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Last post 20 years ago by HarleyDave. 19 replies replies.
Newbie here. Help me out.
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milhouse88 Offline
#1 Posted: Wed, Jun 25 2003, 4:44 PM EST
Joined: 06-09-2003
Posts: 28
Hi all. I've been lurking around for a couple weeks. I've just started smoking 'real' cigars. I've fallen victim to the evil empire that is Cbid and have been bidding like crazy. I've just been impulse buying and have decided that I need to slow down and start bidding on cigars that I'll like!

I've got lots of questions. If the forum isn't the place for them all, feel free to email me. I'm a newbie so I expect some flames, but try not to roast me.

What is the definition of a 'strong' cigar? I smoked a La Gloria Cubana Wavell tonight and it had some kick. I may have been green by the end. I thought the flavor was fine, but I was feeling it. Was it just me or is that a strong cigar? By comparison I smoked an AVO No. 9 last week. I thought the first 1/3 was nothing, then I noticed something, by the end I was craving another.

I can post a list of what's in my humidor if someone would like to advise. I've bought about 6 different 5 packs. I'm done until I can start making educated purchases.

milhouse at respectableaddress dot com
arwings Offline
#2 Posted: Wed, Jun 25 2003, 4:57 PM EST
Joined: 02-09-2003
Posts: 950
Depends on how you define "strong." Strong can mean harshness, it can mean full-bodied, it can mean stringency/aftertaste, etc. Most people tend to equate full-bodied with strength. The cigar is not harsh but has a full-bodied tobacco flavor, i.e., the La Gloria. Other cigars may not be as full-bodied in nature (headiness) but will have a complexity to their taste that is more delicate. All of this is hard to put into words as it depends on each individual's tastes. Probably some of the "old pros" on this board can explain it better than I ever thought about doing, as I am a relative newbie myself, in terms of posting.

BTW I don't think you have to worry about being flamed. This is about the most convivial bunch you will find anywhere, with a combined, absolutely amazing, wealth of information. After all, all of us were newbies at one time. Welcome aboard!
cooksta2 Offline
#3 Posted: Wed, Jun 25 2003, 5:25 PM EST
Joined: 10-14-2002
Posts: 509
welcome aboard mil! You will find a great buch of people here on the boards but did anyone mention the initiation is you must send each of the first ten people on this thread free smokes.
kccody Offline
#4 Posted: Wed, Jun 25 2003, 5:34 PM EST
Joined: 03-19-2007
Posts: 610
Milhouse
Sounds to me like you pretty much hit the nail right on the head yourself. The la gloria cubana are a more full bodied cigar, where the AVO classic tends to be very mild bodied, yet builds to a very flavorful finish. arwings did a pretty good job of explaining the rest so I won't repeat all that. As for taste just live and learn. Trial and error is about the only true way of determining what you like and don't like. We all go through it. Over the years I’ve spent more money on cigars I didn’t like than I care to think about. Just pay close attention to the description of the cigar, they will usually say whether they are mild, medium, or full bodied, and go from there.
Cigarick Offline
#5 Posted: Wed, Jun 25 2003, 6:35 PM EST
Joined: 07-28-2002
Posts: 3,078
Read, read, read. Smoke, Smoke, Smoke.
deadeyedick Offline
#6 Posted: Wed, Jun 25 2003, 7:33 PM EST
Joined: 03-13-2003
Posts: 17,170
Milhouse
One thing that will help a lot is if you keep notes on your impressions as you try different sticks. Your tastes will change but I sure could have saved a bunch of $$$ over the years if I had started out that way.
Welcome!

DED
limoric Offline
#7 Posted: Wed, Jun 25 2003, 7:40 PM EST
Joined: 03-08-2001
Posts: 623
What CigarRick Said
CigarNewb Offline
#8 Posted: Wed, Jun 25 2003, 10:07 PM EST
Joined: 04-24-2003
Posts: 127
hey mil,

Welcome!! like everyone has been saying, its all a matter of personal opinion. one persons dog rocket is another persons go to gar. 5 packs are the way to go INHO. reading the reviews and descriptions really help, especially with the well versed group of "professional" smokers you have here, but when it comes down to it, its all you.

Have Fun!!

Jon
jd1 Offline
#9 Posted: Wed, Jun 25 2003, 10:17 PM EST
Joined: 02-14-2001
Posts: 3,118
Joya de Nic Antano '70
Ashton VSG
El Rico Habana
La Flor Dominicana Ligero
Camacho Diploma or ll/18
Nicely aged Bolivar/Partagas/Hoyo/RyJ Havana

I consider these some of the most full-bodied flavorful sticks out there. Go slow...

jsd 2az a t hotma il dotcom
sketcha Offline
#10 Posted: Wed, Jun 25 2003, 11:12 PM EST
Joined: 03-26-2003
Posts: 3,238
What ****** said,

Make a log, ('ahem, that's enough there kids). Only you know your palate. Buy tons of 5-packs and try at least 2 of each. It's tough to beat, trying new cigars all the time. You'll find your own favorites/values.

If you're just referring to straight-up, nicotine kick, every one is different. Corojos are generally strong in that sense. A stoge that's heavy on the buzz might be a perfect candidate for a robusto or quicky. How good a "kick" a cigar gives you is a good criteria for you log.

Welcome
Lowman Offline
#11 Posted: Thu, Jun 26 2003, 3:55 AM EST
Joined: 12-03-2002
Posts: 6,982
Welcome aboard, Milhouse. Enjoy the ride...

