Where to start?

[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.

[pub spears]

Welcome from SC.

[hex1848]

Welcome to the fourm. Sorry it took so long to approve your account. It's the only way to keep the SPAM bots out.

I own Camino Viejo Cigars, I would be more then happy to put together a sampler for you.

For a mild smoke, I recommend the La Tradicion Cubana line. For a medium bodied cigar the Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 is an excellent choice. If you want to try something a bit stronger the Carlos Torano Virtuoso is a good smoke.

[Synthetik]

Yeah I plan on purchasing a wooden humidor later down the road. Right now I just have the Flor Fina 858s in there in there plastic wrap.. which doesn't make much since; wouldn't that keep the humidity out of the cigar?

Anyways thanks for the responses, I am going to ride over to the newbie sampler thread and see whats going on. And thats precisely why I didn't want to order a sampler online, I was afraid I would get a bunch I wouldn't like. I remember reading the basic price was 50$, I didn't want to spend that much on a sampler.. yet..

As I said I've only tried one of my 858s and at that, I didn't take near the time to enjoy it. And I don't plan to get rid of them at all.

[Presideo]

The Newbie Sampler should give you a pretty good idea of what cigars you should lean towards regarding the strength (mild, med, full bodied) or what labels to try more of....the vets here will hook you up with a pretty wide selection too...

I'm still very new to cigars (started around New Years)....I started with RyJ and Punch, then worked my way up to others like Gurkah and Rocky Patel once I got a good feel for what I liked...I'd say to stick to the basics, then use your experience from those to explore some deeper, less-known brands out there....

Happy Hunting!

[basil]

Welcome from West Texas. I enjoy stronger cigars usually, but the 1959s Hex mentioned are outstanding and wanting a medium bodied smoke, that's what I'd reach for.

[King Catfish]

Yeah I plan on purchasing a wooden humidor later down the road. Right now I just have the Flor Fina 858s in there in there plastic wrap.. which doesn't make much since; wouldn't that keep the humidity out of the cigar?

No, that's cellophane, not plastic. It "breathes", and allows moisture to pass.

[Diesel Grinch]

Welcome from West Northern NJ. All great suggestions so far.

DG

[ashauler]

Welcome from Kansas........hit up the newb sampler thread, if you're looking to spend less than (or around) $50, you can't beat it. Pm the next member up and try to work something out, I'd venture to bet the majority of the sponsors would work with you to get what you wanted. It's all about helping a newbie find their way into this hobby, not making a profit.