An Idea for Fellow Newbies

[mrgatorman]

You know...when I started smoking...I relied exclusively on reccommendations from others on what to try. there are so many sticks out there that to know where to start is vertually impossible. And the wrong recommendation can really turn you off.

No matter what, always try to figure out what you like and dislike about a cigar. write them down in a notebook. refer to them and try to get recommendations that allow for the things you like. Youll enhance your cigar smooking experience 10 fold. and ask questions...no matter what they are.

[Toasted Coastie]

Originally Posted by mrgatorman

You know...when I started smoking...I relied exclusively on reccommendations from others on what to try. there are so many sticks out there that to know where to start is vertually impossible. And the wrong recommendation can really turn you off.

No matter what, always try to figure out what you like and dislike about a cigar. write them down in a notebook. refer to them and try to get recommendations that allow for the things you like. Youll enhance your cigar smooking experience 10 fold. and ask questions...no matter what they are.

I do this. When I want to try something new or different, I go to the B&M and let them read it. Sometimes I get really good suggestions from it, other times, I get a good laugh.....

It does enhance the smoking experience. I have a whole ritual of trying a new smoke, I don't drink beer or anything else when I am trying a new one, I only drink water. I enjoy the whole ritual of it, gluing the band on the page, writing all the information, writing about the whole experience from view to taste...

[chip19]

I always like to write it down and then give it a second try later on and see if I get the same reactions. I also only drink water with a new stick.

[Cameroon-swoon-cl]

A rule of thumb for me (and many BoTL's) is to always buy at least 2 of something new and preferably 3. Enjoy the first when ever and make your notes. But if it makes a particular impression on you one way or the other, wait until you have the second to confirm your first impression.

[Toasted Coastie]

Originally Posted by Cameroon-swoon

A rule of thumb for me (and many BoTL's) is to always buy at least 2 of something new and preferably 3. Enjoy the first when ever and make your notes. But if it makes a particular impression on you one way or the other, wait until you have the second to confirm your first impression.

I usually do this. When I buy something new, I generally look for a fiver. That way i have 5 chances to get it right. there were a couple that I knew were going to be good, but ended up being plugged or to hot. I just go back a few months later to the same stick and try again. I'l give anything 3 chances, unless it tastes like kissing an ashtray....

[flathead59]

I know that one of the things that has been repeated over and over is "figure out for yourself what you like, since tastes vary", and I just relearned that lesson for myself the other day. I just picked up cigars 6-8 months ago, and was constantly being steared away from full bodied smokes by friends, B&M clerks, etc. And I listened and bought a butt load of med and mild-med cigars. A couple of days ago I was gifted a full bodied petite carona. I almost didn't smoke it, because I had also been convinced that the bigger a cigar is the more flavor it has. I was dead wrong on both counts! It was a great smoke, and I fully enjoyed the power.

[foolwithnohair]

Yeah, I heard that advice as well, but I totally ignored it. I think that it does apply if you aren't used to Nicotene, i.e., haven't/aren't a cigarette smoker, and/or you inhale the smoke into your lungs.

My guess is the reason for the advice is that people do get ill from Nicotene, and there is enough Nicotene in cigars to be poisonous, particularly if you inhale. (Do not inhale. The nicotene that enters your system via your mouth (and nose for some) is plenty enough.)

Depending on the cigar, you may salivate more than normal, and if you swallow that smoke-laden saliva, then Nicotene may also enter your system that way. This is why you hear the "smoke on a full stomach" advice. My uncouth solution is to use a spittoon, but I'm weird .

Recognizing the early signs of Nicotene poisoning (hiccups, lightheadedness, etc.) is also good. That way you can stop, hopefully before you feel really sick.