In some ways, buying cigars as an investment is similar to laying down a cellar full of bottles of great wine. The collector faces a number of big issues.
One of these is having to invest in the right kind of storage to make sure the cigars don’t deteriorate over time. A good humidor can range from $500 to $30,000. The second is resisting the temptation to smoke your assets.
But then there is a third challenge – and that is simply where to start. How do you choose cigars that represent the best investment, in terms of delivering the best potential returns in the future? To help you out, here are just a couple of tips on how to choose the best cigars to invest in today.
Always think Cuban
For cigar investors, it’s all about the Cuban makers. There is still nowhere else on the planet where all of the conditions for collectable cigars come together better.
If you manage to find some Cuban cigars that date from before 1963, snap them up. That was the year of the embargo and any cigars from before then are hugely valuable.
Be wary of fakes
Like any kind of investment, speculating on cigars is all about assessing risk. Know what you are willing and able to lose if the worst happens and your investment doesn’t pay off. Of course one of the best ways to mitigate the risks associated with investing in cigars is to do your due diligence.
When it comes to cigars, this isn’t just about knowing which cigars are likely to appreciate in value over time. It also about knowing how to spot a fake. Look at the packaging, the construction of the cigar, and question the seller thoroughly before you buy.
The key here is to be very wary of anything that seems undervalued or too good to be true. It almost certainly is.
But what about the cigars themselves? Here are a just couple of cigars that we think should be in any collector’s portfolio.
Cohiba Robustos Supremos Limited Edition 2014
This is a nice one to go for because it is still relatively easy to get a hold of. That’s not a situation that will last for this limited edition cigar. They were big sellers when they came out but numbers are now dwindling in the face of the high demand. Get yourself a box before the prices go through the roof.
The Romeo y Julieta Fabulosos No.2 Cigar
We love this one if only for the wonderful presentation. It’s already very sought after and doesn’t represent a cheap investment.
But that initial outlay, we believe, will be more than worth it. They’re a great Cuban maker for one.
Beyond that, the unique book style of the lacquered box only adds to their appeal. Expensive – but they are only set to get more so.
Jürg Widmer Probst
