There are several threads here from people new to cigars asking about what they should try in order to learn more about cigars. Invariably, they receive dozens of suggestions from folks who have their own personal favorites and their simple question quickly yields overwhelming and confusing information. Its kind of like someone from another country and culture asking what type of food should I try now that I'm here in the USA?
In order to make things easier for people interested in taking up cigar smoking, here are a few observations and suggestions in no particular order.
1. Your introduction to cigars should include primarily mild or mild-medium strength cigars. Most all veteran cigar smokers started this way and as their tastes evolved, many moved on to more complex and stronger cigars.
2. Youll want to try a variety of cigars to begin with so dont even think about buying a box until you have a clear idea about what you really like. Its no different than buying a sampler pack of DE blades.
3. Go to your local cigar store and tell them youre new to cigars and get recommendations for 3-4 or enough cigars youll smoke within a week or less. Decide how much you want to spend on each cigar and keep it reasonable. You may not get a decent cigar for $2.00 but you dont want to spend $10.00 for a cigar you hate. After smoking them, return and buy several more. If you purchase too many theyll dry out and wont be a good representation of what that particular cigar actually has to offer.
4. Go to on-line cigar forums such as Herfers Paradise and Cigar Weekly. These sites are particularly friendly to newbies. Register and go to the buy/trade forums and click on the Newbie Sampler Trade Thread. Youll be treated extremely well by the FOGs (F***ing Old Guys) who will sell you a sample pack of cigars usually at a fraction of the retail cost.
5. Buy/smoke corona and robusto sized cigars thatll last 30-45 minutes. Youre new to smoking and smoking a large cigar may be too much and make the experience unpleasant.
6. A cigar someone else likes may not be to your liking. Allow your own tastes to evolve without thinking you should like a particular brand because someone else does.
7. If you decide to read cigar magazines and their ratings and reviews, use them as a guide only and not as gospel.
8. Buy a decent cigar cutter and a torch lighter.
9. Smoking cigars is generally very relaxing, but for new smokers even mild cigars may cause nausea. Take your time between puffs and dont inhale. Include food and a beverage if youre so inclined.
10. Over time youll learn about different brands, construction, wrappers, fillers and sizes. Go to jrcigars.com and check out jr university to learn more.
11. After your own personal tastes begin to develop, consider buying a box. Prices on-line are generally less than brick and mortar shops, but theres something to be said for supporting your local tobacconist.
No doubt the cigar smokers here at B&B will want to add to this thread so go at it!
In order to make things easier for people interested in taking up cigar smoking, here are a few observations and suggestions in no particular order.
1. Your introduction to cigars should include primarily mild or mild-medium strength cigars. Most all veteran cigar smokers started this way and as their tastes evolved, many moved on to more complex and stronger cigars.
2. Youll want to try a variety of cigars to begin with so dont even think about buying a box until you have a clear idea about what you really like. Its no different than buying a sampler pack of DE blades.
3. Go to your local cigar store and tell them youre new to cigars and get recommendations for 3-4 or enough cigars youll smoke within a week or less. Decide how much you want to spend on each cigar and keep it reasonable. You may not get a decent cigar for $2.00 but you dont want to spend $10.00 for a cigar you hate. After smoking them, return and buy several more. If you purchase too many theyll dry out and wont be a good representation of what that particular cigar actually has to offer.
4. Go to on-line cigar forums such as Herfers Paradise and Cigar Weekly. These sites are particularly friendly to newbies. Register and go to the buy/trade forums and click on the Newbie Sampler Trade Thread. Youll be treated extremely well by the FOGs (F***ing Old Guys) who will sell you a sample pack of cigars usually at a fraction of the retail cost.
5. Buy/smoke corona and robusto sized cigars thatll last 30-45 minutes. Youre new to smoking and smoking a large cigar may be too much and make the experience unpleasant.
6. A cigar someone else likes may not be to your liking. Allow your own tastes to evolve without thinking you should like a particular brand because someone else does.
7. If you decide to read cigar magazines and their ratings and reviews, use them as a guide only and not as gospel.
8. Buy a decent cigar cutter and a torch lighter.
9. Smoking cigars is generally very relaxing, but for new smokers even mild cigars may cause nausea. Take your time between puffs and dont inhale. Include food and a beverage if youre so inclined.
10. Over time youll learn about different brands, construction, wrappers, fillers and sizes. Go to jrcigars.com and check out jr university to learn more.
11. After your own personal tastes begin to develop, consider buying a box. Prices on-line are generally less than brick and mortar shops, but theres something to be said for supporting your local tobacconist.
No doubt the cigar smokers here at B&B will want to add to this thread so go at it!