Beginner seeking advice!

[FourClubFlush]

First of all welcome to CS. I hope you enjoy your stay here.

Your story sounds a lot like mine. After being able to finally buy tobacco I went the same route of Phillies and gas station cigars and then to flavored stuff such as Acids. Everyone has to start somewhere of course. haha.

From experience I can tell you that I started going with many of the CAO line of cigars after moving from the ACIDs and such. CAO makes great stuff with lots of "flavor" in their non-flavored line of sticks (they have a line like ACID as well, I'm talking of varieties like Gold, Brazilia, Italia, etc).

Cigar smoking is a lot about trying new things and taking a while to find what you enjoy. Some people's tastes differ from week to week, year to year, or on occasion.

I would recommend you check out a few of these if you're looking for a sweet, smooth, Cohiba-like smoke:

CAO Mx2
Hoya de Monterrey Excalibur 1066
Don Tomas - Cameroon Collection
5 Vegas series A Apostle

Those are just a few I came across that were similar to what you were describing and you may enjoy. The Mx2 is probably the most enjoyable of all those mentioned.

Also check out the Newbie Sampler thread here on the boards. You can get hooked up with some more experienced members who can give you some great sticks to try out.

Happy smoking!

~Mike

Thanks Mike!

I will definitely keep my eye out for some CAOs as I've heard plenty of good things about them upon browsing through various sites and forums. If I spot the Mx2, I believe I'll opt for picking up one or two. I've also heard a lot about the 5 Vegas series. I'm glad Im getting some ideas now as I hear the selection at this place is great. Walking in there with no knowledge of what I want to try would be pretty daunting on my part.
Oh, I also forgot to mention that I also tried a Fuente a night ago. It was about the size of the Cubanitos in my tin (I haven't tried any of those yet.) and had a definite non-subtle smell to it. Although it was a non-flavored cigar, I still enjoyed it. I believe I rushed it though, something I will avoid in the future.

-Matt

[ashauler]

Welcome.

[stjohnroe]

Welcome from the UK. try the Sancho Panza double maduro line, affordable and very nice.

[debo08080]

welcome from Southern NJ. Since I'm new to cigars as well, i'll let others suggest cigars for you to try.

[chefchris]

As I was reminded last week by WOXOF, El Rico Habano's are an excellent inexpensive cigar. If you see one I would suggest picking it up and putting it in your mouth.

[rball5]

Welcome! As a newb myself, I'd strongly suggest the newbie sampler - you won't be disappointed.

I've never had an Acid, so I wouldn't know where to start with recommending something similar that you may like, but so far my favorites are (all of them! :P): Rocky Patel Edge, Fonseca, Cusano 18, Oliva, and 5 Vegas Serie A. I think the Fonseca & Cusanon were the mildest of the bunch.

[FourClubFlush]

So tonight I enjoyed myself that big ole' Fuente Cigar. I measured it out so I could actually know WHAT it was I was smoking, and it turned out to be the Double Chateau Fuente Royal Salute. Out of the cedar wrap and I could actually feel that this was going to be a good one. It smelled woody and just felt solid and well-made. I gave it a nice punch and for the first time 'toasted' it. I was at a nice outdoor dance party that one of my friends threw together and the weather was near perfect after a slight downpour earlier in the day. I was actually one of the bouncers there so I had several hours to sit back and relax in good company. I lit the guy up with no problem and instantly loved it. For my first actual decent-sized non-flavored cigar I was really surprised. The smoke was smooth and cool and was a perfect way to just sit back and relax with friends. One thing I did was underestimate how long it would last. I honestly had that Fuente going for upwards of 2 hours. One thing I couldn't do though was identify the taste as the rest of you can. To me, the cigar was the same the entire way through. Regardless, I enjoyed every minute of it and I definitely would NOT mind to get another at some point in the future. With the friends, music, comfortable weather, and the Royal Salute, I had a very relaxing night.

Oh, and I also had an Ambrosia Clove Tiki from a tin I bought online and found that very enjoyable as well. It was definitely a different cigar with an interesting mix of sweet and spicy. I passed some out to friends and it was a huge hit with them as well. Definitely a cigar I will keep around to change things up once in a while.

The Tobacconist trip is tomorrow!

EDIT: Oh, and I sat the entire time. So after about 2 and a half hours when I finished I finally stood up and walked around. It honestly felt like I was gliding on a thin layer of air.

[FourClubFlush]

Went to the Tobacconist today, here is what I bought:

Tin of Irish Cream CAO cigars.
CAO Brazilia
CAO Italia
CAO Gold Robusto
A. Fuente Chateau Fuente