Evolution, or Intelligent Design?

[chris45set]

OK, I am a noob, I admit this (though it is hard to do so at age 51).
I started with mild cigars (A Fuente Chateau, Baccarat, H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon) and have been asking local B & M stores (3 so far) for recommendations.
One of them "slipped" me a Gran Habano #3 in with everything else rated "mild", and my, oh my, what a revelation!
The complexity of this cigar has me floored, it woke up my tastes on a level I have never experienced with tobacco. I smoked cigarettes for 32 years, a pipe for 2 years, and dabbled in cigars since high school, and have never tasted anything quite like this.
Maybe I am just naive, but I feel like I have discovered something I should have found decades ago.
Is this a normal discovery process that everyone goes through?
Can't wait for the next trip back to this B & M to see what new "treats" they can place in the humi.
And I haven't yet paid much more than $6 for a stick, and haven't aged anythng yet.
I think I now understand this slippery slope concept, and it ain't just about money.
What have I started?? Dunno, but I love it!!

Chris

[Blaylock]

Welcome to Club Stogie, Chris!

You're never to old to discover new things you like in this life. Glad you found something to get excited about; and you'll get plenty of support here...we all share the same passion for our tobacco!

As far as the "slippery slope"...you're on your own with that!

[bobarian]

Chris, Your experience mirrors many others. Often we start out with mild or medium smokes then progress through tasting as many different smokes as possible in order to try and narrow or refine your palette. Your tastes sometimes change with time and often a stick you did not find to your taste may become a favorite. Many good things have been said about the Gran Habano so you hit on a very popular stick. Another inexpensive great tasting smoke is the Padron x000 series in both Natural and Maduro.

Check out the Newbie Sampler Trade(NST) and the Newibie PIF threads in the Cigars on the Move forum. It is a great way to start your journey down the slope.

[Da Klugs]

Originally Posted by bobarian

Chris, Your experience mirrors many others. Often we start out with mild or medium smokes then progress through tasting as many different smokes as possible in order to try and narrow or refine your palette. Your tastes sometimes change with time and often a stick you did not find to your taste may become a favorite. Many good things have been said about the Gran Habano so you hit on a very popular stick. Another inexpensive great tasting smoke is the Padron x000 series in both Natural and Maduro.

Check out the Newbie Sampler Trade(NST) and the Newibie PIF threads in the Cigars on the Move forum. It is a great way to start your journey down the slope.

Many of us with similar experiences here. Enjoy the ride.

[SD Beerman]

Originally Posted by Da Klugs

Many of us with similar experiences here. Enjoy the ride.

Welcome Chris, enjoy yourself with your new hobby.

[drhalle]

You have stumbled upon the absolutely best forum for your new found hobby.
These Gorillas take care of their young here, so ask questions, read the stickys and enjoy.

One axiom repeated many times here is...Smoke what you like.

Sounds like you found a keeper in those Gran Habanos. I like em too.

[Bubba -NJ]

Welcome to the Jungle . I recommend that you don't limit yourself to only mild , medium or full cigars . Some of my favorites are real strong and some are real mild . Your taste will develop over time and change from time to time .

[chris45set]

Thanks to all for you kind words.
I hope my tastes are evolving and will continue to do so.
This seems to be the place to encounter the "Intelligent Design" referenced in the subject line.
I'll try almost any cigar once.
When I smoked a pipe 20 years ago, I tried a bowl of Latakia, things can't get any stranger than that.

Chris

[DZootZuiter]

As many have already said, it is a great experience to discovery what real tobacco is supposed to taste like. I never liked cigarettes so I can make no great comparison between the two.


But nonetheless welcome to the jungle! Have fun amidst the smoke!


As mentioned above check out the newbie PIF it's a great way to get some great sticks.

[oldforge]

Originally Posted by chris45set

One of them "slipped" me a Gran Habano #3 in with everything else rated "mild", and my, oh my, what a revelation!

Chris

Try a Gran Habano #5 next time, and see which you prefer. They are both excellent imho.

[Studebaker]

Count me among the guys who discovered cigars and the slope later in life too. I also started on the milder cigars, but quiclky moved on to the medium and full bodied ones. It's just fun to sample a big variety. I've found plenty of good ones at $6 and under too. Viva la slope!

[poker]

Your slope before you got here:

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The slope now that you found Club Stogie:



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Welcome