Hi, noob here with questions

[ihocky2]

Hi, I would like to introduce myself and ask a few questions. I am from Eastern PA and have been smoking cigars for at least 5 years now, but more so over the last two or three years and have decided I need to learn a little more. I mainly purchase from Cigars International since their stores are close to me and they have a BIG selection and good sales. I’ve tried several samplers from them over the years and that is mostly what I have smoked until the last year or two. Here is some of my favorites, barring the Cubans I had while in the Carribbean since they are in a different class. I tend to stick with robusto vitollas since I prefer a larger ring gauge, usually 48-52 or so and the 5” range seems to last long enough, but not too long. If I am sitting out with friends have a drink or playing golf I will go for something in the 6” range.

I also just recently got my first real humidor. I had a little 25 count that came with a sampler and I could only ever get like 10-15 in it. It didn’t hold humidity well and probably ruined several sticks. My new one is a 100 count and I have about 70 in it now with plenty of extra room and it is sitting steady at 72-74% and 73-76F. A hair above ideal, but this time of year it’s the best I can get. It’s been really humid lately and if I keep the house any cooler than about 73 the AC runs constantly. Come fall I think it should sit right where it needs to. I also am into woodworking and have lumber waiting for a new table saw to build a humidor.

I am looking for a morning cigar now and could use some help with what I might like. I tend to like medium to medium-full with the occasional fulls, but those ruin everything else for the day if I have one in the morning. I am looking for a mild or mild-medium that will suit my tastes. I usually like to stay in the $5-$7 range so they are not cheap junk, but not wallet drains either. Here is some of my favorites, barring the Cubans I had while in the Caribbean since they are in a different class.

Man O’ War- I’ve tried all of their series. The standard line is a good cigar in my opinion, I know some think they are just hype, but I like the taste and the quality is good. For $5-$7 they are pretty decent. The Virtue’s did not do much for me, but I tend to go with a medium or medium-full cigar. The Ruination was better than the standards, but I think are getting a little overpriced for the difference. The Armada was a great cigar and very consistent, I enjoyed it thoroughly but this was my first expensive stick so I have nothing to compare it to. Is it worth $20, probably not but I don’t really know. What makes a well known $20 cigar worth more than the Armada?

Punch-These were my first favorites and I still really like them. For $3 to $4 you can’t go wrong and I think it is still a great tasting cigar. I prefer the Rare Corojo over the standards.

Gurkha-I have pretty much no use for. I always have burn problems, and they just never seem to hit their sweet spot.

Nub Plus Habano- I just picked these up and haven’t tried them yet, but my friend swears by them. Again, I have read this is a hype cigar, but I got these at $3.75 a piece so it was worth a shot.

Diesel- These will be a mainstay in my box. Being shorter cigars you are not getting as much burn for the money, but the flavor makes up for it in my mind.