When it comes to best cigars for beginners, the cigar world is full of advice that pushes popular premium cigars like mild Connecticut wrappers or classic Dominican blends. But many of these “go-to” beginner cigars aren’t always the smartest starting point. They can be overpriced, underwhelming in flavor depth, or even a bit too subtle (or harsh) for new smokers exploring the cigar smoking experience.
At TheCigarGuys.com, we cut through the noise. As hosts of The Cigar Guys podcast—the number 1 ranking cigar podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts—we’re all about real talk on cigar reviews, cigar recommendations, and finding the best cigars that deliver value and enjoyment. Here are three common recommendations we hear for newcomers that should be swapped out for better options.
Instead of recommending Perdomo Champagne or the Ashton Classic, suggest Zino Nicaragua.
The Perdomo Champagne (often the Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne) and Ashton Classic are longtime favorites in the mild cigar category. The Perdomo Champagne offers creamy, smooth notes with hints of caramel, molasses, and earth—it’s rich like champagne and frequently praised as a solid mild-bodied cigar with good construction. The Ashton Classic, a Connecticut-wrapped Dominican classic, delivers creamy cashews, cedar, toasted nuts, and a refined, mellow profile that’s easygoing and approachable for many.
But here’s the issue for true beginners: these premium cigars come with premium price tags, and their subtlety can feel flat or lacking punch if you’re just starting out in the cigar hobby. They’re great everyday cigars for experienced smokers, but newcomers often need something with more character without breaking the bank.
Enter Zino Nicaragua. This Nicaraguan puro delivers rich, creamy consistency with balanced flavors that punch above its weight—think smooth tobacco, subtle spice, and depth that evolves nicely. Reviews highlight it as a standout value cigar, often under $8 per stick (with robustos and gordos frequently in the $6–$8 range), making it nearly half the price of the Perdomo Champagne or Ashton Classic in many vitolas. For a better overall cigar smoking experience at a fraction of the cost, Zino Nicaragua is the smarter pick for beginners dipping into Nicaraguan tobaccos.
Instead of recommending Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real, recommend The Besa Natural.
The Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real is a classic mild-to-medium Dominican cigar with an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. It boasts creamy cashews, white pepper, cedar, and an easy draw—often called beginner-friendly due to its approachable, light profile and clean burn. It’s a staple cigar recommendation for those easing into premium handmade cigars.
However, it can feel a bit one-dimensional or flat in complexity for some new smokers, with flavors that don’t always elevate the experience as much as the hype suggests.
A superior alternative is The Besa Natural from Eleven 02 Cigars. This medium-bodied beauty offers elevated construction—flawless draw, even burn—and a more dynamic flavor profile with balanced pepper, richness, and smoothness that’s far more engaging. It’s designed to be beginner-friendly yet sophisticated, avoiding the pitfalls of overly mild sticks that bore quickly. As featured on The Cigar Guys podcast and media, The Besa Natural (available in Toro and Rothschild sizes) provides a noticeably more premium cigar experience without overwhelming novices. It’s the kind of cigar that makes newcomers say, “This is what cigar smoking is all about.”
Instead of recommending Padron Thousand Series, recommend a Hooten Young Right to Bear Arms or 2020 Edition.
The Padron Thousand Series (like the 2000, 3000, etc.) is legendary for Nicaraguan power—earth, cocoa, coffee, spice, and that signature Padron complexity. Even the smaller vitolas pack a punch with medium-to-full body and dark, rich flavors. It’s a fantastic cigar brand, but the intensity, pepper, and occasional harshness make it less ideal for absolute beginners who might find it overwhelming.
For a similar level of smoking satisfaction without the edge, turn to Hooten Young Right to Bear Arms (RTBA) or the Hooten Young 2020 Edition. The RTBA (a 6 x 52 toro with Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and Nicaraguan fillers) brings medium body with smooth natural sweetness, subtle black pepper, earth, and spice—complex yet approachable. The 2020 Edition (often in Maduro with San Andrés wrapper) layers espresso, earth, and building richness in a medium-to-full profile that’s polished and less harsh.
Both deliver that deep, satisfying Nicaraguan cigar vibe the Padron Thousand Series is known for, but with smoother transitions, reduced spice kick, and more forgiveness for new palates. They’re excellent cigar recommendations for beginners ready to step up from ultra-mild sticks.
Bottom line: Skip the overhyped or mismatched “beginner” picks and go for cigars that actually deliver better value, flavor, and enjoyment right from the start. Head over to TheCigarGuys.com for more honest cigar reviews, cigar news, and exclusive picks. And don’t forget to subscribe to The Cigar Guys podcast—the number 1 ranking cigar podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts—for weekly deep dives into the world of premium cigars, handmade cigars, and everything in between. Your first (or next) great smoke starts here!
159. Cigar Media Truths: Fred Rewey Talks Lists, Honesty & Influence | The Cigar Guys Podcast – The Cigar Guys Podcast
- 159. Cigar Media Truths: Fred Rewey Talks Lists, Honesty & Influence | The Cigar Guys Podcast
- 158. Terence Reilly on Aganorsa Leaf: Cigars & Marketing Strategy | The Cigar Guys Podcast
- 157. Celebrating 3 Years of being the best cigar podcast | The Cigar Guys Podcast
- 156. Top Podcast Moments of 2025, Ringing in 2026 | The Cigar Guys Podcast
- 155. Mike Szczepankiewicz on 2025 Wins, Cigars & Podcasting | The Cigar Guys Podcast
