8 Cheap Cigars For Beginners (Best Bang For Your Buck)

If you’re anything like me, you likely think cigars are synonymous with luxury.

Maybe it’s because I always pictured celebrities smoking premium cigars in 5 star hotels, or business moguls puffing on a stogie while closing million dollar deals. Nonetheless, cigar smokers come in all shapes, sizes, and budgets.

There’s a number of affordable cigars on the market that are worth checking out. The best cheap cigars for beginners are also surprisingly delicious and fun to smoke.

The best one would have to be the La Aroma De Cuba.

It’s a high quality stick with immense flavor that costs just a little over $5.

Continue reading below to discover 8 affordable stogies for the new cigar smoker.

Picture of Sam H.
Sam H.

Cigar Enthusiast

TOP CHOICE

La Aroma De Cuba

  • High quality Nicaraguan filler tobacco
  • Connecticut Wrapper
  • Aged to Perfection
 

The cigar is aged to perfection and you can taste the subtle notes of pepper, spices, cocoa molasses, and nuts for just over $5.

Macanudo Cafe

  • Coffee- Flavoured
  • Connecticut Wrapper
  • Mild Flavoured Option

Oliva Serie V

  • Comes with convenient tube
  • Habano Wrapper
  • Full-bodied Cigar

8 Cheap Cigars For Beginners

  • Strength: Medium
  • Country: Dominican Republic
  • Wrapper: Connecticut
  • Shape: Churchill
  • Flavor: Earthy
  • Suitable for: Social Smoking
 

It would be hard to create a list of good cigars without mentioning La Aroma de Cuba. After all, they are an established brand in the cigar enthusiast community. It’s also won several awards and at one point was considered the number 1 cigar in the industry.

The reason this cigar gets so much praise is because of its high quality Nicaraguan filler tobacco blend along with the oily Connecticut wrapper.

The cigar is aged to perfection, which is rare to find at such a low cost.

Over the years, La Aroma de Cuba has gradually become a household name for premium cigars.

It’s the best cigar to smoke if you’re meeting with business associates or close friends. Moreover, it’s also a great choice for beginner cigar smokers.

With every puff, you can taste the subtle notes of pepper, spices, cocoa, molasses, and nuts. Most importantly, you can get a La Aroma de Cuba for just over $5.

  • Strength: Mellow
  • Country: Dominican Republic
  • Wrapper: Connecticut
  • Shape: Varies
  • Flavor: Coffee
  • Suitable for: Coffee Lovers
 

It would be challenging to create a list of the best cigars for beginners without bringing up Macanudo Cafe.

Being one of the leading brands for coffee flavored cigars, Macanudo Cafe consistently produces quality cigar collections that are affordable and enjoyable.

The Macanudo Cafe medium bodied stogie is a good cigar to smoke while enjoying your daily cup of Joe. It can also be a fantastic first cigar, since it’s inexpensive and packed with mellow flavors.

Depending on what size you choose, you can puff on a Macanudo Cafe stogie for at least 60 minutes, so it’s a fine choice if you like smoking cigars at a relaxed pace.

The Connecticut wrapper adds a nice touch to the construction and feel of the Macanudo Cafe.

It almost feels like you’re smoking an expensive cigar, but for a fraction of the price.

If you’re a coffee lover that’s looking for a nice mild cigar to puff on with your java, then look no further than Macanudo Cafe.

  • Strength: Full
  • Country: Nicaragua
  • Wrapper: Habano
  • Shape: Robusto
  • Flavor: Classic
  • Suitable for: Most Beginners/Travelers
 

The Oliva Serie V cigar is perhaps the coolest looking stogie on this list.

While the flavors aren’t overly complex, you can still taste all the flavors that are packed neatly into the Habano wrapper and Nicaraguan tobacco.

Meanwhile, it’s a great value cigar you can get for around $6.

What I like most about the Oliva Serie V is the convenient tube it comes with for storage, making it the right cigar if you’re on the move. All you need to do is place it in the tube, and it should stay fresh for a few days.

Keep in mind that this is a full-bodied cigar, so the flavors might be a little intense at first. However, you can taste more of the flavor notes than you would with milder cigars.

The Double Robusto sized Oliva Serie V is my personal favorite.

