Not Sure What Cigar to Try First? Here’s What Helped Me Figure It Out

When I first got into cigars, I had no idea what I was doing. I’d stand in front of shelves full of sticks with fancy bands, different shapes, weird names… and just pick one that looked cool. Sometimes it was great. Sometimes it felt like chewing on a campfire.

So if you’re just getting into cigars—or even if you’ve been around them for a bit but still feel a little lost—I totally get it. Here’s a few simple things I’ve learned along the way that might help.

Start with the Strength

Cigars can range from super mild and smooth, all the way up to strong and spicy. Neither is better than the other—it just depends on what you’re into. If you're not sure, something medium-bodied is usually a safe starting point.

I personally like cigars that have a bit of a kick without being harsh. The Toscano Originale, for example, has that fire-cured, smoky vibe, but it’s not overpowering. It’s also dry-cured, so no humidor needed.

Size Kinda Matters

Short cigars are great if you just want a quick smoke. Longer ones give you more time to chill and let the flavour develop.

Something else to keep in mind: thicker cigars usually burn slower and cooler, which can be nice for a smoother smoke.

But again—don’t overthink it. Pick a size that fits your vibe for the day.

Flavour Is Personal

Some cigars are earthy and woody. Others are sweet, nutty, or even kinda chocolatey. You’ll start to notice what you like the more you try.

If you’re into bold, smoky stuff, give one of the Italian dry-cured cigars a shot. If you prefer something smooth and creamy, a milder cigar with a Connecticut wrapper might be more your speed (I’ll be adding those to the shop soon too).

You Don’t Need to Be an Expert

Honestly, that’s the main thing I want to say here. You don’t need to know every term or taste every cigar ever made. Just try a few and see what you enjoy.

That’s kind of the idea behind Ashline Cigars. It’s just me running the shop, curating cigars I’ve personally enjoyed. No fluff. No overload. Just a solid place to start if you're looking to try something good without getting buried in options.

Looking for a Place to Buy Cigars Online in the UK?

If you're curious, feel free to check out what I’ve got in stock:
Shop Ashline Cigars
I ship from the UK, keep things simple, and pack every order myself.

Appreciate you stopping by—and if you’ve got cigar tips of your own, I’m always keen to learn more too.