Many good cheap cigars can be had for less than $2.00 apiece, especially if purchased by the box or bundle (or in sampler packs). You do not have to spend a fortune to enjoy a great tasting handmade cigar with an easy draw. A couple of these selections may have a rustic appearance or uneven burn, but many of them could be mistaken for premium cigars in a blind taste test. Compare sizes (length x ring gauge), typical prices, and other information, then select a few samples for your own taste test.
1. Baccarat Luchadores
Size = 6 x 43, made in Honduras, price is about $44 per box of 25. Very mild and sweet tasting, great choice for beginners and connoisseurs, alike. However, taste does become stronger after smoking about half-way down the stick. Taste great out of the box, but flavor does not improve by aging. Recommend storing in a humidor inside of cellophane tubes, to preserve sweetness.
2. Flor de Oliva Torpedo
Size = 6 1/2 x 52, made in Nicaragua, price is about $35 per bundle of 25. Mild-to-medium in flavor with a touch of sweetness, a lot of stick for the price. Well made, and taste improves by aging in a humidor.3. Roly #2 Maduro
Size= 6 1/2 x 46, made in Honduras, price is about $23 per bundle of 25. Medium and toasted in flavor. These cigars are seconds made by Rolando Reyes, who also manufactures Puros Indios cigars. These cigars taste great right out of the package, but do not improve by aging. Recommend storing in a humidor without removing cellophane tubes, to preserve the toasted flavor.4. Thompson Paso Doble
Size = 5 x 50, made in Dominican Republic, price is about $45 for a bundle of 50 (two bundles of 25). This cigar is mild in strength, but has a nice rich flavor.5. Punch Bolos
Size = 4 3/16 x 36, made in Honduras, price is about $29 for 5 tins containing 6 cigars (30 cigars). This small cigar has a very good medium-to-full flavor, for the more developed palate. A great smoke for when time is limited.6. Mr. B Lonsdale Maduro
Size= 6 x 43, made in Nicaragua, price is about $13 for a bundle of 20. Mild-to-medium in flavor, these cigars are the least expensive on this list, and are probably the best value for an everyday cigar. Surprisingly, they really mellow out after aging in a humidor for a few months. A bit rustic in appearance with an uneven burn, but the taste and draw makes these an excellent value for the frugal connoisseur.7. Arturo Fuente Curly Head
Size = 6 1/2 x 43, made in Dominican Republic, price is about $60 for a box of 40. Mild-to-medium in flavor, and a nice smooth draw. Great cigar for beginners. Cigars are rustic in appearance, and do not have bands. Do not confuse these with the Curly Head Deluxe, which is a completely different cigar having a harsher flavor.8. Romana Robusto
Size = 4 1/2 x 52, made in Dominican Republic, cost is about $69 for a box of 50. Mild-to-medium in flavor, these cigars should be aged in a humidor for a few months before smoking. They have somewhat of a raw taste right out of the box, but improve dramatically with age.9. Te-Amo #4
Size = 5 x 42, made in Mexico, cost is about $39 for a box of 25. These cigars are medium in flavor, and are probably not a good choice for beginners.10. Santiago Especiales
Size = 6 3/8 x 44, made in Dominican Republic, cost is about $25 for a bundled box of 25 (box is made of very thin cardboard). These cigars are mild-to-medium in flavor, and will improve after aging in a humidor.