I smoked my first "real" cigar on July 3 of this year. I had a horrible cig habit that I desperately wanted to get rid of and I saw somewhere that some people had used cigars to help them, so I thought I would give it a shot. Besides, chewing wasn't for me and I couldn't sleep worth a shit on the patch or gum.

The only other person that I knew who smoked cigars with any regularity was my bro-in-law, and since a grape Philly blunt is his idea of a fine smoke, I decided to forgo any advice and just pick a couple and give it a shot. The local b/m had a 40% off table so that is where I started. I picked up a Quorum corona and a Flor de Oliva maduro toro. As my luck would hold (bad) I tried the Quorum first......and hated it. Very harsh and somewhat bitter. Put it out about 1/2 way through. Still wasn't smoking cigs so by the next morning, I was Jonsing pretty good for some nicotine, so I fired up the FdO.......yum,yum,yummy. I definitely have the bug now and look forward to the next new experience with cigars. Since then I have purchased a humidor and a sampler from Thompson cigars and gone to a cigar auction so I have tried quite a few different smokes and am finding out what I like and don't like.

BTW, I have scored a major victory in my war against nicotine dependence.....I smoked NOTHING yesterday, and delayed my smoke today until my lunch hour when I could relax and enjoy the entire smoke.......no hurried puffing just to get some nic in the system.

I'm really "gettin' it" I think. I don't have any smoking buddies locally yet, so I have developed a solitary routine to help ensure that I am smoking for the PLEASURE and not the need. I appreciate all the fine BOTL that hang out here as this is kind of a support for me and really points out and reinforces that smoking cigars is a social/relaxation/enjoyment thing, with its own lingo, etiquette, ect. One day, I hope to feel a part of this brotherhood and contribute to others enjoyment, as much as this board has helped me.