Where to start?

[Synthetik]

Hey fellas, new to the forum but been lurking for awhile. I'm a senior college student lookin for some good cigars. My father in law gave me 10 A Fuente Flor Fina 8-5-8 for xmas last year after I had expressed my interest in them. And I have only smoked one since then but didn't really take the time to enjoy it, I found it really bitter... My father in law gave them to me as a gift, because my wife had mentioned I picked up a pack of Swisher Sweets at a local gas station, which I wont EVER do again.

The swisher sweets smelled decent, but the taste of them is TERRIBLE. Almost like an ammonia type draw..? Anyways I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for cigars that would compliment the 858 and whether or not its a decent beginner cigar? I did some searching and it seems the Don Kiki's seem like a decent try.. I have a discount smoking shop close to me that has two giant humidors filled with all sorts of types of cigars. Although they don't have any samplers and some of their stuff is usually priced pretty high. I also plan on ordering a sampler from an online store, but wasn't sure which brands I should pick from? Also, can anyone recommend some 'quick' smokes; something that won't take an hour to enjoy/smoke?

I've also made a homemade humidor of a tupperware container with a water pillow in it. But should I remove the plastic wrappers from the cigars that I place in there? Probably a dumb sided question..

I know these threads pop up alot with newbs asking for recommendations, I did my fair share of searching while waiting for a mod to approve my account. Found a wealth of info, just trying to find something that doesn't taste like dog shit (swisher sweets).

Appreciate it.

[mrtr33]

You should always start at the beginning.

I, too, am new. New to the boards, new to cigars. Since joining, I have searched other cigar boards online. I can tell you after hours of research, you won't find a better group of BOTL's (brothers of the leaf) out there.

My suggestion to you, is to go over to the Newbie Sampler Thread II in the Exchange part of the forum. There you can PM an experienced, seasoned board member (just read the first post), who can get you set up with a wide variety of sticks. Online store prices are inviting, but if you don't know what you're after, you could end up with crappy sticks, wasting your money. The guy I traded with (usually you give them money, they send you cigars) totally hooked me up with a huge selection that I cannot find here at my local shop. I got way more than my money's worth.

Several may debate about keeping the wrappers on the cigars. I personally do, as I want each cigar to retain it's own flavor. Some cigars come with no plastic wrapper, so I lose out there, but generally, they all have a wrapper on.

As far as your tupperdor goes, that will work......for now. Many here have invested in a humidor and/or what is called a coolerdor. Hanging around here, it's easy to fill these both up quickly.

Welcome to cigarsmokers, from Central Oregon!

[Maduro Man]

Welcome from Cali..."Lurking" is the best way to learn. I am sure you will get all of the info you can use around here. A TON of good people around here with a TON of info.

[chefchris]

Welcome from MS. Don Kikis are a good cheap start. I would suggest the Red or Green Label for the newbies.

[King Catfish]

I found Maromas from Famous Smoke to be a real nice bargain cigar, as well as Rolys (from the same place). I've been wanting to try the Don Kikis but have not gotten around to it yet.

Also, try reading some of the threads in the Reviews forum on this site, lots of good recommendations there.

[DeeDubya]

Synthetik,

Welcome from Central Texas. Health hazards aside, I can recommend cigar smoking as a very pleasureable, relaxing experience. Personally, I take tobacco warnings seriously. As an on-again off-again cigarette smoker cigars keep me away from other less desirable tobacco habits. I always rinse my mouth and brush after a cigar when possible.

As mentioned, I would certainly recommend buying samplers. There are some really good deals out there and the variety is endless.

Beyond that, I would say that your tastes will change over time. Even if you find a series that you like, still try others. Just like you mentioned the bitterness of the Fuente 858's, don't discard them. Try a Manolete and you will gain a new understanding of bitterness.

Oliva has a very wide and diverse selection of good cigars. Or try a small Fuente Hemingway Short Story. If you don't like them then cigar smoking may not be your forte'.

Keep us informed. There are some very helpful people on this forum and a lot of knowledge to be gained.