The world of fine cigars represents a tradition of contemplative pleasure that transcends mere smoking — it is an art of patience, craftsmanship, and sensory appreciation refined over centuries in the tobacco lands of Cuba, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. For the initiated, selecting and enjoying a cigar is a ritual as nuanced as wine tasting: the evaluation of wrapper sheen, the cold draw's preview of flavour, the progression of strength and complexity through first, second, and final thirds. Our coverage explores the finest venues where this ritual can be practised in appropriate settings.

Our assessments of cigar experiences evaluate the quality and breadth of humidor selections, the expertise of staff in guiding selections appropriate to individual palates, and the calibre of the smoking environment — ventilation systems, seating comfort, and the availability of complementary pairings from aged rum to vintage port. We consider whether venues honour the contemplative nature of cigar enjoyment or merely provide ashtrays, and whether the setting encourages the unhurried conversation and reflection that fine tobacco traditionally accompanies.

Readers exploring this category will discover establishments where the cigar experience has been elevated to its fullest expression. From private hotel lounges with leather armchairs and personal humidor lockers to rooftop terraces where smoke mingles with evening air, each recommendation offers the combination of exceptional tobacco, knowledgeable service, and atmospheric setting that transforms a simple smoke into an occasion.