Buying cigars online for the first time can feel like a gamble. You can't hold the cigar, smell the wrapper, or ask the guy behind the counter what he'd smoke. But with a little know-how, ordering premium cigars online is easy — and often gets you better cigars for less money than a brick-and-mortar shop.
Here's everything a beginner needs to know before placing that first order.
Why buy cigars online?
Online cigar stores cut out the middleman. Without the overhead of a physical lounge, they can offer fresher inventory, wider selections, and better prices — especially on bundles. Many online retailers also ship directly from humidified warehouses, so your cigars arrive in better condition than ones that sat on a shop shelf for months.
What to look for in an online cigar store
Not every site selling cigars deserves your money. Before you buy cigars online, check for these green flags:
- Real product photos — not stock images. You should see the actual cigars you'd receive.
- Clear tobacco origin — a serious seller tells you where the wrapper, binder, and filler come from.
- Honest shipping policy — how fast, how much, and how cigars are protected in transit.
- Age verification — any legitimate cigar retailer verifies you're 21+.
- Real reviews — from verified buyers, not anonymous five-star fluff.
Long-filler vs. short-filler: why it matters
Premium cigars are made with long-filler tobacco — whole leaves running the length of the cigar. They burn slower, cooler, and more evenly than short-filler (chopped tobacco) cigars. If a listing doesn't say "long-filler," assume it isn't. Every cigar we sell at Soles Cigars is 100% Nicaraguan long-filler, handmade in Estelí, Nicaragua.
Choosing your first bundle
For beginners, a mellow-to-medium blend is the safest start. Connecticut-wrapped cigars (golden Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf) are smooth and creamy — easy on the palate. If you like bolder flavors, a Habano wrapper brings spice and earth, while a San Andrés Maduro delivers rich cocoa and coffee notes.
Buying in bundles of 25 is the sweet spot: the per-cigar price drops significantly, and you'll have enough to share with friends or age a few. Browse our full selection of premium cigars online to compare wrappers and sizes.
Storing your cigars when they arrive
Cigars need humidity — ideally around 65–70% RH. If you don't own a humidor yet, a sealed container with a humidity pack works fine for weeks. Let your cigars rest a few days after shipping before smoking one; they'll taste better for it.
Ready to order?
Start with a bundle that matches your taste, make sure the store checks the boxes above, and enjoy. If you're unsure which wrapper fits you, our Maduro bundles and Habano bundles are customer favorites. 21+ only — smoke responsibly.