It’s shorter in length, but has an impressive 54 ring gauge that allows the cigar to burn smoothly while smoking. Combine that with the sweet Ligero tobacco leaves, and you’ve got yourself one of the best affordable beginner cigars.

Rocky Patel Mulligans Trophy Series
(Best Mild Cigar)

  • Strength: Medium
  • Country: Nicaragua
  • Wrapper: Connecticut wrapper
  • Shape: Toro
  • Flavor: Nutty
  • Suitable for: Lovers Of Mild Cigars
 

If you’re looking for an extremely underrated cheap cigar that’s both mild and delicious, then consider checking out the Rocky Patel Mulligans Trophy Series.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cigar aficionado, you’ll get a kick out of this impressive cigar from Rocky Patel.

Right off the bat, the cigar tastes like heaven.

The nutty, bread-like notes are outstanding when they hit your palate. 

This cigar is best smoked on a calm relaxing day, because the mild tobacco will completely enhance your already chill mood.

I really like the Connecticut shade wrapper. I feel it truly accentuates the taste of the tobacco.

Moreover, it holds the cigar together quite well. The medium-bodied blend is extremely enjoyable without overwhelming your palate.

Some would argue that this is the best cigar for beginners, but I wouldn’t go that far. It is smooth and produces nice aromas. Beginners might enjoy puffing on a Rocky Patel Mulligans after they’ve warmed up their palate.

  • Strength: Full
  • Country: Nicaragua
  • Wrapper: Connecticut
  • Shape: Toro
  • Flavor: Mixed
  • Suitable for: Long Smoking Sessions
 

Perdomo cigars are quite popular within the community, but it’s not a brand that’s brought up often in “best of” lists.

However, I think the Perdomo Habano Connecticut cigar has a lot to offer for beginners looking to get their hands on affordable stogies.

Although this cigar is slightly more expensive than others (roughly $7 a stick), you can still get a good deal if you buy them by the box.

Anyhow, the blend of Cuban seed tobacco and the oily Connecticut shade wrapper just work so well together.

Personally, I think nothing beats a sun-grown Connecticut wrapper.

What’s more, the wrapper doesn’t have any bumps that you normally see with sun-grown leaves.

The complex smoke you get from the Perdomo Habano blend is a fantastic experience for beginners and experienced cigar lovers alike.

Furthermore, this cigar is more on the larger side. With the large ring gauge and impressive length, you can bet the Perdomo Habana can be smoked for as long as you wish.

  • Strength: Medium
  • Country: Dominican Republic
  • Wrapper: Connecticut
  • Shape: Varies
  • Flavor: Mixed
  • Suitable for: Cigar Collecting
 

Even if you’re a complete beginner, chances are you’ve heard of Romeo Y Julieta. They are a top player in the cigar game, and a must-have in your humidor to be considered a real cigar aficionado.

The Romeo Y Julieta Reserva cigars are all handmade, and use a high-quality Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper that’s chock-full of essential oils.

If you ask your local tobacconist about the quality of the Nicaraguan long fillers, they’ll give you reassurance that Romeo Y Julieta doesn’t mess around.

The Romeo Y Julieta Reserva Corona leans more towards the smaller cigar category. However, don’t let the size throw you off. The cigar smoke is incredibly smooth, and isn’t too harsh on the throat. If you fancy a bigger cigar, you can always opt for the Churchill.

For those looking for a brand that’s synonymous with high quality cigars, then look no further than Romeo Y Julieta.

  • Strength: Mellow
  • Country: Nicaragua
  • Wrapper: Connecticut
  • Shape: Varies
  • Flavor: Spice/Coffee/Nuts
  • Suitable for: Quick Smoking
 

Last on our list is the Oliva Connecticut Reserve, a dependable stogie that’s perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth. The combination of the Nicaraguan core tobacco and oil soaked Connecticut wrapper provides an excellent taste and aroma suitable for beginners and experienced cigar lovers.

The subtle earthy notes almost create a cedar, woody taste in your mouth.

One reason I truly enjoy puffing on an Oliva Connecticut Reserve is for the combination of savors that light up as you smoke.

From coffee, spice, cedar and pine nuts, there’s a never ending sea of good flavors packed into this stick.

