What should you consider when selecting your first cigar? Cigar Mas Fino co-founder Chris Mortensen says you should buck the established rules, and instead focus on finding a tobacconist who will recommend the cigar that’s right for you.

“When you walk into a cigar store or a lounge, you should feel like you’re building a relationship with the person working there,” says Chris. “That person should devote the time required to help you get started. But more importantly, they should make you feel welcome to come back and share your experience with that first cigar.”

Your Feedback + A Good Tobacconist = The Perfect Cigar

Using your feedback, an experienced tobacconist will be able to quickly point you toward a cigar that matches your palette. A cigar’s strength, flavor, filling, binder, and wrapper all affect smokers’ enjoyment. Good tobacconists know how to sort through all those factors, incorporate your taste and experience, and settle on a cigar you’ll love.

If you want to learn more about how to get started with cigars, be sure to visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Otherwise, if you’re ready to choose your first cigar, be sure to stop into our lounge. Our tobacconists know their stuff, and they love helping cigar novices start smoking right.