Cigars are capable of producing a vast array of different flavor profiles. These profiles include varying degrees of strength. But some find it unclear as to what exactly “strength” refers to. Is it bitterness? Spiciness? The sheer amount of flavor? Here, we will break down what a cigar’s “strength” really means and dispel some common misconceptions surrounding the term.

What Is a Cigar’s Strength?

When someone mentions a cigar’s strength, they are essentially referring to the amount of nicotine in the cigar. This is noticeable by a robust flavor that often requires less smoke and lighter puffs to enjoy. Strength is commonly described as mellow, mellow to medium, medium, medium to full, and full.

Think of a cigar’s strength like the proof of a certain spirit. A higher proof means more alcohol, but you can taste it without measuring the alcohol content scientifically.

Strength vs. Body

While some people may use the terms interchangeably, it is better to think of a cigar’s body as a characteristic that contributes to its strength. A full-bodied cigar has rich, deep flavor and aroma, but may not be strong. In other words, a full-strength cigar will certainly be full-bodied, but a full-bodied cigar is not necessarily strong. Dessert cigars are a good example of cigars that may be full-bodied but are not often described as strong.

Are Dark Cigars Stronger?

It’s often assumed that darker cigars are strong, while their light-brown counterparts tend to be more mellow. While this may sometimes prove true, it is very far from an absolute truth. Dark cigars are often wrapped in maduro wrapper leaves, and “maduro” is simply Spanish for “ripe.” It’s an apt name because maduro leaves have undergone a special curing process that allows the leaf to ferment in a unique way. This process turns natural starches into sugar, allowing maduro leaves to be used in cigar blends ranging from savory to sweet.

Now, the next time you see the word “strong” used to describe a cigar, you know exactly what to expect. That is, you should expect lots of nicotine content and a somewhat bitter, robust flavor to match it.