Stepping into the world of cigars can feel both exciting and overwhelming. With so many sizes, shapes, strengths, and brands, how to choose your first cigar might seem like a mystery. Don’t worry—this beginner’s guide to cigars will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding cigar types to choosing the right one for your first smoke. Whether you’re exploring cigars for relaxation, celebration, or pure curiosity, the journey starts here.
Understand the Basics: What Makes a Cigar?
Before diving into how to pick a cigar, it helps to understand what a cigar actually is. A premium cigar consists of three main parts:
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Wrapper: The outer leaf that affects both flavour and appearance.
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Binder: Holds the cigar together and adds strength to the structure.
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Filler: The inner blend of tobacco leaves, which gives the cigar its core flavour and body.
The combination of these elements determines how a cigar tastes and how strong or smooth the smoking experience will be.
Cigar Size Guide: Why Size Matters
One of the first things you’ll notice when choosing cigars is the variety of shapes and sizes. This is where a simple cigar size guide becomes essential. Size doesn’t just affect how long a cigar lasts—it influences flavour, burn time, and even strength.
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Length: Measured in inches. Longer cigars typically offer a cooler, slower smoke.
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Ring Gauge: The diameter, measured in 64ths of an inch. Thicker cigars tend to burn slower and have more filler, offering complex flavour profiles.
Common Sizes for Beginners:
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Robusto (5″ x 50): Shorter, well-balanced, and great for first-timers.
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Corona (5.5″ x 42): A mild-to-medium option that’s easy to handle.
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Petit Corona or Mareva (around 5″ x 40): Ideal if you want a quicker smoke and gentler strength.
Starting with a moderate size ensures you’re not overwhelmed by either the time commitment or the intensity.
Strength Matters: Best Cigars for Beginners
A crucial step in how to choose your first cigar is finding the right strength. For newcomers, it’s best to start with mild or mild-to-medium cigars. These tend to have a smooth flavour and won’t overpower your palate.
Best Cigars for Beginners:
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Romeo y Julieta Mille Fleurs – Light and floral with a gentle introduction to Cuban character.
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H. Upmann Half Corona – Smooth, creamy, and compact. Perfect for a short, elegant smoke.
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VegaFina Classic Robusto – A mellow Dominican blend known for its balance and approachability.
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Davidoff Signature No. 2 – Luxurious yet soft, with notes of hay, wood, and light spice.
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Quorum Shade Robusto – A value-friendly option offering an easy draw and mild, nutty flavours.
Avoid full-bodied cigars (like most from Bolívar or Partagás) for your first experience, as these may be too strong and ruin the moment.
How to Pick a Cigar: 5 Tips for First-Time Buyers
Choosing your first cigar doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some practical tips:
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Start Mild: Aim for cigars labelled as “mild” or “mild-to-medium” in strength.
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Choose a Medium Size: Robustos or Coronas offer a good balance of time and flavour.
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Buy from Trusted Brands: Stick with well-established names like Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, VegaFina, or Davidoff.
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Consider Pre-Cut Options: Tubed or machine-made cigars (like Montecristo Minis) can be great entry points without needing accessories.
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Ask for Guidance: Don’t hesitate to ask a tobacconist or shop rep for help—they’ll be happy to steer you toward the best cigars for beginners.
Your First Experience: Set the Scene
Once you’ve chosen your first cigar, the experience should be enjoyable, not rushed or complicated. Here’s how to set the scene:
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Cut and Light Properly: Use a cigar cutter and a soft flame lighter. Avoid torching the foot too quickly.
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Take Your Time: Puff gently, once or twice per minute. Inhaling is not necessary and not recommended.
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Pair It Well: Mild cigars go well with coffee, light rum, or a creamy stout if you’re pairing with a drink.
Final Thoughts: Start Your Cigar Journey Right
Knowing how to choose your first cigar is a rite of passage for any aspiring cigar lover. This beginner’s guide to cigars is just the start—explore at your own pace, experiment with different blends and sizes, and focus on what you enjoy. Whether you’re unwinding solo or marking a special occasion, there’s a perfect cigar out there waiting for you.
