Greetings all. I'm interested in cigars for newbies. I don't mind some flovored but wanted some expert opinion. One I'm chasing down is the CAO Gold. I read that it has vanilla and nutmeg flavors. However, I've had two and they didn't have any resemblance to those flavors. Could someone please direct me from here? Thanks.

the flavours you are refereing to are very subtle hints, that only a trained palette can distingush..

it takes many years and many, many cigars before you can start tasting those hints..

keep smoking, and one day you'll be able to taste nutmeg, cedar, leather, vanilla, etc... in a cigar


and for your quest fro a noob cigar, well can you tell us if you're going to want cuban's ?? non-cubans ?? what size are you into ??

all these would help out dierct you towards a cigar suited for a noob palette.

and BTW, welcome to the wonderful world of cigar smoking

Thanks for the reply. I think I'm into ring sizes 38-50 or so. And, since we can't get Cubans here, I guess no Cuban for me. I really like the Tatianas for their flavor. But I'm sure some would say "that's not a real cigar." Ok, but I gotta start somewhere and I like those. Just wanted some experienced input on what else there is that I may like. So the cocoa and chocalate of the Padron's would be very subtle also? Thanks again.

I've always dabbled in cigar when I was in college, but I really started getting into cigars after reading Cigar Aficionado's 2005 Cigar of the Year magazine. I wanted to try everyone of those on the list! You should look into the list as well. They are not a bunch of $10, hard to find cigars. There are some under $5. I would suggest going through that list, which can be found (all 3 years) here: http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/CA_Top_25/Top_25_Archives/0,4752,,00.html

Seems like the 2007 list is almost out... can't wait!!

good job bo... I didn't know they had a link on the web site for the previous year's top 25..

now I can look and remember how last year there was only 4 or 5 CC's in the entire list

Here is a consumer review source for NCs. Although you must take many of the reviews with a grain of salt, it can be a place to get a feel for what you might like to try.

http://www.top25cigar.com/

minalpharetta,
Thanks for the reply. The site looks like a good one and I may be spending lots of time there!

I always recommend a Fuente 858 (either the maduro, or regular wrapper) to any new cigar smoker - or even "seasoned" smokers looking for something lighter, but still flavorful...

..it's a good, reasonably-priced premium cigar that seems to have the right combination of strength & flavor to get people off on the right foot.....

JMHO

(a Casa Torano Robusto is another good one - mild but flavorful ....I like them as first-thing-in-the morning cigar with a cup of strong coffee - great way to start the day)

rbihari,
Thanks for the reply. I picked one up at the shop I do business with. It's now resting. Might break it out this week and see what happens.

Alan

Here is some advice from someone who was in your shoes not so long ago. I used to smoke dog rockets (you know, phillies, swishers, black and milds, and all that other top quality swag you get from the corner store for under a buck). I knew there was a vast cigar market out there, but until you've had GOOD, you don't know that what you're smoking is comparable to a french fried turd.

Now I'm not trying to put down your smoking preferences or demean you for liking what you like, but instead of asking people for what they like, or what they think you should buy to get introduced to the market of premium cigars, you should do some self exploration first. Try and answer these questions so you can get a good feel for what you are stepping foot into...

Why do you smoke cigars? Do you smoke because you want the nicotine from it, or are you tired of flavorless cigarrettes? Or does it remind you of a special person or time in your life? Or is it relaxing to you, perhaps lets you escape from the hustle and bustle of your daily life for an hour or two and relax?

Are you willing to invest time/money in this hobby? Smoking cigars is a huge investment of time and money, among other things. Should you decide to take the plunge, and your life is already busy and jam-packed, you will find yourself having to sacrifice other things to make time to educate yourself, shop, and enjoy those newly befriended cigars.

You will need to spend time smoking a variety of cigars on a regular basis if you want to develop a decent palate. After time you begin to pick apart subtle flavors in your cigars, and as your palate refines you will learn more and more about what your personal preference really will be. When I first started smoking quality cigars, I always bought the harshest and strongest ones I could fine. The more power and more bite to a cigar, the happier I was, at least until my palate began to develop and what had once pleased me no longer found itself welcome. Over time, I learned that flavor and complexity in a cigar vastly outweighed intensity and strength. I found that I wasn't very fond of certain wrappers. I found that sungrown wrappers had a much more fulfilling flavor to me than shade grown. I also learned other things as time went along.

My best advice to you is to give it time, and have an open mind. Don't let people tell you what is good and what isn't, but rather take their suggestions and learn for yourself. Smokers palates are much like the palates of experienced diners and gourmet connoiseurs, in that they must learn what their own tastes are, and often find their own niche that most others find repulsive.

Best of luck to you.

Benjamin,
Thanks for the reply. Never smoked anything till June of this year. Had some cigars with a bike buddy. Got to looking at what else was out there and started trying different ones. Looking basically for ones that are mild, have flavor, and don't leave "ashtray" taste like one I've had already. Won't be buying that one again. Really like Tatianas. Nice flavored smoke, CAO Moontrance. But wanted to "reach" out and try others.

