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Ryan330
Rookie Topic Starter

2 years ago

I am pretty new to the seen and have bought a lot of samplers and what I could to try and find my "go to" cigars. Any recommendations or advise on how to build by humidor with good sticks at low costs? Also, how do people get their hands on cubans...I have tried but no success. Would be open to trading and people sending me sticks to try, even thinking of doing a youtube review for beginners. The reviews that I have seen are somewhat unbearable to watch!

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tonygraz
Herf-A-Holic

2 years ago

Forget either "Cubans" or "Low cost". Buying in 5 or 10 packs is a good way to try new cigars. I have 2 classes of cigars - yard gars (more concern over burn than taste) and sit down cigars (where taste is the word). If you can find low cost cigars for both categories, you will do well. I stopped watching reviews several years ago as my palate is often different than others. As you are pretty new, it might be advisable not to stock up on cigars you like as your tastes may change and having several boxes of a cigar you no longer care for is not the way to fill your storage space.

Abrignac
Herf-A-Holic

2 years ago

An unknown asking how obtain contraband in a public forum is a recipe for disaster. I’m sure you’ll get a few comments about such. You’re a long way from getting that information. I’d suggest you start by posting in the trade forum. Gain some credibility then perhaps someone will help you out.

As far a cheap is concerned, I’ve found you pretty much get what you pay for. One dollar cigars taste and burn like one dollar cigars.

Jakethesnake86
Herf-A-Holic

2 years ago

What do you currently have in your stash?? Out of those do you have a favorite??

Mild or full bodied? Medium??

We could help maybe if you add a few details.

There’s some decent bundle cigars that won’t break the bank or you can pay 8-10 dollars a piece for some very very great cigars. It’s all in what you’re into.

I’m the snake

Huzza3045
Herf-A-Holic

2 years ago

Regarding budgeting, I’d recommend signing up for a couple email lists and waiting for good deals. I often only buy sticks when they go on sale, but the sales are pretty frequent on some pages (like the monkey one)

Also, if you want to try new sticks, I’d recommend joining the N00B PIB.

Ryan330
Rookie Topic Starter

2 years ago

I bounce arounds sites, finding the best deals...I have a few Oliva Serie O, have tried a few CAO from samplers and just won a few bids on here, Cohiba Blue and Red, . For everyday smokes, I bought Quorum and Fumas here and there but really like Odyssey for the price point and the fact that they're long fillers...Habano being my favorite thus far.
I just can't believe how many new brands there are out there, and even staple brands have multiple labels in which they sell. I was into cigars maybe 20 years ago and there were a handful of brands and all were somewhat reasonably priced. I cannot believe how much Fuente's and Davidoff's sell for...are they that amazing? Also, it seams that brands all got bought out by the big guys...like CAO being bought by International, are they the same or has the quality changed now that they're mass produced?
Are these boutique brands really that good...Warped, Caldwell...etc?

Huzza3045
Herf-A-Holic

2 years ago

Personally, I’ve never met a Fuente or a Warped I didn’t enjoy. On the contrary, never met a CAO I did like, but I know there are some that are more highly regarded than others (e.g., flathead and Brazilia)

Also, I agree Davidoff feels overpriced. I’d recommend going for their cheaper brands that are (in my opinion) nearly as good (e.g., griffins and AVO)

Edited by user 2 years ago | Reason: Not specified

Mraia
Connoisseur

2 years ago

Forget Cubans. Your aint there yet, and couldnt afford them if you were (you stated your looking for budget sticks. Im not trying to be snarky). Plus, as Abrignac has stated, THEY ARE ILLEGAL.
So, what LEGAL and CHEAP cigars should you explore? From what you say, you like Oliva. Nothing wrong there. In that same vein are Perdomos. Wonderful cigars for around $8-$10. Get some Tatuaje. Cigar Bid has some and they are good. Brick House bundles are well regarded. Rocky Patel...some hate em, many dont. They can be had relatively cheap, and they have pretty good quality. I will get some pushback on that but theres a lot of them to try, and again, not terribly expensive.

