Best first box to buy ...

[StogieNinja]

If you have to ask, you shouldn't buy a box yet.

Your palate will grow and develop, and as you continue to smoke, your preferences may change. Even if they don't, you might buy a box today, and find a cigar you like more, and half the price, tomorrow.

Here's my advice: Keep sampling singles. When you find one you really like, buy a fiver, and smoke through those. If after that you still think it's boxworthy, only then should you actually buy a box. There's so much good stuff out there to try, and very little that's actually box-worthy.

I've been smoking regularly for about 6 years, and I have three wineadors. You know how many full boxes I bought and kept? Eight, including the boxes I bought to mark the births of my five kids. I tend to buy in fivers and ten packs, which is enough to keep me smoking and even age a few, while trying new things. I have a few favorites, but even those I tend to buy in five-packs or do box splits. The only things I buy by the box are Cubans I want to age.

Save your big purchases for stuff you already know you like, and will like for a while. Right now, I'd recommend buying samplers, or trying singles/five packs.