Top 6 Best Cigars to Try in 2026

Are you looking for the best cigars in 2026? Whether you’re a casual cigar smoker just starting out or a seasoned cigar aficionado, this guide will walk you through must-try cigars, including prime time cigar selections from discount smokes, plus other premium favorites from popular cigar brands. We’ll break down flavors, origins, sizes, and tips to help you pick the perfect smoke every time.

Understanding Cigars

A cigar is a roll of tobacco designed for smoking. There are two types of cigars: machine-made and premium cigars. The premium cigars are made of aged tobacco leaf and are sourced from countries such as Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Cuba. On the other hand, machine-made cigars are made of short filler tobacco and use homogenized tobacco paper and additives for a quick and affordable smoke.

Best Cigars to Try

1. Prime Time Cherry Cigars

The Prime Time Cherry is a small, flavored cigar with a sweet cherry profile. Its mild tobacco base and smooth draw make it perfect for casual smokers or those trying flavored cigars for the first time. While not a premium handmade cigar, it’s a fun, approachable option for a light smoke. Pair it with coffee, cream liqueurs, or even light wine for an enjoyable, mellow experience.

Pros

• Beginner-friendly and easy to smoke

• Smooth, mild, and flavorful

• Fun alternative to traditional cigars

Cons

• Not a premium cigar

• Flavored cigars don’t age or pair like handcrafted cigars

• Cherry flavor may not suit everyone

2. Prime Time Vanilla Cigars

The Prime Time Vanilla delivers a gentle vanilla aroma and creamy, light tobacco flavor. Like its Cherry counterpart, it’s small and beginner-friendly, perfect for a casual session. It’s a sweet, easy-going option that makes flavored cigars approachable without overwhelming the palate. Vanilla fans will especially enjoy this mellow and slightly aromatic smoke.

Pros

• Smooth, mild vanilla flavor

• Beginner-friendly

• Fun and approachable

Cons

• Not premium quality

• Flavored cigars don’t provide complex aging potential

• May feel too mild for experienced smokers

3. Padrón 60th Anniversary Perfecto

If you’re ready to try a premium cigar, the Padrón 60th Anniversary Perfecto is a legend. Made in Nicaragua, it offers layers of cocoa, coffee, caramel, and citrus notes, evolving with every puff. Its construction is flawless, ensuring a smooth burn and consistent draw. Perfect for special occasions or collectors, this cigar is rich, satisfying, and unforgettable.

Pros

• Deep, complex flavor profile

• Highly collectible and prestigious

• Excellent construction and burn

Cons

• Expensive and harder to find

• Too rich for casual smokers

4. Cohiba Amber (Cuba)

The Cohiba Ámber is a medium-full Cuban cigar that delivers a silky, creamy experience with almond, caramel, and oak undertones. It’s smooth and balanced, ideal for intermediate to seasoned smokers. Its elegant finish makes it perfect for special celebrations or when you want a classic Cuban smoke. Availability outside Cuba can be limited, but its prestige is unmatched among enthusiasts.

Pros

• Balanced and elegant flavor

• Ideal for intermediate to experienced smokers

• Renowned Cuban craftsmanship

Cons

• Limited availability outside Cuba

• Price is higher than average

5. Rocky Patel Emerald Robusto (Nicaragua)

The Rocky Patel Emerald Robusto offers a medium-full-bodied smoking experience with leather, coffee, pepper, and cedar notes. Nicaraguan in origin, it’s a reliable choice for both casual smokers and seasoned aficionados. Its harmonious flavor and consistent construction make it an excellent everyday cigar, providing depth without being overwhelming. Pair it with whiskey, coffee, or dark chocolate to elevate the session.

Pros

• Balanced flavor profile

• Good value among premium cigars

Cons

• May be too mild for those seeking full-bodied cigars

6. Cuesta‑Rey Centro Fino Sungrown Pyramid No. 9

The Cuesta‑Rey Centro Fino Sungrown Pyramid No. 9 is a medium-full Dominican cigar that delights with notes of honey, chocolate, and creamy cashews. Its smooth burn, consistent draw, and even construction make for a classic and reliable Dominican smoking experience. Perfect for pairing with port, stout, or aged rum, this cigar delivers a well-balanced, sophisticated flavor profile that’s approachable for beginners yet satisfying for seasoned smokers. Its elegant pyramid shape also enhances the flavor evolution as you smoke.

Pros

• Classic Dominican craftsmanship

• Smooth, balanced flavor

• Approachable for both beginners and experienced smokers

Cons

• Slightly pricier than some premium sticks

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Cigars

Choosing the right cigar isn’t just about the name, it’s about how the cigar feels, tastes, and fits your style. Here are the key things to think about:

1. Body and Strength

Cigars range from mild to full-bodied, depending largely on the tobacco and blend. Mild cigars are soft and easy on the palate, ideal for beginners while medium‑full or full‑bodied cigars offer richer, spicier flavors that more experienced smokers often prefer. Strength can influence how bold or subtle your smoke feels with each puff.

