Best Cuban Cigars for Beginners
Cuban cigars are some of the most sought-after cigars in production and for good reason. They have built a great reputation within the industry and offer a certain flavor profile that is difficult to match. For many people that are starting out in the cigar industry, Cuban cigars seem to be the obvious choice.
The problem is that with such a wide range of great cigars available from Cuba, it can be difficult selecting the right cigars. Therefore, in this article, we will be discussing our recommendation on what the best cigars are for beginners.
Before we discuss our cigar recommendations, there are a few things to consider before making a purchase. The first is the length of time you’d like to spend smoking a cigar. This is important because cigars require time to sit back and enjoy. They’re luxury products that aren’t generally enjoyed casually. Many cigar aficionados will generally select cigars based on the amount of time they have available. For instance, if you only have half an hour available, it may not be a good idea to select a huge double-corona-sized cigar.
The key reason for this is because once a cigar is lit it should be smoked to completion. Relighting a cigar after a period of time is not recommended as it can cause the flavors to be ruined beyond recovery.
The second thing to consider is the strength of the cigar. This is somewhat subjective because the way you react to a particular cigar can vary from the norm. Having said that, there are general ratings that you can consider when picking a cigar.
Finally the price. Any cigar you pick must obviously sit within your budget. It’s also an idea to begin with cigars that are reasonably priced. This can help you build an understanding and personal profile of the kind of cigars you enjoy without it costing a fortune.
Montecristo No. 4
- Ring Gauge: 42
- Length: 129mm
- Strength: Medium to Full
- Time to Smoke: 30 Minutes
The Montecristo No.4 is one of the best-selling Cuban cigars in the world. Its relatively smaller size and incredible flavor profile make it a fantastic cigar for both beginners and experienced aficionados. Although this cigar does boast some strength, the flavor profile and length of time its takes to smoke make it an ideal beginner’s choice.
With a smoking time of around 30 minutes, this is a great cigar to enjoy on a walk or even at social events. Its slightly smaller size makes it a less intimidating option.
The flavor notes of this cigar include a nutty, oak-like profile with hints of cocoa and deep earthy flavors.
H. Upmann Half Corona
- Ring Gauge: 44
- Length: 90mm
- Strength: Light to Medium
- Time to Smoke: 30 Minutes
If the Montecristo No. 4 is a little too strong for you then the H. Upmann Half Corona might be a better option. The Half corona is smaller in stature, however its slightly thicker ring gauge somewhat makes up for it. Similar to the Montecristo No. 4 this smaller cigar is less intimidating due to its size. Also, the lack of strength in this cigar makes it far more accessible and potentially even easier to enjoy.
The flavor notes for this cigar include a firm leathery profile along with some sharp zesty notes and some nutty flavors too.
Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill
- Ring Gauge: 50
- Length: 124mm
- Strength: Medium
- Time to Smoke: 50 Minutes
The Romeo y Julietta Short Churchill cigar is the first Robusto-sized cigar on this list. The thicker ring gauge makes for a more substantial cigar. This is the type of cigar that you’d probably want to try after you’ve experienced a few cigars already. Although saying that, its relatively easy-going profile could work quite well even if it’s your first ever cigar.
Robusto-sized cigars are some of the most popular vitolas currently on the market. This is because they offer the perfect balance between the size and the time it takes to smoke them. Essentially, they’re substantial enough size while also not requiring an unreasonable amount of time to smoke.
The flavor notes of this cigar include an overall woody profile along with some hints of spice, cocoa, and grassy notes.
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2
- Ring Gauge: 50
- Length: 124mm
- Strength: Light
- Time to Smoke: 50 Minutes
The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 is one of the most popular options for beginner cigar smokers. It’s known for having an extremely light overall profile, making it far more accessible than many other cigars. It’s important to mention that the cigar may have a light body, but it is far from bland and offers some of the most complex and interesting flavor notes.
The Epicure No. 2 also looks fantastic in the hand with its crowned double band and shiny wrapper leaf. It’s one of the few cigars that almost every cigar smoker can enjoy.
The flavor notes of this cigar include a warm woody profile along with some strong spice and hints of honey and nut.
Trinidad Media Luna
- Ring Gauge: 50
- Length: 115mm
- Strength: Medium to Full
- Time to Smoke: 45 Minutes
Trinidad cigars are some of the most premium cigars coming from Cuba. Even though the Trinidad Media Luna is smaller than a standard Robusto, it is the most expensive cigar on this list. For many cigar aficionados, Trinidad produces some of the best Cuban cigars and this is reflected in how aficionados rave about certain vitolas from the brand.
The Media Luna is an exceptionally good cigar. It’s also a great cigar for those that want to start trying more premium options from Habanos. Just be wary of the fact that not only do these cigars cost more money, they also boast a greater deal of strength and body.
The flavor notes of these cigars include a fruity herbal flavor along with some strong woody flavors.
