Advice is always welcome with me!

So Slavac has gotten me into smoking cigars and pipes recently and I've been trying to test the waters and see what is good and what is not.

Herein lies my problem: I am too new to this to be able to walk into a shop and tell them what I want or what type of things I want. Here is a list of what I've tried so far (don't worry, it's a short list)

CAO Gold
Spitfire (Davidoff line)
Man O' War
Winston Churchill (Davidoff again)

I don't know enough about cigars to know if there is a common theme with these or if they are as different as can be. I would like to look into getting some samplers, but don't want to just start buying blind and hoping that the type of sampler I bought is one I would enjoy (I've seen "themed" samplers and I run in ignorant ph34r).

That been said, I am on the hunt for my first humidor, which will hopefully be had soon, and I would like to fill it with a VARIETY that will be delicious. And I do realize that I will inevitably find cigars that I don't like, but I just want to start with a little direction.

Thanks!

[captain53]

There is a definite common theme to those you have tried: They are all fine cigars!

Rather than just walk in and buy I would suggest shopping the better deal online sources buying samplers and 5 pak specials for a nice variety to test, you will save lots of $ that way. But don't forget your local man and do buy a few from him along the way.

Humidor: Get a Big One, however big you think you need is not big enough~

[MajorCaptSilly]

Looks like you've tried some good ones! Without getting into specifics about the brands you've tried, I can a couple suggestions:

1. Take the time to write down some notes about the cigar you are smoking so you don't forget what you like and what you don't. The notes don't have to be elaborate. Just keep a record so you can remember the good/bad qualities of the cigar you're smoking. Don't expect to pick up on some of the tasting notes you see in reviews here (hints of leather, wood, sweetness, etc). At first just you can just write about good or bad based on the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd part of the cigar.

2. Start buy trying different sizes of the cigars you like. Size can make a huge difference in the flavor of a cigar.

3. Ask here for other cigars that fit into similar category of the ones you like and try those as well.

4. Don't make hasty judgements. A cigar you love the first time you smoke it may not be the same experience the second time. I usually smoke at least 3 of the same cigar before I pass jusdgement unless I absolutely hate it.

5. Remember, you like what you like. The cigars that folks rave about may not be your cup of tea or you may fall in love. Be patient and you will soon have several key brands that you'll like then you can start trying some others as you think they fit your likes.

6. PM me your address and I'll send you a few cigars I like that you might like too.

It's a lot of fun on the cigar slope. Welcome to the ride!

MCS

[akumushi]

A few tips for the newb:

* Read the Faqs on setting up a humidor, seasoning, humidification on this and other sites, get at least a 100 count, better to get a 300+. Trust me, you will use up all that space and more. Having properly humidified cigars is key to the enjoyment of this hobby.

* You've started with some good cigars so remember this, you will run into smokes that you don't like. A cigar should taste good and feel good to smoke. If it tastes awful and smokes awful, there are plenty of smokes out there that won't. Life is too short for a bad cigar. If you hear a lot of hype about a cigar you have had a bad experience with, try one again in a few months, but don't expect any miracles.

* Try a wide variety of sizes and shapes, from figurados and torpedos, to lanceros and coronas in addition to the standard robustos and toros, you may be surprised by what your favorite shape is, and you'll find that it changes over time. Also try a wide variety of styles, from mild to full bodied, with wrappers from connectict to cameroon, habano and maduro. You will find they all have their relative benefits and deficiencies.

* Don Pepin Garcia and Tatuaje Cigars rock. Check them out and you won't be disappointed.

* Get in on HERFS, trades and PIFs with the awesome BOTLs and SOTLs on this site. You will have fun and meet people to share your passion and their knowledge of the hobby.

* After smoking for a year and getting your tastes developed, consider coming over to the dark side...

* Most of all, have fun!

Great advice everyone!!! I truly appreciate everything!

Keep it coming! hahahaha, I'm such a glutton for punishment

[rharris]

Also ,don't judge too harshly on anything right off the truck.Make sure to let a few of a fiver(or whatever) that you buy sit and age for a few weeks or months.You will be amazed at the difference a little time can sometimes work on a cigar.Look at the reviews on this site and other places,try and find someone with similar tastes to your own and see what other cigars they like. Samplers are sometimes a good way to try a bunch of new things. As has already been mentioned,try and enjoy each experience! Sometimes its the company you keep,and the memories you make that can truly make the experience a great one.

So I got my first temporary humidor last night (thanks to Slavac for the help!) and I have found that I am going to need a LOT more space, I am just getting far to into cigars and with all the recommendations on this site, there are so many I want to try out

So last night amidst the few bowls of pipe I had, I also tried a Cohiba black pequeno.

I think so far I have found that I like a good, full-flavored cigar that isn't so strong that it kicks you in the face. I stopped by the local B&M shop and picked up a Oliva white label that I want to try out soon as well as some great cigars for giving away purposes.

You all are great, thanks for helping the newbie!

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by Wraiith

I think so far I have found that I like a good, full-flavored cigar that isn't so strong that it kicks you in the face.

When you are smoking a full-bodied, full-flavored cigar, or any cigar for that matter and you start to feel light-headed and a little sick, that is because the nicotine is making your blood-sugar drop. When you smoke, always have something with sugar on hand to combat it or drink a sugary drink. I know some that even carry sugar packets and down them at the appropriate time to combat the effects of dropping blood-sugar levels.

Great advice and I'm omw to check out the sampler.....

(strums fingers lazily waiting for the school's internet to kick start itself back into high speed...)

[JJG]

If you find a cigar you like, try and find out the type of wrapper used and the country where the tobacco was grown. This will help you find similar cigars to try in the future.

[kenstogie]

Find a reputable retailer (shop) and try some samplers and ask here. For me cigars are not so much about the cigar as the experience or relaxation and enjoyment.

"For me cigars are not so much about the cigar as the experience or relaxation and enjoyment."

I definately agree with that statement Ken, I also enjoy the friendship and camaraderie that comes from enjoying a good cigar.

[68TriShield]

Jackie, I will share with you my complicated rating system. I don't care what any of these loons try to tell you. My system works and works for a reason.

1) Sucks.
2) Does not suck.

What it boils down to is personal taste and everyone's is different.
The most fun part of this hobby after the friendships is trying different things.
In no time you will be walking into that B&M knowing exactly what you want.

It's not rocket science,have fun