How much is a cigar really worth?; a question often asked with no clear-cut response. Here we will briefly discuss the ‘value’ of a good cigar. Foremost we will come to an inevitable conclusion.
The dictionary defines value as:
1. relative worth, merit, or importance: the value of a college education; the value of a queen in chess.
2. monetary or material worth, as in commerce or trade: This piece of land has greatly increased in value.
3. the worth of something in terms of the amount of other things for which it can be exchanged or in terms of some medium of exchange.
4. equivalent worth or return in money, material, services, etc.: to give value for value received.
5. estimated or assigned worth; valuation: a painting with a current value of $500,000.
Perhaps the best description of value in terms of a cigar is no. 5 above. After all, a good cigar can be considered a true work of art. However there is a realistic approach to determining the true value of a cigar because, like fine art, a cigar can age and increase its value over time.
Name recognition provides an intrinsic value in a product; even cigars. For instance a premium cigar manufacturer i.e. Montecristo, Alec Bradley, or Padron automatically garners a certain value. These are instantly recognizable names in the cigar world. The name alone implies quality. Occasionally that’s not the case but, it could be considered a ‘given’.
There are ‘off-brand’ cigars to consider; the true wild-cards of the cigar world. There are those that are surprisingly good and well constructed: others, not so much. These same cigars are often over-looked; ‘snubbed’ because of lack of name recognition. Some, due to a perceived lack of value, will not ever make the cover or ratings in Cigar Aficianado magazine. A word of warning: unless you are familiar with the product and don’t mind throwing money around; these should be avoided.
Caution does not imply that one should never venture into the unknown – no sir! Rather: be cautious and tread lightly in this area. For example, Perdomo is well-known for its quality cigars that range anywhere from six bucks to twenty-plus bucks and higher. At the same rate, did you know there are the Perdomos that can be found for less than three bucks? Perdomo ‘Fresco’ is a prime example of a ‘cheap’ cigar given similar attention by a premium cigar maker.
Call in the professional! Cigar Aficianado magazine, for example is perhaps the most well known publication for expert cigar opinion and rating. Let us not forget the endless sources online for cigar reviews and information; the ones you read here for example!
A suggestion in determining the value of a cigar (pre-purchase) is to consider how it is constructed; hand-rolled or machine-made. After all, discerning the difference between the two will provide a little insight for you, the buyer.
Past reviews by cigar experts are definitely useful. After all, it’s what the professionals do for a living. Another fine source is the local tobacconist at the BM of your choice to guide you through the murky forest of cigar selections. Make no mistake, if the BM is a reputable establishment you will not be guided solely towards the ‘high dollar’ cigars.
One of many truths on this subject is: you will never know if it’s a good cigar if you don’t try it. Another truth: beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And yet another truth: there is no real accounting for tastes.
Bottom line is that using the tools available to you: tobacconists, cigar reviews, and your own good judgment will help you determine the true ‘value’ of any cigar.
Smoke ‘em if ya got ‘em.
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