New here, also a couple of ?'s

[uli2000]

Hi there, first time smoker from northern Nevada. The smell of a cigar always brings back fond memories of my uncle, so I figured, heck, Im an adult (31) and can enjoy the good things in life occasionaly. On a whim, I picked up a 8 stick sampler from an online retailer and have had them in the humidor for about a week now. Want to break out the first this weekend and give it a shot. But being new and not knowing any cigar smokers other than my uncle half the country away, I'm frankly not quite sure how to go about it. As far as cutting, whats the preffered method? And for lighting, will any old match or lighter work or would I be best off getting a torch lighter? And finally, these are the smokes I got:

Rocky Patel Connecticut Torpedo
Oliva Serie ’G’ Toro
Padilla Achilles Torpedo
Gurkha Park Avenue Torpedo
Perdomo Slow-Aged Lot 826 Glorioso
5 Vegas Classic Torpedo
Indian Tabac Super Fuerte Robusto Maduro
La Herencia Cubana Toro

Any of those I shoud try first? Any I should try last? Or any I should just avoid? To be honest, the slightly sweet smell of the maduro intruiged me the most. Would that be a good place to start?

TIA,

D

[andrew s]

First of all welcome to puff. That seems like a great sampler that you picked up, I have a couple of those sitting in my humi also. I do not believe that I have smoked any that you have listed but there are plenty of people on here that will give you their opinions.

I just keep trying different cigars, some I like others I don't but I am still finding my taste and enjoy lighting up something different.

As far as cutting and lighting everyone does it different. I typically use a punch unless I am smoking a torpedo than I use a cutter, the point is to get the draw that you like. I have used matches, bic lighters and finally purchased a torch lighter to light my cigar, people say it taste a little different on how what you light it with but again it is finding what you like.

Hope this helped out. There is a ton of info on these forums so read up.

[Rmac58]

I'll agree with Andrew.
Try a bunch, just because I like something, doesn't mean you'll like it.

[DBCcigar]

Welcome!

You have to start somewhere, so the list you have is a good starting point. Me personally, I do not like Gurkha. Maybe start with the Rocky Patel Connecticut and see if it's too mild for you. If so, then step it up a notch. Perhap the 5 Vegas, Oliva, or Padillia.

Fell free to ask as many qustions as you like, that's why we are here....

Lighting and cutting a cigar is something you'll have to toy around with to see what suits you. I RARELY use matchs and use a torch 90% of the time, and an S.T. Dupont the other 10%.

I'm not a punch or V-Cut fan, I prefer a straight cut.

Hope this helps a bit.

[DSturg369]

Welcome to the family Devin, and that's a nice Sampler you have there.

As already mentioned, every cigar smoker's tastes are different. Smoke one at a time and really enjoy it as you do. The more you smoke you'll learn what you like and dislike. Then try reading the "Reviews" section and you'll develop an idea of what you might like to try next. Reviews by actual smokers are far better than the manufacturer's details as the latter are a tad biased.

To answer your questions and many others you may have, try here..... Helpful Links and General Information

[uli2000]

Thanks for the info and the well wishes. Hopefully, I will be posting back with a review of my first in a couple of days!

[karmaz00]

first welcome to puff...second i use a xikar X1 cutter, works awesome so far. third, try a variety of smokes, just to see what you like...but i have had great success with 85 to 90% of oliva lines...good luck, let us know how its going

[Blaylock]

Welcome to Puff, Devin.

You're getting some good answers to your questions and you have a nice assortment there from which to choose. In the beginning, I'd keep notes on each cigar I tried...listing flavors, strength, what I liked and didn't like about it, overall impressions. It was helpful to go back after trying so many and probably forgetting what I had smoked.

[jadeg001]

Welcome to Puff. You have some great sticks there, and I definitely agree with the other posters that you should try out a bunch of different sticks to find out which you like the best. I also think that is a good method when it comes to how you cut your cigars. People have different preferences, and some cigars seem to be different depending on how their cut. I would suggest you purchase the different types of cutters (straight cutter, V-cut, and punch) as inexpensively as you can and try them out, then when you have found something you perfer go out and buy a higher quality version.

