Suggestions for and from value smokers?

[poorsmoker]

Hi, I just recently joined up here and nearly as recently began enjoying cigars. I'm quite surprised how much I like them thanks to the amount of videos and insights available online describing how and why they're a tasty treat. I've smoked cigarettes for some years and am wanting to 'graduate' into cigars like any grown ass man should. My problem is they are rather expensive in Canada especially for premium blends. Just thought I'd ask for and offer a few thoughts in my brief smoking experience. Firstly every smoke shop around me that specializes in tobacco and cigars generally has a medium to large sized store which must result in high overhead cost especially those with walk-in humidors that are located in trendy or gentrified spaces. Second and most annoying, even with tax most appear to be marked above MSRP.

I know there are cheaper varieties but I didn't want to spoil my first smoking experiences with Guantanemera's and such, so I felt there had to be something available with reasonable if not discounted offerings. Fortunately I have been successful in finding some local brick and mortar shops that appear as gritty as they come with tiny walk in spaces and sheets of glass separating customers from staff. I scored three #2 Montes for 18 bucks each compared to $28~32 at other tobacconists with spacious offerings, two #4 Montes for 11 dollars and one Romeo and Juliet for 7. Each nearly half off compared to the major outlets. These are genuine article offerings since I was also allowed to take the boxes as I cleaned out their remaining Montes (#4 is from 2009, #2 from 2011).

Sorry about the long post especially for a first timer, but I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this before and can offer up other constructive opinions for ...cheap... smokers that still want to experience premium tobacco. (preferably local, online is another beast all together).

Take care.

[nick17]

I'm also in Canada (Toronto) and I have to agree with you that the taxes here are ridicules but what can you do... i find that Cuban cigars can often be a little pricy but if you like cigars and find that B&M prices are to high for you then look online there are many great sites like Czar among others. we here in canada are lucky enough to also have a large selection of non cuban cigars that we can get , I find that theese are often time just as good or better then some Cuba cigars ( i know to some of you guys this is blasphemy but with the way things are going in HSA then we better get used to it I my self would much rather only smoke Cuban cigars)so my advice to you would be give some of the non cuban stuff a shot and find what you like!

also where did you get monty 2s for $18?

[j0z3r]

For a good, inexpensive Cuban cigar, I like the Partagas Super Partagas.

[ewipper]

RG Panatelas Extra

[CBL]

I've been loving the PL Montecarlos lately, pretty cheap great quality.

[LeafLover]

See the "Cheap and Cheerful" thread. Good suggestions there.