Best Cigars For Beginners 2023

Entering the world of cigars can be both exciting and intimidating for beginners. With so many brands, sizes, and flavors to choose from, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But fear not! Swinger Cigars is here to help you navigate through the smoky waters and find the perfect cigar to embark on your luxurious journey. In this article, we'll introduce you to the best cigars for beginners in 2023.

Why Beginners Need Different Cigars

When starting your cigar journey, it's essential to choose cigars with mild to medium strength. Stronger cigars can be overwhelming and might lead to a negative experience. Therefore, it's crucial to begin with cigars that are easy to enjoy and won't overpower your palate.

Size Matters

Cigars come in various sizes and shapes, which influence their smoking time and flavor intensity. For beginners, it's recommended to start with smaller sizes, such as coronas, petit coronas, or robustos. These sizes offer a shorter smoking time allowing beginners to enjoy the experience without feeling overwhelmed.

Top 5 Cigars for Beginners

To make it easier for you to begin your cigar journey, we've compiled a list of the top 5 cigars for beginners in 2023.

1. Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story - This Dominican cigar is known for its smooth and mild-to-medium flavor profile, featuring a blend of Dominican filler and binder, with a Cameroon wrapper. Its small size (4" x 49) makes for a short yet enjoyable smoke, perfect for beginners.
2. Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne - Hailing from Nicaragua, this cigar is well-known for its creamy and mild flavor, with hints of coffee and cocoa. It features a Connecticut Shade wrapper, and Nicaraguan binder and filler. This cigar comes in several sizes, but the robusto (5" x 54) is an excellent choice for new smokers.
3. Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real – This Dominican gem showcases the classic aspects of a well-crafted cigar. Mild to medium-strength, the Reserva Real features a Connecticut Shade wrapper and a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers, providing flavors of cedar, nuts, and spice. The corona (5.5" x 44) is a perfect size to start with.
4. Oliva Connecticut Reserve - Crafted in Nicaragua, this mild to medium-strength cigar offers a pleasant and smooth smoking experience. It has a Connecticut Shade wrapper with Nicaraguan binder and filler. Its nutty and creamy profile is best enjoyed in a robusto size (5" x 50).
5. Macanudo Cafe - Dominating the mild-strength market, Macanudo Cafe hails from the Dominican Republic. It features a Connecticut Shade wrapper, Mexican binder, and Dominican filler. The smooth, creamy smoke with notes of cedar and sweetness is perfect for beginners. The petit corona (5" x 42) is a great starting point.

Best Cigars For Beginners 2023 Example

Imagine you've just received your first premium cigar, the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story. You carefully remove the cellophane wrapper and admire the cigar's craftsmanship. You carefully cut the cap and slowly toast the foot, ensuring an even burn. As you take your initial puffs, you start to taste the mild, creamy flavors with hints of cedar, and you know you have made the right choice for your first cigar experience.

Best Cigars For Beginners 2023 Frequently Asked Questions

Why is selecting the right cigar important for beginners?

Choosing the right cigar for beginners ensures a pleasant introduction to the world of cigar smoking. It can make the difference between a delightful experience and one that might deter a newcomer from exploring further.

What characteristics should beginners look for in a cigar?

Beginners should typically look for cigars that are mild to medium in strength, have a consistent burn, and offer smooth, palatable flavors. This ensures the experience isn't overpowering and provides a gentle introduction.

How does cigar size influence the smoking experience for novices?

The size, or vitola, affects the duration of the smoking experience and sometimes the intensity of flavors. For beginners, smaller sizes like robustos or coronas might be preferable as they provide a shorter, consistent experience.

Are expensive cigars always better for beginners?

Not necessarily. While price can sometimes indicate quality, there are many affordably priced cigars that are excellent for beginners due to their mild profiles and consistent construction.

Can beginners try flavored or infused cigars?

Certainly! Flavored or infused cigars, with notes like vanilla, coffee, or chocolate, can be appealing to newcomers as they offer a unique and often sweeter taste profile.

How should beginners cut their cigars?

Using a quality guillotine cutter is typically recommended. It's essential to make a clean cut just above the cigar's cap to ensure a smooth draw and prevent the wrapper from unraveling.

Are there specific brands recommended for beginners?

Brands like Arturo Fuente, Macanudo, and Romeo y Julieta, among others, offer lines that are often recommended for those new to cigar smoking due to their approachable flavors and reliable construction.

How can beginners develop their palate?

Just like with wines or whiskies, the palate develops over time and with experience. Trying a variety of cigars, paying attention to flavors, and even making notes can help novices discern and appreciate different taste profiles.

Is it essential for beginners to pair cigars with drinks?

While not essential, pairing cigars with beverages can enhance the experience. For beginners, milder drinks like chamomile tea, white wines, or even certain light beers can complement a mild cigar's flavors.

What is the significance of the cigar's wrapper for beginners?

The wrapper not only influences the cigar's flavor but also its burn rate. For beginners, Connecticut shade wrappers are often recommended due to their mildness and smooth texture.

Should beginners inhale cigar smoke?

No. Cigar smoke is meant to be savored in the mouth and then exhaled. Inhaling can lead to a harsh experience and is not the intended way to enjoy a cigar.

Can beginners attend cigar tasting events?

Absolutely! Tasting events can be a fantastic way for beginners to explore different cigars, learn from experienced smokers, and discover what they enjoy.

How should beginners store their cigars?

Even if beginners have only a few cigars, they should be stored in a controlled environment, like a humidor, to maintain freshness. Proper storage ensures the cigar remains at its best when smoked.

Are there online communities or forums for cigar beginners?

Yes, numerous online forums, blogs, and social media groups cater to cigar enthusiasts. They can be valuable resources for beginners seeking advice, recommendations, and reviews.

How long does a typical cigar last when smoked?

It varies based on the cigar's size. For beginners starting with smaller vitolas, the smoking experience might last 20 to 45 minutes.

Do cigars have different strength levels, and what's best for beginners?

Cigars range from mild to full-bodied in terms of strength. For beginners, starting with mild to medium-strength cigars is usually advisable to ensure a smoother introduction.

Should beginners experiment with different cigar types?

Definitely. Experimentation helps beginners identify what they enjoy in terms of flavor, strength, and size. It's a journey of discovery that can be highly rewarding.

Are sampler packs a good option for novices?

Sampler packs are excellent for beginners as they offer a variety of cigars, allowing novices to taste different profiles and brands without committing to a full box.

How can beginners avoid common cigar smoking mistakes?

Educating oneself, whether through articles, videos, or experienced smokers' advice, can guide beginners. Common tips include not smoking too quickly, ensuring a proper cut, and maintaining cigars at the right humidity.

What's the best way to extinguish a cigar?

Simply let it rest in the ashtray. It will naturally go out on its own. Avoid stubbing it out as you would a cigarette; this can release unpleasant odors.

Is there a best time of day for beginners to enjoy a cigar?

Any time that allows relaxation and enjoyment is perfect. However, many beginners prefer evenings, often after a meal, as a leisurely moment to savor their cigar.

Now that you've learned about the best cigars for beginners in 2023, it's time to experience the luxurious world of cigar smoking for yourself. Remember, patience and practice are key to fully appreciating this wonderful hobby. Don't forget to explore other guides on Swinger Cigars as you continue to expand your knowledge and palate. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to share it with friends and fellow beginners. Welcome to the world of cigars, and happy smoking!