On the other hand you might be just testing the cigar smoking waters and you’re not sure how to buy the right cigar for your own smoking pleasure. If that’s the case then you should find these tips helpful too.

If you are buying a cigar as a gift - and you’re not a cigar smoker yourself - then let me tell you that you shouldn’t be shy about going into a cigar store. Some years ago cigar smoking was still the realm of the rich and famous but those days have long gone and cigar store owners and clerks are quite accustomed to dealing with people just like you and me.

They understand that some of the people who come into their stores may have never smoked a cigar before and are going to need some guidance on what to buy as a gift so don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s in their interests to give you all the help they can because if they do their job right then they’re going to have another satisfied customer and satisfied customers are repeat customers, and that’s good for business

Now you will note that I suggested that you go into a cigar store to buy that special cigar and I did that on purpose. Sure you can buy cigars just about anywhere cigarettes are sold these days, and even in a few places where cigarettes aren’t sold - but that’s not where you want to go if you’re looking for something special.

Those outlets that retail at the lower end of the market aren’t going to stock the quality that you’re looking for and even though the price might be attractive to you the quality of the gift you’re going to give will be inferior. So stay away from those stores and concentrate on the specialty stores where you know you’re going to find quality.

When you’re in the store and talking to the owner or the clerk don’t be afraid to ask to be allowed to touch and smell the cigar. Squeeze the cigar gently and you will be able to tell whether it really is a good one or not. A good cigar should only give just a little when you squeeze it and if it feels too soft move on to another cigar.