- Moisture – stay away from dry or flaky cigars. This means they have not been stored properly in a humidor.
- Shape – make sure you are comfortable with the size and shape of the cigar.
- Inspect the wrapper – the wrapper is the outermost leaf of the cigar. It should be applied flawlessly without breaks or gaps.
- Color – it should be one solid uniform color without spots. A luster of sheen means the cigar has been well cared for.
- Construction – test this by rolling the cigar between your thumb and index finger. If a cigar is built well, it will feel smooth and have no lumps. If well constructed, the ash will keep the shape of the cigar when you smoke it.
- Smell – Inhale a whiff of the cigar and if you find the smell appealing, chances are you’ll enjoy that particular flavor.
