A Beginner's Guide to Cuban Cigars — and Where to Buy Them in Lanzarote

Why Cuba Still Makes the Best Cigars

Cuban cigars (Habanos) are hand-rolled from tobacco grown in the Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba, widely regarded as the finest cigar-growing region in the world. The soil, the climate and generations of know-how give the tobacco a depth and complexity that no other country has quite matched. In the Canary Islands you can buy genuine Cuban cigars at good prices, thanks to Spain's long trading relationship with Cuba.

People often ask us whether the reputation is deserved or just clever branding. Our honest answer is that it's both, but the first time you smoke a well-kept Montecristo you'll understand why the name has lasted. The flavour changes from start to finish rather than staying flat.

A quick word on authenticity. The only way to be sure you're getting a genuine Cuban cigar is to buy from a licensed retailer. We stock Habanos-certified Cuban cigars at Brunchi.shop, and every box comes with the proper hologram sticker and government seal. Don't buy cigars on the beach or from unlicensed sellers. Fakes are common, and you won't find out until you've lit one.

Best Cigars for Beginners

Most first-timers ask us for something "not too strong". That's sensible. A cigar that's too heavy for you will leave you feeling rough, and you'll write off cigars altogether. These four are the ones we point people towards, roughly in order of how gently they start.

Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill

Medium strength, with a smoking time of around 45 minutes. It's creamy, with notes of cedar and earth. The Short Churchill is the one we recommend most to first-timers because it's forgiving and flavourful, and not so strong that you'll regret it later. At around €12-15 per stick it's a reasonable introduction that won't hurt your holiday budget.

Montecristo No. 4

The world's best-selling Cuban cigar, and there's a reason for that. Medium body, woody flavours and a touch of coffee, with about 35-40 minutes of smoking time. Even experienced smokers keep coming back to it. If you only try one Cuban cigar in your life, make it this one. It's also a good yardstick, because once you know how a No. 4 tastes, you can describe what you'd like more or less of in the next one.

Cohiba Siglo I

Cohiba is Cuba's most prestigious brand, and the Siglo I is its shortest, at about 25 minutes and medium-full strength. If you want to try the biggest name in cigars without committing a couple of hours, this is the one. Expect smooth, creamy smoke with hints of honey and pepper. It suits a short break between lunch and a trip back to the apartment, or a half-hour before dinner.

Partagás Serie D No. 4

This one has a bit more punch. It's full-bodied and earthy with a spicy kick, and takes about 45 minutes. It isn't our first recommendation for absolute beginners. But if you already like strong flavours, such as dark coffee or peaty whisky, you might prefer to start here rather than work your way up. Florin will tell you to start gentler. Plenty of customers ignore him and are perfectly happy.

How to Choose Between Them

Think about two things, strength and time. The Short Churchill and Montecristo No. 4 are the easy middle ground. The Siglo I gives you the Cohiba name in under half an hour. The Serie D No. 4 is the one for people who want pepper and spice.

Price runs from about €8 for a smaller ring gauge up to €30+ for premium Cohiba Behikes. Most of the popular sticks, like the Montecristo No. 4, sit at €12-15 each. Don't assume the dearest cigar will taste best to you. A beginner's palate often can't tell the difference yet, so spend on a better drink to go with it instead.

How to Smoke a Cigar, Step by Step

1. Cut. Use a guillotine cutter. We have them in the shop and you're welcome to use ours. Take off just the cap, about 2-3mm from the end. Cut too much and the cigar will unravel. Cut too little and the draw will be too tight.

2. Light. Use a butane lighter or a cedar spill. Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle and toast the foot (the open end) evenly, turning it slowly. Don't let the flame touch the tobacco directly. Once the edges glow evenly, take your first puff. If one side burns faster, touch it up gently rather than blasting it with the flame.

3. Smoke. Don't inhale, because this isn't a cigarette. Puff gently every 30-60 seconds and let the smoke roll around your mouth to taste it. The flavour shifts as you go. The first third is usually lighter, and the final third gets stronger and more complex. Puffing too fast makes the cigar hot and bitter, so slow down if it starts to taste harsh.

4. Ash. Don't tap it off like a cigarette. A good cigar holds a long ash, which is a sign of quality. Let it fall when it's ready, about every inch or so.

5. Pair it. A good drink makes a good cigar better. Ron Miel (Canarian honey rum) is a classic pairing. Aged rum, single malt whisky, espresso or even a glass of port all work brilliantly. At Brunchi, Florin can match a drink to your cigar. Just ask.

Matching a Drink to Your Cigar

The simple rule is to match weight with weight. A medium cigar like the Montecristo No. 4 is happy with Ron Miel, because the honey sweetness softens the woody, coffee notes. Aged rum does a similar job.

A stronger cigar like the Partagás Serie D No. 4 can handle a single malt whisky or a strong espresso, which stand up to the spice. For the lighter, creamier Siglo I, go easy on the drink. Something heavy will flatten the honey and pepper notes you're there for.

Whatever you choose, sip between puffs rather than during them, and have a glass of water to hand. If you're not sure, tell us which cigar you've picked and we'll suggest something from the spirits shelves.

Cigar Etiquette

A few quick rules. Never light a cigar with a candle or a petrol lighter, as both will taint the flavour. Never bite the end off. Use a cutter. Don't rush, because a cigar is meant to be enjoyed slowly, ideally somewhere pleasant with a good drink. And when you've finished, don't stub it out. Just leave it in the ashtray and let it go out on its own.

If you put a cigar down part-way, you can relight it within a short while, but one left for hours will taste stale and harsh. Better to pick a size that fits the time you have.

Where to Buy Cuban Cigars in Playa Blanca

Brunchi.shop at Marina Rubicon has a climate-controlled humidor stocking Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, Partagás, H. Upmann and more. We sell individual cigars and full boxes. Florin can recommend the right cigar based on your experience and taste, and we also sell cigar cutters and accessories if you need them.

If you're taking cigars home, they travel well as long as you keep them in the cellophane wrapper or a sealed bag. A Ziploc bag with a damp paper towel will keep them fresh for a few days. For anything longer you'll want a travel humidor. Don't leave them in a hot car or on a sunny windowsill, as heat dries them out quickly.

You can find us at Calle El Burrugo 44B, Marina Rubicon, Playa Blanca. We're open Monday to Saturday, 10am-3pm and 6pm-10pm, and closed all day on Sunday. If you'd like to check what's in the humidor before you come, send us a message on email us at consultas@brunchi.shop.