What are your cigar criteria?

[68TriShield]

Originally Posted by LasciviousXXX

Well for me, other than taste (which is always no 1) it would have to be:

Depth & Complexity. IMO, these are 2 of the most important factors in determining what I'm going to have other than flavor. However also, I believe that Depth, Complexity, and flavor go hand in hand.

XXX

That and construction!

[Baric]

I like a good draw as it effects so much of the cigar. too tight means little smoke, little taste, etc, too loose means you cant 'feel' the cigar.

[Miami]

I only have two it has to be made by Padron. Ok I only have one criteria.

[kenstogie]

Draw is important as others have said and I must admit I am a sucker for a dark wrapper and a wrapper with a nice oily feel.

[M Thompson]

Originally Posted by kenstogie

Draw is important as others have said and I must admit I am a sucker for a dark wrapper and a wrapper with a nice oily feel.

This noob agrees.

I also like LOTS of thick smoke!

[5thDan]

Originally Posted by punch

Other than taste? Performance.

1) Burn should be even and not require a lot of touch-up.
2) Draw should be just right. Not too loose that you get a hot burn. Not so tight that you tire from trying to get air through the stick.
3) LOTS of smoke.
4) Wrapper should stay together.
5) Cap should not unravel when cut.

I figure that if someone takes the time to make the cigar right, they probably did not cut corners with the blend or the cure.

Punch has it nailed as far as I'm concerned.

[donp]

VT:
I am relatively new to this hobby also, and learned about criteria by reading descriptions by professionals and non professionals in the cigar mags and in here. For me part of the hobby is learning to detect and put a name to the different tastes, flavors etc of the various cigars. As I smoke, I contemplate the tastes and compare them to other cigars I have smoked and liked or disliked.
So I have looked for chocolatey tastes, and caramel tastes, and spiciness, and fruity, and floral aromas; sometimes I can put a finger on em, and sometimes I can't. I can now tell the difference between a well balanced cigar, and a one dimensional cigar. And I think I know what complexity is.
I have also learned there can be an ocean of difference between each persons' evaluation/descriptions of taste, flavor etc.
I won't describe specifics for you, because Punch already has done a good job of doing that. Rather, I will say it is more of an individual adventure where tastes are concerned...enjoy the ride

[TechMetalMan]

1) Draw should not be too tight at all. Nor should it be like a humongous straw.
2)Burn should be pretty even by itself, not too many touchups required.
3)Thick, rich smoke
4)Aroma

[cb25]

Other than taste -- the most important thing for me is the finish. At least from a newbie's unsophisticated point of view, i've found that cheaper cigars, or ones that I just don't enjoy - are ones that have sort of a harsh finish on them. It's like I can feel it in the back of my throat. It's a very unpleasant experience...

not sure if that makes any sense at all...but the cigars I enjoy are very smooth, very full-flavored with little to no harshness to the burn.

Beyond that, i'd agree with others -- i love that thick creamy smoke, and a well constructed cigar that burns hassle free is a beauty.