9 Best Cigars for Beginners: Here’s How to Pick Your First Stogie

Cigar smoking can be wonderfully relaxing. It’s also a great way to bond with new people, like at clubs and lounges. These are compelling incentives to consider taking up cigar smoking.

New to the stogie game? It can be tricky to figure out exactly which cigar you should try first. The ‘best’ choice will depend a lot on your personal preferences. At the same time, some cigars are definitely much more novice-friendly than others. That’s why we’ve put together our own rundown of the best cigars for beginners.

Best 9 Cigars for Beginners

• Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2
• H. Upmann Petit Corona
• Montecristo No 3
• Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto
• Romeo y Julieta Petit Corona
• Punch Punch
• Montecristo No 4
• Trinidad Reyes
• Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2 – Best for Nervous First-Time Smokers

Cigars greatly vary in intensity. Believe it or not, the best cigars for beginners aren’t necessarily the mellowest. That’s because other factors also come into play, including the cigar’s size and smoking duration.

What if you are especially nervous about smoking a cigar for the first time? In that case, it’s wise to start with something mild. That ‘something’ can be Hoyo de Monterrey’s Epicure No 2.

It’s also one of the best cigars to pair with drinks. Though whiskey will suffice, it really excels with wine. This makes the Epicure No 2 an especially comfortable stogie to try in social settings.

• Brand: Hoyo de Monterrey
• Flavor Profile: Cedar and musk are mainstays. The flavor profile otherwise changes during the smoking session. It starts floral and peppery before transitioning into lemon undertones.
• Smoke Time: 45 minutes
• Price: $336 (for a box of 25)
• Ring Gauge: 50
• Length: 124 mm / 4.9 inches
• Strength: Light
• Vitola: Robusto
• Why it’s a great fit for beginners: As mentioned above, it’s a light-bodied smoke. Often, a cigar won’t taste nice unless its moisture level is ‘just right’. Conversely, the Epicure No 2 fares well even in conditions ‘too wet’ or ‘too dry’ for other cigars.
• User Reviews: Our customers report that the Epicure No 2 is rich in flavor. It’s also said to deliver a smooth smoking experience. One reviewer even specifically hails the Epicure No 2 as a “great beginner cigar”.

H. Upmann Petit Corona – Best for Flavor Fans

The best cigars for beginners tick a lot of boxes. For a start, they tend to be on the smaller side. This makes them easier to hold and quicker to smoke. They are also relatively mild on the whole.

What if you’re still longing for a lot of flavor? You won’t necessarily be sacrificing that just by going for a mellow cigar. The H. Upmann Petit Corona is an excellent case in point.

Expect to be hit with a powerful blast of flavor after igniting the stogie. You get scents infused with cocoa, coffee, and cream. The spicy notes come out even richer if you carefully age the cigar beforehand.

• Brand: H. Upmann
• Flavor Profile: Caramel is prevalent in the first third. The aroma turns nuttier and toastier as you go into the second third. The final third has a distinct coffee-and-cream character.
• Smoke Time: 40 minutes
• Price: $216 (for a box of 25)
• Ring Gauge: 42
• Length: 129 mm / 5.0 inches
• Strength: Light to Medium
• Vitola: Petit Corona
• Why it’s a great fit for beginners: The Petit Corona’s straight, parallel edges ensure a smooth smoke. So, you can just sit back and enjoy the flavors without having to keep correcting the burn.
• User Reviews: It’s amazing how much flavor can be squeezed into such a small stogie. That’s a sentiment shared by multiple reviewers. Some also comment on the “perfect” draw.

Montecristo No 3 – Best for Lengthy Smoking Sessions

Many smokers take their time with cigars to pick up on all the flavor subtleties. There are certainly plenty of them in the Montecristo No 3.

Flavors range from pepper and cedar to cinnamon and nuts. You can potentially make it last as long as an hour if you’re determined.

Obviously, this isn’t one of the best cigars for beginners lacking free time. But if you want to take your time, this is an excellent choice. The No 3 goes especially well with a morning coffee or after-dinner nightcap.

