There is an unmistakable hunger in the cigar world for big, beefy, bold cigars.
Indeed, the US market is responsible in large for a shift away from traditional smaller sizes and smoother blends to enormous sticks (7x70, anyone?) packed with strong ligero leaf.
The truth is, some of the best-selling cigars in the United States are gentler beasts. They're the ones enjoyed by all kinds of cigar lovers, from people mowing the lawn to those taking a break from work. They're also the best cigars for beginners.
It's why Davidoff remains popular, and why virtually every cigar stable includes a line of sticks that are rich, smooth, mellow, and mild. They make easy companions.
To enjoy the subtler side of cigars is not a difficult task. For a light morning smoke, a flavorful post lunch puff, or a rich, but not ball-breaking after dinner treat, read on...
1. Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Torpedo
Country of Origin: Honduras
Shape: Torpedo
Size: 6 1/4 x 52
Strength: Mild - Medium
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado
Binder/Filler: Honduras / Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Honduran Broadleaf
Perhaps the Rocky Patel cigar by which all others are judged, the Vintage 1990 has long been highly regarded by the cigar community.
Much of its appeal comes from the beautiful 12-year-old Honduran broadleaf wrapper, which adds a subtle sweetness.
With flavors of nuts and caramel, it offers a truly blissful experience.
2. Macanudo Cafe Hyde Park
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Robusto
Size: 5 1/2 x 49
Strength: Mild
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Claro
Binder/Filler: Mexico / Dominican Republic
Wrapper Type: Connecticut Shade
This popular favorite looks and acts like a well-loved puppy—charming and easy to enjoy.
Made with twice-aged long-fillers, it’s often praised as America's best-selling cigar.
Mild, aromatic Dominican fillers, a smooth Mexican binder, and a high-grade Connecticut Shade wrapper come together to create the Cafe Hyde Park, the epitome of a mellow smoke.
3. Ashton Classic Prime Minister
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Double Corona
Size: 6.88 x 48
Strength: Mild - Medium
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: ColoradoClaro
Binder/Filler: Dominican Republic / Dominican Republic
Wrapper Type: Connecticut Shade
This is a big old stick that gives you exactly what you expect every time: mellow-taste with just a hint of nose-tickling peppery spice to keep you interested.
Its rich, golden syrup-colored Connecticut Shade wrapper promises - and delivers.
Expect a note-perfect, mild smoke from beginning to end.
4. Spanish Galleon Classic Robusto
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Robusto
Size: 5 x 54
Strength: Mild - Medium
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: ColoradoClaro
Binder/Filler: Dominican Habano / Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Sometimes, only a robusto will do.
It's the perfect fit when you have 'that' amount of time and want a certain girth that won't require much attention.
Add a desire for a smooth, creamy, mild cigar at a superb price - and we have a winner.
The Spanish Galleon Classic Robusto is a versatile cigar that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
It utilizes a unique blend of Dominican, Ecuadorian, and Nicaraguan leaves, creating a perfect symphony of soft, creamy notes.
5. Montecristo White Label No.2 Belicoso
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Belicoso
Size: 6.12 x 52
Strength: Mild - Medium
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado Claro
Binder/Filler: Nicaragua / Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Aged Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers vie for your palate in this rich and intriguing blend.
You'll find the taste smooth, rich, and refined with a hint of peppery spice.
This stick is as consistent as a cigar gets. Add this little mellow beauty to your daily rotation without breaking the bank.
6. Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne Churchill
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Shape: Double Corona
Size: 7 x 54
Strength: Mild - Medium
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: ColoradoClaro
Binder/Filler: Nicaragua / Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Connecticut Shade
As if to prove our opening point, the 10th Anniversary Champagne from Perdomo is one of the brand's - and the cigar world's - very best sellers.
It's a phenomenal smoke, impeccably made, using extra barrel-aged, shade-grown Connecticut wrapper.
It carries more of a punch than many on this list, but this is well hidden by the cigar's incredible blending.
Even non-Connecticut fans are converted to the leaf by this cigar.
One of our favorite cigars for a round of golf or just relaxing on the patio.
7. Arturo Fuente Chateau Double Chateau Natural
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Churchill
Size: 6 3/4 x 50
Strength: Mild - Medium
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado Claro
Binder/Filler: Dominican Republic / Dominican Republic
Wrapper Type: Connecticut Shade
One of the world's most famous cigar brands has something to suit every palate and pocket.
Masterfully crafted by the Fuente family in the Dominican Republic, the Chateau Double Chateau is a Churchill wrapped in a natural Connecticut Shade leaf.
It's a well-balanced smoke with warm, toasty notes that evolve into a rich blend of nuts, cocoa, and spice, all at a great price.
With a sturdy ash and smooth, reliable burn, Arturo Fuente Chateau cigars deliver excellence from start to finish.
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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.