My original list of Top 5 Cigars for Beginners consisted mostly of cigars that I enjoyed back in the early 1990's, when I began smoking premium handmade cigars instead of those mass produced machine-made stogies. But times and cigars have changed, and new cigar smokers should start with the best mild and mild-to-medium cigars that are available in the market today. Experienced cigar smokers should enjoy all of the cigars on this latest and greatest list of top cigars for beginners, too.
CAO Criollo cigars are made entirely with tobaccos from Nicaragua. These are mild-to-medium cigars and an excellent choice for the beginner. The flavor is great right from the start. Initially there are floral hints, the taste of chestnuts, coffee, and a subtle sweetness. Halfway through a slight peppery flavor creeps in and builds slowly to a nice finish. The Criollo’s are also full of great aromas like mushrooms and cedar.
Casa Torano cigars are made by the Torano family in Honduras. The Casa Torano is a mild-to-medium cigar that is packed with flavor. This cigar is mild enough for a beginner, but has a complex flavor that will satisfy most seasoned smokers, also. The taste is rich and smooth, and very enjoyable all the way down to the last two inches of the cigar.
Macanudo is the top selling premium cigar brand in the United States. These cigars are made by the General Cigar Company in the Dominican Republic. The Macanudo Hyde Park Café is a real pleasure to smoke, as it produces lighter tastes of almonds, cashews and fresh herbs. A great choice for beginners, and can be used as a benchmark to evaluate other cigars. Also, see our review of the
Macanudo Hampton Court.
Gispert is a mild-to-medium bodied cigar made in Honduras. This is a very easy smoking cigar. It has an earthy and woodsy flavor with hints of leather. The aroma is quite pleasing also, with wood and leather undertones. And for only about $2 per stick, the price is very reasonable.
The Helix Blue Tubular cigar has a very enjoyable mild flavor, and is also mild in strength. This cigar would be a great choice for a beginner cigar smoker, or for an experienced smoker who enjoys an occasional mild cigar. The cigar is made by the General Cigar Company in Honduras, and has some similarities to their more expensive and popular line of Macanudo cigars. Helix cigars are also available as
artificially flavored cigars called Helix Remix, which are also prescribed for new cigar smokers.
