Premium cigars. Wasted on new smokers?

I gotta agree with the 'try everything' philosophy. I've probably smoked 75+ different sticks in my 10 weeks so far, ranging from $0.80 cheapies to $30.00 Padron 40th Anniversary sticks, and I've barely scratched the surface of what all is available out there.

Best thing I've found is to keep a log of what you smoke. Try to rate each stick from 1 to 10, make notes on what flavors you can pick out, would you smoke it again, etc. After you finish your review, try to find some other reviews online by the 'pros' for the same cigars and see how yours compares. If my review is way off, and I like the cigar (not worth trying a cigar again if I didn't lke it the first time), I'll try another one to see if I can pick up on some of the flavors that the pros mention. Over the last few weeks I've really noticed my ability to match up with the 'pros' improving.

Another thing to keep in mind, just because a cigar is expensive doesn't automatically make it good. Conversely, a $2 cigar can be just as enjoyable as a $20 cigar. If you like it, then roll with it. If later you find your tastes shifting, then go with the flow.

It's actually kindof fun to go back and re-smoke some of the first cigars I tried to see if I still rate them the same way. A lot of times I find my perceptions have changed because the 'bar' for a good cigar keeps getting moved around with each new stick I try.

[bobarian]

On the money, Chris. Except dont give up on a smoke based on a single experience. Sometimes you get a bad stick. Revisiting is also a good idea, as your palate changes a smoke you may not have liked may appeal to your tastes in the future.

Originally Posted by bobarian

On the money, Chris. Except dont give up on a smoke based on a single experience. Sometimes you get a bad stick. Revisiting is also a good idea, as your palate changes a smoke you may not have liked may appeal to your tastes in the future.

Very true. The first CAO Brazilia I smoked was severely green. Halfway in it tasted like pure ammonia. I let another one age for a month and it was one of the better smokes I've had so far.

[Kreth]

Originally Posted by Dark Jester

Best thing I've found is to keep a log of what you smoke. Try to rate each stick from 1 to 10, make notes on what flavors you can pick out, would you smoke it again, etc. After you finish your review, try to find some other reviews online by the 'pros' for the same cigars and see how yours compares.

Except, I think ratings are overrated (no pun intended). I take notes on flavors, and basically just give each stick a thumbs up or thumbs down. Even when I post a review, I just note construction, burn, flavors, and summarize whether I liked it or not. Ratings are too subjective.
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[T.G]

Originally Posted by Dark Jester

I gotta agree with the 'try everything' philosophy. I've probably smoked 75+ different sticks in my 10 weeks so far, ranging from $0.80 cheapies to $30.00 Padron 40th Anniversary sticks, and I've barely scratched the surface of what all is available out there.

Wait a sec...

You've only been smoking cigars for 10 weeks and you're already planning a on a 20 cubic foot-ish freezerdoor?

Holy ****. I think you're the first new guy who has ever listened when we say "that won't be big enough, get a larger humidor/coolerdor".

Originally Posted by T.G

Wait a sec...

You've only been smoking cigars for 10 weeks and you're already planning a on a 20 cubic foot-ish freezerdoor?

Holy ****. I think you're the first new guy who has ever listened when we say "that won't be big enough, get a larger humidor/coolerdor".

Yeah buddy. Like I said in the Freezidor thread, I was gonna just build a cabinet, but it takes a lot of time and money that I'd rather spend on more cigars. And I don't really want to fill a vinotemp in 6 months and need another one. I'll just plan ahead and go big. i should be set on space for a year or two unless my wife lets me spend even more...

Originally Posted by Dark Jester

Yeah buddy. Like I said in the Freezidor thread, I was gonna just build a cabinet, but it takes a lot of time and money that I'd rather spend on more cigars. And I don't really want to fill a vinotemp in 6 months and need another one. I'll just plan ahead and go big. i should be set on space for a year or two unless my wife lets me spend even more...

I do believe the feeling I have right could be jealousy, maybe even green with envy. Here's to ya, partner.
(I'd post a thumbs up smiley here, its a no-go on my Blackberry)

[T.G]

Originally Posted by E-Tx Surveyor

(I'd post a thumbs up smiley here, its a no-go on my Blackberry)

Yeah you could, just type in " : t u " without the spaces and sans quotes.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by E-Tx Surveyor

(I'd post a thumbs up smiley here, its a no-go on my Blackberry)

try typing ":tu" - without the double quotes.

Originally Posted by E-Tx Surveyor

I do believe the feeling I have right could be jealousy, maybe even green with envy. Here's to ya, partner.
(I'd post a thumbs up smiley here, its a no-go on my Blackberry)

Not much to be jealous of just yet. My collection currently only consists of around 90 sticks.

I haven't even bought the freezer yet, working on that now. After I get that it will probably be a month or so to retro-fit it for cigar storage.