How to Buy Cigars: A Beginner's Guide

To buy cigars well, start at a reputable shop or trusted online retailer, buy single cigars before committing to a box, and inspect each one for good construction and proper storage. Judge value by how much you enjoy the smoke rather than the price tag. A little care up front saves you from stale, damaged, or overpriced cigars.

Where to buy

• Brick-and-mortar shops: you can see, feel, and get advice on the cigars, and they are usually stored in a walk-in humidor. Best for beginners.
• Online retailers: wider selection and better prices, but you rely on their storage and shipping. Stick to well-reviewed sellers.
• Cigar lounges: often attached to a shop, good for trying before buying a box.

Inspect before you buy

Roll the cigar gently between your fingers. It should feel firm and evenly packed, with no hard lumps or soft spots. Check the wrapper for cracks, dryness, or heavy blemishes. A well-kept cigar has a slight give and a supple wrapper; a dry, brittle one has been stored badly and will smoke harsh.

Buy singles before boxes

Never buy a whole box of a cigar you have not tried. Buy one or two singles first, smoke them, and only commit to a box if you would happily reach for it again. This is the simplest way to spend wisely, and it ties directly into learning how to spot a good value cigar.

Watch for fakes and bad storage

Prices that seem too good to be true, especially for Cuban cigars, usually mean fakes. Learn the warning signs in how to spot fake Cuban cigars. Also avoid shops that keep cigars out in the open air rather than in a humidor, since dried-out stock never fully recovers.

Know what you are paying for

Understand the price bands before you shop so you know when you are paying for quality versus prestige. See cigar price ranges and how much a cigar costs.

Where to go next

Pick your first stick with how to choose your first cigar and what to look for in a beginner cigar.