Cigar samplers: the best way to find your favorite

Sampler vs. bundle vs. box

Before buying, it pays to know the three formats. They answer different questions: do you want variety, value, or a single favorite? The table below is based on typical US retail pricing in 2026.

Prices are approximate 2026 US retail estimates across major online cigar retailers. Sampler contents vary by retailer and season.

The best samplers for beginners

A good beginner sampler leans mild-to-medium so you can build tolerance without getting knocked over. Look for five classic Connecticut-wrapped and Dominican cigars — brands like Macanudo, Ashton, Oliva Connecticut, Perdomo, and Drew Estate. Many retailers sell an explicit "Mild Sampler" or "Beginner Sampler" for $25–$50. Add one full-bodied stick to the mix so you can test the deep end without committing to it.

What you’ll actually pay

Five-stick samplers run $20–$40; eight-to-ten-stick packs run $40–$100. Premium samplers built around high-end lines (Padrón, Opus X, Davidoff) can hit $75–$150. Whatever the price, compare the per-stick cost against singles — and against cigarettes — with the cost calculator. For per-brand pricing, the cigar prices page covers singles, and boxes of cigars covers bulk savings.