Why Should You Keep a Cigar Journal?  

If you have the memory of an elephant, you’ll have no need for a cigar journal. You can recall each and every cigar in high-res clarity and even remember your tasting notes, who you were with, where you smoked it, and what you had for dinner.

But if you’re more like the rest of us mere mortals—and once you’ve tasted hundreds or thousands of cigars going back over months or years—the old memory can become a little hazy.

Perhaps that’s fine. This isn’t an exercise in academic scrutability, after all—it’s about smoking a damned fine cigar. But if you’d like to remember and learn from some of the singular smokes you’ve had in your illustrious past, our downloadable cigar journal and this guide will help you get started and stay organized.

Here is your Downloadable Cigar Journal Template below. *To download the image, click the button below. On the next screen, right click the image and select 'Save image as'. You can then print the template. Please note that you will need to change the orientation to portrait before printing. 

Getting Started With Your Journal  

Starting a cigar journal is simple. All you need is a way to record your thoughts and observations while smoking. This could include jotting down notes, saving cigar bands for reference, and setting aside time to reflect on your experience.

Saving the band is not crucial, but many cigar enthusiasts swear by it. We are visual creatures, and while many cigars look identical, their bands do not. They help you identify brands you enjoy and those you might avoid in the future.

Whether you prefer something physical or digital, the most important step is getting started.

Basic Information  

Always include the date, where you are, and who you may be with. These are key parts of the whole essence of cigar smoking.

We’ve all smoked very average cigars in amazing locations and with favorite people and enjoyed them as much as—if not more than—an expensive offering in a swanky lounge. Cigars are about memories and experiences.

Cigar Details  

Capture the essential details of your cigar to make future comparisons easier:

• Brand: Who made the cigar?

• Line/Series: Is it part of a specific collection or series?

• Vitola (Size and Shape): Note the cigar’s dimensions (length x ring gauge) and shape, such as Parejo, Torpedo, or Piramide.

If you want to go deeper, include optional details:

• Wrapper, Binder, and Filler: These components determine much of the cigar’s flavor and construction.

• Country of Origin: Knowing where the cigar was crafted or where the tobaccos were grown adds context to its profile.

These notes will help you track patterns in what you enjoy and serve as a reference when exploring new cigars.

Pre-Light Notes  

What are your impressions of the cigar before lighting? Take note of the appearance, feel, and aroma. This is your personal journal, not a publicly available document of record. Say what you notice—what stands out to you in this moment?

Smoking Experience  

Make a few notes as you smoke, focusing on:

1. First Third: What are your initial impressions?

2. Second Third: Did the flavors evolve or change?

3. Final Third: How did the cigar finish?

Also, consider the technical aspects:

• Burn Consistency: Was it even, uneven, or did it canoe?

• Draw: Was it too tight, too loose, or just right?

Flavor Profile  

Don’t get wrapped up in tasting notes. The cigar world is full of incredible-sounding flavors, but for most of us, tobacco predominantly tastes like tobacco.

There are generalizations you can work with: sweet, bitter, strong, mild, cocoa, coffee, pepper, creamy, floral, earthy, woody, and spicy. Everything else falls within these subcategories.

Having said that, if you taste something, you taste it! What you notice is entirely subjective, and no one can tell you otherwise.

Overall Performance  

How does the cigar perform? Is the draw enjoyable? Do you notice a particular aroma?

These are important signs of good tobacco and craftsmanship and worth keeping in mind for the future.

Final Thoughts and Rating  

Note your thoughts on the cigar immediately upon finishing—especially those last puffs. Then, in a reflective mood, think about the overall experience.

Would you buy it again? Make a note of how much you paid, as this might influence your decision to add it to your rotation.

Find Your Preferences  

Find your personal preferences—not just in your cigars but also in how you write your cigar journal.

With time, you’ll add a new avenue of enjoyment and reference to your cigar-smoking journey.