(Since your email address is on my machine at work and I'm at home at the moment, I thought I'd say an initial "Thanks!" here...)

For the other newbies out there, I thought I'd share the basics of the experience so you know something of what to expect - beyond what is already in the excellent write-ups elsewhere on the forums here...

I posted a message indicating an interest in a newbie trade. Ferg was kind enough to respond. Since I am not just a newbie to the trading but also to cigar smoking (well, sort of), I didn't have anything in my humidor that tickled his fancy. He asked me to purchase 5 premium sticks for him, and have them shipped to his home, which I did. When he received them, he asked for some information about what cigars I liked and/or wanted to try. Then he shipped a package back to me, which arrived today.

All I can say is "WOW!" It's like CI/CB dropped a sample of their entire product line on my front porch. In exchange for the 5 sticks I sent Ferg, he was amazingly kind and sent 21 back! Which 21, you ask? My senses are still reeling a bit, but judging from the bands it included the following:

Perdomo Reserve Cabinet Series P
CAO Criollo
CAP Brazilia
CAO MX2
Cusano 18-year aged, double Connecticut
IT Maduro
Gurkha Regent
IT Limited Reserve Series A
Cohiba
CI Legends Blue Label
Gurkha (I think a Master's Select, not sure)
CAO Italia
Carlos Torano
K. Hansotia
Cusano Exclusivo
Partagas
Carlos Torano 1916
Carlos Torano Signature Collection
AF Gran Reserva
La Aurora Preferidos Maduro 1903 Edition
Henry Clay

If this isn't the complete list of "cigars I want to try one day" it's got to be at least 95% of it.

Can't thank you enough, Ferg!

Hope this encourages some of the rest of you to consider a trade with one of the vets on the forums. Judging from my experience, you won't be disappointed.

ferg, a fine example of a true BOTL

Way to spank dat a$$ Jim !!!

Awesome! Simply Awesome!

Da Chief!

NP my friend, I hope you enjoy the smokes and please do not hesitate to let me know if there is anything you need.

It was sincerley a pleasure from my end as well.

Best Regards.

Nice play ferg!

Later.....Erik

Ferg is a true BOTL in EVERY respect!!!!

Just another of many examples he has displayed!!

Great job Jim!!!



Goody

That's a hell of a line up, nice work!

You are correct sir! Ferg is an awesome BOTL. He broke me in as well. He has a way of leaving you speachless, doesn't he.

-Jason

ferg also broke me in. He is one hell of a good BOTL.