a smoking n00b

[shub]

hello everybody, i am new here to the forum. i just wanted to say hi to everyone first of all.

as of recently, i've began testing different, more expensive brands of cigars. i browsed the forums here briefly, and i can see that the "gas station" cigars are quite looked down upon. well, about a couple of months ago, i would have scauffed at you guys for being foolish.. however, i can say that since having smoked some more expensive brands for the past month, i will NEVER smoke a white owl again! i tried a white owl peach corona (a previous favorite of mine) yesteday.. i hadn't had one for a month, WOW, it was HORRIBLE. i would have been perfectly satisfied with them however, if i hadnt moved up the chain. they used to be quite enjoyable, but they taste like nothing more than air and a camp fire now ;-).

now, my problem is, there are SO MANY to choose from. i get lost, and frankly, i am dropping toooo much cash just to try things. i turned 18 very recently, i don't make much at my job, but i have enough money to buy a decent cigar id say, if i knew which brands to consistently pick out.

instead i find myself going into the local humidor, and coming out with an armload of different cigars. one week, i spent about $100 on cigars. now, i know that may not seem a lot to you guys, if you smoke the say, $6 romeo y julietas, but to me it was... i was used to spending 65 cents on those white owls!

i thought maybe you guys could give me some direction. i don't smoke all that often, it's more of a social activity for me that i share with my brothers, and some close friends. we all pitch in to try different stuff, and get a range of things.

my palate probably isn't the most advanced, but there are cigars are like more than others.. you may laugh at some of my selections, which i will list, but i could use some constructive criticism so to speak!

i will say, that i am not a fan of the larger cigars at this time. i've had a couple, and i find that they last too long for my patience, plus they tend to be rather expensive. i prefer to spend less, smoke more... perhaps that mentality will change as i learn. dunno. for the moent i like, the medium sized cigars that come in tins (what do they call this size?), typically 10-packs, and the more petite ones, like cigarettes. i typically budget myself to paying, if you do the math, about $1.25 max on the medium cigars in the tins, and about 75 cents each for petites in tins. i don't like to smoke one cigar for more than 20 minutes.

okay, i'll make a list of everything i can remember trying.. for the hell of it, i'll list my gas station favorites :D... well, once favorites. some, or many, i don't know the exact names, so i will describe case, and cost to help.

gas station:

+ white owl minatures
-sweet
-dark
-vanilla
-chocolate
-strawberry

+ white owl coronias
-peach, blueberry, grape, strawberry, apple

+ backwoods (i tried two varities)
+ swisher sweets
-mini cherries
-cinnamons

+ dutch masters (don't remember the name, large cigar, was about $3.00 for a 4-pack. probably the worst cigar i can say i've ever tried. however, it has one earned one thing, it's common for my brothers and friends to jest about it. ex. when trying a new more exp. cigar, we may comment as such... "wow, this pretty good. but it's no dutch master!")

+garcia vega
-another very large cigar, cost about $1.50. came in a tube.


the smoke shop humidor:

+ danneman imperiales - 20-pack, black tin
+ swisher sweet cherries - 10 pack-tin
+ al-capone rum
+ partagas miniatures
+ panter (long, narrow, white tin.. forget the name)
+ kahlua - white russian flavor
+ acid
- blue connecticut (10-pacl)
- blondie
+ artuero fuente- 10 pack, black tin front, red back, don't know the name..spanish..
+ partagas minatures - 10 pack
+ partagas - 10 pack - yellow tin - don't the name either
+ ashton - petite cigars, white case, 20-pack, was about $9


that's everything, i think i've smoked. i probably missed a couple here or there, though likely not a memoroable smoke if i didn't list it.

so far my favorites are:

artuero fuente, partagas in yellow tin (what are these called btw, anyone know?), and the danneman imperiales, and the al capones, they are repeat buys for me.

i hope i didn't offend everyone because i don't typically smoke the larger cigars. i will splurge and buy one, if someone can suggest a good one, but i haven't invested any time in really trying them, because they are so expensive, that i'd only want to buy one at a time, which makes it difficult to contrast them with other cigars. the tins are nice, because i get a bunch of chances to decide if they are good.

so what do you guys think? do i have stupid palate? anything i've smoked considered a good pick? what would you guys suggest i try, that i haven't listed.

one cigar i plan on buying tomorrow is the macundo 10-pack tin, worth it?


WOW, i know i wrote a lot guys. i sort of unleashed the floodgates, i do apologize if its too much info to handle, i just didn't want to forget while i got it all up in the front of mind. thanks in advance for any responses!


-bill

[cigarsarge]

Damn...I..I...I just don't know where to begin.

[MMAB]

never ever again admit to your gas station list!

Granted you are a newbie and you are allowed that one error!