Low

PS... what everyone above said..
Spiny Norman Offline
#12 Posted: Thu, Jun 26 2003, 4:22 AM EST
Joined: 09-04-2002
Posts: 899
JD1's list is a good start. Most of those are generally regarded as fuerte. The log/journal/diary thing is a great way to go until you feel more comfortable with the descriptions. BTW, I have to say, that of all the cigar sites out there that retail, C-bid gives the most accurate of descriptions. They pretty much call em like they see em.

Welcome to the boards Millhouse and say hello to Bart and Lisa for me will ya?
gerber Offline
#13 Posted: Thu, Jun 26 2003, 5:16 AM EST
Joined: 10-30-2002
Posts: 783
Variety is the spice of life so, as others have already said, try lots of different brands. C-bid is a great place to experiment, since samplers and five-packs can be had for a great price. One other thought (which may not even be worth the two cents): don't let price be your only indicator of quality. There are some tremendous smokes on C-bid, covering the whole spectrum of flavors and strength, that can be had for cheap. Trying lots of brands is a good way to refine your tastes and get a better sense of what you really like. Just be prepared for your tastes to change over time.

Oh, and welcome aboard!
milhouse88 Offline
#14 Posted: Thu, Jun 26 2003, 6:13 AM EST
Joined: 06-09-2003
Posts: 28
Wow! Your response has astounded me. Thanks for all the input. Several of my follow-up questions have already been answered. I have started a log so I can compare notes. I’ll go ahead and list some of my purchases just in case anyone is still following and is interested. Note that some of these were just ‘novelty’ buys. Just to see what they were, i.e. the egg. Here’s the list of what I have or on the way.

Industrial Press Brickk
Drew Estate Pimp Stick, Egg, and Elixir 5-50
Big Butt El Camaron
CAO Gol!
AVO Maduro #2 & #3, and XO Intermezzo
Cohiba EV 652

I don’t think I’m ready fro the Cohiba yet. I smoked an Elixir the other day; tight draw, harsh beginning, then mellowed. About half way through I was ‘buzzing’. Then buzzed even more. I could have sworn there was something beside tobacco in there. I smoked it down till my fingers were burning though!

I may pick up another AVO #9, just to compare now. I really liked it, just seemed a little bland. The La Gloria had a lot more flavor and a lot more buzz. Maybe too much.

I know that everyone has their own ‘tastes’, but keep the comments/suggestions coming. I guess half the fun is the journey!

Thanks again
Roger
divnmyk Offline
#15 Posted: Thu, Jun 26 2003, 6:33 AM EST
Joined: 06-07-2001
Posts: 461
milhouse-

Welcome to the nuthouse. Be sure not to spend too much time and money here or you could end up in the doghouse. If you try to skip out on those credit card bills, you may find yourself in the bighouse. Don't let all this negativity discourage you to the point of dropping your smokes in the outhouse.
Just think of this place as one big flophouse.

M
Mr.Mean Offline
#16 Posted: Thu, Jun 26 2003, 7:36 AM EST
Joined: 05-16-2001
Posts: 3,025
You want comments? I'll give you comments.
Your last three purchases are on the money. Great cigars, you won't be disappointed.
The first three? Crap! absolute Crap. You will be sorely dissapointed. I guarantee you will use this as give aways to your smoking enemies.
With that said, enjoy you sampling time. Post your comments on the purchases you have made. And remember, everyone has an opinion.

hehe Sketcha said log. uhhh hehe
milhouse88 Offline
#17 Posted: Thu, Jun 26 2003, 7:45 AM EST
Joined: 06-09-2003
Posts: 28
Yeah, I had my doubts on the first three. The elixir wasn't bad though. I've read a wide range of reviews on the pimp sticks. I'll have to judge for myself.

I've got a buddy that buys his 'cigars' at the gas station. He can help smoke the stuff I don't like.
finsinmd Offline
#18 Posted: Thu, Jun 26 2003, 8:06 AM EST
Joined: 05-01-2003
Posts: 73
I am also a newbie to the gar world, albeit an addicted one! I have found that keeping a journal helps tremendously. Also, something not mentioned yet, is that cigar tasting events can also help. i went to a Montesino event recently and was not tried the Monte but also an Arturo Fuente for free. (Drank a few brews on the house also!) Check the internet for you local cigar joints and see if they have mailing lists for events. Good herfing!
sumguy Offline
#19 Posted: Thu, Jun 26 2003, 8:19 AM EST
Joined: 12-23-2002
Posts: 65
I went through this too and have to echo the "sample em all" advice. I like a medium strength cigar but have found some "medium" sticks that make my head spin while others labeled strong are just right. The cohiba you listed is one of my favorites. Smooth with lots of flavor. It does pack a little kick but as long as you dont smoke on empty stomach you should be fine.
HarleyDave Offline
#20 Posted: Thu, Jun 26 2003, 8:35 AM EST
Joined: 03-10-2003
Posts: 1,550
Welcome Milhouse. Just remember, no matter how long you've been smoking your tastes will always change. A few years ago I tried a Fuente SG and didn't care for it. Just recently someone here got me to try one again and now I own 5 boxes of Fuente SG's in various sizes.

As everyone else has said have fun and enjoy yourself.

Oh yeah, and stay away from the JDNAs till you have a little more experience. ;-)
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