How to Choose a Cigar for Beginner (Step-by-Step Guide)

Choosing your first cigar shouldn’t feel stressful. This guide walks you through each step in plain language so you can enjoy your first experience with confidence. We’ll cover strength, size, wrappers, how to cut and light, and simple tips that make a big difference. By the end, you’ll know what to ask for at a shop and how to enjoy your cigar at a comfortable pace.

Step 1: Know What You Want from Your First Cigar

Before you pick a cigar, decide what you want the experience to feel like. Do you want something gentle and smooth? A shorter smoke? A flavor that pairs with coffee? Set a simple goal first. It helps you make good choices for strength, size, and wrapper.

• Comfortable first try: Choose mild strength and a shorter size.
• Flavor exploration: Pick mild-to-medium with a natural (medium-brown) wrapper.
• Slow, relaxed evening: Choose a Robusto or Corona and sip water or coffee as you go.

Step 2: Pick the Right Strength (Body)

Strength describes how intense a cigar feels. For beginners, start with mild to mild-medium. You’ll taste the flavor without overwhelming your senses.

• Mild: Smooth, creamy, easygoing—ideal first choice.
• Mild-Medium: A touch more flavor but still very approachable.
• Medium to Full: Save these for later once you learn what you like.

Want background on how strength and flavor work together? Explore trusted cigar education at Cigar Aficionado.

Step 3: Choose a Size That Fits Your Time

Size affects how long the cigar lasts and how flavors develop. You’ll see two numbers: length (in inches) and ring gauge (thickness). Great beginner sizes:

• Robusto (5″ × 50): ~45–60 minutes; balanced and comfortable.
• Corona (5.5″ × 42): ~35–45 minutes; easy draw and classic feel.
• Petit Corona (~5″ × 40): ~25–35 minutes; shorter session, perfect starter.

Shapes matter too. Straight-sided cigars (parejos) are easiest to cut and light. Pointed tips (torpedoes) look cool, but keep it simple at first.

Step 4: Use Wrapper Color as a Quick Flavor Clue

The outer leaf (the wrapper) gives you a fast hint about flavor. It’s not the whole story, but it helps when you’re new:

• Connecticut Shade / Claro (light tan): Mild, creamy, often nutty—great for beginners.
• Natural (medium brown): A step richer with gentle spice or toast notes.
• Maduro (dark brown): Deeper, sweeter flavors—try later if you want more richness.

Step 5: Check Construction (So It Burns Evenly)

Good construction makes a big difference. Roll the cigar gently between your fingers. It should feel firm but not rock-hard. No big soft spots, cracks, or lumps. The cap (the closed end you cut) should be neat. A well-made cigar draws easily and burns evenly, so your first smoke feels smooth.

Step 6: Where to Buy (Trusted Shops Help Beginners)

Buying from a reputable shop—online or local—protects freshness and quality. Good shops also give helpful advice.

• Learn as you shop: Explore beginner articles at Holt’s Cigar 101 and Famous Smoke Cigar Advisor.
• Ask for mild picks: Say “I’m new—mild to mild-medium, Robusto or Corona, easy draw.”
• Look for good storage: Clean humidors and consistent temperature are signs you’re in the right place.

Step 7: Simple Storage at Home

If you’re buying a few cigars to enjoy soon, you don’t need an expensive humidor right away. Keep cigars in their cellophane inside a zip bag with a small humidity pack. If you plan to explore more, consider a small desktop humidor or an airtight container with humidity packs for steady results.

Step 8: How to Cut a Cigar (Quick and Clean)

Use a sharp double-blade guillotine cutter. Find the cap line (the rounded top). Place the cutter just inside that line and make one fast, straight cut. Don’t cut too deep. A shallow cut keeps the wrapper from unraveling and helps the cigar draw evenly.

Step 9: How to Light a Cigar (Slow, Even, No Rush)

Lighting the right way sets the tone for your whole smoke. Hold the flame just under the foot (the open end) without touching it to the leaf. Rotate the cigar and gently toast the edge until it glows all around. Then take short puffs while turning to build a round, even cherry. If one side falls behind, touch it up with the flame for a second or two.

Step 10: How to Smoke (Pace and Etiquette)

• Don’t inhale. Taste the smoke, then gently exhale.
• Go slow. About one puff per minute keeps the cigar cool and flavorful.
• Let the ash rest. Tap lightly when it looks long; no need to flick like a cigarette.
• Stop when you’re satisfied. There’s no rule to finish every inch. When the flavor fades, let it go out.

Beginner-Friendly Pairings

Keep pairings simple so you can focus on flavor:

• Coffee or espresso: Highlights creamy, nutty notes in mild cigars.
• Still or sparkling water: Clears your palate between puffs.
• Dark chocolate: A small square can make flavors feel richer.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Starting too strong: Full-bodied cigars can overwhelm new palates.
• Choosing a very long cigar: A two-hour smoke is tough for a first time.
• Cutting past the cap: Causes unraveling—keep cuts shallow and straight.
• Puffing too fast: Overheats the cigar and makes it taste bitter.

Common Problems (and Easy Fixes)

• Uneven burn: Gently touch up the slower side with the flame.
• Tight draw: Roll the cigar between your fingers to loosen slightly; if needed, make a tiny second cut.
• Bitter taste: Slow down; take longer breaks between puffs.

A Simple First-Cigar Shortlist (Types to Ask For)

Instead of naming brands that come and go, here are types you can find anywhere:

• Connecticut Shade Robusto (mild): Creamy and smooth; ~45–60 minutes.
• Natural-wrapper Corona (mild-medium): Gentle spice; ~35–45 minutes.
• Petit Corona, light wrapper (mild): Shorter session; ~25–35 minutes.

For deeper learning, browse beginner hubs at Holt’s Cigar 101 and articles from Cigar Aficionado.

Quick Glossary (Beginner Terms)

• Wrapper: Outer leaf—first flavor impression.
• Binder: Holds the filler together under the wrapper.
• Filler: Inside tobacco blend that shapes body and aroma.
• Cap: Closed end you cut before smoking.
• Ring gauge: Cigar thickness; higher number = thicker.

Recap You Can Bookmark

• Start with mild to mild-medium.
• Pick Robusto, Corona, or Petit Corona.
• Light wrappers (Connecticut Shade) are beginner-friendly.
• Cut shallow, light slowly, puff gently.
• Store simply if you’re new; upgrade later if you enjoy it.

Learn with Real Examples

Want to see how hand-rolling works at events? Browse the Cigar Rolling Gallery, learn about our approach on the About Cigar Bella page, or reach out with questions on the Contact page. Seeing the craft up close helps beginners connect the dots faster.

Helpful Links
Cigar Rolling Gallery •
About Cigar Bella •
Contact Us
Cigar Aficionado •
Holt’s Cigar 101 •
Famous Smoke Cigar Advisor