The Cigar Companion: The Connoisseur's Guide

by Anwer Bati, Simon Chase

The Cigar Companion is the perfect study-side guide to unlocking the delicate intricacies and delicious undertones of handmade cigars—including the history of cigars, a buyer's guide, and profiles of 70 current top brands of quality cigars complemented by full-color photographs.

Much more sophisticated than their slimmer, machine-made counterparts, a good cigar offers a certain levity and celebration. Often compared with fine wine, the way that good cigar products are made and the quality of the ingredients are reflected in the flavor of the final product. The rich history of enjoying cigars has seen many changes, yet hand rolling remains a valued practice among cigar aficionados—there are just some things that machines cannot copy. The time-treasured practice of harvesting, drying, and curing the leaveshas a deep traditional background and has shown innovative developments that offer new experiences to cigar smokers. There are many different ways to make cigars, and even more ways to discern its quality once it is in the hands of the consumer.

If you're curious about any aspect of cigar culture, The Cigar Companion covers:
The origin story of cigars
A cigar directory of fan favorites
Best practices for buying cigars
Storage techniques for maximum preservation
Directory of reputable cigar merchants to get you started
A comprehensive directory of every brand of cigar, this book lists all the major brands, such as Havana and Dominican, as well as many lesser-known brands. Information on origin, smoking qualities, flavor and aroma, and buying and storing fine cigars is included. Consider The Cigar Companion your invitation into the fascinating world of cigars.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, History

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1993

Reviews

[Rick Rapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

For cigar aficionados, this companion is most useful. It explains the qualities and rates the most well-known cigars from Cuba, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic, to name a few. One drawback to the book would be that much has changed in the cigar world in the 25 years since it was written. Nicaragua is now a force to be reckoned with in the cigar world. But this handbook does a nice job with the history of the major brands including pictures of the top sellers and clear, easy to understand ratings for all the cigars mentioned.

[Etienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting guide to the cigar's world. Build like a wine guide or whiskey guide in some ways. There is a nice introduction on the history of tobacco, information on the culture and construction of the cigar and finally a selection of brand presented. It's a bit dated and not perfect, there could have been more brand, maybe a bit too center on Cuban cigar, but overall it was interesting, I learn things and I find it worth the time!

[Emilia Greendevald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guide is perfect for those just discovering the world of cigars. When I first started smoking, I would browse cigars by strength rather than brand. Milder cigars helped me understand the flavor without overwhelming my palate. Over time, I naturally moved toward fuller-bodied options. This gradual approach worked well for me.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good simple guide. Written in the 1990's and it shows. Has all the essential information for one of my favorite pass times... today's mind can see the hidden paid promotions. And that's okay. Plenty of information was outdated by today's standards. But still a good read to become more knowledgeable on the topic

[Alex Bonis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great guide! Love all the detail

[John Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resources for Cuban cigar brands. Also includes some new world brands.

[MrsEnginerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a historical reference, this books holds up in time. From a full catalog of options, it needs another update since it hasn't been touched since 1997. (At least that was the edition I bought.)

[Charles Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative. Learned a few things I was doing wrong. Great guide for purchasing the finer sticks.

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only reason I read this was curiosity. I found it at the public library near a book on the shelf that I was actually seeking. I figured I'd check it out and read it. While I do not smoke (nor do I have an interest in starting to smoke), I do find the history and craft of cigars to be interesting. I do like the various art designs and logos the companies used. From reading the book, I learned about a broad range of brands from those that are so-so to the ones with old histories and pedigrees. I also learned a bit about where some of the names come from such as the Punch brand (yes, named after the British periodical). Overall, it was a nice little book to look over and learn a bit more about this topic.

[Michael Carnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small book and the reviews are now outdated, but the background information and general impressions are still valuable. Also like it because it outside of the history itself, it also covers Cuban and well as non-Cuban cigars in the reviews.

[Daniel Rissanen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of good information in here about all things:
How they’re made
How they’re sold
How to store them

The cigar directory is 30 years out of date but that is no fault of the books. Much of it is still accurate enough to get by

[Jonathan]

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