As a beginner, it can be quite overwhelming to find a good cigar brand that you resonate with because there are so many options. Cigars come in many different shapes and sizes, as well as offering a vast range of flavor profiles.
Those smoking cigars for the first time should start with mild or medium-bodied cigars. These cigars would offer a smoother smoking experience than some of the stronger options.
Let's take a look at a variety of cigars and scope out the best ones to try for your first smoke.
How many cigar brands are there?
To provide an exact number of cigar brands is very difficult to say because the industry is brimming with so many different brands. This number constantly rises and lowers because new brands may emerge at any moment while some others may drop out.
Some cigar brands also merge with one another, which skews the total number even more.
A ballpark estimate of how many cigar brands there are globally would easily be in the hundreds.
What are the most famous cigar brands?
Out of the hundreds of cigar brands available in the industry, there are a select few brands that have been consistently providing top-notch quality cigars to consumers worldwide and became mainstream cigar brands in the process.
Cohiba is one of the most iconic Cuban cigar brands known for its brilliant craftsmanship and premium cigar options. They feature a range of esteemed sticks and are especially popular among experienced smokers.
Montecristo, Romeo Y Julieta, and Partagas are all truly classic and very well-known brands in the cigar industry. Most of their cigars have been manufactured in Cuba and the Dominican Republic, so you can expect some of the finest tobaccos in your smoke.
Padron is another widely-known Nicaraguan brand that manufactures some of the best cigars on the market. The Padron 1964 and 1926 series are some of the most popular blends they have to offer, boasting robust flavor profiles that continue to please the senses.
Davidoff, Ashton, and Avo are some of the most popular cigar brands that the Dominican Republic has to offer. All these brands are highly regarded for their luxurious options. Some of these include the Davidoff Winston Churchill, the Ashton VSG, or the Avo Syncro Nicaragua.
Because individual preferences vary, figuring out what the most “famous” cigar brands are is a subjective matter. And just because they’re the most famous, doesn’t mean they all offer the cigar you should jump in with as your first.
Should beginners opt for cheap cigar brands?
As a beginner cigar smoker, you may feel inclined to start with cheaper cigar brands. However, the price of a cigar does not dictate its quality.
One will either find a budget-friendly cigar that gives a good smoking experience or one that lacks flavor and poor construction.
A major benefit to investing in more expensive cigar brands would be the enhanced quality that some may provide. Some premium cigars are aged under controlled conditions to allow flavors to develop and mature.
Whether you invest in a cheap cigar brand or an expensive one, it is important to do your research on the brand that you choose.
How to find good cigar brands for beginners
Finding a good cigar brand for your first few smokes requires a good amount of research and exploration. Sometimes, receiving recommendations from people who already smoke cigars can be a big help.
Other than that, if you go to your local cigar store, they will have knowledgeable staff members who can provide guidance on size, strength, and flavor profiles.
Sampler packs are also an excellent way to try a variety of cigars without purchasing a full box. For any beginner, this is a great way to explore different flavors without breaking the bank.
Utilizing online resources like cigar reviews from experienced smokers on YouTube and TikTok could be very helpful as well, or helpful blogs like this.
Arturo Fuente is a very popular cigar brand that offers a wide variety of cigars, making them a great place to start. The Hemingway series from Arturo Fuente is known for its mellow-bodied strength and exquisite flavors consisting of earth, wood, and spice. It’s a delectable smoke that gives a fantastic introduction to blended flavors without overwhelming the senses.
If you want to try a brand recognized for its great quality of cigars and diverse selection of cigar blends, we’d like to introduce you to Romeo y Julieta. The Romeo Y Julieta 1875 series is a very popular beginner option from this brand. Don’t let the word “beginner” undermine this stick though — the 1975 is beloved by experienced smokers also.
Perdomo Cigars are another high-quality option to select from. They have a large variety of smokes that would be suited for a beginner’s palate. The Perdomo Champagne series is one of their best beginner cigars thanks its mild flavor profile and tasty flavor notes of scotch, almond, and earth.
Montecristo is one of the most notable brands for both beginner cigar smokers to seasoned aficionados. They have a great selection of premium cigars. The Montecristo White series is one of the best mild selections they have to offer . Flavor notes consist of cocoa, sweet cream, and nuts.
Moving on to another widely recognized cigar brand, Macanudo offers mild and mellow cigar options. Specifically, the Macanudo Café line is a great choice for a beginner looking for a smooth smoking experience.
Last but certainly not least, Ashton is well-known for their impeccable construction and flavor consistency. The Ashton Classic series is a Connecticut Shade with a creamy flavor profile to make for a splendid smoke.