Cigars have long been a symbol of the elite. From their presence in high-end gentlemen’s clubs to the avid smoking of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, cigars have often seemed to be a novelty above the common man’s recreation.

However, times have changed — prices have plunged for many cigars, which are now available for under $5. Are you looking to try something new, or just curious about how it all works? Take a read to see there’s more to the cigar than just lighting up.

For Craig Buske, the allure of the cigar has turned his involvement from an interest into a serious hobby. Buske and fellow smoking buddy Andrew Czapla started the Iowa State Cigar Club, a student organization committed to informing students and creating a social atmosphere of the cigar universe.

He says his club has grown to one of the larger organizations on campus because of the specific interest it fulfills.

“I think first thing for students is that it is a novelty,” says Buske, junior in political science and treasurer of the club. “We have some serious smokers, but a lot just come in to try it and like it.”

For the beginners in the club, Buske says he informs them about many aspects of the cigar, but the cigar’s potency takes precedence in the beginning. The shade of the cigar, he says, from claro — light tan — to maduro — dark brown — can make all the difference in a primary experience.

“Color is a big issue. The darker the wrapper, the heavier the smoke is,” he says. “People want to start out light and work their way down. The darker ones are more potent, and they’ll probably get all loopy if they start off with them.”

As for preferred flavors, he says a lot of what makes a great cigar is its country of origin — specifically the sought-after Cuban.

“There are some really, really, really good Cubans out there,” he says. “I do think though that a lot of its allure is that it’s hard to get. Other places like the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua are really starting to catch up.”

Beyond the student clubs, cigars for some are not only a hobby, but a way of life. John Eveland, owner of the National Cigar Store in Waterloo, says he has lived most of his life within the business.

“My dad bought National Cigar in 1948, and I took over the store from him in 1966,” he says. “I went to college and graduated and wasn’t planning to stay, but I did. I’m glad I did.”

During the years that Eveland has been in the business, he has discovered an extensive amount about the cigar itself and what to look for when buying one. One factor to consider is the outside wrapper, making sure that there is no damage or discoloration — a sign of a poorly made product. But Eveland says that what truly counts is on the inside.

“You need to make sure that it is long-filler tobacco, where they use the whole leaves,” he says. “Not the stuff in Swisher Sweets where they have chopped-up tobacco.”

Eveland and Buske may be cigar enthusiasts, but not everyone is a fan.

While Buske says he and his group have endured mild amounts of criticism on campus, Eveland has learned throughout life to pick his own battles.

He advises not to light up an expensive cigar if there is the chance of someone objecting to the odor.

“I try not to smoke in front of people who find it offensive — try not to if you aren’t looking for a fight,” he says. “Just use your own judgment.”

Things to consider when buying your first cigar:

Tobacco type — Look for cigars made with whole-leaf tobacco.

Gauge size — The wider it is, the fuller the flavor will be.

Color — Claro: Lighter in coloration; usually a tannish color and milder potency. Maduro: Darker brown; fuller smoke with a heavier potency.

Wrapper — It is important to check a wrapper for damage, dryness or discoloration. Try rolling the cigar gently on your fingertips to check for bumps and tightness.

Country of origin — Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic are leading quality sources of cigar tobacco.

Source: Cigars.com

Craig Buske’s Economical Best Buys: Cohiba La Republica Dominicana ($9.19) La Aroma de Cuba ($4.29)

Price Source: Tobacco Outlet, 202 S. Duff Ave.