Smoking a
premium cigar is much more than lighting tobacco: it’s an experience, a ritual,
a personal moment. And like any experience, it changes with the environment,
mood... and time of day. Not all cigars are enjoyed the same at 10 a.m. as at
10 p.m. Choosing the right cigar for the moment can make a big difference and
turn an ordinary smoke into a memorable experience.
Morning
Cigar: Smooth and Elegant
Although not everyone smokes in the morning, those who do know it’s a special
time. The palate is fresh, the mind clear, and the day’s rhythm just beginning.
That’s why mild and aromatic cigars are the best choice. Brands using Dominican
or Ecuadorian tobaccos, with low strength, offer creamy, floral, or slightly
sweet profiles that don’t overwhelm.
A shorter format, like a Corona or Petit Robusto, is also ideal at this hour,
allowing for a brief but pleasant smoke. Perfect to accompany a mild coffee or
tea without overpowering the senses.
Midday:
Balance and Character
After lunch, many smokers take the opportunity to enjoy a cigar. The moment
calls for something with more presence but not too strong. This is where
medium-strength cigars with more complex flavors come in: wood, nut, hints of
cocoa or mild spices. They are ideal for extending the after-meal conversation
and adding a stylish pause.
Robusto or Toro formats are popular at this time, offering a longer smoke
without the commitment of a Churchill. Some prefer to pair them with an
espresso or a light rum.
Late
Afternoon to Evening: Intensity and Depth
As the afternoon wanes or after a long day, many aficionados lean towards
stronger cigars. Here, bold flavors with notes of leather, earth, pepper, or
roasted coffee find their place. Blends using Nicaraguan or Honduran tobaccos
often stand out in this category, delivering power without losing complexity.
This is the time for longer formats, like Churchill or even Torpedo, meant to
be enjoyed slowly. These cigars pair well with bolder drinks: whiskey, brandy,
red wine, or black coffee.
Late
Night: Celebration or Introspection
When the night is well advanced, the cigar can take on a different role:
accompanying an intimate conversation, celebrating something special, or simply
closing the day with reflection. Here, the style of the cigar depends on the
mood. Some prefer to finish with a second mild cigar; others choose to end with
a strong, well-aged cigar.
It’s also common at this time to share cigars among friends, so a longer format
— and visually impressive — can be part of the charm. Double Coronas or Grandes
Figurados, for example, are not for every day, but in the right context,
they’re a perfect choice.
Matching
the Cigar to the Moment: A Way to Enjoy More
The key is knowing yourself. It’s not about following strict rules, but
listening to your body, palate, and environment. Just as we don’t drink the
same wine with every meal, not all cigars fit every occasion. Even within the
same brand, lines can offer very different profiles. Exploring those
differences is part of the richness of the premium world.
Also, adapting the cigar to the moment not only improves the smoking experience
but helps discover new combinations, nuances, and sensations that might otherwise
go unnoticed. It’s a way to turn an everyday gesture into something special.
Ultimately,
smoking premium cigars according to the time of day transforms a habit into an
art. You don’t have to be an expert to do it; just pay attention to what you
feel and choose wisely. Morning or night, mild or intense, short or long:
there’s always a cigar waiting for the perfect moment to shine.