gr8tdanz Posted July 6, 2011 Posted July 6, 2011 I am by all standards still pretty new to the cigar thing, although I have dived headlong into it and have tried to educate myself along the way (like using FOH forum as a great learning tool). I've been smoking steady for close to 2 years. When I'm in my B&M shop, there are times when the attractive and buxom young lady behind the counter knows more about Iphone apps than cigars. Which in case I didn't mention is okay, given she is attractive and buxom. All that aside I have been asked a few times to assist new customers in making a selection. I always ask how they like coffee, weak or strong, light or dark beers and so on to get a feel for where they fall tastewise. But for a new guy eager to start a collection, not just have the occasional tailgate party stick, what advice would you give? To me some obvious advice would be to invest in high quality storage and humidification system, be it kitty litter or an oasis type device. I also would suggest not buying any boxes for at least 8-10 months as their palate will surely change. I know I have several duds laying around now because I thought I loved a certain brand and loaded up early. I now regret doing that everytime I look in one of my humis and see them. Buying high quality accessories would be another. Cutter, lighter etc... These are just a few examples of advice to help somone from making mistakes early on. Interested to hear your thoughts.
Colt45 Posted July 6, 2011 Posted July 6, 2011 Don't be in a rush, and keep an open mind about new things (sizes for example). Try and drop any preconceived notions about Cuban cigars - don't let expectation lead to disappointment.
PigFish Posted July 6, 2011 Posted July 6, 2011 Don't be in a rush, and keep an open mind about new things (sizes for example). Try and drop any preconceived notions about Cuban cigars - don't let expectation lead to disappointment. ...right on mate. There are no cigar gurus. Cigar smoking in a monogamous marriage. There is you and there is a cigar. While you may or may not benefit from a marriage counselor, a mentor, he or she is not there day in and day out with you and your cigar partners. Don't let your guide, if you have one, be more than a guide. I say engage in a forum such as this one. The cigar community, if it is a good one is a nice place to lodge. Whether you are learning, teaching or just sharing, it is therapeutic and a fun way to share your passion. -Piggy
mash Posted July 6, 2011 Posted July 6, 2011 Don't be in a rush, and keep an open mind about new things (sizes for example). Try and drop any preconceived notions about Cuban cigars - don't let expectation lead to disappointment. This is solid advice. I would go one further and say drop any preconceived notion about cigars in general, particularly country of origin. Cuban cigars are great, but there are some really nice Nicaraguan and Dominican cigars too. It may turn out that you do or don't like them, but don't be a snob to begin with.
bc8436 Posted July 6, 2011 Posted July 6, 2011 To me some obvious advice would be to invest in high quality storage and humidification system, be it kitty litter or an oasis type device. I've found the best storage system for those new to the hobby is a coolerdor/tupperdor with beads. It's cheap, easy to setup and maintain, and generally delivers better 'performance' than most entry-level humidors. Though still a novice myself, one general advice I would give is to be patient. Whether it's setting up a humidor, lighting the cigar or smoking it. It's a relaxing hobby, so take your time with everything. This is something I learned the hard way, lol.
MrGlass Posted July 7, 2011 Posted July 7, 2011 My advice is pretty much repeating what has already been written, but I think it's worth repeating regardless. Relax, take your time, and be prepared to ask questions. There is a huge array of knowledge out there, and a few questions may save you in both time and money. It shouldn't take too long to figure out who's blowing smoke out their arse, and when you identify those people, move on. Be prepared to be disappointed. As much as we would all love for every cigar to be a perfect moment of nirvana, sadly that will never be the case. There will be some cigars that are not worth the effort of lighting them, and they may well be sitting right next to one that will blow your socks off. Removing your expectations is difficult, but it does allow you to enjoy a cigar for what it is and makes it easier to simply toss a bad stick. Nick.
thechenman Posted July 7, 2011 Posted July 7, 2011 My advice...don't put the lit end of the cigar in your mouth. It burns.
Rehman Posted July 7, 2011 Posted July 7, 2011 Relax, take your time, and be prepared to ask questions. There is a huge array of knowledge out there, and a few questions may save you in both time and money. It shouldn't take too long to figure out who's blowing smoke out their arse, and when you identify those people, move on.Be prepared to be disappointed. As much as we would all love for every cigar to be a perfect moment of nirvana, sadly that will never be the case. There will be some cigars that are not worth the effort of lighting them, and they may well be sitting right next to one that will blow your socks off. Removing your expectations is difficult, but it does allow you to enjoy a cigar for what it is and makes it easier to simply toss a bad stick. Nick. Deathless wisdom so beautifully expressed, substitute anything you like for "cigar" and you have universal applicability.
Rehman Posted July 7, 2011 Posted July 7, 2011 More practically: SAMPLERS! Get all three of the sampler sets offered by Cigar Czar, for example, and you'll have a great selection of vitolas and marcas. After you've rotated through them you'll have a good idea of what you like.
gr8tdanz Posted July 7, 2011 Author Posted July 7, 2011 More practically: SAMPLERS! Get all three of the sampler sets offered by Cigar Czar, for example, and you'll have a great selection of vitolas and marcas. After you've rotated through them you'll have a good idea of what you like. Agree completely. Early on I also bought a lot of singles from my B&M to see what I liked.
baragh Posted July 7, 2011 Posted July 7, 2011 Learnt o smoke slowly. I've seen too many beautiful cigars reduced to a hot, bitter mess (this includes me in my early days)
beamer Posted July 7, 2011 Posted July 7, 2011 Learnt o smoke slowly. I've seen too many beautiful cigars reduced to a hot, bitter mess (this includes me in my early days) This is excellent advice.
Dbone Posted July 7, 2011 Posted July 7, 2011 All great information and guidance. I'll keep my advise simple.... start smoking and stock up on the ones you like. Its a process which is as individualistic as you are. Good luck
celsis Posted July 8, 2011 Posted July 8, 2011 I wish someone had said to me that what constitutes a GREAT cigar is what YOU think is a great cigar. Also, what you eat and/or drink before and during your cigar can have a large bearing on how you enjoy it.
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