Quote Originally Posted by tagmill View Post
I've been lurking around for a few weeks and finally decided to say hello to all you nice folks.

I'm still very new to cigars, but I have found little else that is relaxing as sitting on the patio, smoking a cigar, and forgetting the stresses and responsibilities of life for an hour or so. As to what I enjoy, the list of cigars I have sampled would probably be much more expansive if I weren't a poor college student. That being said, I would rather purchase one excellent cigar than spend the same amount on several of dubious quality.

I'll include a list of cigars I have tried below, disappointingly short as it is. Have I been buying decently regarded varieties, or have I been deceived by clever marketing and random internet blogging? I've paid anywhere from ~$3 up to around $10 a stick, and $7-10 seems a fair price for good quality, but as mentioned before, I may be mistaken.

So I ask you gentlemen (and maybe a few ladies), what can I try that will give me a standard to judge other cigars by? I know what I like, and I don't buy again that which I don't, but the experience and recommendation of far more experience connoisseurs would be greatly appreciated.

My list:
Montecristo White (Purchased today, as a ring-dunk smoke. Any other Ags on the forum?)
Romeo y Julieta Cedro de Luxe No. 2
Romeo y Julieta Churchill (I enjoyed these)
Romeo y Julieta Habana Robusto (I haven't smoked this one yet, probably will Sunday afternoon)
Taboo Habana Sun Grown Corona (Recommended by a shop in Grapevine)

The Taboo was my first, and I can't say it was bad, but I can't say it was good either. I've since stuck with R&J, which was recommended as a brand for good quality and a decent price. The Montecristo was purchased mainly on the basis of brand name and the cool aluminum tube it came in. Shamelessly, I can be easily swayed by pretty packaging, a trait that can be seen in past romances and some very ill-advised wine purchases.

Thanks for reading my rambling introduction; I'm looking forward to reading and spending more time on the forum.
Welcome from Ottawa, Canada!

As for standards, I have a few. I'm not saying these are the best smokes in their respective price ranges, but they are pretty good and very consistent. There are just so many different tastes and flavours out there that somebody else can totally disagree with me and be right - for their tastes.

Bundle-priced: Flor de Oliva (Gold, Maduro, Corojo)
In fact, everything branded as Oliva in the respective price ranges.

Everything Padron in the respective price ranges, although, honestly, you may not get your money's worth from the 1964 and 1926 series until you've smoked more.

Sub-$5, newer palate: Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 or 1992 Seconds
Sub-$5, not-so-new palate: Gran Habano Corojo #5
Sub-$5, experienced palate: Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970

Then there's Fuente, whatever Don Pepin Garcia is making, and, of course, Cubans .