looking for suggestions

[Fat Freddy]

What cigars would you suggest for a newbie? Here's what I'm looking for:

- Limit your suggestions to five.
- Can be purchased individually.
- Price no object.
- Why you would recommend them.

I guess I'm looking for a dream list of what I should try, to get a sense of what's out there. And to avoid making bad choices on my own!

Thanks.

[pub spears]

Mild, med or full? There's some fine cigars you don't want to try on an empty stomach. For a nice medium maduro - Cao MX2 or Carlos Torano Virtuoso. For something spicey- any red label Tatuaje or an Oliva V in torp or double robusto. For a nice smooth med natural- Carlos Torano Exodus 1959. For milder- Perdomo Cuban Cafe(not a Cuban). None of these are over $10. For over $10, try a Padron 1964 or 1926 any size . Same for Ashton VSG . Any of thes cigars should be readily available at a good shop except for the Oliva V torp which is in high demand.

[Fat Freddy]

Thanks for your list, pub spears. I'm surmising I don't want to try a full-bodied quite yet (probably kill me) but something mild to medium that a newbie can handle.

[BigMacFU]

1) Punch Champion, cheap smoke, great smoke, classic domestic punch flavor that is enhanced with the figurado shape.

2) Carlos Toraño Exodus 1959 Robusto- another value smoke that has great and consistent flavor.

3) Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story-4-5 bucks a stick, another figurado and absolutely delicious.

4) Arturo Fuente Work of Art Madure-Hard to find, again, figurado, flavor out of this world

5) Partagas Presidente ISOM-What do you know, another figurado, one of my favorite isoms.

[mrtr33]

I felt compelled to share with you 5 cigars I have truly enjoyed since I started smoking cigars. According to your introductory posts, it looks as if we are about on the same page, and perhaps similar palate. Take each with a grain of salt, and I would hope you would be willing to share your favorites so far as well.

1) Padron #4000 Maduro - Nice cigar that isn't too strong, but definitely flavorful. Has a nice spiciness to it, and isn't overwhelmingly long, yet not short, either.

2) Rocky Patel Sun Grown - This was my first sun-grown, and now I'm hooked on them. The taste (to me) isn't quite maduro-ish, yet provides more flavor (in my experience and opinion) than non-maduro sticks. Oily wrapper that stayed together well the hour+ I was smoking it.

3) Partagas Black - Of the black cigars I've tried so far, this is my favorite. I've also tried a Gloria Cubana #6 Maduro and a Cohiba Black Supremo. The Partagas had a nice blend of sweetness that wasn't overwhelming, but noticeable. The Piramides have a very tight draw - I have to punch mine.

4) Arturo Fuente King B - The greatest thing I liked about this was taste. It just kept going, and changing throughout the length of the cigar. I've only seen these once at my local B&M, and the guy said he didn't know when there would be more.

5) Macanudo Vintage 2000 - I know Mac's aren't popular to real cigar smokers, and perhaps I'll see the light soon. But I enjoyed every inch of this cigar - burned very easily, good taste to the nub, not to strong, but not unpleasant, either.

There you go, from one noob to another. I have some definite dislikes, as well, but maybe for another thread.

[WeldonSmokin]

Greetings,
I'll just throw one more in here in addition to the (very good) suggestions above:
I would recommend the Romeo y Julieta Viejo. It is a mild-ish medium and has absolutely no bitterness. I'm not sure if it is carried by all the online vendors, but I got my last 5ver from Cigar International...I think they run about $5.
I think it may be one of the mildest maduros I've ever tried.
Happy Days!

[ashauler]

Fonseca (just about all blends)
Gispert maduro
CT Casa Torano
CT Vintage Cameroon
Cusano 18 dbl maduro

IMO, all the above are mild/med yet flavorful......all are also very affordable.....they are always in my cooler or humi, at least a few of each. I really like the Gispert mad with my morning coffee.

[islcigar]

AVO CLASSIC
AVO XO
ZINO CLASSIC
ZINO SCEPTER
SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL

Here are 5 cigars by one of the greatest boutique cigars makers, Davidoff. The cigars vary from light ,smooth and creamy .............to a solid medium body w/ cocoa with strong cuban roots. Enjoy the process.

[Fat Freddy]

Thanks for those great suggestions everyone, I appreciate your help. I'm compiling a list of all the suggestions.

I've hooked up with Cabaiguan Juan for a newbie exchange and it will be interesting to see what he chooses for me. All in all I should have a lot of options available, and sure to have a pleasant time trying them.

You guys rock!