• Brand: Montecristo
• Flavor Profile: It starts mellow with pepper, cedar, and floral notes. Midway through the smoke, expect tinges of cinnamon, honey, cocoa, and wheat. It all ends with a nutty creaminess.
• Smoke Time: 40-60 minutes
• Price: $288 (for a box of 25)
• Ring Gauge: 42
• Length: 142 mm / 5.6 inches
• Strength: Medium
• Vitola: Corona
• Why it’s a great fit for beginners: The No 3 is one of Montecristo’s mildest smokes. It’s also a fuss-free solution, as it lights easily and burns evenly. It’s got a good draw, too.
• User Reviews: Many reviewers have alluded to smoking the No 3 regularly. That’s a ringing endorsement of the product’s quality. It’s a stick that cigar connoisseurs want to stick with (pun intended).

Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto – Best for Short Smoking Sessions

When buying your first cigar, you can’t be certain what it will actually be like to smoke. That said, you can quickly distinguish between ‘bad’ and ‘good’ starter cigars. Many of the latter come from big-name, respected brands.

That’s already a compelling incentive for you to consider Hoyo de Monterrey cigars. This brand’s best cigars for beginners include its Petit Robustos. These compact sticks are easy to hold and don’t require any big commitment.

• Brand: Hoyo de Monterrey
• Flavor Profile: Before you even light the cigar, notes of nutmeg, earth, and pepper come through. However, the real magic is unleashed once you’ve ignited. That’s when rich flavors of cinnamon, herbs, leather, and spice emerge.
• Smoke Time: 30 minutes
• Price: $144 (for a box of 15)
• Ring Gauge: 50
• Length: 102 mm / 4.0 inches
• Strength: Medium
• Vitola: Petit Robusto
• Why it’s a great fit for beginners: This Petit Robusto takes just half an hour to fully smoke. This makes it the ideal ‘sample’ cigar. We offer it in a box of 3! If you don’t enjoy the smoking sensation, you won’t have much left to smoke anyway.
• User Reviews: Many vouch for the short burn time – don’t expect anything exceeding 45 minutes. One self-professed “new cigar lover” praises this stogie’s “gentle, good taste”.

Romeo y Julieta Petit Corona – Best for Chocoholics

The best cigars for beginners come in flavors you’ll recognize from elsewhere. There’s no shortage of chocolate-flavored cigars, for example. These include the Romeo y Julieta Petit Corona.

It actually tastes nutty before the chocolate kicks in. However, as many people will attest, chocolate and nuts go well together! So, if you like both, you can expect to enjoy this Petit Corona, too.

It’s also good preparation for trying other Romeo y Julieta cigars later down the line. You’re in safe hands with this cigar brand, given its status as one of the most prestigious in the industry.

• Brand: Romeo y Julieta
• Flavor Profile: You get notes of sweet cinnamon and bread before even lighting up. The first third tastes musky and mushroomy. Then, in the second third, leather and hay come out to play. The chocolate emerges in the final third, along with dark coffee and cherry.
• Smoke Time: 30 minutes
• Price: $176 (for a box of 25)
• Ring Gauge: 42
• Length: 129 mm / 5.1 inches
• Strength: Light to Medium
• Vitola: Petit Corona
• Why it’s a great fit for beginners: We offer Romeo y Julieta Petit Coronas in sample packs of 3. So, these cigars aren’t expensive to try. Their straight edges also enable them to burn evenly.
• User Reviews: The medium-bodied flavor attracts much praise. Customers also confirm the smooth burn. So, you are unlikely to have to keep touching up the cigar just to correct its burn.

Punch Punch – Best for a Sweet Tooth

The Punch brand is aptly named, as its cigars definitely pack a punch! So, it’s no surprise that the ‘Punch Punch’ cigar doubles down on the flavor.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this cigar could be the one for you. There are waves of milk chocolate in there, along with citrusy and creamy notes.

The Punch Punch grows with you, so to speak. It’s small enough for beginners to stomach but complex enough to have lasting appeal. Every time you smoke it, you can experience something new.

• Brand: Punch
• Flavor Profile: You’ll pick up a distinct whiff of citrus and honey from the off. The sweetness intensifies in the final third. That’s when a slightly acidic aftertaste joins the earlier hints of cocoa.
• Smoke Time: 40-75 minutes
• Price: $234 (for a box of 25)
• Ring Gauge: 46
• Length: 143 mm / 5.6 inches
• Strength: Medium to Full
• Vitola: Grand Corona
• Why it’s a great fit for beginners: This is one of the stronger-bodied cigars for beginners. However, its cornucopia of familiar flavors means it’s well worth checking out. Here at Swiss Cuban Cigars, we stock Punch Punch samples in packs of 3.
• The Punch brand is a long-established one you can trust.
• User Reviews: Our customers have reported back about the Punch Punch’s delightful creaminess. Judging from reviews, this cigar has also been expertly assembled. This doubtless helps to explain its smooth, even burn.

