Thread: New cigar smoker seeking advice

I've been thinking about taking up cigar smoking for some time now following my full-time "adoption" of straight shaving almost two years ago thanks to my accidental intervention with one of Lynns videos on Youtube.

So, to the cigar afficionados here I would like to ask for some advice to help me get off on the right foot.

I suppose I am looking for a humidor that can store up to around 50 cigars (more than I will need in any circumstances as far as I can see), a cutter and lighter (seems obvious in some ways but I'd like opinions!), and of course some cigars.

With a budget of around £200, what would you recommend to someone starting out?

From the limited experience I have had so far, I have had a few Romeo Y Juliet's & Coronas and enjoyed them very much. For what it's worth, I feel that my initial preference is leaning towards the mild-midrange strength cigars.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

I used to smoke Romeo and Juliet, I think we may like cigars in the same range. I have yet to smoke a bad AVO, and they're pretty reasonably priced. the no 9 is excellent, and (can't remember exactly which cigar) but one of the darker ones has not aftertaste at all, same flavor after exhale.

Hello

Welcome to the world of cigars! You have a good deal of trying, tasting and happynes coming to you.

When I did start out with cigars I got some samplers, that way you can try different vitolas,, shapes, of the cigars, makers and so one. Try to get at 2-3 cigars from the same maker, that way you can find out more about them and find "your" cigar.

When it comes to gear and what to use, you can use all kinds of gear. Same as wih a razor, use what you feel is best. No need to start out with a $$$$$$$$$ cutter.

Also you need to find out how long your planning on smoking at the time. What I mean is, there is no point in lighting up a grand panetelas if you only have time for a petit corona.

There are some good forums you can get more, and better, advice from, like: http://www.smokersforums.org/, http://www.clubstogie.com/ and http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/

When it comes to humidors, try out: http://www.cigarmony.com/ and http://www.cheaphumidors.com/. The last one got some great deals. Try out the imperfects, that way you can safe some $$$ and stil get a superb humidor. For humidification, get a puk from day one! That way your cigars will be safe and so will you. I use one from credo.

Wish you happy smoking

Originally Posted by Shorty

With a budget of around £200, what would you recommend to someone starting out?

.

From the monetary unit you're using, I'm guessing you're British. ARe you asking about Cuban R&J?

there are many makers of fine humidors for not much money out there, I myself have had a bad experience with Cheap Humidors Cigar Humidor Cigar Accessories CheapHumidors.com customer service, but your luck may differ. I would up getting one from my local tobbacanist; more money, but he stood behind it.

for a cutter, i prefer a circular punch rather than the guillotine types, harder to screw up and doesn't remove as much of the wrapper. for a lighter i either use a butane torch or a wooden match, no need to spend mega bucks on a fancy colibri or something. (fyi, if your colibri breaks down, their customer service is about the most useless organization on the face of the planet... consider them very expensive disposables)

for milder cigars in your price range, I would try a sampler, some good mild-to-mediums that I've enjoyed have been CAO, Patel, Romeo y Julieta, and some of the lighter Ghurkas. for the most part I smoke maduros and other such full flavored smokes, so I can't recommend much more than that.

It is very important to not use a zippo lighter, it will ruin your cigar. As for cutters I like circle punches as well as wedges, but I mainly use a guillotine because I get them free from the cigar shop. You would most likely like the Acids or really nything from Drew estates and I would highly recommend Davidoff cigars, some of the best I have ever had. I personally am not a big fan of cubans though.

For my Humidor because of the dry climate I live in I put a small floral foam block in a small containter to keep the humidity up.

When you get a humidor it is really important to season it before putting cigars in. Basically for about a week or two take a damp paper towl and wipe down the inside very well. This will season the wood and help it seal up nicely.

I got one frome CheapHumidor maybe a month ago.

I recommend you chose USPS for shipping, a little more expensive but the brokerage fees are way lower.

Check this one:
75 Cigar Black Humidor w/ Inlays + FREE ITEMS (HUM-W): Cheap Humidors Cigar Humidor Cigar Accessories CheapHumidors.com

I got the smaller version that is... a little small:


Big enough, and since it's a closeout, the guy gives you everything you need to get starter (to season your humidor).

There is also an "imperfect" section. They don't look perfect but they are as good.

As for the lighter, you can order one on the same website. I also got an extra double-guillotine and a cigar tube from the same website. 10$ for each, totally worth it.

If you get a lighter, get a butane lighter, fuel lighters like zippos can change the cigar taste.

I jsut found while tooling around one of the sexist cigar punches i have seen, and a price to match
Davidoff Cigar Cutters, Scissors, and Knives ~ Davidoff Cigar Cutters, Knives, and Scissors Are Available at Milan Tobacconists

Oh, and a Cigar tube/flask combo is a GREAT invention

vegard_dino - That is very useful and thanks for the welcome. I've taken a look at both of those sites and they've certainly got a lot on offer .. this is going to take some time and I am looking forward to it!

cybrok - Thanks for the picture of your setup, that looks just like what I am after really. I can't see that I am going to need anything larger at this point in time, so a 50-75 sized humidor looks like the ticket. I like the look of that lighter and tube by the way, very handy.

Akady - I've heard about seasoning the humidor and that answers it nicely. The climate here is midrange in the UK, not particularly dry or damp so it sounds as though I won't have to worry about additional humidity?

captp - Yes, I am based in England and I didn't know that there were alternative Romeo Y Juliet's available other than the one I have always known. I have linked to a picture of the one I mean here (3rd from left). I always smoke this on occasion as it is usually the

Jockeys - I watched a video on Youtube where someone was using a screw type "cutter" instead of a circular guillotine. It seems as though you are left with a smaller diameter hole in which to draw through .. is this an advantage or a matter of personal preference i.e. some people guillotine a larger area in order to draw more smoke through where as others prefer a smaller/ slower draw?

Thanks for the info!