The rise of flavoured cigars has created interesting discussions in the cigar community. While some appreciate their unique characteristics, others prefer the traditional approach. Let’s explore the primary differences between flavoured and traditional cigars.
What are flavoured cigars?
Flavoured cigars are tobacco products that have been enhanced with additional flavours through various methods. These cigars undergo a special process where flavouring agents are added to the tobacco, either through the wrapper, the filler, or both. You can expect to find flavours like vanilla, honey, rum, cherry and coffee.
To achieve this, the flavouring process is carefully controlled to ensure the additional taste elements complement rather than overwhelm the natural tobacco characteristics.
What are traditional cigars and how are traditional cigars made?
Traditional cigars, like Cuban cigars, are purely tobacco products, crafted from carefully selected and aged tobacco leaves. They’re made by combining different types of tobacco leaves: wrapper (the outer leaf), binder (which holds the cigar together), and filler (the internal blend). The natural flavours come from factors such as the soil where the tobacco was grown, the curing process, fermentation and ageing. Together, these elements create the cigar’s distinctive taste profile without any artificial enhancement.
How are flavoured cigars different from traditional cigars?
The distinction between flavoured and traditional cigars goes beyond just taste. In fact, some of these include:
Infusion process
Traditional cigars develop their taste through the natural fermentation and ageing of tobacco leaves. Flavoured cigars undergo an additional step where manufacturers introduce flavouring through various methods, such as treating the wrapper or using specially prepared storage during ageing.
Taste experience
Traditional cigars offer nuanced flavours that develop throughout the smoke, revealing different notes as you progress. Flavoured cigars present a more straightforward experience, with their added flavours being noticeable from the start. The taste tends to be more consistent and pronounced compared to the subtle complexity of traditional cigars.
Target audience
Flavoured cigars often attract those seeking a milder or more familiar taste experience. Traditional cigars typically appeal to smokers who enjoy discovering the natural variations in tobacco flavours and appreciate the subtle differences between various tobacco blends and origins.
Are flavoured cigars suitable for beginners?
Many newcomers start with flavoured cigars because they offer a more accessible introduction to cigar smoking. The familiar flavours can make the experience less daunting, and these cigars tend to be milder. However, it’s worth considering that starting with flavoured cigars might affect how you appreciate traditional cigars later. Some experts suggest beginning with mild traditional cigars to develop an understanding of pure tobacco flavours.
Do flavoured cigars impact the quality?
Quality varies across both flavoured and traditional cigars. Premium-flavoured cigars use high-grade tobacco and refined flavouring processes that complement the natural tobacco characteristics. However, the addition of flavouring can sometimes mask the tobacco’s natural qualities. When choosing either style, it’s important to select cigars from manufacturers known for their quality standards and expertise.
Your choice should ultimately depend on your personal preferences and what you seek in a cigar. Whether you prefer the added flavours or pure tobacco taste, we have a fantastic selection of both flavoured and traditional cigars for you to try.
