BREAKING
CIGARS

Lesson 3 of 8 · 2 min

Strength, body and flavour

Describe a cigar in three separate words, and ask for the one you want.

Close-up of unlit cigars in a box, showing the open feet.
Pale or dark, the colour won't tell you the strength.Photo: Anıl Karakaya · Pexels licence

The 30-second version

  • Strength is the nicotine kick. Body is how rich and full the smoke tastes.
  • Flavour is taste plus aroma. A cigar can be rich in flavour and still mild.
  • Use the maker's stated strength as your guide, not the colour.
  • If you feel dizzy, put it down.

Why the difference matters

A cigar can taste rich and still be mild in strength. A pale cigar can be strong. Many makers and shops rate strength from mild to full. The scales are not standard, but they beat guessing from colour.

If you feel unwell

Nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth, even without inhaling. If you feel dizzy or queasy, put the cigar down. A milder cigar is not a safer cigar.

Real cigar examples

Compare the wrapper colour with the maker's strength description.

Ashton Classic Magnum: the maker's photograph showing the wrapper and band.
Maker strengthMild
Ashton Aged Maduro No. 10: the maker's photograph showing the wrapper and band.
Maker strengthMild-Medium
Ashton VSG Robusto: the maker's photograph showing the wrapper and band.
Ashton VSGRobusto
Maker strengthFull

Photos and strength descriptions: Ashton. Photos scaled to fit.
These labels describe the blends. They do not measure nicotine content.

Sources: Tobacconist University: the tasting experience · Tobacconist University: maduro fermentation · National Cancer Institute: cigar smoking and cancer