Cigar Guides
A Helpful Hub for Every Smoker — From First-Timers to Aficionados
Welcome to the Cigar Guide by
Norwood Royal Cigars
Welcome to the Cigar Guide by Norwood Royal Cigars — a resource built for every kind of smoker, from someone lighting their very first cigar to the collector searching for a rare blend. If you’ve ever wondered how to cut, store, or choose a cigar, this is your hub.
What makes our perspective unique? It starts with our humidor — the largest in the Midwest.
Thousands of premium facings, boutique rarities, and legacy classics are housed right here in Chicago’s Norwood Park. That means the guidance you’ll find on this page isn’t theoretical. It comes directly from decades of helping customers navigate one of the most comprehensive cigar selections in the country.
This guide is designed to answer the most common cigar questions, all in plain English: how to pick your first smoke, how to store it through Chicago’s brutal winters and humid summers, what to pair it with, and how to master the ritual of cutting and lighting. We’ll also decode cigar terminology and tackle the top FAQs that every new enthusiast eventually asks.
Think of this page as your starting point — but also your bridge to the in-store experience. Because no guide, no matter how detailed, can replace the moment you step into our humidor, breathe in the aroma, and choose a cigar that’s right for you.
Beginner’s Guide to Cigars
How do I choose my first cigar?
Choosing your first cigar is about balance. Most experts, from The Ultimate Cigar Book to modern step-by-step guides, suggest starting with a mild to medium blend. Look for lighter wrapper shades (Connecticut or Claro) and moderate sizes, since they tend to be smoother and less overwhelming.
Flavor notes like cream, nuts, or a touch of sweetness are more forgiving for beginners. At Norwood Royal Cigars, we’ll guide you toward approachable options — whether you want a 30-minute smoke or something to savor longer.
What’s the difference between cigars, cigarillos, and cigarettes?
Cigars are crafted entirely from whole tobacco leaves — filler, binder, and wrapper — meant to be
savored slowly, often for 45 minutes to two hours. Cigarillos are smaller, thinner versions, usually lasting 10–20 minutes, ideal for shorter breaks. Cigarettes, by contrast, are made from chopped tobacco rolled in paper and designed for quick consumption with inhalation.
As many guides emphasize, cigars aren’t meant to be inhaled; they’re about ritual, taste, and relaxation. Understanding this distinction helps beginners appreciate why cigars carry such a different culture and experience.
Which cigars are best for beginners?
The best beginner cigars are those that let you explore flavor without overpowering your palate. Resources like The Cigar Companion recommend Connecticut-wrapped cigars or mild Dominican blends, known for their smoothness. Popular starter choices often feature notes of cream, cedar, or light spice — approachable but interesting enough to keep you engaged.
Avoid jumping straight into full-bodied Nicaraguan powerhouses; they can overwhelm and turn you off. At Norwood Royal Cigars, we curate a “Beginner Picks” section so you can experiment with different styles and find what feels right for your taste and budget.
When is the best time to smoke a cigar?
There’s no single best time — it depends on your rhythm and the cigar itself. Many aficionados, from old-school handbooks to modern blogs, recommend after a meal, when your palate is settled and ready to absorb richer flavors. Some enjoy a short smoke with coffee in the morning, while others save larger formats for evenings with friends.
The key is to give yourself the space to slow down, since rushing a cigar can ruin the experience. In Chicago, we often see people light up after dinner or during weekend gatherings as a way to celebrate.
How many cigars should I buy at once?
If you’re just beginning, the consensus among experts and forums alike is: start small. Pick up a few singles across different brands, wrappers, and strengths, then keep notes on what you enjoy. Buying a full box of something untested can leave you stuck with cigars you don’t like.
Once you’ve found a blend you love, a box purchase makes sense — it saves money and ensures consistency. At Norwood Royal Cigars, we encourage beginners to sample, explore, and learn — your palate will evolve quickly, and variety makes the journey more rewarding.