How to Choose Your First Cigar: A Beginner’s Guide (UK Edition)
Starting Your Cigar Journey
If you’re wondering what the best cigars for beginners in the UK are, start with something mild.
Choosing your first cigar can feel a little daunting there’s a whole world of brands, shapes, and strengths to explore. But it doesn’t need to be complicated.
At Gauntleys of Nottingham, we’ve been guiding newcomers since the 1880s, and our advice today is much the same as it was then:
Take your time, start light, and enjoy the experience and work your way up from there.
This guide will help you pick a cigar that’s smooth, approachable, and perfect for a first smoke – whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply curious to try something new.
1. Start with a Mild or Medium Cigar
Your first cigar should never overwhelm you. Look for mild to medium-bodied cigars, which are smoother, creamier, and easier on the palate.
Some excellent beginner-friendly choices include:
Romeo y Julieta No.2 Tubos – light, classic, bitter and beautifully balanced.
H. Upmann Regalias – short smoke with a gentle, creamy/nutty flavour.
Black Bird Finch/Jackdaw – Both mellow with a touch of sweetness one more earthy, the other woodier. Perfect Dominican introductions.
Rocky Patel Age Limited Rare 2 – Silky with a subtle dark chocolate undertone.
Explore our full Beginner Cigars Collection
2. Size Matters: Keep It Short and Manageable
For a first experience, avoid anything too large. First a shorter cigar such as a robusto, corona, or half corona lasts around 20–40 minutes, just enough time to relax without rushing or getting light-headed.
In addition shorter cigars also deliver full flavour more quickly, helping you learn what you like most.
3. Choose Trusted Brands
Stick to reputable, consistent cigar makers. Established brands such as, Romeo y Julieta, H. Upmann, Black Bird and Oliva all offer reliable quality and smooth blends ideal for beginners.
At Gauntleys, we only stock authentic, duty-paid cigars sourced through official UK suppliers ensuring every cigar you enjoy is genuine and perfectly stored.
4. Store It Right (Even as a Beginner)
If you’re buying one or two cigars and not planning on smoking them for up to a week, keep them in their tubes (if they come with them) or a sealed Humi bag as we like to call them, until the time you want to smoke them. But if you plan to explore the hobby further, consider a humidor a small wooden box that keeps cigars fresh by maintaining the right humidity.
Read next: How to Store Cigars in the UK Climate
5. Light and Enjoy Slowly
Cigars are meant to be savoured not inhaled. Take gentle draws, let the smoke rest on your palate, and enjoy the evolving flavours.
Use a butane lighter or wooden match to avoid harsh chemical flavours and cut the cap cleanly with a sharp cutter (only a couple of millimetres or so).
Final Thoughts
Overall your first cigar should be about pleasure, not pressure. Every aficionado started somewhere, and the real joy lies in discovering what you enjoy most.
At Gauntleys, we’re always happy to guide new enthusiasts in-store or online whether you’re buying your first humidor, sampling a new brand, or simply exploring cigar culture.
Welcome to the world of cigars and thank you for letting Gauntleys be part of your journey.
Furthermore, remember everything is about personal taste and what you love, we are here to help get you there.
Read next: How to Cut and Light a Cigar Properly
