The 10 Best Cigars for Beginners

These recommendations come straight from Mike Palmer and Mike Szczepankiewicz, hosts of A Cigar Hustler's Podcast with 550+ episodes of cigar expertise.

Starting your cigar journey should be fun, not intimidating. The best first cigars are smooth, well-constructed, and easy to enjoy — so you fall for the ritual before you go chasing bigger, bolder flavors. Here are ten smokes the guys stand behind for new smokers.

What to look for in a beginner cigar

Two things matter most when you're new: strength and construction. Go mild-to-medium so the nicotine doesn't knock you over, and look for even, firm construction so it burns and draws cleanly. You don't have to spend a fortune, but a well-made premium cigar is worth it — it's the difference between loving cigars and swearing them off after one.

A quick tip we repeat often on the show: a cigar is not inhaled. You draw the smoke into your mouth, taste it, and let it go.

The 10 best cigars for beginners

1. Powstanie Connecticut Toro — Yeah, we're starting with our own brand, but hear us out. That mild Connecticut wrapper keeps everything smooth and creamy, with easy notes of cream, cedar, and just a whisper of pepper. If you've never had a premium cigar, this is the one we hand you first.
2. Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva — Fuente is a legendary name for a reason, and the Gran Reserva shows exactly why. The strength is approachable and the construction is flat-out impeccable — it burns and draws like a dream. You get a whole lot of cigar for the money here.
3. Intemperance EC Brotherly Kindness — A boutique gem that punches well above its price. It sits right in that mild-to-medium sweet spot and stays incredibly smooth from the light all the way to the nub. New smokers fall for this one fast — and so did we.
4. Highclere Castle Toro — Made in collaboration with the Earl of Carnarvon of Highclere Castle (yes, the Downton Abbey estate). There's a genuine English elegance to it, and it stays mild and refined the whole way down. This is a cigar that feels like an occasion.
5. Powstanie Sumatra Grand Toro — Ready to step up from a Connecticut? Our Sumatra-wrapped Grand Toro adds a little more body and complexity without ever getting harsh. It's rich and layered but still totally approachable — a perfect "second cigar" as your palate grows.
6. Ceniza Fina Connecticut — A smooth Connecticut with construction you can count on every single time. It's an easy, everyday smoke — nothing fussy, just consistently good from end to end. Perfect for the porch, the drive, or a quick one between meetings.
7. Sobremesa Brûlée — Steve Saka is one of the best blenders in the game, and the Brûlée might be his most beginner-friendly creation. It's creamy, a touch sweet, and finishes like dessert — hence the name. Absurdly smooth and genuinely hard to put down.
8. Tatuaje Black Corona Gorda — Pete Johnson's Tatuaje Black is a modern classic and the perfect gateway into the brand. It's medium-bodied with rock-solid construction, delivering rich flavor without ever overwhelming you. If you only try one Tatuaje, make it this one.
9. Meerapfel — Rare, unique, and made by a family that's lived and breathed tobacco for generations. The quality is exceptional and it tastes like nothing else on this list. Worth going out of your way to find when you want something special.
10. Davidoff Winston Churchill Petite Belicoso (tin) — Davidoff is the definition of premium, and the Winston Churchill line is elegant and refined. This petite belicoso is mild-to-medium and beautifully balanced, and the handsome tin makes it a fantastic gift. A classy way to introduce someone to great cigars.

How to smoke your first cigar

Cut just above the shoulder (the rounded cap) with a sharp guillotine cutter — take off too little rather than too much. Toast the foot over the flame without letting it touch, rotating until the edge glows evenly. Then take slow, gentle puffs about once a minute. Puff too fast and the cigar overheats and turns bitter.

Pair it with something simple to start — water, coffee, or a mild bourbon. And give yourself time. A good cigar is a 45–90 minute experience, not a cigarette break.

Where to go from here

Once these smokes feel comfortable, start exploring fuller bodies, Nicaraguan puros, and more boutique blends. That's where cigars get really interesting — and it's most of what we cover on the podcast.

Hear more on A Cigar Hustler's Podcast — 550+ episodes of reviews, recommendations, and honest cigar talk. And when you're ready to rep the show, grab some CHPOD merch.