The lancero is a long, slender cigar — classically around 192mm by a 38 ring gauge — prized by seasoned aficionados for the way its narrow form concentrates wrapper flavour and rewards patience. Here is what defines it, how it smokes and which to reach for first.

Retirement marks a lifetime of work, and the right cigar honours it beautifully. From commemorative Cohiba editions to handsome leather cases and travel humidors, here is how to choose a gift that will be savoured long after the final day at the office.

A considered guide to the best cigars for Valentine's Day, from the honeyed elegance of a Cohiba Ambar to limited-edition treasures and beautifully made accessories — chosen to mark a romantic occasion with warmth and quiet luxury.

The corona and the petit corona share the same elegant ring gauge but differ in length, and that single difference shapes everything from smoking time to flavour. Here is how the two classic vitolas compare, and how to choose between them.

Coffee may be the classic companion to a fine cigar, but tea is its quietly elegant rival. Here is how to match black, oolong, green and pu-erh teas to mild, medium and full-bodied smokes for a calmer, more contemplative ritual.

Champagne and a fine Havana make one of the great celebratory partnerships — the wine's bright acidity and fine mousse refreshing the palate between draws. Here is how to match style for style, from blanc de blancs to a vintage Hoyo de Monterrey.