New to Cigars? Discover Our Top Picks for Beginners

Posted on September 10th, 2024.

Welcome to our beginner's guide to cigars! If you're new to the world of cigars and don't know where to start, you've come to the right place. Whether you're looking to expand your smoking horizons or simply curious about trying a cigar for the first time, we've got you covered.

In this article, we'll be sharing our top picks for beginners, providing you with a variety of options to choose from. We understand that starting a new hobby can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to something as complex and diverse as cigars. That's why we've put together a list of our top recommendations to help make your journey into cigar smoking a little easier.

So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the world of cigars. By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of what to look for in a cigar and which ones are best for beginners. Let's get started!

Why Start with the Right Cigar

Starting with the right cigar can make all the difference in your smoking experience, especially if you're new to the world of cigars. The best cigars for beginners often feature a milder blend, which is less likely to overwhelm your palate. Imagine it like easing into a warm bath rather than jumping into an icy pool; it makes the transition smoother and far more enjoyable. A cigar that is too strong or complex could lead to an unpleasant experience, potentially putting you off cigars entirely. Choosing a beginner-friendly cigar ensures you’ll appreciate the subtleties, thereby making your introduction to cigar smoking an enjoyable affair, setting you up for longer-term enjoyment.

When you're just starting, it's essential to focus on cigars that are renowned for being smooth and mild. Top beginner cigars typically highlight flavors that are easy on the taste buds, such as subtle notes of cream, nuts, or mild spice, rather than bold, overpowering flavors. These flavors are not only easier to enjoy but also allow you to better understand the basics of what makes a great cigar. A beginner cigar often has a softer draw, which means the effort required to take a puff is less strenuous, making the smoking process more relaxing and less daunting for newcomers.

Our Top 8 Beginner Cigars

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of top 8 beginner cigars, each celebrated for its pleasing palette and mild nature.

1. First on our list is the Arturo Fuente Chateau Fuente. This cigar is often recommended due to its mild-to-medium body, featuring notes of cedar, cream, and a hint of spice. It's a dependable option that provides a smooth draw and allows you to ease into the cigar-smoking experience comfortably.
2. Next, the Romeo y Julieta 1875 is a classic choice with rich, yet approachable flavors of toasted nuts and a creamy finish, offering a well-rounded experience without overwhelming your senses. It’s like embracing a gentle, warm hug.
3. The third in our lineup is the Macanudo Café, famous for its exceptionally smooth, light flavors. This one is practically a rite of passage for beginners, boasting creamy vanilla and nutty notes, with just enough complexity to keep things interesting.
4. Montecristo White is another stellar option; it’s slightly fuller than the Macanudo Café but strikes a fantastic balance between delicate spiciness and creamy butter flavors, providing a vibrant yet soothing smoking experience.
5. No beginner list would be complete without mentioning the CAO Gold. Known for its mild body and creamy, nutty flavor profile, this cigar is gentle on the palate and perfect for easing into more complex varieties.
6. Next is the Alec Bradley Connecticut, offering a creamy smoke with notes of cedar and sweet spice, making it another favorite for newcomers.
7. The Perdomo Champagne is not only visually appealing with its golden wrapper but also provides a buttery, smooth experience packed with light, sweet flavors.
8. The Camacho Connecticut, despite being a bit stronger than other Connecticut cigars, still fits the bill for beginners with its pleasant notes of mild spice, nuts, and sweet cream.

Benefits of a Cigar Sampler Pack

Starting with a carefully curated cigar sampler pack can be a game-changer for beginners. A sampler pack, as the name suggests, is a collection of different cigars packaged together, often featuring a broad range of flavors, blends, and strengths. This variety allows newcomers to sample multiple options without the commitment of buying full boxes.

One of the main benefits of opting for a cigar sampler pack is the sheer diversity it offers. You might find milder options that introduce you to gentler flavors, like creamy notes of vanilla, nuts, or even a faint hint of mild spice. These are perfect entry points to more complex profiles down the line. The variety doesn’t just end at flavors; sampler packs often include cigars from different countries and featuring different tobaccos, providing a broader perspective on what’s available.

Plus, it’s an economical way to explore; instead of investing in a full box of cigars you might not enjoy, you only commit to a pack that offers a little taste of multiple options. This approach makes your journey into cigar smoking not only affordable but also enriching and far more engaging.

What’s even more exciting about sampler packs is the potential for surprises. You may start with a preference for mild cigars and then discover that you enjoy a medium-bodied option you wouldn’t have tried otherwise.

Best of all, sampler packs are curated by experts, ensuring that each selection is complementary and provides a rounded smoking experience. This thoughtful curation means that every cigar in the sampler has been chosen to offer something unique, giving you a well-rounded entry point into the world of cigars. So, if you're new to cigar smoking and looking to start on the right foot, a cigar sampler pack can be an invaluable first step.

Pro Tips for Beginner Cigar Smokers

Beyond choosing the right cigars, there are essential tips for beginner cigar smokers that will enhance your overall experience. One of the first etiquettes you'll encounter is how to properly cut and light a cigar. It's important to cut just the cap of the cigar without damaging the body. Use a guillotine cutter or a punch cutter for a clean cut to keep the draw smooth.

Lighting your cigar is an art in itself. Use a butane lighter or wooden matches to avoid imparting any unpleasant flavors. Toast the foot of the cigar first, just above the flame, and then puff gently while turning the cigar to achieve an even burn. This ensures you start your smoking session off right without any bitterness.

One cardinal rule for all beginners is to remember not to inhale the smoke. Cigar smoke is meant to be savored in the mouth, allowing you to appreciate the myriad flavors and aromas. Inhaling can not only harshly affect your lungs but also detract from the actual enjoyment of the cigar.

Instead, let the smoke roll over your palate and exhale it. This method will help you discern the cigar’s complex flavors and enjoy the entire smoking process. Engaging your sense of taste and smell without inhaling enables you to truly immerse yourself in the rich experience that each puff offers.

Visit us

If you're eager to dive into this flavorful and aromatic hobby, we welcome you to visit our store at 51 Springfield St, Agawam, Massachusetts, 01001. Whether you're purchasing in-store or exploring our online shop, we ensure a seamless experience from start to finish. For any inquiries or assistance in choosing the right options for your collection, feel free to reach out to  Cigar Room 2 at [email protected] or call us at +1 413-285-8078. We're committed to making your introduction to cigars not just a purchase, but a delightful and immersive experience. So why wait? Take your first puff into the world of cigars with us and make every moment count.