Samplers, samplers, samplers. All the sites have them. Identify your taste (mild, medium, strong, Maduro, Connie, etc) and build from there.

this aint a cheap hobby, but it doesnt have to cost a fortune.

Always remember. Smoke what you like, not what you think you should like or what others like. Exploration is the key here.

Ryan330
Rookie Topic Starter

2 years ago

"Smoke what you like" I like that a lot...as it seams there are trends in this, as in any hobby. Some act as snobs if you're not smoking the most expensive and trendiest sticks. It seams a lot has changed since I was last in this game, fuller cigars are now more popular than mellow. I like all types, from Macanudo to a Punch Diablo. What's the verdict on Infused or Flavored? Is that still a no no for the real aficionados? I thought about pulling the trigger on some Legends that were priced well on here.

MidnightToker( • )( • )
Herf-A-Holic

2 years ago

#10

Ryan330 wrote:

I hear ppl get chit for smoking flavored but I always say what is stated above "Do what you want, not what others want you to do". So who cares if it's a no-no? There shouldnt even be such a thing. Ppl trying to tell others what not to do likely just to feel superior. It amazes me how much people let others control them.

I started on flavored cigars and loved them. However, my first quality traditional cigar blew them out of the water and I never went back. I tried one a year in just to see if I still liked them but couldn't even finish it. I still like the smell of them tho so I don't mind when someone is smoking one. I've been told the Java and Java mint are good but pricey.

Edited by user 2 years ago | Reason: Not specified

jeebling
Herf-A-Holic

2 years ago

#11

My only problem with samplers is that I get only one shot at a cigar. I’ve found that I’d rather smoke at least 3 cigars of the same blend to get a good feel for it. Otherwise, samplers are a wonderful way to expose my palate to different blends and vitolas. Frankly, my preferred method is to buy a few fivers of Corojo and compare the brands. Then I’ll try Connecticut then I’ll try some Maduro blends, etc.. I make sure to compare different wrappers from one brand and the same wrapper from different brands. I’ve learned what a Connecticut tastes like and what Corojo tastes like, etc.. I’ve learned the difference between short-filler Cuban sandwich cigars and long-filler cigars, I’ve learned that the wrapper might account more for the taste but the binder and filler can change the flavor and accounts for the strength and “body” of the cigar. I’m still learning and it has been a lot of fun. I think learning with cheap cigars has been a wise decision for me. I’m buying more expensive cigars now but still experimenting and learning so I’m not buying the most expensive offerings. I stay away from buying boxes because I’m likely to change my mind about which cigars are my favorites as I continue to buy different brands and blends. I’ve learned to let my cigars rest at approximately 65% RH for at least 2 weeks before I smoke them because the burn and flavor will change quite a bit if the cigar has been transitioning between different RH and temperatures.

Although I’ve been smoking cigars since the ‘90s, I’ve only just recently started smoking quite a bit more and trying different tobaccos. I consider myself a noob in the forums and a noob to understanding cigar brands and tobacco blends. I think I keep my attitude adjusted to the “receive” mode and I take recommendations and advice from the guys here in the forums. Most are welcoming and helpful, some are full of chit and you’ll be able to figure that out on your own. I wish you good luck and hope you enjoy learning about cigars.

jeebling
Herf-A-Holic

2 years ago

#12

Ryan330 wrote:

I agree with Toker. Ignore the cigar snobs and smoke what you enjoy. How will you know what a “good” cigar is if you haven’t smoked a “bad” one and an “average” one? Plus, the fun is in discovering what I like, not following the lead of the cool kids.

Ryan330
Rookie Topic Starter

2 years ago

#13

Thanks Jeebling! It's like anywhere on the net, as I tell my kids...there are always going to be negative people, you just have to deal with it. I feel welcome so far and have read some interesting stuff on this thread, along with other discussions that should help me get back in the game and enjoy the smoking tradition again. I find it very relaxing and somewhat therapeutic. cigars are a craft and work of art....Various price point, tastes and traditions go into it. I would love to someday try an Opus X or fine Cuban, but for the time being I will find what suites me and my wallet. This is definitely not a hobby for the faint of heart....my first big purchase a couple of months ago was around $300 and it did not go far, lol.