Alan

If you're still wanting to travel the route of "flavoured" smokes, there are some higher quality cigars that you can go after that fall along those lines. Gurkha makes one that is infused with cognac, which is surprisingly tasty. Maker's Mark bourbon also sells a handmade dominican that is infused with their bourbon, also quite a yummy treat. CAO makes an entire line of flavoured smokes, but thats about as far down as I'll go.

Also, here is something you can do if you want to stick with those Tatianas of yours. Find an old metal coffee can, preferrably one that has lost all of its coffee smell and is free of rust. Take your sticks and put them around the inside of the can, and leave enough room in the center of the can to place a shot glass. Now, take just about any flavor you want and place it into the shot glass, and seal up the coffee can and let it rest for a good while. The longer you allow this infusion process to continue, the stronger the flavor in your cigars. You can use bourbon, whiskey, regular rum or any flavored rum, such as coconut, vanilla, etc.. Just keep in mind what will happen to whatever you place inside of that shot glass. Most liquors work excellent, because the high alcohol content allows the liquor to evaporate and carry those flavors into the air inside of the coffee can and into your cigars. You can try filling the shot glass with dry coffee beans as well. Some of your liquors that are lower in alcohol and more of a syrup are not really that great of an idea. Keep in mind the basic flavor of tobacco as well, because some flavors, such as tangy citrus just don't mix well with it. Also don't use anything with cream in it, such as baileys or creme de menthe, creme de cacao, etc.. Those will curdle and spoil. One of the most interesting infusions I have seen is hops. I have a friend that placed some aromatic hops into an infusion jar with some Arturo Fuente Curly Heads and let them sit for about 6 months. What he ended up with was a very unusual but pleasing flavor. Those sticks actually seemed to enhance the flavor of just about any beer you paired with them, even the beast.

I too am new the cigar world. Was looking for some information on them and found this thread. It has some really good information. I too got my real start with Tatianas, Rum and Honey are my favorites. But I have started to move on and found Torano 1959s and Oliva O series to be to my liking. I have plans to get some different ones once my humidor arrives.

Again, just stopping to say thanks for a good informal thread.

Hey there,
Im still extremely new to cigars but I've taken my first step in and I've come across a few that
I've really liked and might suggest.
The other day actually my local cigar store reccomended me a cigar which he said had the ugliest wrapper but was a pretty well made cigar, tried it last night and it met the expectations, it's called Dynamite. Only like $5 a stick but it met my expctations and then some. Another that I've grown fond of is the Rocky Patel The Edge. Great cigar to try about $7.50 a stick. Honestly though, I recccomend finding a good cigar shop, and start talking to the owner, let him find out what your tastes are and pick out some cigars for you. That's what i've been doing to try and hone in on my tastes and its worked thus far.

quote:

Honestly though, I recommend finding a good cigar shop, and start talking to the owner, let him find out what your tastes are and pick out some cigars for you. That's what I've been doing to try and hone in on my tastes and its worked thus far.

Good suggestion you can not get that personalized service over the internet thats for sure.

I have been a recreational smoker for a while and am trying to develop my palate. Here has been my plan of attack:

1. bought a humidor
2. subscribed to cigar aficionado
3. found local shop
4. started buying and smoking reasonably priced cigars each month from what CA recommended.

I always try to remember price does not necessarily reflect a "better" smoke.

BTW, I have beenhooked on the A. Fuentes
Hemingways.

Glad yall like the topic. We all started at different levels, so we might as well ask questions. I just had a Rocky Petel (spl?) Vintage 1992. Wow, what a mild flavorful smoke that was. It was just a touch spicy, kinda like cinnimin. Very nice smoke. Have some RP Euros. that are "resting" in the humidor. May have one this weekend. Can't wait.

Alan

quote:

Originally posted by cherrymaxap:
Glad yall like the topic. We all started at different levels, so we might as well ask questions. I just had a Rocky Petel (spl?) Vintage 1992. Wow, what a mild flavorful smoke that was. It was just a touch spicy, kinda like cinnimin. Very nice smoke. Have some RP Euros. that are "resting" in the humidor. May have one this weekend. Can't wait.

Alan

Its "Patel," but that doesn't really matter. I like the 92 better than the 90, but being that you like the 92 so much, you should definitely try a RP Sun Grown Robusto.

Cyrann,

Thanks, I'll look one up and try it.

Alan

Well, I'm completely new here, and fairly new to cigars as well. That first post from Ben Alexander was excellent. I have a fairly well stocked local shop, and I'm looking for suggestions on some cigars. I really like the La Unica #200s with a strong cup of coffee, and I enjoyed the Cusano M1 I had the other day. Any suggestions for me based on those cigars? Thanks

Oh, and sorry for the thread Hijack Cherrymax