend to have more oil on the wrapper, whilst aged cigars have more complex flavours. How well your cigar age depends on the condition their kept in. A humidor with the right temperature and humidity is essential. You can read our guide on Cigar Accessories to see some of our favourites.

"dark wrappers tend to contain more oil"

THE DARKER THE WRAPPER, THE STRONGER THE SMOKE

Adam Lajca demystified this point when we interviewed him at Corinthia Hotel London. He said, "that doesn't actually mean it's a strong cigar. Because if you're going to see those leaves, the wrapper leaf is very very thin, so it's making 5 or 2% of the cigar, so it's very little." One of the reasons cigar smokers believe this myth, is because dark wrappers tend to contain more oil and tar. This can leave a residue on the lips and create the impression that it's stronger. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 Reserva Cosecha 2012 Cigar is a fine example of a habano with a dark wrapper, but a light to medium strength. We also want to mention, that cigars are not necessarily strong when they have a lot of smoke. 

Top Left: Cohiba Majestuosos 1966 50 Anniversario Humidor, Bottom Left: S.T Dupont Humidor, Right: The doors of private members' club Annabel's humidor

"invest in a good humidor"

CIGARS SHOULD BE STORED IN A REFRIGERATOR

A terrible myth which should never live to see the light of day. Cigars should be stored in nothing else but a humidor. If they are not kept with perfect humidity, they will begin to become dry and lose quality. It doesn't make sense to invest in an exquisite piece of art, to then not look after it properly. Keep your fridge for your preferred drink pairing, and invest in a good humidor.

CIGARS ARE A MALE PURSUIT 

Thanks to women such as Sarah Saunders, we are glad to say this stereotype is false. In our post: Female Cigar Smokers: How They Broke Taboo, we proved women have been enjoying the taste of cigars for a number of decades. Speaking to London's most luxurious cigar lounge sommeliers, each affirm women are smoking the same cigars as men. And with the rise of Cuban cigars across the world, we can easily see this increasing.

Top Left: Montecristo Dantes Cigar, Top Right: Bolivar Royal Coronas Cigar, Bottom: Cohiba Behike 52 Cigar

"Cuban cigar brings people together"

CIGAR SMOKERS ARE ELITIST

The assumption of who a typical cigar smoker is, is no longer authentic. Countries in every continent; different ages and backgrounds, who doesn't appreciate a luxurious habano? More than that however, cigar smokers (whoever they are), tend to welcome individuals with bouts of generosity. There is no competition or arrogance, a Cuban cigar brings people together and creates an amazing bond. Even if two people are fluent in different languages.

 And one final myth... 

YOU SHOULD ALWAYS BRING CIGARS TO A SPECIAL OCCASION 

Ending on a great piece of truth. Our cigars for sale online are made for celebration. Well, okay, they are perfected for any moment and time but precisely, they are perfect to enjoy at special occasions. There's nothing like a Montecristo Dantes Cigar or Bolivar Royal Coronas Cigar to toast an evening.