You’ve probably heard someone discussing the rule of thirds either after smoking a cigar or while doing so. Conceptually, many reviewers break cigars down into thirds: First, second, and third (or final). That’s because the cigar blend tends to change as you smoke.
Typically, what flavor notes you pick up in the first third is a little different than what you’ll pick up in the second third — or middle — and the end. It’s all about how a cigar is rolled and what kind of tobacco leaves are packed and used inside. That’s also why cigar retailers and manufacturers list this information on product pages. It helps give you an idea of what you’ll taste or experience if you have a cigar.
Almost every cigar manufacturer has someone called a “Master Blender,” who is essentially a sommelier of tobacco. Before they produce a cigar to sell, they go through a series of tests and iterations picking out “blends,” or different mixtures of tobacco leaves. That is when they try varying compositions for the filler, binder, and wrapper.
Each iteration or blend offers a unique flavor profile. Before starting the process, the Master Blender might have an idea of what they’re trying to achieve, or they may simply be experimenting. But when they have a hit, they push the final composition through production.
The idea is to provide us — the cigar smokers — with a unique sensory experience. An evolution, if you will. While it’s not always true, and it differs from blender to blender, there is a common pattern. Usually, the first third is milder, with the bulk of flavors and the crescendo hitting during the second third. Finally, a cigar may mellow out during the final third or, and this is what I prefer, may pick up a little in strength or flavor. It depends on the cigar, but some may prefer the experience of the second third while others may prefer the final third — where the cigar burns down to a nub.
This cadence is what contributes to the rule of thirds, and it’s also why cigar enthusiasts tend to break cigar experiences down the same way.
When complexity comes out to play
Complex cigars, with a lot of nuanced flavor, tend to change the most as you smoke them. Not all cigars are complex, however. Some are meant to be consistent all the way through, barely changing, which means you taste the same flavors from start to finish.
So, it’s not necessarily true that you always divide cigar tastings using the rule. It’s not a strict rule. And yet, it’s a great way to break up the full smoking session. If you keep a journal, it also makes it easy to break down the flavors you taste and review them later.
Why are cigar tastings divided into thirds?
Old habits die hard. The rule of thirds is a method that’s been used for decades, maybe even centuries. But it’s also more of a loose rule. If or when you smoke, you can enjoy the cigar however you like.
That’s the fantastic part about cigars and variety, your preference should always take center stage. If you don’t want to divide a cigar experience up, don’t. If it makes it easier for you to note or remember the experience, by all means, do it.
Briley has over 16 years in the publishing and content marketing business. He's been writing about cigars for nearly half that in various forms. What makes him a tour de force is he also smokes them.
Source: Etienne Beauregard-Riverin / Unsplash
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