Newbie recommendations

[Alex999]

Hi everyone. I’m new into the world of cigars. I just ordered some MOFOH Spada Gorda and Puro Desnudo N6. Excited for those!

If l get a chance to jump into the world of Cubans, what should I pick up first? I’m of the mind that to introduce someone to tequila, you give them Fortaleza, not Cuervo. Likewise, I’m wanting to try some Cubans that I know will get me hooked. What do you recommend I keep an eye out for when the US opens up? 

[BrightonCorgi]

12 hours ago, Alex999 said:

...What do you recommend I keep an eye out for when the US opens up? 

No one knows when the US market will open for Habanos or what brands will still be in production should the US market open.  

Asking the meaning of life would yield a more concrete answer.

[Gemini_Man]

To the point @BrightonCorgi has made, availability is constrained so you may not get to necessarily choose your ideal foray Cuban cigars. That said, if/when the opportunity arises I recommend you try to get your hands on smaller format Montecristos such as the Monte no. 3,4 or 5. And/or the Edmundo line. Smaller format Romeo and Julietas seem to always be around like the Petit Corona, Sports Largos, Exhibicion No.4. And small format H. UPMANN such as the Half Corona or Majestics. Small format Partagas are also excellent, but in mu opinion are richer and more complex than those I initially listed, so it would make sense to target those for the next step in your journey to ensure your palate is primed to appreciate the subtle nuances they offer. TheHabaneros, Shorts, and Mille Fleurs are good examples.

[CaptainQuintero]

I think see how your tastes respond to the MOFOs, there's plenty of similar DNA in Cubans that would be easy to suggest cigars to try.

[griller]

Welcome @Alex999 great to have you here. The Fabrica selection of cigars is a fantastic place to start as you navigate the world of cigars. In my experience, the lineup represents everything great about cigars: true craftmanship, a wide selection of size formats, attractive pricing, complex and nuanced flavor profiles that smoke great young (and even better with age), and a highly involved blending and ownership group that has a strong pulse on our sub-market here on FOH and how it can differentiate from the mass market offerings out there. I'd check out the Fabrica website & see if they're still offering the mixed sampler of 2 sizes of each format. Sounds like you've already started with a couple of sizes and I think you'll enjoy diving deeper into their lineup.

Regarding Cubans, if you're USA based then you're looking at the wild west in some ways when it comes to acquisition, pricing, authenticity, etc. Guidance related to Cuban marques like Montecristo and H. Upmann is solid, and the broad format of sizes available means you should be able to find one that suits your preference. I'd also allow some leeway when it comes to forming an opinion in the near term about anything you're able to source. There can be a lot of variation between cigars of the same format, and it's not uncommon to sample 2 cigars from the same box & have 2 completely unique smoking experiences. The fun is in the journey.

[TheCigarSoldier]

I concur with everything stated above. The game as we know it in the U.S. is pretty much over until further notice. With that said, Fabrica 5 offerings give you a peek into what a lot of Cuban Cigars will give you, albeit in their own unique twist to it. For new worlds in addition to the Fab 5 profile, I would recommend Stoic cigars and Avowed cigars. Depending on your comfort level and experience, I would then build into Padron. A few offerings from them that I love are the 1964 Exclusivo Maduro, 1926 Series No. 90 Natural, 80 Maduro, and Family Reserve 50 (the Robusto) in Natural. Every cigar from Padron comes in both Natural and Maduro so try both and see what you prefer. There's often a time and place for both. Lastly, I'd start listening to the Lounge Lizards podcast (sponsored by Fabrica 5!). A great group of guys link up every week to review a cigar and spirit so you'll gain plenty of recommendations and potentially sticks to avoid thanks to their show. Welcome to the world of cigars brother. LIke @griller said, the fun is in the journey!

[BrightonCorgi]

I too am happy with the Fabrica cigars. Caters to all my favorite vitolas. They are good to smoke without aging. As soon as they acclimate to your humidor; have at them. I also like the lack of bands.

My advice for what to buy should you get a chance to buy Habanos cigars wherever that locale may be is to "go for your favorite vitola and ask the merchant for recommendations for said vitola." 

[HoyoFan]

Welcome Alex!

I won’t restate everything that’s been said above. I guess my question is different. Why do you want to jump right into Cubans per se?

If I may, I’d recommend you look at this opportunity to slowly wade into these glorious waters. Instead of going “Cuban” or “Dominican” I’d recommend you think about the kinds of flavors you love to indulge in with food and spirits. Give us some thoughts on whether you’re a chilly-head or can’t be left alone with a bag of chocolate covered pretzels. What kind of scotch, wine, bourbon do you like.

