Starting your cigar journey? Choosing the right one can truly enhance your experience.

This guide will help you find the perfect cigar, whether you're a newbie or an occasional smoker wanting to explore more.

With so many brands, sizes, strengths, and flavors, picking a cigar can feel overwhelming.

But don’t worry. We'll explain what you need to know and share our top 10 cigars for beginners to make it easier for you so you can enjoy every puff!

If you prefer, you can go straight to our picks by clicking this link: Skip to the best beginner cigars

Understanding Cigar Components

A cigar comprises three main components: filler, binder, and wrapper.

The filler is the tobacco blend that makes up the cigar's body.

The binder is a leaf that holds the filler together, while the wrapper is the outermost leaf that gives the cigar its appearance and flavor.

Some of the best filler, binder, and wrapper tobacco grown worldwide is cultivated in Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Honduras, and Mexico.

Hand-rolled cigars offer a premium smoking experience due to their craftsmanship, while machine-made cigars provide a convenient and affordable option. At Atlantic Cigar Co, we only carry the very best hand-rolled premium cigars, as well as a small selection of high-quality machine-made cigars.

The aging process can also significantly impact a cigar's flavor profile, making it a crucial consideration for cigar enthusiasts seeking a more refined taste.

What Cigar Characteristics Should Beginners Consider?

As a beginner or someone with a novice palate, you will want to choose your cigars carefully. Here are the top factors to consider:

• Cigar size and shape: Stick with smaller cigars such as a Corona, Robusto, or Petit Corona. 

• Cigar strength and body: Go with mild-medium cigars. They are less likely to overwhelm your palate, and you'll be able to appreciate the flavor without overpowering your senses.

• Cigar flavor: Choose cigars that are balanced and have approachable flavors. Connecticut or Ecuadorian wrappers tend to be milder and smoother. 

• Budget: While premium cigars are a treat, there are still many cost-effective options that provide an enjoyable smoking experience for beginners. You'll find a ton of value in the $7 - $14 range.

Our Top 10 Picks for the Best Beginner Cigars

Now that you have a general understanding of cigars and the key factors to consider, you're ready to explore some options.

We organized our selections by cigar strength and only included vitolas that would appeal to a beginner, such as Robusto and Petit Corona. For strengths we have:

• Mild beginner cigars (2)

• Mild - Medium beginner cigars (5)

• Medium beginner cigars (3)

1. Macanudo Café Hyde Park

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Robusto
Size: 5.50 x 49
Blender: General Cigar Co.
Strength: Mild
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Claro
Binder / Filler: Mexico / Dominican Republic
Wrapper Type: Connecticut Shade

The Macanudo Café Hyde Park, a cherished classic and the top-selling Macanudo cigar at Atlantic Cigar is a perfect choice for both new and experienced cigar enthusiasts.

This cigar made it to our best Macanudo cigars article and for good reason.

Despite producing around a million units yearly, Macanudo maintains their renowned quality standards. They carefully cultivate their own Connecticut Shade wrappers to ensure consistent high-quality aromatic tobacco.

The filler is a blend of Piloto Cubano Dominican and Mexican tobaccos, aged twice following a Cuban tradition.

For the binder, you have a distinctive Mexican San Andrean leaf created exclusively for Macanudo. Put everything together, and you have a meticulously constructed cigar that delivers a mild and exceptionally smooth smoke.

Flavor-wise, it offers creamy notes dominating the palate, accompanied by subtle hints of cedar, nuts, and a touch of sweetness.

With exceptional quality control, superior flavor, and widespread retail availability, the Macanudo Café is a leading American cigar. You're in for a treat if you haven't experienced the Hyde Park variation.

2. Aladino Connecticut Robusto

Country of Origin: Honduras
Shape: Robusto
Size: 5 x 50
Blender: Julio R. Eiroa
Strength: Mild
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado Claro
Binder / Filler: Honduras / Honduras
Wrapper Type: Ecuadorian Connecticut

The Aladino Connecticut Robusto is a notable mild cigar crafted by JRE tobacco company.

This cigar was designed to provide a smooth and refined smoking experience that appeals to a wide range of enthusiasts.

The binder and filler are made from 100% Honduran Corojo tobacco, adding a pleasant layer of complexity and structure to the cigar's blend.

