As you embark on your journey into the world of cigars, selecting the right one can make all the difference in your smoking experience.

Whether you're a complete beginner to cigars or an occasional smoker looking to expand your palate, this guide will assist you in choosing the best cigar so you can savor every puff.

When it comes to cigars, beginners may feel overwhelmed by the sheer variety of options available.

From different brands and sizes to varying strengths and flavors, choosing a cigar can seem like an intimidating task.

But fear not, as we will cover everything you need to know about cigars and provide you with our list of the top 10 best cigars for beginners to help you navigate this new world of smoking.

If you prefer, you can go straight to our top 10 best beginner cigars picks by clicking this link: Skip to the best beginner cigars

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the basics of cigars is essential for beginners

• When selecting a beginner cigar, consider the size, shape, strength, body, flavor, and your budget

• Proper cigar etiquette, cigar accessories, and storage are also important factors for beginners

• Cigar samplers are a great way to introduce yourself to a variety of cigars if you aren't sure where to start

Understanding Cigars

Before we delve into the cigars we selected, let's briefly understand what cigars are all about. 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

• Cigar strength and body

• Cigar flavor

• Budget

Cigar Size and Shape

Cigar size and shape directly influence the smoking experience. The size of a cigar is measured by its length and ring gauge. They are measured in inches in the United States, while some European and Asian countries use the metric system.

The ring gauge is simply the cigar's diameter at its widest point and is measured in 1/64 of an inch.

For example, you might see a size on our website displayed as 6 x 54. This means the cigar is 6 inches long and 54/64 of an inch thick.

Longer cigars generally offer a longer smoking time, while smaller ones provide a more concentrated flavor.

The technical name for the size and shape of a cigar is "vitola". Some of the most popular vitolas include Robusto, Corona, and Churchill.

As a beginner, you'll want to stick with smaller cigars such as Corona's, Robusto's or Petit Corona's so you can ease into the experience.

Cigar Strength and Body

A cigar's strength refers to its nicotine content. Cigars with more nicotine are considered stronger.

Cigars come in various strength levels ranging from mild to medium and full-bodied.

Cigar body is the depth and fullness of the cigar's flavor. In other words, it's the intensity of the taste and aromas while you're smoking.

For beginners, stick with mild to 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

Flavor profiles in cigars can be diverse, including earthy, woody, sweet, spicy, and more. Beginners might enjoy cigars with balanced and approachable flavors.

Connecticut or Ecuadorian wrapper cigars tend to be milder and smoother, making them an excellent choice for novices.

Budget

Cigars are available at varying price points, so there are plenty of options for everyone.

While premium cigars are a treat, many cost-effective options provide an enjoyable smoking experience for beginners.

Some of the best cigars in the world average around $11 - $17 each so you don't have to break the bank to find a quality smoke.

What is the Proper Cigar Etiquette for Beginners?

Before you light up your cigar, familiarize yourself with some essential cigar etiquette. For a detailed overview, check out our article on how to smoke a cigar.

When cutting the cigar, use a professional cigar cutter to achieve a clean and even cut.

When lighting, light evenly with wooden matches or a butane torch. You want to avoid using a lighter with fluid as this could taint the taste.

Remember to take your time, let a nice ash develop, and savor each puff, allowing the flavors to develop fully.

We recommend not inhaling for a beginner as it could be too harsh.

Smoking a cigar is often about relaxation, contemplation, and enjoying the moment.

What are the Essential Cigar Accessories for Beginners?

As a beginner preparing for your first smoke, you want to ensure you have the essential accessories to get you started.

Cigar Cutters

Your options for cigar cutters include guillotine, punch, and V-cutters.

It's really a matter of preference when it comes to cutters. If you're just starting, go with a guillotine cutter, as they are easy to use and get the job done well.

Cigar Lighters

To ensure a clean and even light as a beginner, use a single flame butane torch lighter. Multi-flamed lighters are better suited for larger cigars.

Butane torches use forced air to generate a precise, needle-like flame that burns very hot, so be sure not to let the flame make direct contact with the end of your cigar.

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)

Here is our hand-selected list of the top ten best cigars for beginners.

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 in 2022 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 and beginners.

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.

With flawless construction, this cigar has an excellent draw and a consistent burn.

The Montecristo White Label Grande Tubos Robusto is a top choice among experienced smokers and beginners alike.

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.

The masterful construction of the Spanish Galleon yields a symphony of 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 true 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.

The Antonius isn't just a cigar; it's an affordable ticket to extraordinary enjoyment. 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're seeking a bold yet excellent value cigar in a more compact size, the Charter Oak Habano Petite Corona is a must-try.

Storing Your Cigars

When it comes to enjoying cigars, proper storage is essential to maintain their quality and flavor.

The best humidity to store your cigars is at a RH between 65-75%. You can achieve this by using a humidor or a travel case.

Cigar Humidors & Travel Cases

A humidor is a container designed to maintain a consistent humidity level to keep cigars fresh and prevent them from drying out.

Cigar humidors come in various sizes and styles, from small desktop models to large cabinets capable of storing hundreds of cigars.

When selecting a humidor, choosing one that fits your needs is crucial.

A small humidor is ideal for beginners with a small collection of cigars, while a larger one may be more suitable for experienced smokers with a more extensive collection.

Travel cases are designed for on-the-go cigar enthusiasts who want to enjoy their cigars while away from home. They are typically smaller than humidors and come in various styles, including leather-bound, metal, and plastic.

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.