Cigars are a great way to unwind after a long day, mark an occasion or bond with friends. That said, if you’re new to the sport, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. So if you are looking to explore the cigar game, expand your knowledge or want to buy a gift for a cigar aficionado, Cigora is a great place to start. Cigora provides the knowledge you need to navigate the world of handmade cigars by simply connecting you with a community of cigar enthusiasts.
Cigora’s beginner recommendations differ from others on the market because they don’t stick to just mellow or classic varieties. Instead, the guide covers a range of price points, bodies and flavor profiles. Ranging from mellow, beginner friendly options to full-bodied powerhouses, a variety of high-quality cigars can be found in their Ultimate Beginner Cigar Sampler. So whether you are looking for advice, recommendations or just a simple guide on where to begin— we have broken down the Beginner Sampler below.
CigoraTop 10 Beginner Cigars
CourtesySouthern Draw Rose Of Sharon
Body: Mellow-Medium
Flavors: Cream, Nuts, Slight Pepper
Crafted in Nicaragua with a Connecticut wrapper leaf, this mellow to medium-bodied blend is a favorite of the brand. It’s incredibly flavorful and approachable and a great introduction to the world of cigars.
CourtesyBlack Label Trading Co. Porcelain
Body: Medium
Flavors: Earth, Sweetness, Butter
Started by husband-and-wife James and Angela Brown, Black Label operates their own factory in Esteli called Oveja Negra. Traditionally they’re known for full-bodied, spicy blends. But Porcelain bucks that trend, with its Connecticut wrapper providing a flavorful yet mellow ride.
CourtesyCohiba Connecticut
Body: Mellow-Medium
Flavors: Toast, Nuts, Cedar
The Cohiba Connecticut is a US version of the cigars made in the Dominican Republic, but it’s one of the finest Connecticut offerings available. This is the most complex blend so far, with five different countries making an appearance: Ecuador Connecticut on the wrapper, a Mexican binder, and a combination of Brazilian, Dominican, and Nicaraguan fillers.
CourtesyCharter Oak Habano
Body: Medium
Flavors: Bread, Charred Oak, Peanuts
This cigar is a slight departure from the previous with a slightly fuller body. This cigar is a rich, complex, and was named the #1 Value Cigar over at Cigar Aficionado. With more flavor that won’t overwhelm you and a great price point— you don’t want to miss out.
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$31.25 (10% off)
CourtesyADVentura The Explorer
Body: Medium
Flavors: Cocoa, Black Pepper, Fruit
ADVentura The Explorer is presented here in a 6”x56 box-pressed Gran Toro and finished with an Ecuador Habano wrapper leaf. Because of its size, make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy this complex gem. And Cigaro recommends this cigar paired with a good bourbon.
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$220.00 (78% off)
Pro Tip from Cigora: “As we move into the fuller-bodied side of the sampler, set yourself up for success. None of these cigars are going to be “too much” if you approach them correctly. Enjoy fuller cigars after a full meal, and if you like, with a sugary beverage – a Rum & Coke or a Dr. Pepper works well.”
CourtesyDavidoff Winston Churchill
Body: Medium
Flavors: Sweet Floral, Wood, Dried Fruit
Named after one of the most famous cigar smokers in all of history, the Davidoff Winston Churchill is a real treat. Davidoff makes some of the finest cigars you can find, and the Winston Churchill line is no exception. This cigar features an Ecuador Habano wrapper leaf over Dominican and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos.
CourtesyDrew Estate Undercrown Maduro
Body: Medium-Full
Flavors: Leather, Chocolate, Coffee Bean
This medium to full-bodied cigar is one of the classic Maduros on the market. Undercrown features a Mexican San Andres wrapper and a combination of Brazilian and Nicaraguan leaves inside. If you love this cigar, make sure you check out the Undercrown Sun Grown and the Liga Privada No. 9.
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$275.00 (91% off)
CourtesyLiga Privada No. 9
Body: Medium
Flavors: Dark Chocolate, Coffee
Each Liga Privada No. 9 features a flawlessly smooth Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper up top. This wrapper leaf is hand fermented for at least 18 months. To put it simply, the Liga 9 is about as good as a cigar gets.
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$372.00 (87% off)
CourtesySobremesa
Body: Medium
Flavors: Caramel, Baking Spice, Salt
This cigar is best enjoyed nice and slow so make sure you save it for an occasion where you have time to enjoy it. Dunbarton is operated by Steve Saka, a legendary blender in the cigar industry. For years, Saka worked at Drew Estate, creating the famous Liga Privada blend. Dunbarton is Saka striking out on his own, and the Sobremesa is his first offering
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$307.06 (81% off)
CourtesyOliva Serie ‘V’
Body: Full
Flavors: Dark Chocolate, Leather, Cedar
The Serie ‘V’ features a healthy kick of ligero within the blend. Ligero is one of the top leaves on the tobacco plant, and receives the most sunlight and nutrients, making it incredibly flavorful and robust. If you like this cigar, make sure you check out the Oliva Serie ‘V’ Melanio the next time you grab some cigars. This sequel cigar switches out the wrapper and box-presses the blend to make a truly perfect smoke.
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$48.99 (20% off)
What Next?
If you have worked your way through the sampler you might be thinking where do I go from here? No worries — Cigora recommends you take notes on what you did and didn’t like. Then do some research. Do the cigars you like have something in common? Is it the wrapper leaf, the country, the flavors, the body? As you continue to explore more cigars, you will learn what type of blends fit your taste.
Another idea is to try more cigars from a brand you enjoyed. While the cigars within a brand will taste very different, you’ll often find that particular cigar makers or factories have a signature “style” you can latch onto. And lastly, ask the Cigora community. Post on the website and tell people what you tried, what you are looking for and get ready to unlock a wealth of specialty knowledge and new recommendations.