With cigars becoming more popular these days and cigar parties seeming to be all the rage, I thought it would be a good idea to present a cigar for the beginner. As a novice cigar smoker myself, I have taken the approach of trial and error on finding exactly what type of cigars I enjoy. My forays into the many different smoke shops and online markets led me to a brand that has quickly become a favorite. The Helix cigars are not only mild and satisfying; they are quite reasonably priced as well.
The Helix Cigars are a relatively new brand as they were first introduced in 2002. During this time many popular brands were issuing a full-bodied cigar which appealed to mostly the long time enthusiasts. That is to say the cigars had a rich strong flavor many beginners do not find appealing. As an alternative to this trend, Helix began producing mild cigars with a sweet flavor. The Helix Maduro introduced that same year quickly became popular with those just starting their new hobby.
The Helix brand takes its name from the shape the wrapper leaf of tobacco makes. The wrapper leaf is wound around the cigar’s binder and filler in a spiral formation. This leaf starts at the head of the cigar is wound around to the foot. This wrapper leaf is often very flavorful, and the shape the wound wrapper leaf makes when completed is a helix.
The Helix cigar was first developed by cigar artisans in Honduras who use a blend of aged tobaccos to create the light smooth flavor. The filler tobacco is a mix of Dominican, Brazilian Mata Fina, and Honduran Talanga farm tobacco. The binder used for Helix Cigars is made from a Cuban leaf harvested in Mexico. It is semi-sweet and burns smoothly. The wrapper, from which it takes its name, is a Connecticut Shade Grown. All of the tobaccos used by Helix are aged for at least three years with the wrapper leaf being aged for five. The result of all of this hard work and preparation is the mild flavor Helix is known for which is perfect for new cigar smokers.
Helix provides two distinct cigars; the Helix Blue and Helix Maduro both of which come in seven different popular styles. Depending on the style the price can range from around $3.50-$4.25 for a single cigar or $70.00-$80.00 for a box. These are extremely reasonable prices for the quality of cigar Helix provides when you consider other “name” brands can cost upwards of $10.00 for a single and $200.00 for a box. This makes Helix Cigars a wise investment for the beginner.
Cigar Aficionado which is perhaps the leading magazine for cigar enthusiasts had this to say about Helix Cigars. “Along with a dark, oil wrapper, this cigar has noticeable tooth. Helix Cigars, with their woody flavors have a hint of coffee bean spice on the finish. It has a good burn and easy draw, along with a solid gray ash. The Helix cigars rank ‘good to excellent’. A fine well aged cigar. What we would call ‘Affordable Luxury’.”
With the popularity of cigar smoking on the rise, it is important to know there is a quality cigar on the market for the beginner. With its mild yet rich flavor and reasonable prices, the Helix brand cigars are perfect for those just starting out. With their smooth taste and always satisfying experience, Helix cigars can help turn the novice cigar smoker into a true aficionado by helping to cultivate the appreciation for a true quality cigar.
