Stirling Tips For Cigar Lovers In Las Vegas

Most people know that Christopher Columbus is credited with the introduction of tobacco to Europe after his crew encountered tobacco on San Salvador in 1492 and again in Cuba. But there is much more to the story of the cigar.

The same can be said for choosing the right cigar. Most people know cigars are rated. But while scores under 70 are generally best avoided and scores over 90 are considered outstanding or even classic, the four components in scoring — appearance/construction, flavor, smoking characteristics, and overall impression — tend to favor the experienced smoker. So what should the beginner look for?

Eight Tips For Choosing A Cigar.

• Inspection. Squeeze the cigar. Good cigars give, but are not too soft. They don't have lumps, soft spots, looseness, or cracks. Smaller veins are sometimes an indicator of smoother smoke.

• Wrapper color. The color of the wrapper is usually a flavor indicator, with darker wrappers providing a more full-bodied, sweeter cigar. The reason is simple enough. The longer a leaf stays on the plant, the more sunlight it receives and the darker it will be.

• Cigar size. Most beginners choose smaller cigars, such as a carolina, before moving up to a corona, which generally burns evenly and has a better draw. A cervante tends to be the best above a corona.

• Ring gauges. While the most common length of cigars is 5 to 6 inches, the ring gauge (diameter) is a often a better indicator of a fuller flavor. They also tend to smoke slower and heat up slower. In general, 52 is the largest diameter (although a few cigars are larger).

• Country of origin. Much like wine, the flavor of the tobacco is influenced by soil and climate. In the United States, most people prefer Dominican cigars or Honduran cigars. The latter's tobacco tends to be robust. Cigar Aficionado has also added several Nicaraguan cigars to its top list.

• Cigar age. Almost all handmade cigars age before being released to the public (as long as two years). Some experts believe more cigars peak after six to ten years. However, this assumes the cigar is kept in ideal conditions.

• Time of day. There is something to be said for accompaniment. A smaller, milder cigar tends to be preferred in the morning whereas experienced smokers prefer big, full-bodied cigars after a heavy meal or late at night.

• The taste. For beginners forget about the undertones and complexities. If the experience is pleasurable, enjoy it. Dominican cigars are generally full-bodied with complex flavors, Nicaraguan cigars spicier, Ecuadorian cigars milder, and Jamaican cigars the mildest.

At The Stirling Club, members can always ask for help too. The club features a grand selection of cigars and pipe tobacco in the Cigar Bar. The room also includes a billiards table and the finest cognacs, cordials, beers, and ports available. Some members store their cigars on site.