If you’re a fan of small cigars, then you’ll absolutely love the Oliva Connecticut Reserve Petit Corona. It has a length of only 4 inches with a ring gauge of 38. It’s the perfect stogie to light and smoke within 30-45 minutes.

All-in-all, you can’t go wrong by Choosing the Oliva Connecticut Reserve. The incredibly sweet wrapper and fine-grade tobacco make it one of the best affordable cigars for beginners.

Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva
(Cheap Option)

arturo fuente gran reserva
  • Strength: Medium
  • Country: Dominican Republic
  • Wrapper: Connecticut/Cameroon
  • Shape: Varies
  • Flavor: Mixed
  • Suitable for: New Smokers
 

Starting our list off, we have the extremely elegant Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva cigar. These handmade stogies are crafted with passion, and you have a wide range of shapes to choose from.

You can opt for a silky smooth cameroon wrapper, or settle for a fine-grade Connecticut wrapper leaf.

It’s an excellent choice for a first cigar if quality is still something you prioritize. Arturo Fuente is a brand that’s known for producing some of the best cigars on the market, and the Gran Reserva helps them uphold that reputation.

Beneath the wrapper is a fine blend of filler tobacco straight from the Dominican Republic.

You can taste the subtle spice, cacao, and cedar flavor notes.

In addition to complex flavors, the Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva also offers an outstanding aroma.

Altogether, it’s the right cigar for beginners and seasoned smokers. Most people still consider it the perfect quality cigar within this price range.

What To Look For When Buying Cheap Cigars

As you can see from the extensive list above, there are numerous cigars for beginners that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

I’d go as far as to say that the cheap cigars above are the only stogies you’d ever need in your humidor (at least when you’re just starting out).

If you want to ensure you’re choosing the best cigars for beginners, make sure you look for ones that are handmade. Handmade cigars just tend to smoke better than machine-made stogies, so it’s a crucial factor if quality is one of your top priorities.

Most of the brands above have a vast collection of handmade cigars you can obtain for a reasonable price.

Furthermore, make sure you’re always buying by the box if you’re looking for the best price point. While that means you’ll need to fork out more cash upfront, you’ll be saving yourself a ton of money in the long-run.

 

Store Your Cigars Properly

If you aren’t already aware, storing cigars is an artform. Without proper storage, your cigars will dry out and be completely useless in a matter of days. If you were buying expensive cigars, this could cost you a lot of money.

Nevertheless, nobody wants to end up with dry cigars. So, make sure you invest in a good humidor. Humidors are sealed containers made from Spanish cedar that keep cigars at an ideal humidity level and temperature.

Cigars that are stored in a humidor can last for several years, or even decades. Once you get a reliable humidor, you’ll never need to worry about your cigar collection going bad.

 

FAQs

 

What Is the Best Cigar for a Beginner?

The best cigar for a beginner would depend on personal preference, but some stogies are more suitable for newbies than others.

Frankly, I’d say the Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva would be an excellent cigar to start with. It’s fancy, cheap, and nice enough that you won’t get laughed out of cigar lounges. If you’re looking for something more on the flavorful side, then consider checking out Macanudo Cafe.

 

What Is the Best Cheap Cigar?

The best option for cheap cigars would again be the Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva or a Romeo Y Julieta Reserva. While they may not be the cheapest cigars out there, they are the best value for money. You get to experience a high quality cigar without putting yourself in financial ruin.

However, all the cigars above are excellent beginner cigars that are all priced fairly. I’d recommend giving each of them a try until you find one that matches your taste.

 

What Is a Good $5 Cigar?

Surprisingly, there are numerous good cigars for beginners you can find for $5 or less. If your goal is the lowest price tag possible, I’d go with something from La Aroma de Cuba or Rocky Patel.

Both brands are known for producing outstanding cigars, and even their cheaper options are worth the smoke.

 

Verdict

One thing that always amazes me about the world of cigars is how vast it is.

The La Aroma De Cuba would be my top choice for the best cheap cigar.

You have dirt cheap stogies you can get for less than a beer, and you have world-class cigars that can cost well over $100 per stick. That said, you can see that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a good stogie.

Remember to also invest in a good humidor and always buy by the box if possible. Doing so will save you the most money.