Glossary of Cigar Flavors & Body Strength

Cigars offer a wide range of flavors and strengths, influenced by the tobacco blend, aging process, and region of origin. This glossary breaks down the most common flavor profiles and body strengths in simple terms for beginners.

Cigar Flavor Profiles

Earthy

Tastes like soil, cedar, leather, and a barnyard aroma.

Found in many Nicaraguan and Cuban cigars

Woody

Flavors of cedar, oak, hickory, or pine.

Often present in Dominican and Honduran cigars

Spicy

Notes of black, red, or white pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Common in stronger Nicaraguan cigars

Sweet

Hints of cocoa, honey, molasses, or vanilla.

Often found in cigars with Maduro wrappers

Coffee & Chocolate

Flavors similar to espresso, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate.

Common in Maduro and Connecticut Broadleaf cigars

Nutty

Tastes like almonds, walnuts, cashews, or hazelnuts.

Often present in Dominican and Ecuadorian cigars

Fruity & Citrus

Notes of raisin, dried cherry, citrus zest, or fig.

Found in well-aged or Cuban cigars

Creamy & Buttery

A smooth, rich texture with hints of vanilla or caramel.

Common in Connecticut Shade cigars

Herbal & Floral

Tastes like tea, hay, lavender, or chamomile.

More prominent in lighter Dominican cigars

Cigar Body Strength

Mild

Light on flavor and strength, great for beginners.

Example: Connecticut Shade cigars

Medium

A balance of flavor and strength, suitable for most smokers.

Example: Many Dominican and Cuban cigars

Full

Strong, bold flavors with high nicotine content.

Example: Nicaraguan and Maduro cigars

The body of a cigar affects how intense the flavors feel. A full-bodied cigar will have stronger, richer flavors compared to a mild one.