Hello.

**MaxPower** · 05-23-2006, 12:48 PM

I have been lurking on this board for a while, but I've decided to stay around and actually start participating in the discussions.

I'm new to cigars. I've been in the hobby now for about three months. Here is the list of sticks that I have enjoyed:

La Unica #400
C.A.O. Brazilia Pirahna
Punch Magnum
Arturo Fuente Churchill
Romeo y Julieta (brought back by father-in-law from Cuba - so it might be a real one)

In my executive humidor:
La Unica #400
Padron 2000
La Gloria Cubana Serie R #6
C.A.O. Brazilia Gol
C.A.O. Gold Robusto
Romeo y Julieta 1875 Bully
Punch Rare Corojo El Doble
Punch Grand Puro Sierra

I have found that I tend towards the Robusto size (five to six inches, thick ring size).

I really don't have anything else to say. I look forward to hanging out here and learning a thing or two.

**Cigar Penguin** · 05-23-2006, 01:09 PM

Hello there friend...welcome to our small group of great Brothers(sisters) of the Leaf....BOTL.
We can use more folks to start threads and chit chat with.
My best advice is learn to use the search function and read read read and maybe....read some more.Theres nothing wrong with bringing up an old thread if you feel your concerns or questions have not been answered or you have a new question related.
There is a ton of help to be had here and some of the other cigar forums that alot of us belong to as well.

If you are new,my second piece of advice is to buy as many sampler packs as you can.There are samplers in such wide variaties that you will indeed find a new flavor,cigar,size,stregnth,shape,and maybe new top of the line go to smoke for yourself.
For example,there are smapler packs by size....like Robusto 15pk sampler.Torpedo samplers,mixed bag samplers....various sizes,shapes and flavors.
If you are like me,you would definately love to try them all.
Understanding that there are some great writers out there....I think CigarsInternational has the best ones,that will make any dog rocket sound appealing.
I have learned from here the various top grade cheapie,bundles,and yard gars.

I purchased samplers for the first 35 purchases as well as some bundles when I started out.I got involved with trades,passes,and drafts and some contests.There are things called newbie sampler trades as well.....this is probably one of the best ways to sample many different sticks....from yard gars to ultra rare,limited,premium and cubans.So if considering a box purchase for $200 or whatever,just useing $200 as an example,you post that you would like to do a newbie sampler trade and send money to who is up next.I promise you will get way more than you paid for and will not be disappointed.

As your pallette changes and becomes more refined you will indeed think of some of your smokes as bland and not doing it for you anymore.Some like mild even after years some like med,some like strong some,like myself like them all and all for different reasons.

This is an addicting hobby.I smoked for years but have recently joined forums because I want to learn about good storage,storage conditions,collecting,ageing,and just have something that appreciates in value down the road.I also enjoy meeting folks of same interests.I will always keep learning something,when I feel I cannot learn anything anymore,then I need to give up this hobby. :)

Enjoy your stay,dont be afraid to post,reply,or pm any of us.
Again,welcome.