Puff Cigar Discussion Forums

SandMan8388 · 04-23-2008, 03:00 AM

Hello fellow Gorillas!

I am thankful to find such an awesome forum as this, with so many active members! I have learned quite a bit and have read nearly all the stickies almost 2 times to make sure I haven't missed a single bit of information. I am very eager to learn such a complex, tasteful, and relaxing hobby.

I am a full time college student in Detroit, Michigan. I was introduced to cigars by my best friend on our spring break trip back in high school. He always had an interest in premium cigars and took it upon himself to have me try one under his supervision. Since then I started to try new sticks in hopes to gain some knowledge on my own... yeah that didn't work well. A walk in humidor is an intimidating place! I started to lean towards flavored and infused cigars (many Drew Estate cigars). However I found them to be somewhat inconsistent, and sometimes a little to full with flavor. And still it felt wrong to me as it seemed most of the cigars produced were not flavored or infused, just rolled tobacco leafs. So I started to venture off towards developing a more natural and mature palette. My first being a Macanudo Thames, which was incredible! And of course from there I started to realize that this hobby was similar to chess, it takes a lifetime to master.

However this past March I went on another vacation, (Anna Maria Island, Florida). Towards the end of our trip we drove north towards Tampa and ran into a small downtown area of Tampa called Ybor City. Little did I know that Ybor City was known as Tampa's Latin Quarter. Developed in 1885 by a group of cigar manufacturers led by Vicente Martinez-Ybor, and was originally populated by immigrants, mainly from Cuba, Spain, and Italy. So naturally this place was absolutely loaded with cigar shops, lounges, and even cigar inspired restaurants. I fell in love all over again with cigars. I purchased a few of the local hand rolled cigars and enjoyed them as I walked by the ocean with my girlfriend later that evening, (she enjoyed them to)! Since returning home I have found this forum and have been enjoying and learning loads of information. I am on a limited budget (due to education) and have smoked a few different sticks and have discovered I am taking a liking to mild to medium cigars. I am also very interested in picking up a small humidor or putting together a cooler-ador. But have to wait for some free cash this summer.

Anyways enough rambling about my journey in cigars, what’s your favorite mild or medium cigar? Any particular favorite you think is worth for me trying? Any interesting tales how you became acquainted with cigars? Thanks!

Sincerely,

Dan

icehog3 · 04-23-2008, 03:36 AM

Welcome to the Jungle Dan!

I grew up in Detroit, hope she is treating you well. I also have vacationed on Anna Marie Island, so we have some similar experiences.

I am pretty much a full bodied cigar guy so I don't have any great mild recommendations for you, but I am sure you will have a bunch by this time tommorow. Hope you enjoy the Jungle!

Bax · 04-23-2008, 03:44 AM

Hey Dan, welcome to the jungle. This place gets addictive so watch yourself

If I had to sell you a good mild-medium cigar to get you hooked on I'd go with the Olvia V. If you can find one out there, definately give it a try.

stevefrench · 04-23-2008, 07:01 AM

Nice intro, Dan. Welcome to Club Stogie.

BostonMark · 04-23-2008, 08:03 AM

Hey man welcome to the jungle! Way to read all the stickies

Enjoy your stay, and strap down your credit card because soon enough you will be legitimately trying to decide between that book you need for class or a box of Perdomo Lot 23's.

TripleF · 04-23-2008, 08:15 AM

Hi Dan! Great introduction!

As far as good mild to medium sticks I've got one I love and recommend to all new smokers.....and it's well received:
Cusano 18 Double Connecticut

Welcome to THE JUNGLE!!

skibumdc · 04-23-2008, 08:21 AM

Great intro to CS.
Try some AVO, Dunhill, maybe Montesino
Not sure about Montesino, but I've seen some new guys in the local B&M smoking them.

Welcome

dccraft · 04-23-2008, 09:19 AM

Welcome young Michinoober.

I haven't been on here long but I have learned a lot about cigars, life, cigars, accessories, cigars, .......

I am sure you will find the jungle very friendly.

Freight Train · 04-23-2008, 09:38 AM

Welcome

sailchaser · 04-23-2008, 09:46 AM

Welcome to the Jungle, check out the Herf section lots going on here and around the Big D

Munt · 04-23-2008, 11:48 AM

Great start!! Welcome to the Jungle. I'm sure you'll find it as enjoyable as the rest of us. I'm right across the river.

Good luck.

Munt.

SandMan8388 · 04-24-2008, 04:38 AM

Thanks for the replies guys! Great to know this is a friendly place! Cool to know there's a few locals to! I will definately have to check out the local shop on all your recommendations. Hope you all found my little essay on Ybor City as interesting as I did!

Thanks,

Dan