Cigars for beginners: how to choose and enjoy your first one
A first cigar goes wrong in predictable ways: too big, too strong, smoked too fast, or bought from a source that left it dry. Avoiding those four mistakes is most of the craft.
| Factor | Beginner-friendly | Harder to start with |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Rothschild, petit corona, short robusto | Churchill, double corona |
| Strength | Mild to medium | Full-bodied ligero blends |
| Storage | Humidified — fresh and springy | Dry, cracked or brittle |
| Pace | A draw roughly every 30–60 seconds | Continuous puffing |
Cut, light and draw
Cut just above the shoulder of the cap — too much and the wrapper unravels. Toast the foot before lighting rather than putting the flame directly on the tobacco; the goal is an even, gentle light. If the draw feels tight, the cigar is usually over-humidified rather than badly made.
Buying cigars lawfully in Australia
Cigars are assessed by weight at the border with their own duty rate, and small quantities in personal effects are treated differently to commercial imports. Buy from a traceable seller, keep the invoice, and check our import guide before ordering from overseas.
Before you order — four checks that never change
- Price against the excise floor. Duty is $1.55274 a stick from 1 September 2026 — about $31 in a 20-pack and $310 in a carton. Start small, mild and humidified — the three beginner mistakes are all size and dryness.
- The pack in the photo. Legal Australian stock is drab brown (Pantone 448C) with graphic warnings covering at least 75% of the front and 90% of the back — no logos, no brand artwork.
- Age and delivery. Distance sellers must verify you are 18 or over, and somebody who can sign and show ID has to be at the address. Lockers and unstaffed addresses can be refused.
- State rules. South Australia prohibits mail and online tobacco orders outright; everywhere else requires an age-verification system.
Related reading
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly — and note that combining smoking and drinking multiplies several health risks. For help quitting, call Quitline on 13 7848.