A Boutique Cigar Defined

What Is a Boutique Cigar?

People often wonder if boutique cigars are “better” or “worse” than the more commonly known brands.  The answer is actually a lot more complicated than that.  Like craft beer, boutique cigars are highly individual. Some are better than the popular offerings, and some, not so much.  And when it comes to price, some smaller brands may command top dollar, while others may come bundled in less expensive packages.

The cool thing about boutique brands is that they are typically tobaccos that are only available with limitation in quantities.  This makes them very exclusive. Despite the great quality and character of the tobaccos, they are not for bigger production. There just isn’t enough available for mass distribution.

How Are Boutique Cigars Made?

Cigar shop [2] owners know that boutique cigars are made with meticulous care and thoughtful consideration.  Boutique cigar companies are often created by family-owned businesses that have been growing tobacco and making cigars for generations.

Boutique cigars are often created with a variety of tobaccos in order to achieve a truly unique flavor. They are hand-rolled with a quality touch. Craftsmen are responsible for ensuring that every cigar’s flavor can be maximized with an even burn. The amount of devotion that goes into the making of every stick is unmatched. Each cigar is created with the utmost care and attention. It is important that every tobacco leaf is used correctly. That’s why there is a slower and more calculated rate of production. Perfection is mandatory for these brands to compete with the bigger ones. They are great to enjoy at your local cigar lounge.

The Difference Between Boutique Cigars and Premium Cigars

The big question is, “What exactly is the difference between Boutique Cigars and other Premium Cigars?”  Well, both can be made with premium tobaccos and offer a high-quality smoke. The main difference is the low production numbers of boutique cigars. Generally, if less than a million sticks are produced, they are defined as “boutique” or “specialty” cigars.

Here are some other differences:

Variety

Boutique cigars give enthusiasts the opportunity to try a wider variety of smokes made of high-quality tobacco at their local cigar lounge. They are produced using a production process that aligns with the boutique industry’s high-quality control standards. These cigars are produced to provide a more personalized approach and will allow you to enjoy a cigar shared by a relatively small number of cigar fans as opposed to the larger mass-produced brands.

Price

Boutique cigars may tend to be more expensive, simply due to the limited quantity that is available.  However, the extra work put into production can reflect in the price tag.  There is a higher cost of doing business for smaller operations.  The price difference is more than worth the additional quality and unique experience to those that love and appreciate the boutique variety. If you aren’t into paying more, it is OK. You can sometimes find boutique bundles at prices that are less expensive than premium sticks.

Size/Shape

Unlike machine-rolled cigars, a box of hand-crafted boutique cigars may not be as uniform. This is what makes them great. Each cigar you smoke comes with a unique experience.  Hand-rolling envelopes the tobacco with special care for your smoking pleasure.  Good cigars are artisan products. It adds a personal touch that results in greater uniqueness between each stick. So don’t worry if each one doesn’t look like the next one. You can be sure that these high-quality smokes will ensure a superb smoking experience.

Name Recognition

Advertising for most boutique cigars [1] is non-existent. Instead of heavy spending on advertising costs, smaller brands choose to invest in higher-grade tobaccos and expert cigar rollers. These two crucial ingredients are a requirement for top-shelf perfection, while advertising is not. The best boutique brands know that word-of-mouth travels, so they spend their efforts producing exquisite products that earn them a small, yet loyal following. It is not uncommon for cigar smokers to be introduced to a boutique cigar through a fellow BOTL or by seeing an unfamiliar band wrapped around a nub in an ashtray at their local cigar lounge.  Unlike established cigar brands that have a ready-made loyal customer base, boutique brands compete with hundreds of other brands for a walk-in customer’s attention. That’s why their quality has to be on a very high level.

Conclusion

Yes, premium brands are more popular. But boutique cigars are the ones that maintain the cultural standard of the craft.  It is the boutique craftsman that makes cigars for the love of the cigar culture. Profits do not tend to be their highest motivation.

While some smokers will only smoke certain well-known brands at their local cigar lounge, a growing number of smokers are exploring their options. Enjoying the process of finding truly unique cigars that come in limited editions is recommendable.

If you have never tried a boutique cigar before, it is definitely worth the experience. It is also a great way to refine your palate.  Seek to find a stick that brings out the best aspects of the cigar experience.

You may find a favorite new brand and become part of their loyal following. Once you do, share your experience with others. Sharing a boutique cigar experience encourages the love of cigars and the community.