I'm very new to this site and actually quite new to smoking cigars although I have smoked a few over the years before becoming intensely interested in them in recent weeks. In fact, up until recently, my only experiences had been with a few Cuban cigars that I had obtained one way or another. As I recall, they were all really great cigars and now that I'm becoming more dedicated to cigar smoking, I am becoming intrigued by the idea of cubans.
As a US citizen, I fully understand the laws regarding cubans and I also understand the forum policy on mentioning sources. I've done lots of searches through this forum over the past few days, so I also know the risk involved in asking for help in locating sources and, therefore, have no intention of being the next guy to get burned by asking such a question. However, I'll be sticking around for awhile and it wouldn't hurt my feelings much if someone wanted to shoot me an email someday about where to NOT find cubans. I've been doing my homework and reading reviews, so I think I am gaining a little insight, but it never hurts to have someone with experience tell you what places to avoid.
Also, although I know it is unlawful for me to purchase CCs even if I am in another country and that the feds will probably be tailing me all over Europe if I were to go there soon (so, of course I would buy only non-cuban smokes if I were there)...does anyone have advice on how one might go about locating a decent cigar shop in Berlin? You see, my wife is a German citizen and we will be traveling there quite frequently in the future (I've not been yet), but I will probably only have a very short time in Berlin after our plane lands. Her family lives in a remote village, far from any cities with cigar shops, so Berlin is going to be my only hope for grabbing a box of cigars before we head out to the farm. If anyone knows the location of a reputable brick and morter shop in Berlin, it would sure simplify things for me.
Ok, I'm afraid of stepping out onto thin ice by asking too many questions, so I'll move away from the subject of sources.
I've been posting on a thread in the NC forum about trying to find decent cigars that won't cost me an arm and a leg because I like to smoke at least three a day. Even though I want to find some really nice budget smokes, I am also interested in sampling some of the best from time to time. I've been a serious tobacco fiend for decades and have just recently dropped all of my other nicotine habits and replaced them with cigars only. I've been absolutely amazed at how incredible some cigars taste and am looking forward to my continuing pursuit of tobacco bliss. Thanks for the wealth of info you guys have posted on this forum. I've already formed a substantial wish list just by reading and learning from your experiences. There are so many cigars I want to try. I keep reading reviews and reading posts here and am starting to develop a sense of what it is that I'm seeking. For some reason, the Siglo VI keeps catching my attention, so I think my sights are set on it right now. Happy smoking....
hey nfn, that was a great intro post man, welcome to the forums. Tell us some cigars that you've smoked so far that you've liked. As far as cigar shops in Berlin go, you can always google la casa del habanos and find their stores in Berlin, I'm sure there's few of them. And i know other members know of other shops in Berlin as well. You can always try duty free in the airport.
"Is that a Churchill cigar in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?"
I suggest participating in the Noob PIF thread in the the Cigar Trading forum. If you're lucky you just might mooch off someone who read this post and slide a CC your way.
** as el guapo always say: godspeed & party on **
Posts: 729 | Location: joizey+nyc | Registered: April 29, 2009
Thanks for the replies. And thanks to those who sent me personal emails. I really do appreciate you guys who took the time to email me, however some of the info I received via email seems to be directly conflicting with some of the research I had already done ....therefore, I detect a need to do more research! I thought I had made some good progress in my research and was heading down the right path, but now I'm beginning to question myself. Some of the emails I received do confirm what I had already suspected, but then others set me to wondering about what I thought I knew. I'm in no hurry and intend to take my time before I make any decisions.
dstokely, I'm on a break at work right now and don't have enough time to post anymore, but I'll come back later and follow up on your suggestion to post some info about cigars I've liked.
Thanks again to all of you who have been kind enough to help me out.
Ok, I have a few minutes break at work, so thought I would write a bit more on this thread. I'm definitely feeling more confident that I've done enough homework and had enough suggestions that I can figure out what it is I've wanted to know....thanks!
I've found the Berlin La Casa Del Habanos website and it appears to be the type of place I was seeking, so I will probably find it on the map and make it a first stop when I get to Berlin. Thanks to you guys who have directed me there.
In response to your suggestion, dstokely, about what I've enjoyed smoking, I must admit that I haven't been smoking cigars long enough to have even had a chance to try much. And by the way, I didn't start smoking cigars because I had quit cigarettes; it was the other way around. I had no intention of quitting cigarettes, but after smoking a few cigars, I found that the cigarettes just tasted awful and seemed unsatisfying. That's why I have switched and discovered this interest I have in cigars.
Over the years I had smoked a few cigars when some friends had had access to some CCs. However, because I was not really interested in cigars at the time, I simply do not recall which CCs I have smoked. It has been several years since I had one, so all I remember is that they were quite nice smokes.
As for what I have been smoking lately....since I've had no access to CCs, are: CAO MX2 robusto, Oliva serie V churchills, Padron Natural Churchill, Arturo Fuente Short Story, Punch Punchito, Montecristo Classic, Cain Habano Maduro, as well as having tried several other smaller cigars in the Ashton, Cohiba Red Dot, and A. Fuente line. Have also had an Acid Kuba Kuba and some really awful, downright nasty cigars from Cubancrafters.
My favorites so far have been the CAO MX2, Padron natural, Fuente short story and sungrown. I've smoked a few various NC Punch cigars and haven't cared for any of them except the Gran Cru Punchito. The Oliva V was pretty nice as well.
I would really like to try some exceptional cigars and feel like I'm going to have to find a way to experiment with CCs in order to get a good point of reference for judging my smokes. Therefore, I'm in investigation mode and still forming a wish list of what I want to try. Seems like there are endless options available, so there should be no risk of becoming bored in my quest for great cigars! Gotta get back to work...later
....therefore, I detect a need to do more research! I thought I had made some good progress in my research and was heading down the right path, but now I'm beginning to question myself. Some of the emails I received do confirm what I had already suspected, but then others set me to wondering about what I thought I knew. I'm in no hurry and intend to take my time before I make any decisions.