This community is incredibly knowledgeable and we can help steer you in some good directions to start. Over time, try some Cubans, but don’t assume you’ll automatically hit nirvana. Rather, focus on the flavors and the journey!

Enjoy!

[smashed]

Aside from what others have said...I'll give you a short 5 list of some models from all different marcas which I know most of my 'newbie' friends have enjoyed. These are usually hits when blind guessing your palate. As I have a feeling you're going to order, if you got the urge.

• Monte 4
• HdM Epicure No 2
• Ramon Specially Selected
• QdO 50
• Upmann Half Corona

Bonus shout to Partagas D4, but Partagas DNA can be a bit stronger for people who never smoke.

Honestly I find Davidoff to be the best go to for most non-serious smoke friends. It's still a 'premium' feel and brand image. Great, mild smokes. I have lots of Davidoff actually for this purpose. Davidoff separates itself from other NW brands almost to the point guys (at least in America where is verboten) put them in the same light as Cubans.

[Alex999]

Thanks everyone, lots of great info to go through. I’m hoping to jump on a quarter box on 24:24 someday soon and start building my “vocabulary” and preferences. 

As to what @HoyoFan recommended, my palate now definitely prefers lighter stuff. Can’t do the IPAs anymore, I’m a Pilsner/lager guy. I gravitate towards light dry natural wines over California cabs. Love Blanco tequila. Hope that helps. 

I have a friend who is gifting me a bolivar royal corona this week so that will be my first cuban. I also have a Davidoff late hour on its way as well. 

Glad to be part of this community. Thanks everyone! 

[smashed]

2 hours ago, Alex999 said:

Thanks everyone, lots of great info to go through. I’m hoping to jump on a quarter box on 24:24 someday soon and start building my “vocabulary” and preferences. 

As to what @HoyoFan recommended, my palate now definitely prefers lighter stuff. Can’t do the IPAs anymore, I’m a Pilsner/lager guy. I gravitate towards light dry natural wines over California cabs. Love Blanco tequila. Hope that helps. 

I have a friend who is gifting me a bolivar royal corona this week so that will be my first cuban. I also have a Davidoff late hour on its way as well. 

Glad to be part of this community. Thanks everyone! 

I hate to say it, but I'll say that Davidoff (along with the Nicaragua) is not the best choice whatsoever to get a feel for their line. Grab something from Signature, Millennium or Grand Cru if you like mild, then make a decision. Late Hour is definitely a different vibe, I don't even buy those.

[cnov]

Every now and then there are samplers available on 24:24, which I can't recommend them enough. I bought a couple of samplers for me and a friend a couple of months back, we got a decent variety of cigars that I wouldn't likely stump up the cash for a box of. 

 

[HoyoFan]

21 hours ago, Alex999 said:

Thanks everyone, lots of great info to go through. I’m hoping to jump on a quarter box on 24:24 someday soon and start building my “vocabulary” and preferences. 

 

As to what @HoyoFan recommended, my palate now definitely prefers lighter stuff. Can’t do the IPAs anymore, I’m a Pilsner/lager guy. I gravitate towards light dry natural wines over California cabs. Love Blanco tequila. Hope that helps. 

 

I have a friend who is gifting me a bolivar royal corona this week so that will be my first cuban. I also have a Davidoff late hour on its way as well. 

 

Glad to be part of this community. Thanks everyone! 

What kinds of foods do you indulge in?

[Duder]

PLPC

Partagas Shorts

RASS

Trinidad Reyes

Monte 1

 

[Alex999]

21 hours ago, Lucas Buck said:

PLPC

Partagas Shorts

RASS

Trinidad Reyes

Monte 1

I grabbed a 1/4 of PLPC, thanks for the recommendation!

[Duder]

1 hour ago, Alex999 said:

I grabbed a 1/4 of PLPC, thanks for the recommendation!

You’re welcome. You’re gonna love them. 

[smashed]

14 hours ago, Lucas Buck said:

You’re welcome. You’re gonna love them. 

He should of bought another six to let them sit for 5 years. Revisit one of his fist CC experiences and see how they mind-bogglingly change over time. Almost all PLs are prime aging candidates in my opinion, especially the PC!

[Alex999]

I’ll definitely save a good amount of them! Great idea! 

[qs210]

On 10/1/2025 at 5:57 PM, cnov said:

Every now and then there are samplers available on 24:24, which I can't recommend them enough. I bought a couple of samplers for me and a friend a couple of months back, we got a decent variety of cigars that I wouldn't likely stump up the cash for a box of. 

This is good advice. Try a few different marcas to get a feel for what matches your taste.