First-Timer Recommendations

[rhmalone]

So the other day a buddy and me trucked on down to the local B&M... we had some business to discuss and what goes well with business? Stogies!!!

My friend had mentioned that it has been years since he'd smoked a cigar and as such really wasn't a regular cigar smoker. I tried to help navigate him around the humidor, offering suggestions and whatnot.

I ended up suggesting to him an AF Flor Fina 8-5-8 (a smoke I remember as being either my second or third smoke of all time). I figured I loved it so well that likely he might too.

I was wrong...

Any suggestions on how to go about suggesting cigars to those who are brand new to cigars?

[pnoon]

Something smooth and mild.

I think a Cuesta Rey Centenario is perfect.

:2

[maninblack]

I'd start them off with something mild or medium bodied, something that won't make him woozy or turn his stomach. Thats how I started and I worked my way up to what I smoke today, MOW's, Cain's, Joya's, etc etc.

[lightning9191]

Perdomo champagne....or maybe a Lot 23

[elderboy02]

Oliva Connecticut
Oliva Serie G
Perdomo Lot 23 Connie

[Volt]

I second the Oliva G. Most Cameroon wraps in general seem to work for beginners. Easy on the senses and usually tasty.

[Lucky_Hippo]

Macanudo is still one of the largest sellers in the U.S. They get a bad shake on the boards from guys who've smoked for a while, but I've used them with great success to help bring in new cigar smokers. A few I know still won't smoke anything else several years later.

[SmokingPoker]

Stick to Connecticut or Cameroon wrap for sure if you can. Dominican is usually a nice local and kinda neat to say it's "Dominican", kinda exotic (I know the hearty palates r laughing right now). Montecristo is usually pretty reliable/safe/available.

I agree, Macanoodles are good go to as well :ss

[issues]

Macanudo is still one of the largest sellers in the U.S. They get a bad shake on the boards from guys who've smoked for a while, but I've used them with great success to help bring in new cigar smokers. A few I know still won't smoke anything else several years later.

I would agree that Macanudos are very good sticks for beginners.

The Macanudo Court Cafe and the Portofino are very mild cigars that are great for beginners.

[nofeardiver]

Go with the Oliva G, or a lot 23 is a darn fine smoke as well, but the Oliva G just spells smooth...

[JJG]

any of the Padron x000 series would be good. great flavor, mild but not boring, not too complex. This was the one that got me excited about cigars.

[KenyanSandBoa]

Oliva Connecticut
Oliva Serie G
Perdomo Lot 23 Connie

I like all of those selections...I loved the Oliva Connecticut.

My brother and I smoked a Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 that was really mild and buttery smooth.

[darkninja67]

I will parrot the Oliva G, just a very solid stick to start with. Shoot, I am fairly seasoned and I still like them especially the maddie.

[Razorhog]

Rocky Patel Connecticut

[tedrodgerscpa]

Add me on to the list of folks recommending a Macanudo (wow, I can't believe I just typed that phrase :rolleyes:)

You wanna start out someone verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry slow.

[Razorhog]

5 Vegas Gold Nuggets

[BigCat]

I always start them with a cusano 18 or a 5 vegas gold. Both mild and creamy.

[safariguy]

Add me on to the list of folks recommending a Macanudo (wow, I can't believe I just typed that phrase :rolleyes:)

You wanna start out someone verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry slow.

Wouldn't you know it? What great timing!

http://www.cigar.com/DailyDeal/ccCigarDeals.asp

[Caymus]

Put me in the Oliva Connecticut camp

[cigarz]

I also would say the 5 vegas gold, Oliva G, or you could go with the RP connecticut or American Market Selection.

[yourchoice]

Does your friend smoke cigarettes? If not, I agree something mild, but if so he might like something that is stepped up a notch on strength and flavor.

[ade06]

This thread reminds me an after school special where the drug dealer slowwwwly introduces the kids to drugs to get them hooked. LOL

[Tio Gato]

Fonseca 5-50 robusto.

[NCRadioMan]

Casa Torano. As mild as Macanudo with 3x's the flavor.

[kaisersozei]

Another vote for the Conny/Cameroon wrapped sticks. On the mild side, I'm a fan of the Casa Torano, Fonseca and Oliva G or Connecticut. Also, would recommend going with a smaller RG or shorter vitola.

[gnukfu]

Padron 2000

[rhmalone]

Does your friend smoke cigarettes? If not, I agree something mild, but if so he might like something that is stepped up a notch on strength and flavor.

no he doesn't... he's had a cigar or two over the years (back in the college days), but it's been quite a while.

it's funny after reading what everyone suggested, it's like "duh" that would have been good, or that, or that... thanks guys.

[St. Lou Stu]

Add me on to the list of folks recommending a Macanudo (wow, I can't believe I just typed that phrase :rolleyes:)

You wanna start out someone verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry slow.

Dude, I feel like I don't even know you anymore.:D