Tar, you couldn't have picked a better time to start the hobby, the golden age for smokers is back, I started just as the boom was ending about 6 years ago now, and things were only started to get better again for smokers. Today the top grade tobacco is plentiful again, and some of the best non cuban cigars are being crafted and often at great prices.
One thing I have learned is that don't jump at box of cigars just because you can get it cheap, as you are investing an hour or so of your time and it should be enjoyed and not struggled through. I have given away many cigars in the past from taking a chance buying some boxes mostly on these auctions that were very cheap. Most of the time these days I will get a five pack here or a single at my tobacconist first, and then if I don't like it no harm done, and if I do, go for the box on auction. Be very careful when you see blowouts on cigars left over from the boom years, most of the time these are terrible and not worth having at any price.