When I first started smoking cigars I too went with smaller cigars. Macanudo Ascots, Punch Panetellas, Ashton Aristocrats, etc.

You will discover after a while that a larger cigar is better, smoother and more flavorful. Small cigars burn hot and harsh. You can't truly enjoy a really small cigar in my opinion.

You'll learn that sitting down and smoking a cigar is a great "down time" where you can relax. If you are with friends you can chat, laugh and live. It's a great bonding time.

Yes, cigars can be expensive. Especially if you smoke every day and if you have a top shelf habit. But many great cigars can be had for about $5.00 each and there are a few out there that are also great and only sell for around $3.00! If you only smoke two or three a week it's not really that expensive.

You've gone pretty heavy with the flavored stuff I see. If that's what you really like, OK. To each his own. But the majority of serious cigar smokers consider them.....well..........crap. Sorry.

REAL cigars don't need flavorings to taste good. A good cigar relies on only it's tobacco and the knowledge and skill of the roller to produce it's unique flavors. Don't waste your time and cash on flavored stuff. Explore. There are so many wonderful smokes out there!

If you like short smoke try stepping up to a robusto sized cigar. The heavier gauge (thickness) of a robusto allows them to burn cooler and smoother, yet the length isn't very long and won't take a long time to smoke.

Some of my recommendations for good $5.00 cigars would be:

Arturo Fuente Chateau (try the sun-grown version if you like em' spicy)
Punch Rothchilde
Romeo y Julieta Bully
Puros Indios Robusto
Macanudo Crystal Cafe (mild)
Torano Exodus Silver Robusto

the list could go on and on and on.....

Less money? Try Rolys, Maria Mancini, La Unica, CC, Gispert or St Luis Rey

I hope you'll find as time goes by that sitting down for an hour or two with friends while you enjoy a BIG cigar can be a great time. Give it a shot.

But also remember that one of the best things of cigar smoking is exploring all of the different brands and types of cigars that are out there. When you go to your shop don't be afraid to ask for advice!

And, welcome to the board!

[bigpoppapuff]

i'd forget the macanudo...too expensive for what you're going to get.....i'd start mild and let your tastes develop...start with baccarat,occidental,and fonseca...then step up from there....

[SuperChuck]

I highly suggest Rolys. I pay something like 1.10-1.35 per stick at my local, overpriced shop.

They're what's called a "second", which is basically a cigar that didn't make it through quality control for one reason or another, usually aesthetic.

I usually keep several Rolys around for times like driving, when I really won't enjoy a super premium smoke, but want something good...

....but...Rolys are real cigars and thereby should be kept in a humid environment....

SIne you're straight out of low-cash, an unused tupperware container will hold in humidity, as will a freezer bag. If it's dry where you are (<70 percent relative humidity), slightly dampen a paper towel with DISTILLED water, pit it in a sandwich sandwich bag, and toss it in your makeshift humidor.

[nhcigarfan]

You can also try some of the smaller Sancho Panza's. They are good for the price. Also ask the clerk at your local shop for suggestion from what they carry. Our opinions won't matter much if your shop doesn't carry it.

[basil]

Damn...I..I...I just don't know where to begin.

lol.

[Baron Porthos]

Go on the internet to JR Alternatives.
http://www.jrcigars.com/index.cfm?page=home
Try the Ultimate with your brothers split the cost.

[shub]

thanks everyone! i am a little busy this week, i am just starting the fall semester at school. but i'll update you guys on what i tried when i get a chance. i really appreciate all the quick responses, and the warm welcome!

[shub]

okay, i bought 2 large stogies this evening.


sorry, i wasn't planning on going to the shop this evening, but i was driving by and had time... unfortunately i didn't have my list of suggestions from you guys with me, so i went off memory!

i bought a romeo y julieta churchill. WOW, very good. i've never had a cigar like that. i paid $5.50 for it. i am writing this right now, and i must say i've never felt so "stoned" after smoking a cigar. at least its a clean buzz, no headache or stomach ache, i am just very dizzy!! i wasn't expecting it, i smoked it while driving, and found i had to go home, i couldn't handle driving, i was a little impaired .

i also bought an artuero fuente... i think robusto size. haven't smoked it yet though, the romeo lasted about an hour, and that's all i needed for this evening.

after reading the forum here, and comparing what i saw in the shop, i didn't see a lot of what was listed, except the punch cigars. so i think i'll try those next. i almost bought some, but i just couldn't remember if you guys recommended them.

anyways, to top of my little post here, do you mind if i ask a brief series of n00b questions?