[ashmaster]

Hey Devan, welcome to the forum. You do have a nice sampler there. As far as cutting a cigar my preference is to straight cut it using my Xikar or Palio. When it comes to lighting a cigar, I use a torch lighter 99% of the time. The only real no-no I can think of when it comes to a lighter is not to use the Zippo lighters that uses the stinky, oily type fuel. Last but not least, your sampler. Start with the one that catches your eye. If it's the maduro, have at it (it's probably the fullest flavored one of your sampler). Enjoy!!!!

[SmoknTaz]

Welcome Devin, you're on the right track! The Oliva G's are one of my faves, mild but tasty. Let us know your thoughts when you spark them up!

[WillieDiesel]

Originally Posted by uli2000

Hi there, first time smoker from northern Nevada. The smell of a cigar always brings back fond memories of my uncle, so I figured, heck, Im an adult (31) and can enjoy the good things in life occasionaly. On a whim, I picked up a 8 stick sampler from an online retailer and have had them in the humidor for about a week now. Want to break out the first this weekend and give it a shot. But being new and not knowing any cigar smokers other than my uncle half the country away, I'm frankly not quite sure how to go about it. As far as cutting, whats the preffered method? And for lighting, will any old match or lighter work or would I be best off getting a torch lighter? And finally, these are the smokes I got:

Rocky Patel Connecticut Torpedo
Oliva Serie ’G’ Toro
Padilla Achilles Torpedo
Gurkha Park Avenue Torpedo
Perdomo Slow-Aged Lot 826 Glorioso
5 Vegas Classic Torpedo
Indian Tabac Super Fuerte Robusto Maduro
La Herencia Cubana Toro

Any of those I shoud try first? Any I should try last? Or any I should just avoid? To be honest, the slightly sweet smell of the maduro intruiged me the most. Would that be a good place to start?

TIA,

D

Welcome to Puff,

I have been smoking for about a year now and have tried different sticks. I started off with the super mild ones but i found them super bland. I found that I like medium to full body sticks. Again try different sticks until you find the "ONE"

From your sampler I have smoked 5 Vegas Classic (mild), Perdomo Slow-Aged Lot 826 (medium) & Indian Tabac Super Fuerte (full body). I especially liked the Indian Tabac Super Fuerte. Its a very tasty full bodied stick.

As far as cutters, I recommend you invest in a good quality cutter. I bought a fairly inexpensive one at a local B&M that didnt last me very long, it was very flimsy. I have a Palio & XiKar. IMHO, Palio is the way to go.

Lighters, I bought a Ronson JetLite torch @ Wally World for $2.94 + tax . Its been very reliable and my everyday lighter. I also bought a Zippo and converted it into a torch with the Z-Plus torch insert.

Thats my 2 cents FWIW.

[tx_tuff]

Welcome to Puff! Ok just grab what looks good and get started. As far as cutting, if you are using a straight cut be sure not to cut to much of the head of the cigar. Take a good look at it and you should be able to tell where the cap and body meet, you don't want to cut the whole cap off because then the wrapper can start coming unwrapped as you smoke, so cut the head above the cap line. Also light it with whatever you want, if you use matches make sure all the sulfer has burned off before you put the flame to the cigar.

[saigon68]

Hi and Welcome. Try everything! Cigars, accessories (lighters, cutters etc...)
By experimenting you will learn that there all kinds of women out there & -wait a damn minute. Sorry, I don't know what came over me. That's another forum. ;>) Seriously, I look forward to trying many different sticks, various lighters (I personally never use anything but butane ymmv); I've cut cigars with all of the different utilities ( traditional cutter, bullet cutter, Vcut). The only way I haven't prepared a cigar is by biting it's head off although I know many who use this method. By trying everything you find what's best for you. I keep a cigar log in which I list the cigar I've smoked & give it a very brief review essentially rating it thumbs up or down. Hope this helps some.

[MrMusicMan1]

Welcome! I thought I would throw this up for you as to acquiring some more good samplers. Check Cigar Monster - A New Monster Cigar Deal Every Day! and Joe Cigar Daily Deal for some great deals that change daily with free shipping. Also, Cigars International - discount cigars, humidors, cigar accessories for some great deals on several "themed" samplers. Enjoy!