No Band Needed

What’s that you’re smoking? It looks cheap.

Who made that cigar? Where’s the band?

My answer to these questions would be; why does it matter? I like what I’m smoking and it’s a good cigar.

Image courtesy of Padrón Cigars

Many times people only smoke what others say are good cigars and really don’t take the time to learn about what makes the cigar good. A name or a band does not necessarily mean that it is a great or even a good cigar. From what I’ve learned in my brief time smoking cigars is a name or band does not really mean nothing if the quality of the cigar is not good. Cigars are different for everyone. A cigar that someone enjoys may not necessarily be enjoyed by another person. It’s all about preference.

Image by savannahcigarsinc.com

Being a cigar enthusiast, I prefer to smoke several different types of cigars to find out what I truly like and don’t like. I’ve researched just about every cigar I’ve smoked. The brand is not really a big concern to me. I tend to choose the type of tobacco that is used in a particular cigar. In this journey to smoke good tobacco, I’ve learned that some of the best cigars are those that are not the most advertised.

Un-band cigars are some of the best; if not the best cigars that are available. Most of these cigars come from the same factories as the major brands. These cigars consist of the same tobacco as those with bands, but cost much less. I’ve matched and $5 cigar against a $12 cigar. The tobacco blends and gauges are similar and most times the $5 cigar is a best quality. Why is that? Who knows. Maybe the time put into blending the $5 cigar is more committed than the major brand. Most major brands have to be mass produced and the un-band cigars are more dedicated in ensuring the quality of the product is the best.

Image courtesy of @caldwellcigars

So don’t be so quick to pass up a cigar just because it’s not a known brand. Look at the quality, construction, and the blend of tobacco. If it looks good, take a chance and smoke it, you might be surprised and truly enjoy it.

Smoke what you like, not what “they” say you should like.