First time poster, noob smoker...a few questions and introduction.

[FactoredReality]

Welcome from Virginia

[logan37]

Welcome from NY.

Ashton's are a good place to start. Well, That's what I started on anyway. FYI, Ashton is actually considered a medium bodied cigar so if you like those, look for more in the medium range. Mild cigars are nice to have sometimes. IMO if you only smoke mild cigars you're going to get bored.

Mix it up. Maybe check out the Newbie Sampler thread in the exchange forums.

[CWVA27]

"IMO if you only smoke mild cigars you're going to get bored" I agree I was pretty much just smoking the Padrons & Macanudos. I like mild sticks but the more medium to medium strong sticks have really good flavors especially when you get past the first third of the stick. Hanging out at the local cigar shop and smelling all the different sticks really peaked my intrest. The more I have gotten to know the guys hangiing out at and working in the store the more often then not if I asked about a certain stick or for a recomendation they would say grab one try it if you don't like it you don't have to pay for it. The brands that were recomended that I really like are: Carlos Torano, La Flor, Nub & Camacho. As far as a milder "sweeter but not flavored" stick that I really enjoy is an Alec Bradley Sun Grown.

[craig]

Welcome from Ottawa, Canada!

I second - strongly - trying a Newbie sampler.

Some Maduro's are also nice, especially for that sweetness. In order of accessibility, I'd start with the Alec Bradley Trilogy Exotic Maduro, then move on to the CAO Brazilia, and then a Padron Maduro.

Then there are the higher-end Padron or Fuente Maduro's. However, the price may not yet be worth it.

[BenjiM]

welcome from a fellow newb.

I am in your shoes, just started smoking more and making the transition from mild to medium bodied cigars.

my favorites so far have been the

CAO Cx2
Padron Anniversario
Padron Maduro
R y J Vintage


Try a Padron Maduro for a decently priced higher quality stick.

I bought a box of Arturo Fuente Curly Heads (not curly head deluxe). I got them for about a buck a stick. They are pretty good and have a sweet taste and great flavor. They don't burn perfectly, but they burn just fine for a cheap daily. They draw really well.