Appreciating and collecting fine cigars is one of the most luxurious and refined pastimes available to discerning men and women. As you explore the wide world of subtle flavors, creamy aromatic smoke and carefully balanced blends that distinguish great cigars, you’ll inevitably pine for new experiences.

One of the biggest thrills for a true cigar aficionado is sampling new varieties, but truly great smokes can come with a hefty price tag. Before you spend an arm and a leg building a large and varied collection, take a moment to consider your personal preferences. A savvy smoker, through mindful sampling and a little diligent searching, can stock up on great specimens without shelling out a fortune. Here are some great examples of affordable cigars that don’t skimp on flavor to whet your appetite.

Conuco Robusto Natural

One cigar that offers an exceptional value for budget minded smokers is the Conuco Robusto Natural. This handcrafted beauty packs an intense dose of flavor for a price that won’t break the bank. The Conuco Robusto’s charm begins with its finely balanced blend of Honduran, Costa Rican, Nicaraguan, and Panamanian filler tobaccos.

This particular model is known for its hefty inclusion of Ligero, a tobacco taken from the top of the plant, where the most powerful and complex flavors are found. The whole package is finished with an oily Habano wrapper. As you smoke a Conuco Robusto, you’ll notice distinctly earthy, caramelized flavors with a hint of coffee as well as a rich, creamy smoke. Hailing from Honduras, these cigars are a seriously great buy.

Rocky Patel Honduran Classic Robusto Natural

Another crowd pleaser that enjoys a great reputation and a reasonable price, Rocky Patel’s Honduran Classic Robusto Natural cigars will make a welcome addition to any collection. These excellent specimens are available with your choice of Maduro wrappers for a darker flavor or Corojo wrappers for a classic lighter taste.

Each Honduran Classic Robusto is box pressed and well packed with a blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran long filler tobaccos. These formidable cigars burn cleanly and evenly and offer lots a flavor, with hints of earthiness and caramelized overtones. A great way to punctuate a special occasion or simply to unwind at the end of a long day, you won’t regret giving these excellent cigars a try.

CAO CX2 Rob

Even cigar lovers on a shoestring deserve to splurge a bit from time to time, and for the flavor you’ll get from CAO’s CX2 Rob cigars, the price is still an incredible bargain. The CX2 stands for Cameroon times two, and indicates the very rare Grade 1 African Cameroon binder and wrapper leaves that top this cigar off.

Combined with a finely blended selection of Colombian and Nicaraguan long filler tobaccos, the upscale wrappers bring out intense earthy and woody flavors punctuated by a distinct sweetness that comes through in the aroma of its creamy smoke as well. A smooth, truly indulgent smoke, the CX2 Rob is one of CAO’s finest offerings with a price that won’t leave you reeling.

Maroma Robusto

Few cigars can deliver the fine features and flavors of Nestor Plasencia’s incredible Maroma Robustos. Though they offer an amazingly low price, Maroma Robustos don’t skimp on flavor or construction. An ideal cigar for an early in the day smoke, the distinct and earthy notes of cedar and cocoa produced by this deft blend go great with the morning cup of joe.

Filled with a Cuban Sandwich tobacco blend hailing from Nicaragua and Honduras, the cigar is finished with a light brown Connecticut wrapper to produce a delicious aroma and a smooth smoke. A popular favorite that could easily become one of your standbys, Maroma Robustos are well worth their modest cost.

Rafael Gonzalez Robusto Natural

Finally, one more top shelf offering from Rafael Gonzalez with a decidedly bottom shelf price, the Robusto Natural is a Honduran counterpart to a Cuban favorite. An enticing product, these medium bodied cigars offer plenty of flavor, with hints of nuttiness and a smooth, clean finish.

Robusto Naturals glean their delicious aroma and creamy smoke from a well balanced blend of Nicaraguan, Honduran and Dominican filler tobaccos. A virtually seamless shade grown Connecticut wrapper and Connecticut broadleaf binder provide an interesting counterpoint with delicate earthy notes. A great cigar for a Friday afternoon, Rafael Gonzalez Robusto Naturals are a terrific value.

The best way to expand your knowledge about great cigars is by sampling new varieties and brands every so often. Always choose a five pack or even a single cigar before dropping a wad of cash on what seems to be a good deal for a whole box. In a little while, you’ll build a collection that will inspire envy in even the most seasoned cigar aficionados.