A Beginner's Guide to Cigars: What to Buy Your First Time at Humidor on Austin
Walking into a cigar lounge for the first time can feel like walking into a wine shop where nobody speaks English. The humidor is full of unfamiliar names, the sizes all have Italian words attached to them, and everyone else in the room seems to know exactly what they want.
We built Humidor on Austin at 804 Austin Avenue in downtown Waco, Texas, specifically so that first-timers feel welcome — not intimidated. This guide will get you ready.
Start with Strength, Not Brand
The single most important variable for a first-time cigar smoker is strength — not brand, not price, not country of origin. Cigars range from mild to full-bodied, and starting too strong is the fastest way to have a bad experience.
For your first visit, ask for something mild to medium. A few reliable starting points:
- Macanudo Café — one of the most approachable cigars made. Creamy, smooth, no surprises.
- Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story — a small, figurado-shaped cigar with a natural sweetness and a finish that rewards patience.
- Oliva Connecticut Reserve — a well-constructed mild cigar with a little more complexity than most entry-level sticks.
Our staff at Humidor on Austin will walk you through all of these. Tell them it's your first time. That is not a confession — it's useful information.
Understand the Sizes
Cigar sizes are measured in two dimensions: ring gauge (diameter) and length (in inches). The most common sizes you'll encounter:
| Name | Length | Ring Gauge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robusto | 5 inches | 50 | Most popular size. Good burn time. |
| Toro | 6 inches | 50 | Slightly longer, same diameter. |
| Churchill | 7 inches | 47 | Classic. Long smoke. |
| Corona | 5.5 inches | 42 | Narrower, more concentrated flavor. |
| Figurado | Varies | Varies | Tapered head. More complex smoke. |
For a first visit, a Robusto is the right call. It's the industry standard for a reason — the proportions are balanced, the burn time is about 45 minutes, and it's forgiving.
What to Expect in the Lounge
When you arrive at Humidor on Austin, you'll walk into the retail floor and the walk-in humidor. You're welcome to browse on your own or ask for a recommendation. Once you've selected a cigar, you can smoke it in the lounge — in the main seating area or at the bar.
A few things to know:
- We cut and light for you if you'd like. Just ask.
- No rush. A Robusto takes 45–60 minutes. That's the point.
- Pairings matter. A mild cigar pairs well with a light whiskey, a coffee, or a cold lager. We'll have recommendations.
The One Rule
Don't inhale. Cigar smoke is meant to be drawn into the mouth, tasted, and exhaled. Inhaling is how first-timers end up feeling sick. Draw slowly, let the smoke sit for a moment, and exhale. That's the whole technique.
Come See Us
Humidor on Austin is located at 804 Austin Avenue in downtown Waco, Texas. We're open seven days a week — Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to midnight, and Sunday from 10 AM to 8 PM.
No membership required. Walk in anytime. We'll take care of the rest.
21+ only. Must be 21 or older to purchase tobacco products.
