Hello Gents,

I am somewhat new to cigars. I used to smoke one every now and then when I was in the military but I really has no idea what I was doing.

I have recently been doing a lot of research on different cigars. I have smoked several in the past few days and not quite sure what to look for. At this point I am not sure if I don't like cigars or I just haven't found the right one. I have tried R&J en tubo, CAO Criollo, El rey de Mundo. I still have a Griffins (tube),Cohiba, Montecristo and a Punch in my box. I don't think I like the strong cigars. I think I prefer a more creamy, lighter cigar.

I really don't want to spend more than $8 a cigar because I really can't appreciate the quality cigars yet.

Do you gents have any suggestion for me?
I really appreciate it.

There are a lot of decent cigars that are a lot less than $8. Padron 2000 is fairly light, also (despite what a lot of the guys here say) Macanudo's are pretty good at the light end.

For about $3.50 you can get Chateau Fuente.

for $5.50 Hemingway Classic

Under $8.00 there are a lot of great cigars.

Macanudo is very mild, but the same company makes Partagas, Hoya de Monterray and Cohiba.

Marsh Wheeling is also good for about $8.00 a box.

Cuesta-Rey Cabinet #47 fits the description you gave. Won't break the bank, either.

Fuente and Hemmingway are good choices and a nice segue into better cigars as well. Very refined. May want to try a Dunhill (blue label). The tubed Altrimas (sp?) are pretty creamy...kinda like butterscotch. Those were the ones that got me on my way. Eventually, you may (or may not) go for a fuller taste. If you do, post again and we'll help you out.

You also should try Gispert. These are my favorite light yet flavorful cigar. The Casa Torano is also good.

Hey I'm pimpin' Gisperts around here 'Hawk!

They are one of the few mild cigars I like so I highly recommend them. Also regular Ashtons, Fuentes, regular Fonsecas and CAO gold are all decent smokes, as some have mentioned above.

I'd kill to be able to find Hemingway's for 5.50, lordy. One of the few places I can even find hemingways at has signatures for 15 and masterpieces for 30.

If you like a good creamy less expensive cigar here ya go.

Gispert-the best one at that price point

Occidental Reserve (natural and double Maduro)-these are cheap bundles with flawless contruction made by Hendrik Kelner of davidoff fame.

Casa Torano-really nice smoke, comparable to the Gispert but a little more in price. cant go wrong

A must ----> Montesino SUN GROWN. The best in the line is the Belicoso Magnum. $4-5 bucks a smoke. It's mild/medium and the flavor builds the more it you smoke. One of my favs, and I generally smoke the stronger stuff.

Be careful to get the 'sun grown'. The non-sun grown are bland at best.

I can't give you any suggestions for an $8 cigar -mainly because I only smoke cubans, but when you feel you are ready to move-up, I seriously suggest you try a Hoyo de Monterrey, Epicure No2.

I have introduced a few of my friends to the world of cigars, and I always started them off with a No. 2. It's a Robusto, but it's not going to knock you on your ass! I'm not going to describe this cigar with pretentious terms like, ashy or spicy or earthy or leathery or sweet or meaty...I can never figure out what that REALLY means. I would just describe it as smooth and not very strong.

Enjoy!

I've always liked Thomas Hinds Nicaraguan and Dominican selections. Especially the Nicaraguan as they have a light a creamy taste to them. Though I prefer to smoke CCs most of the time now, I do still enjoy a Thomas Hinds. I started off smoking them and they are definitely mild enough for a novice while still complex enough for a seasoned smoker. Try'em, I think you'll agree.

-ollano

Romeo Y Julieta 1875 is a good mild to medium smoke. I think about 4 bucks a stick

Binder and Stoge have had the best suggestion so far. GISPERT, and they are pretty nicely priced, I can buy the Torp/Pyramid (the best vitola) for $3 at one of my local shops. Honorable mention are Ashton Aged Maduros, Oliva Grand Maduro (medium), RyJ Clemencleau Tubo, Savinelli ELR, etc, etc, etc.

quote:

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Originally posted by Guilow:
A must ----> Montesino SUN GROWN. The best in the line is the Belicoso Magnum. $4-5 bucks a smoke. It's mild/medium and the flavor builds the more it you smoke. One of my favs, and I generally smoke the stronger stuff.

Be careful to get the 'sun grown'. The non-sun grown are bland at best.

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Thanks for the suggestion -- I picked up one of the sungrowns today. I thought it was going to be $4.20 but turned out to be $7.20. Oh, well, I never would've bought it at the higher price so this way I'll get to try something I might have otherwise missed.

Look!

Just save up a few more bucks and get an Ashton VSG

You want a mild smoke? I would go for the Arturo Fuente flor fina 858 cammie. It is super mild and smooth. It is definitely not overpowering. Don't be scared by the dark wrapper. It looks like a maduro. Trust me it's pure bark not bite. I gotta be honest I don't think the mild cigars have as much flavor. I am a maduro man. I love coffee and chocolate and I taste this in the maddies. You however, are looking for mild and smooth. The 858 might be the perfect smoke. And they are reasonably priced. I think I paid 4 and change at my local shop. Jr's has them for 89.00 shipping included which puts them at 3.56 a stick. Not bad for a beautiful smooth as silk smoke with a beautiful burn I might add.

Saulphx,
Hope you like it. I can't smoke enough of them. My shop has them for $7.00 too. But my "$4-5" reference was to the box price ($95/box of 25 at cheapercigars or smokeall). Just make sure you smoke it until it burns your fingers. the last inch is the BEST.

quote:

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Originally posted by Guilow:
Saulphx,
Hope you like it. I can't smoke enough of them. My shop has them for $7.00 too. But my "$4-5" reference was to the box price ($95/box of 25 at cheapercigars or smokeall). Just make sure you smoke it until it burns your fingers. the last inch is the BEST.

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Thanks, I'll keep that in mind, I'll let you know.

I be a newbie as well. I immediately liked cigars by Don Diego -- recommended as a mild but tasty smoke, good for newbies, and overlooked by many because apparently it lacks the status of some of the "Big Boys." Very economical as well.
Have you read "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cigars?" Not sure what the veterans here think of it, but I found it very informative without treating cigar smoking like brain surgery. Amazon has it: Complete Idiot's Guide to Cigars
He also rates various cigars, admits his various biases, etc. An easy read that is very informative.