In Person or Online? Where to Get Cigars

Cigar aficionados generally take great pride in the source, brand and flavor of their favorite smokes. The popularity of cigar smoking seems to rise and fall on an unpredictable basis, but the notoriety of celebrities seen partaking of the pastime has helped boost its appeal. If you are looking for a good resource for quality cigars at various price points, you may want to check out CoronoCigar.com. In the meantime, here are some of the pros and cons you should know before you order cigars online.

Bricks-and-Mortar Store

If you are new to the world of cigars, you may benefit most from visiting a physical storefront. You are more likely to find a knowledgeable proprietor who can start you on your path of cigar discovery in an educated and enlightened way. Cigar stores keep their wares in humidors, which preserve their freshness and flavor. The selection at a bricks-and-mortar shop likely will be wide but perhaps limited by the space available. Still, it’s always good to be able to see, touch and smell the items you might want to purchase. Some stores even create their own house blends. Cigars generally are sold as singles or in bundles. Sometimes a sampler from a single maker might be an option.

Turnover time in a physical location might be slower than ideal, so be sure what you are getting is fresh and not dry or crumbly. Stores should also have all the accessories you’ll need to enjoy your cigars, such as cutters, lighters and humidors.

Online Stores

Online locations generally can stock many more varieties of cigars than traditional stores. The turnover may be quicker, so you have to worry less about getting older items that have been stored improperly for years. Although you won’t be able to see and smell the cigars you are considering, you can search reviews from previous customers who can offer insights about the cigars’ quality. If you order cigars online, you can get singles, bundles or samplers that allow you explore new brands and styles. Still, customers must be content just looking at photos of the offerings. Cigar accoutrements and accessories can be found in most online outlets.

By far the biggest advantage to buying cigars online is the price. For regular smokers, this will be a major consideration. People who enjoy cigars only occasionally might be just fine with the higher prices found at physical stores.

Overall

The advice, ambiance and comradery found in bricks-and-mortar stores cannot be denied as an advantage over people who order cigars online. The ability to touch, feel and smell cigars before purchase is worth the additional cost to many consumers.

However, if selection and price are a customer’s top priority, an online outlet is likely the best resource for him or her. The fact that customer service may be diminished is another factor to be considered. It is widely thought to be uncouth among cigar aficionados to select a cigar variety at a store then go home and purchase a quantity online. If you try a cigar at a physical store, you should be prepared to purchase it there as a courtesy to the owner.

Ames Anderson has only one mission: to help inform people. When he first started writing, he was fascinated with his ability to help people understand things.