Looking for Pointers

I've always kind of dabbled in cigars, but never really got serious about them. However, I've just started to change that. I just ordered a little 25-50 count humidor and a bundle of Flor De Oliva cigars.

I like cigars from all the major producing nations, but I'm really fond of Nicaraguan and Honduran cigars.

My preferred sizes are Coronas, Robustos, and Toros.

I really love Corojo, Maduro, and EMS wrapers.

Brands that I really like are Flor Di Oliva, La Auroa, Padron, Perdomo, Ghurka, Arturo Fuente, Rocky Patel, Punch, and Hoyo de Monterrey. I also have a love for a couple of really cheap cigars, most notably the Principe and Decision brands.

Being a working stiff, my price range is about $3.50 to $10.00 per stick and I figure I'll be able to enjoy one or two per week. However, I'm willing to go an additional $5-$10 for a really stellar specimen - assuming I've got the spare change to go for it. "She who must be obeyed" will let me smoke pipes in the house, but not cigars. So, I figure I'll be an early morning or night-time smoker since summer is heating-up here in Texas and I have to smoke out-side.

As far as beverages go, I like a good mug of black coffee, some mildly sweet iced tea, Blue Star ale, Shiner Bock beer, just about any Porter, and Isla & Speyside scotch - so I'm looking for cigars that pair nicely with those beverages.

So, given the above ramble, does anybody have pointers for a feller who is looking to explore the world of cigars?

This may be more general than you are looking for but I'd say, take notes along the way, don't believe the catalogue verbiage 'cause according to them they're all fantastic, and most important of all, just smoke what you like.

It's a great hobby..pursuit..bad habit..crazy obsession??? I dunno maybe all four but whatever the case, Welcome, Good luck, and Enjoy the ride!

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Originally Posted by TCBSmokes

I'd say, don't believe the catalogue verbiage 'cause according to them they're all fantastic...

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I'm going on the assumption that it's a lot like pipe tobacco. There are tons of blends out there that claim they are the end-all, but I've found that only a few are really worth the asking price - which doesn't always have to be top dollar. One place I'm staying clear of is Thompson Cigars. Seems like they always compared anything they sold to Cubans, and many of the cigars I got from them were either green or actually painted.

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Originally Posted by OldSquidRoy

I'm going on the assumption that it's a lot like pipe tobacco. There are tons of blends out there that claim they are the end-all, but I've found that only a few are really worth the asking price - which doesn't always have to be top dollar. One place I'm staying clear of is Thompson Cigars. Seems like they always compared anything they sold to Cubans, and many of the cigars I got from them were either green or actually painted.

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Lol. That does not sound appetizing at AlI! I've not dealt with that supplier but have read enough cautionary tales to believe you may be making the right move there.

I'm afraid to turn you on to where I do shop because it's nicknamed "the devil's site". Enough said. lol. Very Addictive! You've been warned.

I like corojos too and look forward to trying my first Kristoff and Camacho in that genre. Will report those first-tries soon on the "What NC did you smoke today" thread, so stay tuned.

Btw, many here have been at this a while, and while personally I think I'd love to find that one fantastic "Holy Grail" cigar, if ever I did find one, two, three or even five, I'd probably get bored smoking "just" them in short order. I think! I may actually be on to one of those at least but am reserving my opinion until I've smoked more than just one and at least a few more to be sure. And which brings up a universal cigar smokers' "tip", if you like the first then try a 5'er next, not a whole box!!, 'cause you just never know, 'til you know.

Check out the Man o War line, fairly underrated imo. Good smokes, not complex but great go tos. I usually keep a few Virtue in stock for the occasional morning cigar with a coffee. Also check out Ramon Bueso. Welcome to bum!

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Originally Posted by Cigarer

Check out the Man o War line, fairly underrated imo. Good smokes, not complex but great go tos. I usually keep a few Virtue in stock for the occasional morning cigar with a coffee. Also check out Ramon Bueso. Welcome to bum!

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Two great lines. I agree.

Have you been taking notice of why you like the Flor de Oliva? The reason I'm asking is because while they're one if the few good mix filler smokes out there, and have nice smooth dry wood and earth notes, the cigar comes with a sweet cap (essential dipped in sugar) and that's what attracts most people to it. Given you're a pipe smoker my first assumption is that you like that sweet cap, and if so I would suggest the tabak especial line from drew estate, and maybe get your self an acid sampler pack. I also hear good things about the deadwood line.

If you're more interested in the natural flavors of cigars I would suggest regions and wrappers to give you a good sense what each part of the world brings to the table. For instance try an Corojo wrapper from Jalapa if you want something on the sweeter side, or an Habano from Estelli if you want something more spicy. Maybe you want something creamy and nutty to go along with an highland scotch, in which case I'd suggest a nice Cameroon wrapper and two of my favorites (CAO Cameroon and H. Hupmann vintage Cameroon) are priced very reasonable.

Hope my rambling helped and welcome to Bum.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by TCBSmokes

...which brings up a universal cigar smokers' "tip", if you like the first then try a 5'er next, not a whole box!!, 'cause you just never know, 'til you know.

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Sounds like a good strategy.

