Spring in Kentucky is a goldmine of good reasons to enjoy a cigar. From the Derby to graduation parties, the first barbecues, and Memorial Day…there’s plenty of stogie moments to celebrate. At Cox’s Spirits & Tobacco, we’re here with a cigar buying guide to make sure your budget and your taste buds are both happy customers. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned aficionado, an excellent smoke doesn’t need to dent your wallet again and again and…you get it.

Exploring quality cigars without exceeding a $15 budget is entirely doable. You don’t need to spend a fortune, you just need to know what’s out there, and why it’s worth finding.

A few quick tips for happy hunting (before we get into our favorites):

• Construction: Look for a good, tightly wrapped roll that doesn’t have any soft or spongy parts. You want smooth seams, and surface without cracks.
• Wrapper Leaf: Quality matters here, so look for a healthy, oily sheen (that’s your sign that it’s fresh and fermented) along with generally even coloring…a few splotches are okay, but a huge variation might be a sign to move along.
• Country of Origin: Solid and dependable, even when less than $15? Look for Nicaraguan, Dominican, and Honduran cigars.

Earthy, spicy, and full-bodied. This Honduran blend offers bold character and a long, peppery finish, making it a favorite for fans of intense, no-nonsense cigars. If that describes you, this is your new go-to for a smooth cigar under $15.

We always say know the what, the when, and the why when you’re choosing your cigar.

The what? There are mild, medium, and full-bodied cigars. Mild is excellent for a beginning smoker who prefers to tiptoe into the world of cigars and might enjoy a creamier, sweeter smoke. Medium bodied is a balance of flavor and strength. Full-bodied is intense – think pepper, leather, and a higher nicotine content.

The when? If it’s a morning smoke, it’s usually more pleasant to stick with a mild cigar. Afternoons and evenings, especially before eating a meal, is a perfect time for a medium-bodied cigar (and frankly, anytime…medium-bodied is where we usually live with our personal preferences and recommendations). But after a meal, for a seasoned smoker, or in the evening around a firepit – that’s the time a full-bodied cigar can really let loose its thunder.

The why? Consider the occasion. Consider the smoker. Why would a particular cigar fit the moment or the person’s preferences? Don’t overthink this one. We just like to mention it because with as much thought, history, and craftsmanship goes into cigar making…we sometimes owe them the same consideration.

Lastly – know your wrappers. If you’re thinking about Googling, no need. The wrapper is a tobacco leaf, specifically a high-quality, unblemished tobacco leaf that contributes 60-70% of the flavor to your cigar. Yup, that’s why it matters. Here’s 5 of the most common wrapper types, and remember: Look for oily and even coloring. You’ll be just fine.

1. Connecticut Shade: Mild, creamy, sometimes a little nutty. Usually light brown and grown in the U.S. or Ecuador.
2. Habano: A favorite wrapper for Nicaraguan cigars, medium to dark brown, and a little spicier/richer smoke.
3. Corojo: Earthy, spicy, a little sweet. Not common on a mild cigar, usually medium or full-bodied.
4. Maduro: Sweet, almost cocoa-y. Dark brown, almost black.
5. Cameroon: Smooth, known for a nicely balanced sweet:spice ratio.

Now that you know what to shop for, you need to keep your collection fresh and properly stored. We like to use the wine analogy (we know a thing or two about wine and liquor too) – like wine, cigars are sensitive to temperature and humidity. Too dry? You’ll get bitter, fast-burning leaves. Too wet? One word: mold. Happy cigars live in 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit, and around 65-70% RH (relative humidity). A humidor is ideal, but if you’re traveling or need a short-term, budget-friendly way to store cigars, you can use a tupperware container with a tight-fitting lid and humidification pack like Boveda.

Now on to techniques for cutting a cigar. We don’t want to scare you, but a bad cut or a bad light can ruin a great cigar. The good news? We recommend the easy, simple “guillotine cut” – straight across, just above the shoulder where the rounded cap starts to flatten. It works on almost any cigar, and we’re simple people: We like dependability and consistency.

Got a light? You sure do, and because you made it this far in our cigar buying guide, you get our Cigar Lighting 101 advice: Keep it simple.

1. Toast the foot: Hold the cigar just above your flame, without touching it. Rotate the cigar until the foot has an even glow.
2. Draw and light: Bring the cigar to your mouth and puff gently while applying flame to finish lighting.
3. Check for even burn: If it’s lopsided, touch it up with your lighter.