Exploring Light and Light-to-Medium Bodied Cigars for Beginners

When entering the world of cigars, selecting the right smoke is key to enhancing your experience. Beginners are typically advised to start with cigars that are light or light-to-medium in body to avoid overwhelming their palate. Below are some top recommendations for both Cuban and New World cigars that provide a smooth introduction to the cigar lifestyle.

Cuban Cigars for Newcomers

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2

The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 is one of the most popular robusto cigars from Cuba, known for its smoothness and balanced flavours. It's a cigar that features creamy and light spice notes, perfect for beginners seeking an approachable yet flavourful smoke. It offers complexity without overpowering the senses, making it a frequent recommendation for new cigar smokers.

• Size: 124mm by 50 ring gauge

• Strength: Light to Medium

• Flavour Notes: Cream, cedar, cocoa, and mild spices.

  
  

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial

For those looking for a larger cigar with a similar flavour profile, the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial provides a more substantial smoke while maintaining a light to medium body. With pronounced honey, floral, and creamy notes, this cigar is ideal for novices wanting to explore a bit more complexity.

• Size: 141mm by 50 ring gauge

• Strength: Light to Medium

• Flavour Notes: Honey, floral, cream​.

  
  

Fonseca No. 1

The Fonseca No. 1 is often considered an underappreciated gem in the Cuban cigar world. Its mild profile, with notes of nuts and sweet tobacco, makes it a wonderful entry-level cigar. It’s both light and aromatic, which is great for smokers still refining their palate.

• Size: 162mm by 42 ring gauge

• Strength: Light

• Flavour Notes: Earthy, nutty, and sweet​.

Quai d'Orsay No. 50

This relatively recent addition to the Cuban portfolio has become a favourite for those seeking a mild and smooth experience. The Quai d'Orsay No. 50 delivers light spices and a creamy texture, making it a great companion for newcomers looking to enjoy a cigar with mild complexity.

• Size: 110mm by 50 ring gauge

• Strength: Light to Medium

• Flavour Notes: Honey, spices, and cream​.

  
  

New World Cigars for Beginners

Alec Bradley Connecticut

Alec Bradley’s Connecticut is an excellent New World cigar for those who appreciate smooth, buttery notes with a mild body. It features an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper that delivers rich flavours of cream, cedar, and nuts, making it a perfect introduction to non-Cuban cigars.

• Size: 152mm by 50 ring gauge

• Strength: Mild

• Flavour Notes: Cream, butter, cedar​

  
  

Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story

For beginners who prefer a shorter smoking experience, the Hemingway Short Story by Arturo Fuente is a brilliant option. It’s a perfectly constructed figurado with flavours of wood, leather, and a touch of sweetness. Its size makes it a quick but satisfying smoke, perfect for those not yet ready for a long cigar.

• Size: 101mm by 49 ring gauge

• Strength: Medium

• Flavour Notes: Wood, leather, sweetness​.

Perdomo Champagne 10th Anniversary

The Perdomo Champagne 10th Anniversary is a widely recognised New World cigar for its mild and creamy profile. This cigar features an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, aged for six years, which provides a smooth, buttery flavour profile with subtle hints of vanilla, cream, and a light nuttiness. Its mild body and excellent construction make it an ideal option for beginners who prefer a refined, gentle smoking experience.

• Size: 152mm by 54 ring gauge

• Strength: Mild to Medium

• Flavour Notes: Cream, vanilla, butter, nuts

  
  

Davidoff Signature 2000

Davidoff is known for its luxury cigars, and the Signature 2000 is an exceptional choice for new smokers. It offers a beautifully balanced mild-to-medium body with flavours of coffee, cedar, and a creamy finish. This cigar is rolled with an Ecuadorian wrapper and Dominican filler, providing an elegant and sophisticated experience without overwhelming the smoker.

• Size: 127mm by 43 ring gauge

• Strength: Mild to Medium

• Flavour Notes: Coffee, cedar, cream

  
  

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right cigar as a beginner is crucial to developing an appreciation for the craft. These selections, both Cuban and New World, provide smooth and mild experiences, allowing newcomers to savour the nuances of different tobaccos without being overwhelmed. Whether it's the classic Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 or the modern Alec Bradley Connecticut, there are plenty of excellent choices for those just beginning their cigar journey.