Help a noobie make his first cigar investment!

[gnarlynewport]

I'm tired of several years of given away, unsmoked, or ruined cigars. So I've decided to invest in a coolidor. I have everything bought (not yet assembled) but I currently don't have any cigars!

I've browsed CI, and other sites, for a few hours the past two nights in search for the best values.

I typically prefer mild cigars, but not exclusively.

I also prefer shorter, fatter cigars - I usually buy robustos when at a shop.
This might sound odd, but I rarely finish larger cigars. I have a tendency to neglect a lit cigar, so higher ring gauges are helpful with keeping them lit. My friends are usually able to smoke 1.5 - 2 cigars before I finish my first one.

The Edge Lite is my current favorite.
I also enjoy the Edge, though it's bit much to smoke without a bourbon or snack.
I also really like the CAO Brazilia and all Montecristos I've tried (I forget which ones, but I've had a variety). I've had several Vintage 90 and 92 Rocky Patels, along with RP Connecticuts, and Fusions, all of which I liked.

I've had the Opus X fuente. I thought it was very interesting, but too powerful to really enjoy. I smoked it without food and drink, and it was just too much flavor for my novice palette.

My least favorite cigar of all time is the CAO Gold Robusto. I've had it four times, thinking each previous time was a fluke, and never liked it. Tastes yucky to me, and tends to make me sick before I'm midway through. I've had similar experiences with Padrons.

When it comes to sub-par, often cheap, cigars, here are my thoughts (and I might be full of shit):

I think some people really like smoking (pipes, cigarettes, cigars, etc.) and thus enjoy cigars. I dislike smoking, but I do really enjoy a good cigar (and my pipes). So cheaper cigars can be pleasing on some levels to certain fellas, but for me, they're completely undesirable.

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I hope I don't sound arrogant or ridiculous. I'm trying to provide the very knowledgable and helpful members on the forum with my novice ideas and tastes to get the best advice possible.

My budget is $200. I'm most interested in variety and bang-for-my-buck. I am most interested in, but haven't tried, Don Pepin, 5 Vegas, and Gurkha offerings. And I know I would enjoy several of the Rocky Patel samplers.

What say you?

Thanks,

Wyatt

[92hatchattack]

This is the sampler i started off witth when i started smoking this summer. It has some cheaper cigars, but then it does have some really nice cigars like the RP decade which is great imo. With free shipping its kinda hard to beat for $60.

CI's 'Kitchen Sink' Sampler - Cigars International

[Memitim]

Originally Posted by gnarlynewport

I'm tired of several years of given away, unsmoked, or ruined cigars. So I've decided to invest in a coolidor. I have everything bought (not yet assembled) but I currently don't have any cigars!

<snip>

I hope I don't sound arrogant or ridiculous. I'm trying to provide the very knowledgable and helpful members on the forum with my novice ideas and tastes to get the best advice possible.

My budget is $200. I'm most interested in variety and bang-for-my-buck. I am most interested in, but haven't tried, Don Pepin, 5 Vegas, and Gurkha offerings. And I know I would enjoy several of the Rocky Patel samplers.

What say you?

Thanks,

Wyatt

Bang for the buck? That's a no-brainer:

Samplers

10 quality cigars and a small humidor for $20. It has a CAO in it, but it's the Black so I recommend that you try it anyhow. You mentioned wanting to try a Gurkha; this comes with a Park Avenue. You'll have to keep an eye out for availability, though, as it seems to run out as soon as they get them in. I'm trying to grab another (few) more if I can.

Another great mild sampler is the Mild and Mellow Sampler at CI: CI Mild and Mellow Sampler - Cigars International. Some great cigars in there, although I haven't tried them all.

Otherwise, keep an eye on the daily specials at cigar.com, CI (Joe Cigar), and Famous Smoke Shop (Cigar Monster). Killer deals abound there, although they're usually 5-packs or boxes rather than samplers.

Outside of samplers, you like short, fat, and mild? Sounds like Nubs were made just for you. I scored a 5-pack of Nub Cameroons last week on the Joe Cigar Sunday mystery deal and have not been disappointed. They've got Nubs with different wrappers but they're all short and fat. About $5 a stick retail but you can score them on cigarbid for less.

[jledou]

I would suggest a DPG Blue or Black(Cuban Classic) and the 5 Vegas A. If you want to try Gurkhas then check out CBID.

[zeavran1]

Macanudo Cafe Port is a great short and thick stick that I think you'll like.

[Herf N Turf]

Let's go back to the cigars you say you like. That's a pretty legit list of good cigars and there are enough, with enough differences to keep your palate interested and satisfied. Id suggest buying 5 packs of those you know you like and add a couple of singles of things youd like to try so as to mitigate shipping costs.

