Whether stepping foot in a cigar lounge or browsing online retailers for the first time, you will be amazed at the endless array of flavor profiles, shapes, sizes, and strengths.
Some may even describe it as overwhelming, but we’re here to help you explore this time-honored pastime so you can find the perfect cigar.
Where do you start with smoking cigars?
You want your first time smoking a cigar to be enjoyable, so you need to know how to kickstart your stogie journey correctly.
Like many other disciplines, you want to start simple and work your way up. Beginning with a mellow smoke enables you to build up your appreciation of aroma and flavor, rather than risking a stronger, full-bodied smoke that could overpower your senses.
Most importantly, you’ve got to be curious, patient, and open-minded. Over time, you’ll identify your favorite brands and strike your ideal balance of strength and flavor.
How to pick a cigar for beginners
Cigar smoking is a multi-faceted experience, made up of many different nuances. A cigar’s vitola, ring size, construction, wrapper shade, smell, taste, burn, and price are some of the factors that come into play. Thankfully, plenty of affordable, good quality stogies on the market are well suited for newcomers.
You can’t go full steam ahead by smoking the biggest and baddest cigar right off the bat, so consider these factors when choosing a cigar for the first time.
Strength
Mellow-strength cigars don’t mean bland. They are often full of flavor, which is arguably the most important aspect of a cigar. It’s best to err on the side of caution as mellow smokes to give you a smoother, more pleasant smoking experience.
Length
Inexperienced cigars must be careful with the size of their cigar, as it directly correlates to the burn time. However, it’s important to note a cigar’s size doesn’t reflect its strength.
Long and thick cigars like Churchills (7 inches) or Double Coronas (7.5 inches) will take longer to smoke — at least 90 minutes. Tackle something smaller for your first attempt, but not too small you won’t get to indulge in the experience.
Thinner, shorter stogies burn hotter and faster, quickly becoming intense because of the proximity of the cigar’s heat to your palate. This means you won’t experience the same aroma, flavor transition, taste, or pleasure that a traditional format offers.
Go for a classic shape like a Toro (6 inches long) that will stay toasted for around 45 minutes. It will intensify at a more gradual pace and take long enough to smoke without being overwhelming.
Ring gauge
Look for a cigar with a thick ring gauge (50 or greater), as they burn at a cooler rate, allowing you to experience all its flavors and complexity. It’s also good to stick with a traditional parejos cigar shape. They burn evenly, making them perfect for beginners.
Wrapper shade
Many handmade beginner cigars use a Connecticut Shade wrapper. They are light-tan or golden-blonde in color, with a smooth, creamy flavor.
With their woodsy character, Cameroon wrappers are another popular choice for smokers who enjoy mellow cigars.
Generally, the darker the wrapper, the more full-bodied the cigar.
Price
Many hobbies can become expensive, and cigar smoking is no different. When starting, burning your way through cigars is all about trial and error. There’s no point blowing loads of dollars on a limited-edition smoke or top-tier cigar, as you won’t be able to appreciate it. In fact, you might not even enjoy it, so why risk wasting your money?
Your palate matures over time, so choose a few affordable, approachable cigars from different brands. Cigar samplers are a fantastic option for sampling different stick. Either way, you’ll still get a quality, premium stogie blended by cigarmakers with many years of experience, only without the cost. Through elimination, you’ll eventually discover the cigars and brands that tick your boxes.
What cigar brand should I try first?
New world cigars (cigars that haven’t originated from Cuba) come in a wide range of strengths to suit every palate. Brands such as Arturo Fuente, Oliva, and Perdomo all offer superb sticks at the lighter end of the spectrum.
Entering the world of cigars is exciting, with a wealth of aromas, flavors, and smokes to enjoy, but deciding what brand to try first is all down to personal preference. We’ve suggested a couple of our favorite beginner cigars below, in the hope they provide you with a pleasant and relaxing first-time smoking experience.
Recommended cigars for first time smokers
Alec Bradley Medalist Toro
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Connecticut
Filler: Honduras / Nicaragua
Length: 6
Ring: 54
Strength: Mellow - Medium
Smoke Time: 45-60 minutes
Bearing all the hallmarks of a lighter cigar, the Alec Bradley Medalist Toro is draped in a smooth, shade-grown Honduran wrapper. Its combination of Honduran and Nicaraguan premium tobacco filler delivers an impressive creamy profile for less than $7 a stick.
With light notes of cedar, cream, popcorn, and freshly baked bread, the wrapper also gives a hint of sweetness on the palate with occasional pops of vanilla. Dreamy with a morning coffee, this light but complex blend is a winner for any beginner.
CAO Gold Robusto
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5
Ring: 50
Strength: Mellow - Medium
Smoke Time: 60 minutes
A great choice for your first smoke, the CAO Gold Robusto is handmade in Nicaragua, but doesn’t possess the trademark power of a Nicaraguan cigar. However, don’t be fooled by the stunning, blonde Ecuadorian Connecticut seed wrapper, this 5 x 50 Robusto still oozes with subtle sweet spices and creamy, nutty textures.
Its quality and consistency have struck gold in Cigar Aficionado ratings, making it a go-to Connecticut cigar for many beginners. Enjoy a delightfully captivating hour-long experience with notes of cocoa, nutmeg, vanilla, and a sweet herbal earthiness.
