Newbie looking to make first buy
 

I've had cigars occasionally in the past but I'd like to step it up. I'm a student so the cheaper the better.

I was wondering what would be a good, reasonably-priced first purchase. Can anyone recommend a good sampler pack from Famous Smokes or something? I'd like to try any and all cigar types/flavors/etc.

But really, under $30 for now (unless this is unreasonable of course). I want to know what I like before actually spending money.

Thanks for your expertise.

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

From the "Cheap Smokes" (under $3) thread.

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

Thanks for the quick reply. That's a big list. I will definitely take a look.

Maybe someone knows of a good "starter pack" of sorts? Maybe something already available at famous smokes? Sorry if just being lazy, thought maybe there was a preferred sampler among the experts.

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

I'm definitely no expert, but here's something:

http://www.famous-smoke.com/famous+b...ars/item+32363

I enjoy Alec Bradley cigars, and this sampler wont break the bank.

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

I think that looking through the NST is a good way to see what people like

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14254

also, getting involved will get you some variety without a lot of dosh

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

You will get as many opinions as there are experts. ;)

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

Actually, you will get 2 opinions for every expert, but that's just my opinion

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

Vote early and vote often. :tu

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

Large quantity cheap packs like this one are probably bad then?

http://www.famous-smoke.com/famous+d...ars/item+20797

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

Also, there seem to be a couple of featured samplers in my price range at famous smokes. I'd love your opinions on which is best.

Best of Drew Estate, Best of Alec Bradley, Best of Pinar Del Rio, etc. I like the last one because it has 12 and not 10. I'm clueless however. Thoughts? (not on my clueless-ness)

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

I would look for a sampler that gives you a chance to try different brands rather than a single brand sampler. Here is a pretty decent one at your price, http://www.cigarsinternational.com/p...7&cat=6&page=1

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

I'm going to second bobarian's sampler pick!

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

That is a big list, and I haven't tried them all, but the Padron Londres was going to be my recommendation anyway. Hell, any Padron really. These were the cigars that got me hooked on this hobby. The maduro Londres just happen to be my favorite of the regular line. They're relatively cheap and ANY tobacco shop you visit is going to carry them.

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

[quote=ballerjones;1009009]Large quantity cheap packs like this one are probably bad then?

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not bad, but why get 20 of something you might not like? Trust me, when I started I spent 50$ on 50 cigars. Worst decision I ever made. Now those cigars were considerably sh!ttier than the ones you posted, but remember quality is better than quantity.

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

you can always look at the little havana overruns at Holts. They are made by pepin and sometimes go on sale.

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

For $4.50 I recommend the Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu no. 5. Damn fine cigar!

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

You haven't given us a clue on whether you're looking for mild or strong cigars. The folks around here tend to be experienced smokers who gravitate to strong stuff. But, I dare say many of us started out milder. The following is a sampler of Oliva cigars that range from mild to strong and includes natural and maduro wrappers.

http://www.cigarsinternational.com/p...T2&stext=oliva

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

I totally agree. In my experience, 95% of the cheaper cigars out there are total crap. Don't feel that you have to try them all. If $30 is your budget, I say spend it on 5 or 10 decent quality smokes instead of 30 dog rockets.

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

Famous usually has some packs that will let you try several brands, like Bob mentioned. This would be my recommendation simply because you get to try a lot more for your money, that way the next time you go to spend some dough....you'll at least have a better idea of what you like :2

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

Thanks everyone. Good recommendations. Went with the Pinar del Rio. Looked good, two extra cigars.

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

Get yourself a little notebook and as you try different cigars, paste or tape the band into the book and keep a few notes about what you thought with each one. I'm not suggesting a formal review, just a few crib notes for yourself.

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

:tpd: wise words. Your palette will evolve over time as well. It is always worth having some idea as to the path you are on.

Re: Newbie looking to make first buy
 

:tpd:

I did this when I first started CCs and it helped!