Montecristo No 4 – Best for Busy Smokers

When trying to decide on the right cigar, it’s natural to look at what’s already popular. So, going with the Montecristo brand is a safe bet. It’s one of the most popular cigar labels.

The Montecristo No 4 ranks among the top-selling Cuban stogies. When you read the superlatives about it, the word ‘versatile’ often springs to mind. It’s among the most versatile cigar sizes, pleasing for novices and aficionados alike.

At the same time, the No 4 delivers the archetypal Montecristo experience. That means rich, refined flavor and well-balanced strength. In short, it’s neither overpowering nor feeble. It strikes a harmonious middle ground typical of Montecristo cigars.

• Brand: Montecristo
• Flavor Profile: Inhale the initial aromas of nutmeg, wood, and damp earth. Then turn your attention to the notes of cocoa, cedar, pepper, and cinnamon. As you continue to smoke, honey and almond nuances join the party.
• Smoke Time: 30 minutes
• Price: $216 (for a box of 25)
• Ring Gauge: 42
• Length: 127 mm / 5 inches
• Strength: Medium to Full
• Vitola: Petit Corona
• Why it’s a great fit for beginners: Its small size means it’s quick to burn. You can even fit it into a lunch break! However, it lends itself well to any time of day. So, you don’t have to be too fussy about when you pick it up.
• User Reviews: There’s quite a kaleidoscope of flavors, as reviewers indicate. Nonetheless, they concur that the overall flavor profile leans light. That’s good, as you don’t want to feel overwhelmed when cigar smoking for the first time.

Trinidad Reyes – Best for an ‘Exclusive’ Feel

How does a cigar brand become ‘premium’? One big factor is its history. Trinidad cigars used to be scarce – deliberately so. During the Cold War, they were served only to dignitaries and diplomats. In 1999, Trinidad sticks officially went mainstream.

The earliest Trinidad stogies were all 7.5-inch long with a 40 ring gauge. This classic cigar survives today as the Trinidad Fundadores. However, Trinidads are now available in many different vitolas. The Reyes is one of the most appealing Trinidad cigars for beginners.

• Brand: Trinidad
• Flavor Profile: There are layers and layers to this. It starts with hay, leather, and spice. Then, it evolves into grassiness, even caramel. Later, cappuccino dominates before giving way to toastiness and ground cloves.
• Smoke Time: 20-45 minutes
• Price: $294 (for a box of 24)
• Ring Gauge: 40
• Length: 110 mm / 4.3 inches
• Strength: Medium
• Vitola: Petit Corona
• Why it’s a great fit for beginners: Trinidad has a long history as an ‘exclusive’ cigar brand. Now, though, pretty much anyone can go the Trinidad way. This stogie’s small size makes it a great entry-level smoke.
• User Reviews: One noticeable theme is the impressive value for money. Some reviewers especially praise the condition of the wooden presentation box. We reckon it’s the ideal classy container to bring out on social occasions.

Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill - Best for Value for Money

The Romeo y Julieta marque dates back to 1875. Despite its legendary status, it’s not one of the best cigars for beginners. It’s quite large and the cigar’s burn time can easily exceed an hour.

However, the brand has garnered many notable fans, including Sir Winston Churchill. The Romeo y Julieta Churchill cigar was named in his honor. It’s more than two inches shorter than the standard Churchill stogie, not to mention slimmer.

• Brand: Romeo y Julieta
• Flavor Profile: There’s an earthy, woody vibe as soon as you light up. There’s also a salty tinge as the second third unleashes notes of leather and espresso. The final third tastes especially rich, with bitter chocolate coming to the fore.
• Smoke Time: 45-60 minutes
• Price: $267 (for a box of 25)
• Ring Gauge: 50
• Length: 124 mm / 4.9 inches
• Strength: Medium
• Vitola: Robusto
• Why it’s a great fit for beginners: The standard Churchill is a full-bodied cigar bursting with complex flavor. For beginners, though, it can feel overpowering and time-draining to smoke. The Short Churchill is a more ‘reined-in’ version.
• User Reviews: Opting for a smaller cigar doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavor. Our customers’ thoughts on the Short Churchill are testament to that.

