Our top 5 beginner cigars were selected considering both flavor & cost, making for what we think are the best values for the new smoker. It is important to stay with the mild-to-medium strength cigars when starting out, which are usually the least expensive of the premium hand rolled variety. Although the costs per stick listed below are prices that can be obtained if purchased by the box, it is recommended that single cigars (which are a bit more expensive) be sampled, first.
1. Arturo Fuente Curly Head
An excellent value in a Dominican hand-made cigar for about $1.50 per stick. These cigars are a bit rustic, and do not even have bands. They are mild in flavor and have a consistent draw. Arturo Fuente (compare prices) makes a wide range of different cigars, some being amongst the best in the world. The Curly Head is near the bottom of their price range, but is an excellent value for being a Fuente. The Curly Head measures 6 ½" x 43 (length x ring gauge), and for the price, is strongly recommended. (Note: Not to be confused with the Curly Head Deluxe)
2. Excalibur No. 5
This cigar is made by Hoyo de Monterrey (compare prices) in the Honduras. The cost per cigar is about $3.25, making it the second most expensive cigar in this list. Cigars that cost $15 do not taste as good. The size is 6 ¼ x 45. Excalibur makes six other cigars in this class (Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7), each having different dimensions. The No. 5 Excalibur cigars are mild-to-medium in flavor, very tasty, and will improve with age in your humidor.3. Baccarat Luchadores
Baccarat cigars (compare prices) are very mild Honduran cigars, measuring 6 x 43. You will notice a sweet taste when starting to smoke this cigar, and the draw is really smooth. However, they burn a little fast, and begin losing their flavor before the halfway point. Since the cost is just under $2, it is worth the price to experience such a premium smoke, if only halfway. They do not seem to improve with age in a humidor, but taste great right out of the box.