It's wrapped in a golden-brown shade-grown Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, adding an extra richness that you don't find with traditional Connecticut-grown wrappers due to the volcanic soil in Ecuador.

Upon lighting, you'll notice subtle hints of cedar, licorice, buttercream, and earthiness. As you progress through the smoke, these flavors are complemented by a delicate touch of sweetness.

The Aladino Connecticut Robusto is a perfect beginner cigar if want to experiment with a mild, well-rounded Honduran smoke.

3. Montecristo White Label Grande Tubos Robusto

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Shape: Robusto
Size: 5 x 52
Blender: Tabacalera de Garcia
Strength: Mild - Medium
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado Claro
Binder / Filler: Nicaragua / Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Ecuadorian Connecticut

The Montecristo White Label presents a versatile option, suitable for any time of day. The first cigar in the mild-medium body category on our list, it is smooth and refined with just a hint of peppery flavor.

Crafted using a hand-selected Ecuadorian Connecticut shade-grown wrapper and a binder sourced from Nicaragua, the White Label boasts a tightly packed composition of aged Dominican and Nicaraguan long fillers.

This brilliant combination results in a mild-medium-bodied cigar with a satisfyingly smooth and rich flavor profile that is sure to impress.

4. Oliva Connecticut Reserve Petite Corona

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Shape: Short Panatela
Size: 4 x 38
Blender: Oliva Cigar Co.
Strength: Mild - Medium
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado Claro
Binder / Filler: Nicaragua / Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Ecuadorian Connecticut

Oliva is widely regarded as one of the best cigar producers in the world due to their longstanding reputation for crafting premium-quality cigars.

In fact, the brand has shown up a whopping 17 times in Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 list since 2005, so it's no surprise that the Connecticut Reserve stands out as a highly sought-after cigar in today's market.

Handmade in Eseli, Nicaragua, this cigar showcases an Ecuadorian Connecticut-grown wrapper that envelopes an enchanting blend of Nicaraguan fillers and binder.

Aesthetically pleasing, the Connecticut Reserve is a visual delight. It's color boasts a rich, deep golden hue with a subtle hint of oiliness.

The flavor profile unfolds with a peppery kick at the start, transitioning into a delightful toasted nut essence that evolves into a velvety, buttery note. This journey culminates in a satisfyingly lingering sweetness that graces the palate at the finish.

If you're looking for a shorter burn time from one of the best cigarmakers in the world, you can't go wrong with the Oliva Connecticut Reserve Petite Corona.

5. Spanish Galleon Classic Robusto

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Robusto
Size: 5 x 54
Strength: Mild - Medium
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado Claro
Binder / Filler: Dominican Habano / Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Ecuadorian Connecticut

Next up, the Spanish Galleon Classic - a masterfully crafted blend that elevates your smoking pleasure.

Impeccably designed with a premium Ecuadorian Connecticut Seed wrapper and a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan filler, this cigar promises a journey of unparalleled taste and quality.

Picture the richness of Ashton Classic and the allure of Hoyo De Monterrey Excalibur but at a fraction of the cost.

Equipped with a triple seam cap in the traditional Cuban style, this cigar undergoes rigorous draw testing to ensure a consistently satisfying smoke.

Be prepared to experience creamy, smooth notes artfully balanced with a hint of spice and the perfect strength for beginners.

6. New World Connecticut by AJ Fernandez Robusto

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Robusto
Size: 5 x 50
Blender: AJ Fernandez
Strength: Mild - Medium
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado Claro
Binder / Filler: San Andres / Nicaragua, Brazil
Wrapper Type: Connecticut Shade

A.J. Fernandez's expertise transforms every draw of the New World Connecticut into a journey of flavor that defies expectations.

His second line in the famous New World collection, the New World Connecticut redefines what a Connecticut wrapper can be.

Fernandez opted for a Connecticut Shade wrapper cultivated right here on American soil, infusing it with a depth of flavor that outshines its Ecuadorian counterpart.

Yet, there's more to savor. The Mexican San Andres binder combines seamlessly with the Nicaraguan and Brazilian fillers to create a multicultural blend that adds delightful flavors.

Give the New World Connecticut a try if you're looking try a cigar bursting at the seams with flavor.

