Alright guys, Im really new.

[Dcutt3]

I'm brand new to these forums, obviously, and also very new to cigars. I'm an 18 year old guy, live in CT, and while I experimented with cigarettes and marijuana I always hated them. A cigar, though, I have found that I can relax with it, enjoy it, and still be myself.

I am posting in this section for a reason though. Like I said, I am very, very new to the world of cigars.. I have a full time job, so I can afford to make it a small hobby (reasonably, of course... I'm 1. The issue is, up until now, I have been limiting myself to White Owl cigars (mostly grape), which are obviously very cheap, inexpensive, and from what I have heard low quality.

What I would like to hear from you guys, is what I need to know about cigars. What makes a cigar good? What should I look out for? What reasonably priced ones should I try buying, and what do they usually go for? What kinds of cigars are there? Are White Owls even decent/worth smoking/unhealthy? The kind of stuff you guys wondered when you first picked up a stogie.

I hope my post was alright, and in the correct section of these forums. Heres hoping this place isn't filled with trolls haha. Most importantly, thanks for any replies you are willing to give me.

[Cigar Man Andy]

Welcome. First, read a lot of the threads. Then go to > CI < link order and try some samplers. Then let us know.

[Dcutt3]

What should I know about the cigars before I spend money on them? Whats a good wrapper, whats good to look for?

Thanks very much for your advice, Ive been reading for about an hour now haha. Felt I might as well introduce myself and maybe get a few answers in the process.

[d_day]

As for what makes a good wrapper, well that's all a matter of personal preference. Get some samplers, try a bunch of different smokes, take lots of good detailed notes, and buy cigars similar to the ones you liked. No one can tell you what you like. You have to find that out on your own. And besides, that's half the fun.

Welcome to the site!

[Shervin]

Welcome to the world of Stogies D! There is a ton to learn about cigars to start off lets answer your first question, what makes a cigar good? That is a subjective question, it's the same as asking what is your favorite food, everyone will have a different opinion so my best advice is to start trying sticks by the single until you find your groove.

What you want to stay away from is the loads of people that will claim to have authentic Cubans...most of them are not, and your palate may not be developed to the point where you would truly enjoy your smoke any how so it doesn't justify the expense for now at least.

Get involved in the forums and gobble up as much info as you can there is a lot of knowledge to be found here, go into a brick and mortar store and chat with the locals, most are happy to lend a hand and steer you in the right direction. You may want to start with mild smokes (Macanudo, Romeo y Julieta, etc) and graduate towards the fuller bodied.

Bottom Line: Read everything you can on the subject there are oodles of sites dedicated to cigars a simple Google search would bear fruit!

If you have any other specific questions feel free to search the forums or PM me directly and I would be glad to help and again welcome to the site!

[narcolept]

Also, Don't forget to go get over to:

New Gorillas Forum

and introduce yourself, properly!

[lougorilla]

Originally Posted by Dcutt3

What should I know about the cigars before I spend money on them? Whats a good wrapper, whats good to look for?

Thanks very much for your advice, Ive been reading for about an hour now haha. Felt I might as well introduce myself and maybe get a few answers in the process.

Go to a good tobacconist or at least a good shop that has a humidor and take a look around. Ask some of your questions there. If you don't have a local shop, either be willing to drive a bit to get to one and try some singles, or order a sampler from someplace like cigarsinternational. They have a great deal right now for newbies especially. A humidor and 8 premium cigars for onle $15! That's unheard of! It's like a $90 value.

http://www.cigarsinternational.com/p...p?item=SP-CA06

I started similarly to you. I smoked cheap, machine made, gas station brand cigars in those little glass tubes and the pre drilled little hole on the end. The thought makes me shudder today.

Smoke only quality, hand rolled cigars. Some good "gateway" smokes for you might be the 5 Vegas Classics. They are a pretty quality handmade cigar, mild in flavor and body, reasonable smoke time. Good bang for your buck. Try the Robusto size. Usually you can get these for $2.50 or so per cigar at a B&M.

You might also try some cigars from Indian Tobac. They are good quality for a reasonable price.

Hope that helps! Welcome to the jungle!

By the way, where are you located? There are plenty of guys from all over the country, and even all across the globe on this forum. You might be able to find some local guys who can give you more guidance.

[narcolept]

Originally Posted by lougorilla

They have a great deal right now for newbies especially. A humidor and 8 premium cigars for onle $15! That's unheard of! It's like a $90 value.

http://www.cigarsinternational.com/p...p?item=SP-CA06

As of today, it's marked at $40. There's rumored to be a code to make it $15, if anyone has it perhaps they can provide it to the OP?

[Dcutt3]

Wow lou! Ill have to order that asap, thanks so much. I'm located near Hartford, Connecticut.

Thanks for all the great replies. Im really interested in this.

Heres a question... Not that it will turn me away from this at all, but are there any SERIOUS health risks from cigar smoking?

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by Dcutt3

Heres a question... Not that it will turn me away from this at all, but are there any SERIOUS health risks from cigar smoking?

Much, much less than a ride to work everyday. I think everyone would agree that there is a risk but the benefit far outways it.

[Fishnat]

Originally Posted by Dcutt3

Wow lou! Ill have to order that asap, thanks so much. I'm located near Hartford, Connecticut.

Thanks for all the great replies. Im really interested in this.

Heres a question... Not that it will turn me away from this at all, but are there any SERIOUS health risks from cigar smoking?

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.

[LibertyToad]

There are a number of websites that review cigars. Also, don't overlook youtube for information. Many of the cigar videos are quite good and many poor but it is worth trolling them for the good ones. Of all of the forum sites I think this one is the best for info. Just read and read.

Also, must people start with Mild-Medium cigars.

[LynnB]

I have a friend just getting into it (I only have a couple months on this obsession by the way.) and so I sent him this info on some sticks to order, if you can't tell I really like the Rocky Patel line:
Free shipping:
http://www.cigarsinternational.com/freepm8

Weekly special on Rocky Patel Cigars:
http://www.cigarsinternational.com/h...sp?video=slide

Enjoy...As for a humidor, look around some. I found some great deals on the devil site (cigarbid) that I wish I had found before I ordered the one I did.

Welcome....

[Dcutt3]

Thanks for your honesty guys, and thank you lynn for your links I think I might very quickly get into this past this white owl Im smoking right now

[tz8087a]

If you're looking for some back to back reviews in an easy to navigate format I've found this site to be invaluable:

http://www.top25cigar.com/

Go to the review database. But obviously it lacks the personal touch of asking fellow gorillas what they think of a particular stick