Experienced cigar lovers often develop strong loyalties to particular cigars, cultivated through years of sampling diverse blends, brands, and formats. For those just starting their journey into the world of premium cigars, navigating the wide array of choices can be daunting. To help ease the process, we’ve curated a selection of ten exceptional cigars that are approachable in both taste and aroma—ideal for those new to cigar smoking. These selections offer a gateway into different well-known cigar brands, regions, and wrapper types. Discover a world of flavor through these accessible picks, all of which can be found at Holt’s or most quality cigar retailers across the U.S.
#1 – Ashton Classic
For beginners, a mild and smooth cigar is often the best place to start. Ashton Classic is a prime example—highly regarded and frequently listed among the top premium cigars in the United States, and available in over 75 countries. This blend combines aged Dominican tobaccos with a silky Connecticut Shade wrapper, delivering an easygoing profile of cedar, toasted almonds, and a dessert-like hint of crème brulée. The mellow character and refined complexity make Ashton Classic a fantastic introductory cigar that balances value with quality.
Strength: Mild
Country: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Connecticut Shade
#2 – Macanudo Cafe
One of the most accessible and widely recognized mild cigars is the Macanudo Cafe. Found in nearly every cigar shop and large retail chain, it’s a go-to option for many beginners. Its gentle profile—featuring subtle flavors of creamy coffee and a dash of nutmeg—makes it a perfect cigar for those seeking a soft introduction to premium smoking. It’s reasonably priced, typically ranging from $6 to $13, making it a budget-friendly option with timeless appeal.
Strength: Mild
Country: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Connecticut Shade
#3 – La Aroma de Cuba
Renowned for its Cuban-like characteristics, Nicaraguan tobacco continues to gain prestige. La Aroma de Cuba, reimagined by legendary blender Jose ‘Pepin’ Garcia, captures the essence of an old Cuban favorite from the 1800s. Praised by Cigar Aficionado as the top value in the industry, this medium-bodied cigar delivers harmonious notes of earth, cedar, nuts, brown sugar, and subtle spices. Wrapped in a dark Connecticut Broadleaf, it offers a flavorful glimpse into Nicaraguan craftsmanship, with prices starting at $5.
Strength: Medium
Country: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
#4 – Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real
Exploring the world of Cuban-heritage brands is an essential part of any cigar education, and Romeo y Julieta is one of the most iconic names in this category. The Reserva Real blend offers an inviting mix of Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers beneath an Ecuador-grown Connecticut wrapper. Expect a warm, nutty taste with hints of toast and a subtle spice—perfect for those seeking a refined and enjoyable smoking experience. These cigars are generally priced between $7 and $9.
Strength: Medium
Country: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
#5 – Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva
Arturo Fuente stands as a hallmark of excellence among Dominican cigars. Guided by the expertise of Carlito Fuente and his father, Carlos Sr., the brand has created legendary blends over the decades. The original Arturo Fuente line delivers rich, balanced flavors such as cedar, chocolate, roasted nuts, and coffee. Available in both Natural and Maduro wrappers, this cigar is a solid introduction to Dominican tobacco, with prices starting around $5. Consider the Chateau Series or Hemingway collection for equally satisfying alternatives at slightly higher prices.
Strength: Medium
Country: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Cameroon
#6 – Padron
For those looking to step beyond mild cigars and explore deeper flavors, Padron offers an ideal starting point. Known for their rich, earthy profile, Padron cigars also deliver nuances of cocoa, leather, nuts, and cedar in a medium to full-bodied smoke. Hailing from Nicaragua, this brand enjoys a sterling reputation for consistency and quality. Original Padron cigars are priced between $5 and $9, available in both Natural and Maduro varieties, providing options for newcomers ready to expand their tastes.
Strength: Medium
Country: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
#7 – San Cristobal Elegancia
San Cristobal Elegancia introduces a balanced Nicaraguan profile to new smokers through its Ecuador-grown Connecticut-seed wrapper and vintage Nicaraguan long-fillers. Blended by the award-winning Pepin Garcia and handmade in Estelí, this cigar provides a creamy experience with notes of white pepper, nuts, and cedar. Elegancia is an approachable cigar that transitions smoothly from mild Dominican blends, available in six sizes ranging from $6 to $8, and earning a 91-point rating from Cigar Aficionado.
Strength: Medium
Country: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
#8 – Oliva Connecticut Reserve
While Oliva is celebrated for its bold and spicy blends, the Connecticut Reserve offers a gentler alternative for beginners. Wrapped in a silky Ecuador Connecticut leaf, this cigar blends Nicaraguan fillers to produce flavors of toasted bread, coffee, and a gentle spice. It’s an excellent introduction to Oliva’s quality craftsmanship and costs between $7 and $11. Mild to medium in body, the Connecticut Reserve pairs well with lighter drinks, making it a pleasant and balanced choice.
Strength: Mild-Medium
Country: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
#9 – Montecristo
Montecristo is a storied brand with Cuban roots, and its original blend remains a top choice for novices. Handmade in the Dominican Republic, this cigar features a Connecticut Shade wrapper over a blend of rich Dominican tobaccos. The flavor is delicately sweet, with hints of grass, cedar, and sugared nuts. Though on the higher end in terms of cost—typically between $11 and $20—Montecristo cigars, particularly the famed No. 2 Torpedo, are revered for their smooth, refined character.
Strength: Mild
Country: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Connecticut Shade
#10 – Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne
Perdomo’s 10th Anniversary Champagne blend is a favorite among cigar fans for its quality and affordability. This mild-to-medium-bodied cigar features an Ecuador Connecticut wrapper surrounding bold Nicaraguan long-fillers. Creamy notes of cedar, nuts, and sweetened coffee make it a flavorful yet smooth option for newcomers. Priced between $7 and $10, Perdomo Champagne offers a full introduction to Nicaraguan cigars without overwhelming your palate.
Strength: Medium
Country: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
Quick Smoking Tips for Beginners
- Stick with manageable cigar sizes like Robusto or Corona when you’re just starting out.
- Use a proper cigar cutter and ensure you light the cigar evenly around the foot for a smooth draw.
- Remember: cigars are meant to be puffed, not inhaled—take your time and enjoy the flavor.
- Begin your journey with milder cigars before experimenting with fuller-bodied blends.
- Familiarize yourself with cigar etiquette, especially when smoking around others or in formal settings.
- Document your cigar experiences by collecting cigar bands in a dedicated journal or capturing photos of the cigars you’ve enjoyed with your smartphone. This helps you recall which blends appealed to you and which didn’t, guiding your future selections.
- Browse through our curated list of top cigar sampler packs to discover a range of brands and gradually build a diverse cigar assortment.
- Try affordable cigars to experience a variety of blends while staying within your budget, exploring options across different price tiers.
- If you’re planning to purchase an entire box of cigars, explore our top picks for humidors under $100 to ensure your cigars stay fresh and flavorful.
- Not quite ready to invest in a humidor? No problem—check out our practical advice for storing cigars properly without one, so you can expand your collection with confidence.
- Choose cigars that align with your preferences by filtering your options based on cost, intensity, brand reputation, or even your personal taste and lifestyle.
