Alright guys, Im really new.

[scottw]

Originally Posted by Fishnat

It depends really on a variety of factors.

There is alot of truth the statement: everything in moderation.

If you're smoking a cigar + a day, there is certainly a chance that could develop mouth cancer.

With anything there is always a chance. The jury is out on occasional cigar smoking, like 1-2 a week.

If you're inhaling the cigar smoke, that's going to amp your risk way up.

Either way. You only live once. There's a pretty good chance you could get in a car accident and die, heart attack, unrelated cancer to smoking, get hit by a bus, who knows really. Live your life and don't look back, have fun, be responsible.

That's how it's done.

Nicely done, read up as much as you can here, there is an extreme wealth of knowledge within this community. Welcome!!

[llatsni]

Welcome!

In terms of cigars for beginners (like me), that you can legally get in the states, I highly recommend picking up a few Arturo Fuente Don Carlos No. 4's. They're such a great cigar, and a perfect size for an everyday smoke IMHO. CI have them at 33 dollars for 5.

BTW does anyone else find it slightly ironic that Cigars International doesn't ship internationally?

Paul

[Buddha024]

One thing I would say, especially since you are smoking machine mades, is don't be afraid of a nice dark maduro. I was wary at first b/c I thought they would be too strong. I've found that the opposite is usually true, to me anyway. Sancho Panza Double Maduro and Onyx Reserve are both nice smooth medium body maduros that i really like. My other suggestion is to look for samplers that contain many different cigars, not just the same cigar in different sizes. That way you get a better idea of what you like. Welcome!!

[friz]

Have been smoking for just over 6 months now. Still and have always loved chewing tabacco, but treat myself to a cigar a couple times a week. Still new and always learning. Picked up great info from the guys here and people at my local B&M and other B&M when I travel. Figure out what you want to spend. Early on I fell in love with the Oliva G Maduro torpedo, and always have them and 5 vega classic on hand in my humidor

[Dcutt3]

Yeah this whole place is really helpful. A little confusing... but helpful! haha

Two questions. As a resident of the US, when I get to the point when I feel like its even necessary to try it, am I allowed to buy pre-embargo Cubans? Are they expensive?

Also, as far as cutters go, what should I look into?

[Dcutt3]

Oh, and if anyone did know if its possible to get that humi/cigar package that was posted for that price, Id MUCH appreciate it. I'm probably going to buy it regardless, but hey, in today's economy why not try to save some money? Am I right? haha

[LibertyToad]

Originally Posted by Dcutt3

Yeah this whole place is really helpful. A little confusing... but helpful! haha

Two questions. As a resident of the US, when I get to the point when I feel like its even necessary to try it, am I allowed to buy pre-embargo Cubans? Are they expensive?

Also, as far as cutters go, what should I look into?

Many of the plastic single blade cutters work okay and they are very inexpensive. Since you're starting off, I would buy a couple of "throw-away" plastic ones to start off with.

If you find you are serious about cigars then go out and buy something more expensive like a Palio or Xikar.

They may be a bit expensive for you, but if you can afford it get a Palio cutter (about $3. When I started smoking more than a couple of cigars a year I bought a couple of inexpensive cutters, one fell apart ($15) after a year and the other one just didn't cut very well ($10). Avoid cutters with a lot screws--I've had bad luck with them losing screws and falling apart.

The Palio cuts extremely well. If I had know about the Palios I wouldn't have wasted $25 on the other two.

[Baldyisme]

I'm new to cigars too. If found what helps is reading a lot on the forums and see what people are smoking. I established a relationship with a few B&M and ask them for recommendations and why? Since there are way too many to brands and vitola to start with, I narrowed it down to a few brands. Buy a few, try a few and determine what I like. My focus here is quality vs quantity. From this experience I've narrow my NC selection to Rocky Patel, Aston VSG, Olivias (my favourites), and AF brands.

I'm fortunate in that I have easy access to Cubans and travel to Cuba frequently. 80% of my cigars are Cubans.

Like a kid in a candy store the best part is finding a new candy that you, yes you, like. No one can tell you what you like. Most important thing is have fun and enjoy the journey.