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Originally Posted by Regiampiero

Have you been taking notice of why you like the Flor de Oliva? The reason I'm asking is because while they're one if the few good mix filler smokes out there, and have nice smooth dry wood and earth notes, the cigar comes with a sweet cap (essential dipped in sugar) and that's what attracts most people to it. Given you're a pipe smoker my first assumption is that you like that sweet cap, and if so I would suggest the tabak especial line from drew estate, and maybe get your self an acid sampler pack. I also hear good things about the deadwood line.

If you're more interested in the natural flavors of cigars I would suggest regions and wrappers to give you a good sense what each part of the world brings to the table. For instance try an Corojo wrapper from Jalapa if you want something on the sweeter side, or an Habano from Estelli if you want something more spicy. Maybe you want something creamy and nutty to go along with an highland scotch, in which case I'd suggest a nice Cameroon wrapper and two of my favorites (CAO Cameroon and H. Hupmann vintage Cameroon) are priced very reasonable.

Hope my rambling helped and welcome to Bum.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

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Excellent tips. It's been a year or so since I smoked a cigar, and a few years since I smoked a Flor de Oliva. I don't really remember why I liked them, I just remember that I liked them. Near as I recall, they had a sweet and earthy flavor to them. Now that you mentioned it, I also liked the CAO Cameroon and Upman Vintage Cameroon that I smoked. Guess it's gonna be a whole lot like pipe tobacco - just try a few, like what I like, and keep chugging along.

A few that I enjoy are Joy de Nicaragua Dark Corojo, Casa Fernandez Aganorsa, Don Pepin Garcia Blue Label.

And since you like the corojo and maduro, you may also like the Habano & Oscuro wrapper. If you do, this will open up a whole new selection.

Between $3.50 & $10.00 your in for a long journey of spectacular seegars my friend! Take your time and enjoy the journey.

Welcome to the Never Ending Rabbit Hole!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Regiampiero

Have you been taking notice of why you like the Flor de Oliva? The reason I'm asking is because while they're one if the few good mix filler smokes out there, and have nice smooth dry wood and earth notes, the cigar comes with a sweet cap (essential dipped in sugar) and that's what attracts most people to it. Given you're a pipe smoker my first assumption is that you like that sweet cap, and if so I would suggest the tabak especial line from drew estate, and maybe get your self an acid sampler pack. I also hear good things about the deadwood line.

If you're more interested in the natural flavors of cigars I would suggest regions and wrappers to give you a good sense what each part of the world brings to the table. For instance try an Corojo wrapper from Jalapa if you want something on the sweeter side, or an Habano from Estelli if you want something more spicy. Maybe you want something creamy and nutty to go along with an highland scotch, in which case I'd suggest a nice Cameroon wrapper and two of my favorites (CAO Cameroon and H. Hupmann vintage Cameroon) are priced very reasonable.

Hope my rambling helped and welcome to Bum.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

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@Regiampiero . CB's very own resident cigar-sommelier! Well done.

and I see "this place" has one too. lol.
Article is more about the sommelier than actual pairings..
https://www.google.com/amp/robbrepor...?source=images

My favorite Honduran line is CLE but I end up buying more Rocky Patels as they are usually a better value proposition. Nicaraguan - far too many to pick from!

Agree - friends don't let friends shop at Thompson :) JR isn't bad but their store brand bundles can be hit or miss.

A few general tips and a few Cigar recommendations.

General tips
1. If you can, buy 5ers of new things. Smoke them spread out over a couple months to see how they settle if at all.

2. Experiment with different RHs. Some guys swear by 70/70 a lot don’t. A lot prefer 65/65. I’m closer to 62-63 for temp and rh. It’s totally personal preference. There’s no right or wrong way. Just assume it takes a week per % change to settle.

3. Keep a journal when you smoke a cigar. Record what you like and dislike about it. Tastes, feel, construction problems, etc. Then check and see if there’s a pattern in what you are liking. Not just in terms of wrapper/binder/filler but also factory of origin.

4. Have fun with Cigars! Do things your way. As long as you are enjoying, that’s all the matters.

I can’t speak for their house bundles but Holts.com has great 6 pack prices on a lot of very good cigars.

In terms of Cigar recommendations:

Oliva Master Blends III (holts 6 pack).
601 Blue Maduro
Any of the Fuente Gran Reserva line or Hemingway line (natural, Maduro, Cameroon all are good-great reliable smokes
Fuente Magnum R44
Pardon 2000 in natural or Maduro
Kristoff Maduro
Aroma De Cuba Mi Amor- awesome Maduro (don’t pay full price. Holts or CBID used to run deals a decent bit)
Illusione Rothchildes- ugly wrappers but awesome smokes

I’m sure I’m forgetting a few..

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Originally Posted by TCBSmokes

@Regiampiero . CB's very own resident cigar-sommelier! Well done.

and I see "this place" has one too. lol.
Article is more about the sommelier than actual pairings..
https://www.google.com/amp/robbrepor...?source=images

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Sommelier LOL! Let's just say I've smoked a decent amount of dogs in my never ending pursuit to find the best cheapies, and along the way I've picked up a few things.