New to Forum: Recommendations Needed

[VernBob]

I totally agree with the local smoke shop advice. Not only recommendations but the monthly events have been great. I'm going to a SEP event that will pair food, wine and Ashton cigars at a local premium restaurant here in California's wine country.

As for cigar samples, I signed up with all the on-line cigar sites I could. I've learned a lot about the businesses by the nature of their weekly specials. I unsubscribed to a couple very quickly. Others like Cigar International have become my friend. My most recent and best experience was an introductory offer from Famous Smoke Shop, fifteen quality cigars for about $25 including shipping.

Hope this helps.

[VernBob]

Oops! Forgot something...

The cigar rating site that has really earned my respect is http://www.top25cigar.com/

I may be tempted to buy an on-line cigar because the price is sooooo right, but the name is unknown to me, so I check out Top 25 Cigar. If it's not there I won't consider the purchase any longer. Between Top 25 Cigar and my local smoke shop I've stayed a happy man.

[mithril]

just wanted to welcome you to the boards and to congratulate (sp?) you on using the search engine first. that's one of my biggest irks on this and other boards.

as a relitive newbie myself i have no advise except find a local tobacconist. i've learned quite a bit from them. and also hang out here a while and you are bound to find out alot more about cigars.