Short answer: choose by strength first, then size, then wrapper. Brand matters least when you are starting out.
1. Strength
- Mild: Ashton Classic, Padrón Dámaso, AVO Classic.
- Medium: Arturo Fuente Hemingway, Diamond Crown Julius Caeser, Oliva Serie G.
- Full: Liga Privada, Padrón 1926, Opus X.
2. Size
Sizes are written as length in inches by ring gauge, the diameter in 64ths of an inch. A 5 x 50 robusto runs about an hour. A 7 x 50 churchill can run two. Wider cigars burn cooler and slower; slimmer ones put more wrapper flavor in each draw. Pick the time you actually have.
3. Wrapper
- Connecticut Shade: mild, cream and cedar.
- Cameroon: cedar and sweet spice, medium.
- Habano or Corojo: pepper and spice, medium to full.
- Maduro or Broadleaf: cocoa, coffee, sweetness. Darker does not mean stronger.
4. Inspect it
The wrapper should look oily rather than dull, with no cracks. Squeeze gently: firm with a little give. Hard spots or soft spots mean an uneven roll and an uneven burn.
5. Buy singles first
Most cigars we sell online are available as a single. Try three or four before committing to a box; a box is usually the lowest price per cigar, but only if you like what is in it.
Ask a tobacconist
Call 928-276-3500 or walk the humidor with us on FaceTime. Tell us what you drink and how much time you have, and we will pick for you.
$9.99 flat shipping, free on orders of $125 or more; orders ship within 1–2 business days from Yuma, Arizona.