2. Wrapper Type

The wrapper leaf has a huge impact on flavor. Connecticut wrappers are light and creamy, perfect if you want a smooth, easy smoke and maduro wrappers are darker and often sweeter with richer, earthy notes. There are also other wrapper types like Corojo and Habano that can provide peppery, bold flavors.

3. Origin

Where a cigar’s tobacco comes from will influence its character. Nicaraguan cigars are known for bold and spicy profiles, while Dominican cigars are typically smoother and more balanced. Cuban cigars carry historic prestige and complex flavors, though availability can be limited depending on your region.

4. Size and Shape

The size and shape affect both smoke duration and flavor experience. Small sizes like Robusto offer around 45–60 minutes of smoking with concentrated flavors, while longer formats like Churchill allow a slower development of aroma and character. Figurado shapes like Pyramid or Perfecto can change the way flavors evolve through the session.

5. Occasion and Pairing

Think about when and how you want to enjoy the cigar. Lighter cigars are great for daytime or casual settings, while richer cigars shine at celebrations or relaxed evenings. Pairing cigars with drinks like coffee, whiskey, rum, port can enhance the experience by complementing or balancing flavor notes.

6. Price and Availability

Premium cigars vary widely in price based on origin, tobacco age, and how they’re made. Flavored or machine‑made cigars like Prime Time options are affordable and easy to find, while handcrafted cigars from Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, or Cuba might carry higher price tags and limited availability.

Essential Accessories That Enhance Your Smoke

Even the best cigar can fall flat without the right tools. Here’s what every smoker should consider having:

1. Humidor

A good humidor keeps your cigars in the ideal humidity range (usually 65–70%), preserving flavor and preventing dryness. This is crucial if you plan to collect or age cigars.

2. Cutter

A sharp cigar cutter ensures a clean, even cut at the cap, allowing a smooth draw without tearing the wrapper.

3. Lighter

A quality lighter provides a clean, even ignition that helps your cigar burn uniformly. Butane torches are preferred because they burn cleanly without affecting taste.

4. Cigar Sampler Case

A portable sampler case is perfect for storing a few cigars when you’re out and about or traveling. It helps protect them from damage and keeps them fresh between smokes.

FAQ on the Best Cigars

1. Can I buy premium cigars online?

Yes many online retailers ship authentic, premium cigars with freshness and authenticity guarantees. You can often choose samplers, bundles, or individual sticks, and they’re usually packaged to maintain proper humidity for optimal flavor.

2. What’s the best cigar for beginners?

Beginners should start with mild to medium-bodied cigars, like Prime Time Cherry, Prime Time Vanilla, or Rocky Patel Emerald. These options are easy to smoke, approachable in flavor, and less intense than full-bodied premium cigars.

3. How do I store cigars properly?

Store cigars in a humidor at 65–70% humidity and around 65–70°F. This preserves flavor, prevents drying, and ensures a smooth smoking experience every time. For short-term storage, a sealed travel case works too.

4. What’s the difference between Nicaraguan, Dominican, and Cuban cigars?

Nicaraguan cigars tend to be bold and spicy, offering rich, complex flavors. Dominican cigars are smoother, balanced, and approachable for beginners or casual smokers. Cuban cigars are known for prestige and refined craftsmanship, often with unique earthy and creamy profiles.

5. What size or shape should I choose?

Size affects both the smoking duration and flavor intensity. Robusto is great for a quick, concentrated session, Toro/Churchill for a longer, more leisurely smoke, and Pyramid/Perfecto shapes offer evolving flavor profiles as the cigar burns.

6. Can flavored cigars be considered premium?

Flavored cigars, like Prime Time Cherry or Vanilla, are typically machine-made and not considered premium. They’re beginner-friendly and enjoyable for casual smoking but lack the aging potential and complex flavors of hand-rolled premium cigars.

7. How do I pair cigars with drinks?

Pairing enhances the experience. Mild cigars complement coffee or light wine, while medium to full-bodied cigars pair beautifully with whiskey, rum, port, or even dark chocolate. Experiment to find flavors that suit your taste.

Final Verdict

For flavored, beginner-friendly options, the Prime Time Cherry and Prime Time Vanilla are smooth, mild, and approachable, perfect for casual sessions. For Premium experiences , Padrón 60th Anniversary, Cohiba Ámbar, Rocky Patel E provide a spectrum of complex flavors, origins, and craftsmanship.

Pro tip: Use samplers or bundles to explore multiple origins and flavors without committing to a full box. Whether you’re a casual smoker or a collector, 2026 has something for everyone, from sweet, easy little cigars to rich, bold hand-crafted classics.