Recommendations for newbie Cuban smoker

[Echo4oscar]

New to the Cuban scene and curious what you seasoned vets would deem an ideal "First Cuban". What was your first? If you could go back in time would you swap it with another stick? I have never had one but am planning to pop my cherry soon. My taste preference is definitely more of a full body smoke but have been know to indulge in a more mild affair. Interested to see all the suggestions! 

 

[NSXCIGAR]

Bolivar Royal Coronas is a pretty good starter choice. A little closer to medium or just under but a good starting point. Obviously Partagas D4 (D5 is a tad stronger) or Montecristo No. 3 & 4 are pretty straightforward. If you can handle those you can move up to Vegas Robaina Famosos, one of my favorites. 

For a more medium smoke I would highly recommend HU Connoisseur No. 2, San Cristobal La Fuerza and Hoyo Epicure Especial. 

Most CCs are going to be medium or just under. You won't find any of the NC white pepper or spice. 

[Echo4oscar]

1 minute ago, NSXCIGAR said:

Bolivar Royal Coronas is a pretty good starter choice. A little closer to medium or just under but a good starting point. Obviously Partagas D4 (D5 is a tad stronger) or Montecristo No. 3 & 4 are pretty straightforward. If you can handle those you can move up to Vegas Robaina Famosos, one of my favorites. 

Most CCs are going to be medium or just under. You won't find any of the NC white pepper or spice. 

Thank you! Great suggestions! Ill be keeping my eyes peeled on the 24:24.

[GaryK 54]

6 minutes ago, Echo4oscar said:

New to the Cuban scene and curious what you seasoned vets would deem an ideal "First Cuban". What was your first? If you could go back in time would you swap it with another stick? I have never had one but am planning to pop my cherry soon. My taste preference is definitely more of a full body smoke but have been know to indulge in a more mild affair. Interested to see all the suggestions! 

 

Answering your question is tough because taste and characterization of what one likes is so subjective. Even the definition of what one views as full bodied and full strength is very much of an individual thing. Having said that, I'll take a swing at providing some suggestions...

By saying you prefer a full body smoke, I presume you mean a cigar that is deeper and richer in flavour notes, with smoke that is heavier on the palate. In terms of current performance and value for your coin, two very good 'medium-full' bodied Cuban cigars that I would recommend are Partagas Serie D No. 4 and Juan Lopez Selección No. 2. Both are smoking great young, and will give you a good introduction to the journey of flavours that Cuban cigars will take you on. Since you mentioned you have been known to enjoy lighter bodied smokes on occasion, I would also suggest the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2. This was my first introduction to Cuban cigars many years ago, and I still find myself reaching for it.

None of these cigars will break the bank to buy (although the D4 is getting more expensive all the time), and each will give you a nice intro to what you've been missing. My bet is, you'll find Cuban cigars to be more complex than most New World offerings with more transitions through the thirds. Careful jumping into this rabbit hole though, it's deep and once inside hard to find one's way out. 😂

[Echo4oscar]

2 minutes ago, GaryK 54 said:

Careful jumping into this rabbit hole though, it's deep and once inside hard to find one's way out. 😂

I feel as though I've already slipped and I haven't even started yet... hahaha

But yes you hit the nail on the head with the "deeper and richer flavor notes". Only having smoked new worlds I do love the Nicaraguan spice if you will. I have a feeling that CCs are going to be quite a bit different. (at least from what I've read) 

[GaryK 54]

39 minutes ago, Echo4oscar said:

I feel as though I've already slipped and I haven't even started yet... hahaha

But yes you hit the nail on the head with the "deeper and richer flavor notes". Only having smoked new worlds I do love the Nicaraguan spice if you will. I have a feeling that CCs are going to be quite a bit different. (at least from what I've read) 

You won’t find much black or white pepper spice in Cuban cigars. However, you will find baking spices. The PSD4 is well known for flavours of sweet paprika and sourdough bread. I bet it would be right in your wheelhouse. Give one a try and let us know in this Forum what you think. 

