Glad I could help. Be careful when walking into your local shop, though. Mine seem to talk up every cigar they sell. Regardless of the brand, price, or quality, everything is described by them as "one of the finest cigars in the world". After all, they are businessmen and want you to purchase their merchandise. La Unica is a good start, try the La Unica Cameroon, it is incredibly flavorful, but might be hard to find.

Funny you would say that Ben, the guys at my B&M do the same thing. Everything is a "great smoke." One time the guy said to me, "Yeah I've never had that but it is a great smoke." Yeah definitely be wary of what a shop owner will tell you about a cigar

Industry,
No "hijack" taken. This is a nubie column and for questions and ideas. Thanks for your input.

Alan

quote:

Originally posted by Industry:
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

Try a Gran Habano CT #1.

I am very new to cigars as well, and just starting to enjoy the more medium to full. On the light side, I LOVE the Ashton Double Magnum. Other good mild ones are Montecristo Classic Rothschilde, Romeo y Julieta 1875, 5 vegas Gold, Cusano 18 double connecticut, and La Unica #200. When you want to get a bit stronger, I enjoyed the Padron 1964, San Christobal, Ashton Cabinet, Carlos Torano 1916, and Don Pepin Black label..

Hope these help to point you in the right direction! I don't claim to know sh*t about sh*t, but these are what I liked.

When I began smoking cigars, I had no idea about flavors and strength. Then one snowy day in 1987, while bound in my apartment, I had a Macanudo Prince Philip. Having no place to go, I was able to invest a proper amount of time to smoke. There, I discovered the power of smoke and flavor. What struck me was the unique qualities this cigar possessed. Rife with balance, and even smoke, I was awestruck, and thus began my journey to discover the unique qualities cigars possess. I'm not suggesting a certain brand, but only trying to define what it takes to attiain the characteristics you desire. My advice,is first, try the name brands only, for they will lead you on the right path, because a bad cigar will only taint your judgement. Second, after buying a few, find someplace where you can sit quietly, and light up. Make sure you allot yourself a proper amount of time, so you can slowly smoke and analyze what you have in your hands. Third, try pairing it with a cocktail of your choice; while you are puffing and sipping you will soon discover the unique qualities and traits in which you are searching. Finally, avoid flavored cigars,because it's like mixing milk with a Jack Daniel's.

Im new myself and have no help, I have had a few very dry cigars for under $3 a piece,you get what you pay for sometimes. I have tried and kept the labels for the following list below. This are usually are under $6 a piece and I really liked every one of them, Most are mild to mild medium. The more I smoke the milder ones are hitting the road. Some of the more expensive cigars I found constuction problems maybe not in humidor long enough? I will try CAO again but had a few promblems with draw, keeping lit, and more $ then the rest of list. I wont knock anything because of one time experience. My favorite would be R & J 1875's, Sancho Panza, Oliva G. I have a local store that has everything and really like a couple house blends for around $3. My budget is $5 and under so I'm sure there is many brands that are better but can't try them with a big family to share my wealth with. Hope these help !!

Cusano 18 Years
Occidental
Don Diego
Romeo & Juliette 1875
Sancho Panza
Helix
Montensino Robusto
Oliva G
Torano
Macanudo Hampton Court
Baccarat
Don Tomas
CAO Cameroon

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Lennielqgolf,

Lenni,
Welcome. Try a Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 just once. Think you'll like it. Romeo y Julieta has some for 5 bucks or less. Go to your shop and tell em what you think you're looking for and try a couple. That's what I've done. I'm zeroed in on RP Vintage 1992 and Olde World Reserve, albeit, the Reserve is more than you want to spend. Padron 1000 series are excellent and most run in your budget range. Good luck!

Alan

Thanks Alan, I am getting a little low on smokes. I will try the RP today !! Our smoke shop has a Rollers Choice brand that is really good for $3 I always pick up. I will get a few Patel's and a Padron's. Thanks for the input and I will leave some feedback this weekend Lennie.

No Padron 1000's in this town, only 2002,3000,4000 series and looked pretty strong. I tried the RP and was $8.95 but your right I liked it. I think Im going to stick to just a few new ones once in awhile. It does get kind of pricey !! I really like the R&J 1875 and Sancho Panza lighter ring wrapper. I had the Rollers Choice today & it totally sucked !! It tasted almost bitter half way through I then pitched out the window when I was plowing snow. Keep in touch if you find something I GOT TO TRY !!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Lennielqgolf,