How to Choose Your First Cigar

Starting Your Cigar Journey

Entering the world of cigars is like embarking on a journey of taste and relaxation. The first step is selecting a cigar that offers a balance of flavour and mildness. Rather than diving into the deep end, it's best to start with a cigar that introduces you to the world of nuanced flavours without being overpowering. This way, your first experience is enjoyable and leaves you eager to explore more.

Size Matters

For newcomers, smaller vitolas like Robusto or Corona are ideal. These cigars provide a shorter smoking time, typically lasting between 30 to 45 minutes. For your first experience, this duration is perfect because it allows you to get accustomed to the flavours without feeling overwhelmed by the intensity or the commitment of a larger cigar. Additionally, smaller sizes often have a more concentrated flavour, providing a full taste of the cigar’s blend without the risk of overstaying their welcome.

• Robusto: A popular choice due to its manageable size and balanced flavour profile. It typically measures around 124 mm (4.88") with a ring gauge of 50, offering a medium-length smoke that is not too brief but not overly long either.

• Corona: Slightly longer and thinner than a Robusto, usually around 142 mm (5.63") with a 42-44 ring gauge. This size offers a different balance of wrapper-to-filler ratio, resulting in a unique taste experience.

Choosing a cigar that fits your schedule and comfort level is crucial. Starting with these sizes can make your first smoking session enjoyable and stress-free.

Strength and Flavour

Begin with light to light-medium-bodied cigars. These cigars offer a more delicate and nuanced flavour profile that won't overwhelm your senses. Light cigars are known for their smoothness and can present a variety of flavour notes, including cream, nuts, wood, and even subtle spices. As you develop your palate, you can explore more complex, medium, or full-bodied cigars.

• Why Light Cigars? They provide a gentle introduction to the cigar world. A strong, full-bodied cigar might be too intense for a beginner, potentially leading to a less enjoyable experience.

• What to Look For: Opt for cigars that highlight subtlety over intensity. Look for descriptions like "smooth," "creamy," or "mildly spicy" in flavour profiles.

Wrapper Colour

The wrapper is not just for show; it plays a significant role in the cigar's flavour. The colour of the wrapper can give you an indication of what to expect in terms of strength and flavour:

• Claro (Light Greenish to Light Brown): These wrappers are usually sun-grown under shade, resulting in a milder flavour profile. Cigars with Claro wrappers often have notes of grass, hay, and cream.

• Natural (Light Brown to Golden Brown): Slightly darker than Claro, Natural wrappers provide a bit more complexity while still maintaining a mild character. They can add hints of sweetness and light spice to the smoke.

Brand Recommendations

Here are some light to light-medium-bodied cigars from the Habanos lineup, carefully selected for their mild yet intriguing flavour profiles:

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2

• Profile: Light-bodied, offering a harmonious blend of cream, cedar, and a hint of spice.

• Vitola de Galera: Robusto (124 mm / 4.88" x 50 ring gauge)

• Price: £33 to £37

• Why It's Great for Beginners: Its mild flavour profile allows you to enjoy a full-bodied experience without overpowering your senses. The balanced taste makes it an ideal introduction to Cuban cigars.

  
  

Quai d'Orsay No. 50

• Profile: Light to medium-bodied, delivering creamy, floral notes with a subtle sweetness that lingers.

• Vitola de Galera: D No. 50 (110 mm / 4.33" x 50 ring gauge)

• Price: Typically around £18 - £22

• Why It's Great for Beginners: Known for its elegance and light flavour profile, Quai d'Orsay No. 50 is perfect for those who appreciate a gentle, nuanced smoke. Its mild complexity offers a taste of sophistication without being overpowering.

  
  

Fonseca Delicias

• Profile: Light-bodied with smooth, slightly sweet flavours and a creamy finish.

• Vitola de Galera: Petit Corona (123 mm / 4.84" x 40 ring gauge)

• Price: Typically around £12 - £15

• Why It's Great for Beginners: Fonseca cigars are renowned for their milder profile. The Delicias offers a gentle introduction to the world of Cuban cigars, with a smooth draw and balanced taste.

  
  

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de Río Seco

• Profile: Light to medium-bodied, with delicate flavours of cream, wood, and a hint of pepper. This cigar offers a refined complexity that evolves throughout the smoke.

• Vitola de Galera: Aromáticos (140 mm / 5.51" x 56 ring gauge)

• Price: Typically around £28 - £32

• Why It's Great for Beginners: Despite its larger size, this cigar maintains a mild profile, making it suitable for a longer, relaxed smoking session without overwhelming the smoker.

  
  

Romeo y Julieta Petit Coronas

• Profile: Light to medium-bodied, featuring balanced notes of cedar, nuts, and subtle floral undertones.

• Vitola de Galera: Petit Corona (129 mm / 5.12" x 42 ring gauge)

• Price: Typically around £15 - £18

• Why It's Great for Beginners: This cigar provides a classic Cuban flavour in a mild to medium strength. It's a great starting point for those looking to explore traditional flavours without too much intensity.

5. Budget Considerations

When starting out, it’s wise to set a reasonable budget. Quality cigars in the light to light-medium body range typically cost £8 to £37 for singles. Here’s how to approach your budget:

• Affordable Options: If you're looking to explore without spending too much, cigars like Fonseca Delicias offer excellent value.

  
  

• Mid-Range Choices: For a slightly higher price point, cigars like the Quai d'Orsay No. 50 offer a more complex experience while still being beginner friendly.

  
  

• Premium Experiences: If you're willing to invest a bit more in your first experience, cigars like the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 provide a luxurious introduction to the world of cigars.

  
  

Visit a Tobacconist

Whenever possible, visit a local tobacconist. They can guide you based on your preferences and provide tailored recommendations. Experienced tobacconists can also offer advice on proper cigar storage and maintenance, ensuring you get the best smoking experience. They may even have beginner samplers, allowing you to try a few different cigars before deciding on your favourite.

Conclusion

Choosing your first cigar is about finding the right balance between flavour, strength, and vitola. Starting with light to light-medium-bodied cigars from reputable brands like Habanos ensures a smooth introduction to the world of cigars. Remember, cigar smoking is about enjoyment and relaxation. Take your time to explore different options, savour each experience, and find what suits your palate best. The journey into the world of cigars is as much about the exploration as it is about the destination.