[BrightonCorgi]

I'd go for the one in the vitolas you like to smoke the most.  The size cigar you enjoy should be the decider.

[gormag38]

As others have mentioned, you'll be hard pressed to find a CC that's a 'pepper bomb'. Personally, I love the mild, creamy smokes but there's always staples to try out. 

Monte 4 nice petite corona that can deliver great flavors, not a 'favorite' of mine but montecristo has never been a marca that has stood out for me. 

HdM Epicure #2. Was probably the first CC I had that truly 'opened my eyes'.

Partagas Serie D. No 4. They're on a tear right now and have some great spice flavors. 

Couple curveballs, Partaga Serie P. No. 2 and Partagas Serie E. No 2. These two will be a little pricier at the moment and harder to find, but both of my boxes at the moment (both 2021 if I'm remembering correctly) are EXCELLENT examples of what cuban tobacco can do. 

 

Good luck on your journey! 

[El Hoze]

16 minutes ago, gormag38 said:

HdM Epicure #2. Was probably the first CC I had that truly 'opened my eyes'.

Me too, it probably didn’t hurt that I was sitting next to a pool overlooking Lake Como when I smoked it. But that was it. Epi 2s are still a cigar I tend to give friends who are newer to cigars. 

[jazzboypro]

I started with BRC and RASS, none of them worked for me. Not sure i believe there is such a thing as a  "beginner" cigar.  I would say almost anything Partagas should get you hooked for good

[DaBoot]

I suggest a different hobby.  😁 all jokes aside,,, Smoke a BBF.   Then smoke a D4.  

[Rhinoww]

2 hours ago, DaBoot said:

I suggest a different hobby.  😁 all jokes aside,,, Smoke a BBF.   Then smoke a D4.  

I dunno that I’m joking 😂. These things are addicting in many ways. If FOMO is strong with OP, then trying to get into cigars now May drive a sane man insane. There is a tough mix of supply and cost right now. 
And God forbid, don’t look at the daily smoke thread. You will see labels you have not seen before and May never see again. Heck, even things like Party 898 are just not available. So be careful about the bear trap you are looking to step on 😝

[Ford2112]

What I would recommend is to try and obtain some 5 packs or singles. And give them a go. You will begin to find your favorites. I have found I have a couple brands and vitolas I consider must haves in the rotation. They change constantly lol. It's a journey not a destination.  

[GoodStix]

4 hours ago, Ford2112 said:

It's a journey not a destination.

Well said.

[SmokyFontaine]

Marry rich. 

[joeypots]

Used to be the HDM EPI#1.

Now the Punch Punch Punch would be the cigar I’d give a novice. 

 

[ha_banos]

Not been suggested yet. So id recommend starting with deep pockets. Then, get used to the dwindling affordable cigars available. Learn some Spanish swear words. Duolingo is not very useful here. Then learn how to moan, and throw tanties. There's ways that won't get you immediately banned. A deep sense of black humour is richly rewarding - if you'll forgive the price pun. It's an ever changing journey as has been said. Watch the high rollers, regionals and limitadas go by. You might along the way get hold of some cigars from luck, sheer will and perseverance. You will buy some at regretfully ridiculous prices. Hey ho. Learn to beat inflation by at least 600% with your CC fund. Make old cigar friends, someday they'll pass so you might get lucky. Welcome to the charm. And enjoy the ride!

[Cabbie]

I started my cc journey with a Romeo y Julieta Mille Fleur. It's a nice and affordable stick, and I love the cherry notes it brings, but it is also mild. Partagas makes a mille fleur as well, and it's pretty decent, a way different profile, and around medium strength, but also very good.

[NSXCIGAR]

On 4/12/2023 at 10:17 AM, jazzboypro said:

Not sure i believe there is such a thing as a  "beginner" cigar.

For someone coming from NCs I would agree. My suggestions for the OP were more about tailoring cigars I think particularly good with his preferences. 

For those new to cigars in general I would say there are definitely cigars I would consider too much for a beginner like Mag 46, P2 or BBF. Even something like a Sir Winston requires experience to be able to truly enjoy.