First Box of Cigars

[prophetic_joe]

I am quite proud of my first purchase being a quality cuban and don't see why a newbie shouldn't talk about cubans to be honest.

BlackRain.

A newbie shouldn't talk about cubans in his first post simply because the forum sites are constantly being attacked by people trying to sell fake cubans and when a newbie gets on and in his first post is discussing cubans it normally leads to the guy trying to sell them. if it's your first post the older members here will see it and think automatically that you are a scam artist who thinks we are all so stupid that you can buy yourself some swisher sweets throw a fake cuban band on them and we'll pay you top dollar. you have stated that this is not the case and my warning stands. it normally doesn't start you off on the right foot with the older members. it's just about establishing trust and proving you're a legit guy who wants to honestly be a part of the brotherhood of cigar smokers.

and as far as what BPP said don't take it harshly the guys here, myself included, are generally a bit rough around the edges but they take care of each other and will take care of you. you just got to give it time and build those relationships.

[SuperChuck]

BPP comes off as brash to a lot of newbies because he uses very few words. :)

He is, however, rediculously knowedgeable in cigars, so listen to what he says. :)
He works as a rep in the cigar biz and has travelled tobacco-growing nations extensively. He really knows his stuff...

Are you planning on getting a humidor? If so, you can store your smokes in a ziploc freezer bag (not sandwich bags). If you're NOT planning on getting a humidor, tupperware is fine. HOWEVER, don't use your wife's. Get yourself a nice new piece and donate it to your wife AFTER the smokes are gone. You don't want your very expensive cubans (or "cubans") tasting like meatloaf.

If you're planning on storing these bad boys for more than a couple days, you should build yourself a humidifier. Get yourself a new sponge, florist foam, or paper towel, dampen it with a couple drops of distilled water, and place it in a sandwich bag. Leave the sandwich bag open so the humidity can get out. Refresh your sponge every few weeks and you should be good to go.

[bigpoppapuff]

having been to the D.R. at least a dozen times,i've had many opportunities to buy "cubans".....i asked two people who i trust.....guillermo leon (owner of la aurora) and manuel quesada (owner of matasa)...the question i asked was "can one buy cuban cigars in the D.R.?"....they both said "absolutey NO!!!".....factories get closed/raided on a regular basis making fakes....even experts have a difficult time deciphering the realness of the cigars,bands,labels,boxes,et al......they're that good.....but if two of the giants in the industry say no...i'm going with no.......
........now,maybe yours are real.......in any case,enjoy them...toughen the skin up a bit and learn....