LeeBot
Herf-A-Holic

2 years ago

#14

I was into cigars maybe 20 years ago and there were a handful of brands and all were somewhat reasonably priced. I cannot believe how much Fuente's and Davidoff's sell for...are they that amazing? Also, it seams that brands all got bought out by the big guys...like CAO being bought by International, are they the same or has the quality changed now that they're mass produced?
Are these boutique brands really that good...Warped, Caldwell...etc?

Ryan330 wrote:

I took about a 12 year break from buying cigars, wasn't keeping up with what was happening, and yeah, things changed a lot. In the mid 2000s, there just weren't a bunch of boutique brands at all. Warped, Caldwell, Crowned Heads, Stolen Throne, Ezra Zion, etc., etc. have all come out. Fuque, I remember when Drew Estate made their first unflavored cigars. I think the quality of the newer boutique brands is generally much better, much more interesting.

They're also a LOT pricier. I was shocked when I saw what had happened to prices, and that was before this latest round of inflation. Today's cigars are richer and fuller bodied too. I remember when JdN Añtano and Rocky Patel The Edge were really strong cigars. Ring gauges have also skyrocketed.

So, even though cigars are a lot more expensive overall, there are still some deals, and I think the market is much better. I wouldn't want to go back.

MidnightToker( • )( • )
Herf-A-Holic

2 years ago

#15

I don't have a lot of experience with Cubans but I know the consensus is that once upon a time a Cuban could be had for a few dollars more than a new world cigar, was far superior in taste, and equal in construction. Nowadays they cost twice as much, are only slightly superior to the high end NW cigars in taste, and are inferior in construction due to the skilled rollers leaving Cuba for better jobs in NW cigars. So I wouldn't even be chasing them anymore.

As for OpusX's, ironically I just had my first one yesterday. Wasn't chasing them because I didn't like the 3 or 4 Fuente cigars I've tried in my smoking career and had totally written them off. However an OpusX was given to me and after smoking it I'll be on the lookout for more. Do yourself a favor and try one. Unless money is tight, then do yourself a favor and don't try one so u don't know what your missing.

Also, Law Enforcement doesn't give two chits about Cuban cigars. They have bigger fish to fry and cant get recruits and help thanks to the defund the police BS. Maybe CBP, but I doubt many of them even do.
Honestly, the illegal status probably sells more cigars than if they were legal. I heard once that 75% of all Cubans end up in the U.S. Ppl want what they can't have, and feel special when they have something they shouldn't have or that is rare. That adds a lot to the Cuban cigar hype. It's not all quality adding to the hype. You can try establishing a repertoire with a vendor then ask, but it's unlikely someone is willing to risk their business to sell Cubans and highly likely youll be sold a fake. Everyone I know who buys them, buys them online from overseas and has no problem getting them shipped. Good luck.

Edited by user 2 years ago | Reason: Not specified

Ryan330
Rookie Topic Starter

2 years ago

#16

MidnightToker( • )( • ) wrote:

I've always wondered about that....like back in the day (before my time) when Coors beer was only available out west and flocks of people would base their vacation plans to buy it.

jeebling
Herf-A-Holic

2 years ago

#17

Ryan330 - Welcome aboard and don’t forget to read up on the commonly used acronym thread. A guy smarter than me can post those helpful links for you.

As drgInc sez…Stay Smokey!

Mraia
Connoisseur

2 years ago

#18

Those Legends cigars are the bomb. I love them. Not an everyday, or every week kind of thing, at least for me, but man they are tasty. Dont buy into anything you read here that starts out with someone saying your taste sux. We've all been on the receiving end of that brand of BS and most of us have, at some time or another, doled some of it out. We've all done it... Hell my first week here someone told me (all in caps) my taste in cigars sucked. I didnt appreciate it then, and dont now.

now go bid on those Legends. They are nice!

Ryan330
Rookie Topic Starter

2 years ago

#19

Just got a 5 pack on Freefall for a decent price...can't wait to try them!

Mraia
Connoisseur

2 years ago

#20

Just got a 5 pack on Freefall for a decent price...can't wait to try them!

Ryan330 wrote:

Good for you! If you don’t like them put them aside, someone you know will.

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