What a great post. I love reading stuff like this and hearing everyone's life work of cigars
I've been smoking cigars for 6 years now. I wouldn't consider myself a hardcore smoker either. It's really weird for me because I will go a whole week where I have at least 1 cigar a day then I will hit a dry spell where I don't smoke one for 2 weeks. I suppose when and where have huge impacts on my passion.....
Even though I have 6 years under my belt, I'm not sure I have even scratched the cigar surface as far as variety. So far in 2009, I'd say I have broadened my horizons as much as ever.
My top 5 would probably be:
1. any CC brand -they have pretty much spoiled me as far as NC's go. But I will not give up NCs.
2. H.Upmann
3. Torano
4. Partigas
5. La Aurora -first thing you think of when you hear this name is $$$$. But I have stumbled into what may become my favorite cigar over time. The Principe!! They are dirt cheap and really hit the spot for a short smoke.