7. Romeo y Julieta 1875 Bully

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Robusto
Size: 5 x 50
Blender: AJ Fernandez
Strength: Mild - Medium
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado
Binder / Filler: Dominican Republic / Dominican Republic
Wrapper Type: Indonesian Sumatra

Our beginner's list wouldn't be complete without including a Romeo y Julieta classic that embodies timeless excellence dating back to 1875.

Counted among the world's top sellers, the Romeo y Julieta 1875 stands out for its harmonious balance of flavor.

As you ignite this masterpiece, the characteristic white ash sets the stage for a smooth and mellow smoke, offering a mild-medium-bodied experience.

Expect smooth and creamy notes complemented by subtle hints of cedar and toasted nuts.

As you savor this cigar, you'll also detect a touch of sweetness that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

Treat yourself to the smooth flavors that make this cigar a classic.

8. Antonius Connecticut Robusto

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Robusto
Size: 5 x 54
Blender: Maurice Antonius Koks
Strength: Medium
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado Claro
Binder / Filler: Dominican Republic / Proprietary
Wrapper Type: Ecuadorian Connecticut Hybrid

The Antonious Connecticut is the embodiment of true boutique craftsmanship.

This cigar is a re-blended and revamped creation by the great Maurice Antonious Kok, who focuses primarily on limited and carefully controlled production in the Dominican Republic.

With a legacy rooted in Dutch tobacco heritage, Antonius pays tribute to Maurice's cigar-making forefather, Antonius (AKA Toontje) Koks, who crafted cigars in Holland generations ago.

The first medium-bodied gem on our list, this cigar is meticulously handcrafted using Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrappers and a uniquely flavorful blend of aged long-fillers.

Indulge in its richness and complexity, unveiling creamy notes with a touch of spice and a light sweetness.

Give this one a try if you're looking for something with a bit more strength and complexity.

9. ACID Liquid Robusto

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Shape: Robusto
Size: 5 x 50
Blender: Drew Estate
Strength: Medium
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado Claro
Binder / Filler: Nicaragua / Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Connecticut Shade

Venture into the exclusive realm of ACID Cigars by Drew Estate, where only a select few have glimpsed the magic behind their creation.

Within a small, sanctuary-like factory, an array of herbs and essential oils grace the blending room walls.

ACID cigars emerge through the harmonious fusion of secret herbs and oils alongside premium long-filler tobaccos, expertly rolled in Cuban-style tradition.

Expect a balanced interplay of aromatic herbs and oils that intertwine with the high-quality, long-filler tobaccos. This infusion process results in a truly unique flavor profile that's both distinctive and captivating.

If you're seeking an intriguing and unconventional cigar experience, the ACID Liquid Robusto is worth exploring.

10. Charter Oak Habano Petite Corona

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Shape: Petit Corona
Size: 5 1/4 x 42
Blender: Nicholas Melillo
Strength: Medium
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado
Binder / Filler: Nicaragua / Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Ecuadorian Habano

Celebrate the rich heritage of Foundation Cigar Company and its visionary founder Nicholas Melillo with the Charter Oak Habano Petite Corona.

Charter Oak is a brand that has appeared twice in the Cigar Aficionado Best Buys List.

This cigar showcases a spicy Ecuadorian Habano wrapper known for its zesty and robust character.

Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Charter Oak Habano Petite Corona contains prized Cuban seed leaf varieties sourced from Nicaragua's esteemed Esteli and Jalapa regions. This carefully selected blend promises a taste journey that's bold, complex, and deeply satisfying.

If you want a bold yet excellent value cigar in a more compact size, the Charter Oak Habano Petite Corona is for you.

Embrace the Start of Your Cigar Journey

Choosing the best cigar for a beginner can be a daunting task. However, it is important to remember that everyone's taste is different. What one person finds enjoyable may not be the same for another.

Beginners should start with a mild cigar and work up to stronger ones as they become more experienced. We would also recommend pairing your cigar with a drink, such as coffee or whiskey, to enhance the flavor.

Overall, with the proper guidance and a bit of experimentation, beginners can find the perfect cigar to suit their tastes and preferences.

About the Author:

The Atlantic Cigar Staff is a team of seasoned cigar aficionados with over 25 years of experience. As part of the Atlantic Cigar family for decades, our experts know cigars inside out. We share our passion for premium, handmade cigars with enthusiasts worldwide. Our friendly and knowledgeable team guides both seasoned smokers and curious newcomers to the perfect smoke. We're always eager to share our love of cigars with you.