Do you ship cigars nationwide in the United States?

Yes. Sun of a Gun Cigars ships premium cigars to all 50 US states using humidity-controlled packaging with Boveda packs included. Orders over $99 ship free. Most orders arrive in 3–7 business days after handling.

How do you ship cigars without them drying out?

Every cigar order from Sun of a Gun Cigars ships with Boveda 69% relative humidity packs and is sealed in moisture-retentive packaging. Cigars arrive at the same humidity they left our walk-in humidor in Yuma, Arizona.

Are your Opus X and Padron cigars authentic?

Yes. Sun of a Gun Cigars is a direct authorized retailer for Arturo Fuente (including Opus X and Lost City), Padron, Drew Estate (including Liga Privada), God of Fire, Ashton, Diamond Crown, My Father, AJ Fernandez, La Flor Dominicana, Oliva, J.C. Newman, and El Septimo. We never sell counterfeit cigars — every product is sourced directly from the manufacturer or authorized distributors.

How do I get notified when rare cigars like Opus X Lost City are back in stock?

On any out-of-stock product page, enter your email in the "Notify Me" box to be alerted when that specific product returns. Allocated releases like Opus X Lost City, Padron Family Reserve, and God of Fire often sell out within hours, so we recommend signing up early.

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes. All Sun of a Gun Cigars orders over $99 ship free within the United States. Orders under $99 ship at a flat rate of $8.99 with humidity-safe packaging included.

How old must I be to order cigars?

You must be 21 years or older to purchase any tobacco product from Sun of a Gun Cigars. Age verification is required at checkout and again on delivery (adult signature required for all shipments per federal tobacco shipping regulations).

Can I visit your cigar lounge in Yuma, Arizona?

Yes — Sun of a Gun Cigars operates a walk-in cigar lounge with the largest humidor in Yuma, Arizona at 1651 S Arizona Ave. We are open Sunday–Wednesday 9 AM to 11 PM and Thursday–Saturday 9 AM to 1 AM. Smoke on premises, enjoy fine spirits and craft cocktails, and shop the full humidor in person.

What is your return policy on cigars?

Each return or exchange case is handled individually due to the nature of tobacco products. If a cigar arrives damaged or with construction defects, contact sales@sunofaguncigars.com or call (928) 276-3500 within 7 days of delivery. The customer is responsible for return postage and any applicable restocking fee.

Best Cigars for Beginners: Where to Start

Noman Tahir
May 24
2 min read

Best Cigars for Beginners: Where to Start

The first cigar you smoke matters. Start with something too strong and you'll get dizzy, chalk it up as "not for you," and miss out on one of life's great pleasures. Start with the right cigar — mild, balanced, smooth — and you'll understand immediately why people collect them, talk about them, and smoke them for decades.

What to Look for in a Beginner Cigar

Mild-to-medium body: Body refers to the strength and intensity of the smoke. For beginners, mild to medium is the target. Full-bodied cigars can cause dizziness in smokers who haven't built nicotine tolerance.

Natural or Connecticut wrapper: Connecticut shade wrappers are light golden-tan in color and produce a creamy, mild, sweet smoke. Colorado (medium brown, natural) wrappers are a step up in strength but still approachable.

Size: For a first cigar, a Robusto (5" x 50 ring gauge) or Corona (5.5" x 42–44 ring gauge) is ideal. Long enough to develop flavor, short enough not to overwhelm.

Our Top 7 Beginner Cigars

1. Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story

Body: Mild-Medium | Wrapper: Natural Cameroon | Price: ~$10–12. The perfect first cigar. Small, beautifully made, with a gentle earthy-sweet character. The Fuente Hemingway Short Story is a perfecto shape that's been a "gateway cigar" for thousands of enthusiasts.

2. Montecristo White

Body: Mild | Wrapper: Connecticut Shade | Price: ~$8–10. Montecristo White is about as smooth as a premium cigar gets. The Connecticut shade wrapper delivers cream, cedar, and gentle spice in a package that won't overwhelm new palates.

3. ACID Blondie

Body: Mild | Wrapper: Infused Connecticut | Price: ~$7–9. If you want to ease in with something sweet and aromatic, ACID Blondie is the entry point. Infused with botanicals and herbs, it's mild, sweet, and very approachable. Excellent for social settings.

4. Cohiba Red Dot Robusto

Body: Mild-Medium | Wrapper: Connecticut Shade | Price: ~$8–12. The US Cohiba is a mild, consistent cigar that's widely available and well-constructed. The Red Dot Robusto is a reliable, unfussy choice for a first smoke.

5. Davidoff Signature 2000

Body: Mild | Wrapper: Connecticut Shade | Price: ~$18–22. If you want to start with something truly world-class, the Davidoff Signature line is impeccably made. The construction, draw, and finish are flawless.

6. Padron 2000 Natural

Body: Medium | Wrapper: Natural Nicaraguan | Price: ~$9–11. The most affordable Padron in the lineup. The 2000 Natural is a medium-bodied Nicaraguan puro that punches well above its price point.

7. Oliva Serie O Robusto

Body: Medium | Wrapper: Natural Nicaraguan Habano | Price: ~$8–10. Oliva's entry-level offering is exceptional for the price. Good construction, clean burn, and a medium-body that hints at the more complex Serie V without overwhelming beginners.

Beginner Tips

Cut correctly: Use a guillotine cutter and cut just inside the cap line — about 1/16" from the closed end. Don't cut too deep.

Light with butane: Use a butane torch lighter, not a regular gasoline lighter. Gasoline lighters impart a chemical taste.

Don't inhale: Unlike cigarettes, cigar smoke is not meant to be inhaled. Draw the smoke into your mouth, hold for a moment, and release.

Go slow: A good cigar should last 45–90 minutes. Don't rush it. Take a puff every minute or so.