how far down do you cut a cigar? i am not sure how far to go, i may be screwing them up.
-also, i've been using this handy $1.50 plastic cigar cutter.. it does the job, but i am thinking of buying a nicer one off ebay, i really don't care how much it costs, i just want a good one that will last, so it can be the cigar cutter for all my cigars. those plastic ones i find i need to replace occasionally. another think i was wondering is what is the best cutter? guillotine, punch, or scissors?

next couple of questions, are kinda etiquette questions, so i can smoke like a pro.

now i know everyone has a preference, but how far down should the typical cigar be smoked? til your fingertips are blistering, or to the band? or what?

how should i smoke it? i usually just suck in a mouthful of smoke, and slowly let it pour out of my mouth.. some friends suggested i blow it out my nose too, but it kinda burns.. should i keep trying that, and get used to it?

i'll leave it at that for now.. i have a tendency to write books, sorry guys!

[shub]

ok, this is another silly kind of question. but are you supposed to leave the band on when you smoke? i mean, i know it doesn't change the smoke at all.. but i tend to leave it on, so my fingers don't get tobacco smelling, then near the end, if i plan on smoking it down that far, i'll remove the band. maybe there is no protocol for this.. just wondering how you guys handle that.

[SuperChuck]

Pretty much everything you've asked is just a matter of preference...

For a while, I was keeping my cuts short, just shaving off the cap. But, since I was using a cheap cutter, I was leaving a bad edge, so i started cutting a bit more off. Now that I have one of them fancy Xikar cutters, I'm back to a just shaving off the cap.

Cuts are all personal preference. Next time you're buying cigars, ask for a few different cuts. That will help you decide what you prefer. If you're trying to save a couple bucks, I don't see any reason not to get your local shop to do the cutting for you. (I can't imagine a couple clips would bother anyone)

I typically smoke cigars until they taste funny or I run out of time. I tend to smoke cigars a little hot, so they tend to lose flavor early and get a little minty (that or my taste buds overload?).

Having the band on or off tends not to affect the taste of the cigar, so it really doesn't matter if you leave it on or take it off. I guess there's one camp that says "Don't be a showoff, remove the band from that $25 cigar". And there's probably another camp that says "Take the band off so they won't know you're smoking a $1.25 Roly". I'm from the camp that says "No one I know can tell the difference between a $25 Opus X and a $1.25 Roly".

I leave the band on for a while. Usually as the cigar burns down, the glue on the band loosens, so I'll usually remove the band at that point...

Smoke 'em however you like 'em.... If exhaling through your nose hurts, don't do it. I usually exhale at a pretty "medium" pace... Not forcing the smoke out, but giving it a little push... But that's just what I like...

[prophetic_joe]

Since shub opened the floor for silly noob questions I think I'll ask one.

Anyone able to blow smoke rings? I watched fellowship of the ring yesterday before I had a cigar myself and decided to try it. dorky thing to do i know but c'mon who hasn't tried it at least once or thought about it. problem is it is damn hard now i want to do it just so I don't fail.

[prophetic_joe]

oh and what are FOG's and BOTL's?

[Corona Gigante]

Since shub opened the floor for silly noob questions I think I'll ask one.

Anyone able to blow smoke rings? I watched fellowship of the ring yesterday before I had a cigar myself and decided to try it. dorky thing to do i know but c'mon who hasn't tried it at least once or thought about it. problem is it is damn hard now i want to do it just so I don't fail.

Just 'cause Gandalf makes it look cool doesn't mean you're going to be able to get away with it.

oh and what are FOG's and BOTL's?

FOG = Friendly Older Gentleman

BOTL = Brother Of The Leaf, a mensch, stand-up guy, etc.

[shub]

what's filler tobacco? why do some cigars advertise they have a lot?

[bigpoppapuff]

there is a binder....filler goes into the binder.....long fill or mixed or chopped..ugh.....wrapper goes around the binder which holds the filler.....all cigars have filler...or it isn't a cigar.....

[prophetic_joe]

Just 'cause Gandalf makes it look cool doesn't mean you're going to be able to get away with it.


FOG = Friendly Older Gentleman

BOTL = Brother Of The Leaf, a mensch, stand-up guy, etc.

Hey I'm no Gandalf but I am at least as cool as Bilbo.

Thanks for the clarification on the acronyms.

[cigar no baka]

Just 'cause Gandalf makes it look cool doesn't mean you're going to be able to get away with it.


FOG = Friendly Older Gentleman

BOTL = Brother Of The Leaf, a mensch, stand-up guy, etc.

I always thought FOG stood for Older Guy

[SuperChuck]

If you had Mithril armor, you might be as cool as Bilbo...

Basically, filler is the inside of a cigar. Almost all premium cigars are "long filler", which means the pieces are tobacco that make up the body of the cigar are, duh, long. Machine made cigars use short filler, which is similar to the inside of a cigarette.