As suggested, if you want to venture into the Don Pepin universe, start with the blue label, cuban classic 1979 and the 5 Vegas A. Gurkha is a big 'stay away' for me, but if youre determined to try them, start out small; dont dive in head first. Since you like Rocky's stuff, consider getting a sizable sampler. Nearly every online outfit has one, so shop around for best price. I haven't met a CAO I didnt like. Sorry the Gold was a miss for you, but the others are exceptional. The maduro is great and the Italias are also must-trys. Since you don't care for sheer power, stay away from the MX2 and LX2 for now. I'd also recommend you try something from Litto Gomez. He's an amazing talent and shouldnt be missed. I wouldnt recommend the Double Ligeros for now, since most report them as extremely powerful and even LFD recommends eating before smoking them. The standard Ligero is extremely well blended and flavorful.

As for size, in most cases, big ring guages are false economy. Many of us look at vitola and think, "hey, that 6-1/2x54 is only a dollar more than the robusto and there's nearly twice as much tobacco, so it must be a better value." Most cigars are not blended to the big vitola. If you take a 60rg cigar that the tabacero blended in a corona, the wrapper will be over powered by the filler and you wont taste what he was going for. Robustos are always a safe bet. Also, dont over look the corona. As many times as not, that's the size that the blender had in mind.

So, in short, stick with what youve got and branch out from there.

[92hatchattack]

Originally Posted by Herf N Turf

As suggested, if you want to venture into the Don Pepin universe, start with the blue label, cuban classic 1979 and the 5 Vegas A.

I may be wrong, but I dont think he does the 5 vegas A. Its the 5 vegas miami that pepin blends which imo is a terrific smoke. Also i really enjoyed the series JJ

[Herf N Turf]

Originally Posted by 92hatchattack

I may be wrong, but I dont think he does the 5 vegas A.

Oopsie My bad. Maybe thats why I like it so much

[Neighbor]

Do you have room in your pocket for my 2 cents worth ? Indian Tabac LTD Reserve . Very smooth and well loved aroma by those around you .

[92hatchattack]

Originally Posted by Herf N Turf

Oopsie My bad. Maybe thats why I like it so much

The "A" or the miami? Ive had the A and i think its an awesome smoke for the price.

[Hemingway in Havana]

Originally Posted by Herf N Turf

As for size, in most cases, big ring guages are false economy. Many of us look at vitola and think, "hey, that 6-1/2x54 is only a dollar more than the robusto and there's nearly twice as much tobacco, so it must be a better value." Most cigars are not blended to the big vitola. If you take a 60rg cigar that the tabacero blended in a corona, the wrapper will be over powered by the filler and you wont taste what he was going for. Robustos are always a safe bet. Also, dont over look the corona. As many times as not, that's the size that the blender had in mind.

This is an excellent piece of advice! Coronas, Corona Gordas, Lonsdales, Petite Coronas, & Robustos are perfect sizes for tasting the blend. I also seem to experience less burn issues with the smaller ring gauges.

[denarok]

Originally Posted by Memitim

Bang for the buck? That's a no-brainer:

Samplers

10 quality cigars and a small humidor for $20. It has a CAO in it, but it's the Black so I recommend that you try it anyhow. You mentioned wanting to try a Gurkha; this comes with a Park Avenue. You'll have to keep an eye out for availability, though, as it seems to run out as soon as they get them in. I'm trying to grab another (few) more if I can.

Another great mild sampler is the Mild and Mellow Sampler at CI: CI Mild and Mellow Sampler - Cigars International. Some great cigars in there, although I haven't tried them all.

Otherwise, keep an eye on the daily specials at cigar.com, CI (Joe Cigar), and Famous Smoke Shop (Cigar Monster). Killer deals abound there, although they're usually 5-packs or boxes rather than samplers.

Outside of samplers, you like short, fat, and mild? Sounds like Nubs were made just for you. I scored a 5-pack of Nub Cameroons last week on the Joe Cigar Sunday mystery deal and have not been disappointed. They've got Nubs with different wrappers but they're all short and fat. About $5 a stick retail but you can score them on cigarbid for less.

All superb advice in thread especially for newbies likes myself


I especially like the cigar sampler deal with a humidor + 10 cigars for $20 how can you beat that deal?

I did not hear of half of the cigars except for about 3 but rest willing to try never know i might really like one

[Stench]

Just don't go to the devil site! You will not get away easily! (cigarbid.com)

Seriously though, I managed to get the "Kitchen Sink" sampler for about $20 off retail. Just don't get caught up in the madness and pay too much!

[tmanqz]

cigar.com has a great deal on perdomo esv "91 regente today. 9/3/9

$13.95 for a 5 pack! Buy two, get free shipping!
Thats $2.80 ea.,
ridiculous!
A very nice med. cigar I must say. A nice way to start to filling your coolador.
I got my 10.

[gnarlynewport]

Originally Posted by tmanqz

cigar.com has a great deal on perdomo esv "91 regente today. 9/3/9

$13.95 for a 5 pack! Buy two, get free shipping!
Thats $2.80 ea.,
ridiculous!
A very nice med. cigar I must say. A nice way to start to filling your coolador.
I got my 10.

Crap I was a little drunk and just purchased 20 of these guys. I haven't even tried them. Damn my hobbies. Thanks for the recommendation!!!