As we discussed last week, when purchasing a cigar it is important to know your tastes and to remember that a higher price doesn’t always mean a higher quality cigar. This week we are going to address the difference between hand-rolled and machine-made cigars. A machine-made cigar would be similar to something you would buy at a gas station. In general, they are cheaper and lower quality.

What makes them lower quality? Well, in general most machine-made cigars’ wrappers flake. In other words, when you go to smoke the cigar you’ll inevitably notice that the cigar starts to fall apart. A good wrapper will not only lead to a good experience, but that wrapper is also one of the most flavor-packed portions of the cigar. With a hand-rolled cigar, generally it will stay together better and will indeed create a smoother and more flavorful smoke. Now, hand-rolled cigars do tend to be more expensive. The reason for the expense is because… well, it is more time consuming to make. With machine-made cigars, the manufacturer can continuously crank out many times more per day than hand-rolling one at a time, resulting in a lower cost. A hand-rolled smoke simply takes time. The typical cigar roller spends years practicing the craft of making cigars, using skills and techniques passed down from professional to apprentice. So the next time you go to purchase a cigar remember to ask for a hand-rolled cigar. Otherwise, you will buy a piece of junk that will be a waste of $5.  You would be better off rolling up that Abe Lincoln and stuffing it with lawn clippings.

Stay smokey my friends,

Taters