Lighting that cigar feels like the start of a film: you’re committed for an hour or so, and there’s a clear beginning, middle and end as the stick’s flavors evolve with each puff.
But, much like a movie, sometimes you get partway through and decide you might not want to finish it.
If you want to smoke like the celebrities, you can drop $15 to $20 per smoke for Cuban Cohibas or Davidoffs. If you’ve got that kind of cash, go for it. But can the typical person find an excellent, high-quality cigar without breaking the bank? Absolutely.
7 Expensive-Tasting Cigars for $7 or Less
I know cigar smoking comes with health hazards, but the occasional treat can be very fulfilling. If you accept the risks and decide to light one up, here are seven cigars you can score for under $7 that truly deliver.
Prices vary by shop, but I’ll share what I paid. You might need to grab a robusto instead of a large Churchill, but the quality remains.
Savinly tip: If you’re unsure what style of cigar you prefer, buy a sampler or two. Samplers tend to be cheaper than buying each stick separately, and they offer variety. You won’t adore every one, but you’ll learn what sizes and wrappers suit you best.
1. Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story
Price:$6.85
Cigar Aficionado rating:91 points
This 4-inch perfecto is available in maduro or Cameroon wrappers. I’ve only tried the maduro… and what a delight. Right away you get abundant smoke with dark chocolate notes and a touch of spice. At this compact size you don’t have to commit a long time, yet you still enjoy a superb smoke. It’s rich and indulgent.
2. Hoyo La Amistad Toro by A.J. Fernandez
Price:$6.49
Cigar Aficionado rating:89 points
With a Habano wrapper and Nicaraguan filler and binder, this stick hit my palate just right. The Hoyo La Amistad surprised me with a bit more strength than expected. Flavors lean to cedar and earth. A.J. Fernandez crafts excellent cigars without astronomical prices. If you enjoy earthy notes and don’t mind a stronger profile, this cigar is a solid pick.
3. Brick House Corona Larga
Price:$5.55
Cigar Aficionado rating:93 points
Brick House has become my go-to for special occasions. Ranked No. 17 in Cigar Aficionado’s top 25 cigars of 2016, it’s an absolute bargain at this price. You don’t have to opt for a smaller vitola to stay under $7 — or even under $6. The Corona Larga measures 6.25 inches with a 46 ring gauge. Every Brick House I’ve tried has been well constructed, with a consistent draw and steady burn. Flavors are straightforward, pleasant and not overwhelming.
It uses a Havano Subido wrapper unique to Brick House, resulting in a slightly chocolatey and mildly spicy smoke. This cigar is like your favorite pair of jeans: you keep reaching for it.
Savinly tip:Use butane lighters or wooden matches to light cigars. Cheap lighters or paper matches can introduce chemical tastes that ruin the experience. A ruined cigar is wasted money.
4. Punch Gran Puro Santa Rita
Price:$5.49
Cigar Aficionado rating:93 points
Here’s another smoke that overdelivers for its cost. At roughly $5.50, you can enjoy the No. 10 cigar on Cigar Aficionado’s top 25 of 2016. Made entirely from Honduran tobacco, this cigar is an affordable way to branch out from the usual without spending much.
This Rothschild-sized stick brings noticeable pepper on the palate. The draw is flawless with an even burn. It’s a smooth, easygoing cigar that doesn’t skimp on flavor and offers a bit of backbone on the finish. I’ve smoked sticks I liked less that cost nearly twice as much.
5. Oliva Serie O Churchill
Price:$5.99
Cigar Aficionado Rating:90 points
Since I began smoking, this has been among my favorites. Oliva produces several excellent cigars, and this is one of the most affordable while delivering flavors comparable to much pricier brands. Ranked No. 11 on Cigar Aficionado’s top 25 cigars of 2013 with a 94-point review, it’s a steal. Although more recent reviews show 90 points, it remains highly regarded.
Featuring Nicaraguan filler and a Habano wrapper, you can buy an Oliva Serie O Churchill for under $6, so settle in. If the first few puffs don’t woo you, be patient. The cigar unfolds complexity as it burns. It’s definitely one of my best value finds.
Savinly tip:If you find a brand you love, look for cigar bundles marked as factory seconds or overruns. They’re the same smokes with minor cosmetic flaws and sold much cheaper. Fumas — cigars made from factory trimmings — are also a good deal.
6. My Father Flor de las Antillas
Price:$6.30
Cigar Aficionado rating:96 points
Yes, that’s correct. This cigar earned an outstanding 96-point score, and My Father claimed the No. 1 position on Cigar Aficionado’s top 25 of 2012 with this blend. The score is for the toro, but I found the Rothschild version to be equally worthy of high praise.
If you try only one smoke from this list, give this one a go. With slightly sweet, toasty notes, the Flor de las Antillas — a Nicaraguan puro — is a pure pleasure. You could spend far more and not find a richer, more satisfying flavor. If I weren’t eager to sample new cigars, I’d probably stick with this one forever.
7. Try a Local Cigar Maker!
If you’re fortunate enough to have a neighborhood shop that hand-rolls its cigars, take time to see what they offer. There’s a special satisfaction in smoking a cigar that was crafted right before your eyes.
I’ll admit I’m lucky: I live near Tampa, known as “Cigar City.” In Ybor City, an area rich in Cuban culture, several shops roll sticks daily. My favorite is a small shop called La Faraona Cigars. Whenever I visit, I often see Odelma Matos, the owner and torcedora (cigar roller), who is eager to share her family’s story.
My go-to from La Faraona is a robusto natural. It’s an easy-drinking smoke with mildly sweet notes, reminiscent of a strong Cuban coffee. Best of all, it’s just $5, and buying from them supports a local small business.
Look around where you live and try to find a local treasure. It’s worth the hunt.
The Best Cigars Are Ones You Enjoy
Don’t get hung up on famous labels or only following Cigar Aficionado’s top 25. Plenty of outstanding cigars fly under the radar. If you want a starting point, checking out well-rated, accessible and affordable sticks from Cigar Aficionado’s lists is a good strategy. These are a few of my recommendations — I hope you find one you like.
Lean back, relax and light one. With any luck, it’ll become your new favorite.
Marcus Reed is a senior writer at Savinly who enjoys soaking up sunshine and finding inventive ways to help others. Catch him on Twitter at @MReedWrites.