Comparison of the Best Cigars for Beginners

Cigar	Brand	Smoke Time (minutes)	Price (Number of Cigars	Ring Gauge	Length (mm / in)	Strength	Vitola
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No 2	Hoyo de Monterrey	45	$336 (25)	50	124 / 4.9	Light	Robusto
H. Upmann Petit Corona	H. Upmann	40	$216 (25)	42	129 / 5.0	Light to Medium	Petit Corona
Montecristo No 3	Montecristo	40-60	$288 (25)	42	142 / 5.6	Medium	Corona
Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto	Hoyo de Monterrey	30	$144 (15)	50	102 / 4.0	Medium	Petit Robusto
Romeo y Julieta Petit Corona	Romeo y Julieta	30	$176 (25)	42	129 / 5.1	Light to Medium	Petit Corona
Punch Punch	Punch	40-75	$234 (25)	46	143 / 5.6	Medium to Full	Grand Corona
Montecristo No 4	Montecristo	30	$216 (25)	42	127 / 5	Medium to Full	Petit Corona
Trinidad Reyes	Trinidad	20-45	$294 (24)	40	110 / 4.3	Medium	Petit Corona
Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill	Romeo y Julieta	45-60	$267 (25)	50	124 / 4.9	Medium	Robusto

Selection Criteria

How did we determine the best cigars for beginners? By evaluating them on the following measures. We know that novice smokers have different needs to their more experienced brethren. We took especially close account of these factors:

• Brand: You can take comfort in a reputable brand. After all, a brand doesn’t become reputable by accident. The label can be the first indicator of a cigar’s quality. We’ve stuck with reputable brands to give you the best.
• Flavor Profile: We’ve covered different preferences. Consider which flavors you enjoy in food, drink, and so forth. Many of those flavors are likely to be in cigars, too.
• Smoke Time: As an inexperienced smoker, you’ll want to experiment with many different cigars. You can do that more quickly with shorter-burning stogies. Some longer-burning sticks, though, can be genuinely worth the additional time spent. Our selection includes a mixture of quicker smokes and worth-your-time bigger sticks.
• Price: Ideally, you don’t want to drop too much money on a cigar you can’t be certain you’ll like. Nonetheless, some of the best cigars for beginners can warrant extra financial outlay. Our selection includes a good mix.
• Vitola: A cigar’s size and shape are both crucial. The greater the length, the longer the burn time (usually). Also, the thicker the stogie, the cooler it tends to burn. This has been factored into our selection with mostly shorter cigars plus the odd beginner-friendly long stogie.
• Strength: Go big or go home? This isn’t always wise advice for picking a cigar strength. It’s best to start relatively mellow before building up to something bolder. We’ve chosen cigars that are mostly on the milder side.
• User Reviews: You can feel more comfortable selecting a specific cigar when you’ve got ‘social proof’. In other words, recommendations from other (but more experienced) smokers, which we’ve included.

How to Pick the Best Cigar for a Beginner

We’ve highlighted just a few good cigars for beginners. However, we also know you need a lot more than that. It’s ultimately just a useful starting point. You also need to account for various factors relevant to you personally. Here are several questions worth considering:

• How much time do you have on your hands? – If it isn’t an awful lot, pay attention to shorter-smoking cigars. If you’ve got time to kill, on the other hand, consider longer-smoking cigars.
• Are any special occasions coming up? – Many cigars are suitable for any time of day or year. Others are best saved for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and so on.
• What flavors do you like? – The answer can help guide you towards specific cigars. For example, if you love a coffee in the morning, look for coffee-flavored stogies. We stock plenty of them here at Swiss Cuban Cigars!
• What’s your budget? – When you have this at hand, you can rule out some options straight away. That way, you can avoid wasting time researching cigars you are unable to afford.
• What do veteran cigar smokers think? – If you don’t currently know any, strive to meet some online, such as on Reddit. Ask them what kinds of cigars they most enjoyed back when they started out.

Dip Your Toes in the Cigar Waters Today

We’ve endeavored to judge the best cigars for beginners as objectively as possible. Still, we know that it’s actually a subjective judgment first and foremost. Hence, the onus remains on you to decide what’s right for you personally.

It’s good to try a few different cigars to assess their respective merits for yourself. As time goes on, you’ll get a better idea of which cigars are truly your thing. It’s like trying to figure out your music taste. You start by experimenting and only later home in on a specific ‘type’.

You can start your search here at Swiss Cuban Cigars. Look through the product listings on our website. Research those options that pique your interest. Then, arrange for us to deliver your chosen stogies right to your door. We dispatch high-quality prestige cigars to addresses worldwide.