Cigar recommendations

[Toothpick]

I like Acid cigars when I first got in to smoking them. 1400cc and Kuba Kuba

Now days I just order a sampler from Cigars International because I can not settle on just one brand and style.

 

[doctordial]

Great advice from you all

 

[Will DDH]

I’ll recommend the Padron 1964 Anniversary Exclusivo with a maduro wrapper. You honestly cannot go wrong with this smoke.

If he's just starting out, this will be overwhelming. This is a strong cigar, plus this would be one to work up to. Just go to a local shop and talk to the owner/manager. But the best way is just to start smoking. Your tastes will also change over time...

 

[DE Steve]

Oliva Serie G

 

[Columbo]

Welcome to the cigar world, OP. Nothing is more relaxing than a lovely stick with a suitable beverage.

To start out, I would not go too rich, too thick, too long, or too expensive. While I love 'em at least once a week, not enjoying a Padron '64 is not uncommon for a beginner. And that can be a $20+ mistake at a cigar store. That is a top-shelf stick. So are some of the others mentioned. Same with a huge Churchill or Double Corona or something wonderfully rich like an Our Father (love them too). Possibly too much and/or too rich for a new guy. You'll get there, but not just yet.

Start with something mild, not much bigger than a 46 ring, something 6" or shorter, well-made of quality leaf, but not too expensive. You want the first smokes to be easy, pleasant experiences.

A fine first cigar and indeed a good daily smoker is an AF 858. Either a Maduro, or if you need something really mild, a Claro. As a beginner, I would initially avoid the Sun Growns. The 858 is a nice, mild, easy to smoke $4-6 stick at the counter. You should enjoy 30-45 minutes out of it without getting overwhelmed. It is a quality stick that is just complex enough to get you started. I still enjoy an 858 Claro some mornings with my first coffee on the patio.

If you want to get a little more fancy, but still stay relatively mild and not too expensive, consider a R&J Vintage in a Connecticut wrapper. That is a creamier, very easy to smoke stick in the $8-10 range for singles. Newbies and occasional smokers love these, and I always keep some on hand for them. They are ok any time, but with a beginner is especially nice after a meal.

These are both respectable, quality smokes that beginners can enjoy and get them started. Don't smoke them all the way down. I see kids nearly burning their fingers and working an uninterrupted ash column from beginning to end as some sort of standard. Just enjoy the smoke and tap and re-light as often as you need. If you only enjoy the first half, that's fine. Toss it and try another one tomorrow. If a stick is giving you too heavy a draw than you can tolerate, opt for a punch over a cut next time. And you don't have to drag yourself through one because you invested $15 or $20.

You'll have plenty of opportunities to move upscale as you develop your tastes and smoking style. And having started with a good mild cigar, you'll better appreciate the better ones as you climb the ladder. Rather than make a big investment at the auctions or vendors, find a local shop and sample one or two at a time to figure out what you like, how you like them cut or punched, whether you like a box press or a torpedo, thick or small ring, etc. Once you pick some favorites, then stock up for value and get yourself a first humidor.