Newbie looking to make first buy

[ballerjones]

I've had cigars occasionally in the past but I'd like to step it up. I'm a student so the cheaper the better.

I was wondering what would be a good, reasonably-priced first purchase. Can anyone recommend a good sampler pack from Famous Smokes or something? I'd like to try any and all cigar types/flavors/etc.

But really, under $30 for now (unless this is unreasonable of course). I want to know what I like before actually spending money.

Thanks for your expertise.

[icehog3]

From the "Cheap Smokes" (under $3) thread.

1. 826 Slow aged Perdomo
2. Perdomo Fresco
3. Alcazar #4
4. Flor de Oliva
5. Fire Corojo
6. SPEF Cordoba
7. Famous Nic 3k
8. Famous Dom 5K
9. Punch London Club
10. CFO Reserva #7
11. Tierra del Sol
12. Ashton Benchmade
13. R.P Vintage seconds
14. GR Specials
15. AF Curly Head Natural
16. Indian Tabac Cameroon Legend
17. Little Havana Overrun
18. Liga C & A X outs
19. Consuegra's
20. Padron Londres
21. Taboo Value Line
22. Nestor Reserve Maduro
23. Fire Maduro
24. JR Ultimates
25. Sol Cubana Cuban Cabinet
26.Famous Nicaraguan Cameroon
27.Famous Dominican 4000
28. Famous Nicaraguan Habanos
29. JR Edicion Limitada Alternative to the Montecristo Edmundo
30. Everyday Joes
31. Legends Red Perdomo
32 Fumadores
33. Oro Cubano Aniversario
34. Tabacos Baez Serie SF (Made by Pepin)
35. Padron Corticos
36. Cusano M1, MC, CC, P1
37. Pirates Gold

[ballerjones]

Thanks for the quick reply. That's a big list. I will definitely take a look.

Maybe someone knows of a good "starter pack" of sorts? Maybe something already available at famous smokes? Sorry if just being lazy, thought maybe there was a preferred sampler among the experts.

[Emjaysmash]

I'm definitely no expert, but here's something:

http://www.famous-smoke.com/famous+best+of+alec+bradley+sampler+cigars/item+32363

I enjoy Alec Bradley cigars, and this sampler wont break the bank.

[markem]

I think that looking through the NST is a good way to see what people like

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14254

also, getting involved will get you some variety without a lot of dosh

[icehog3]

Thanks for the quick reply. That's a big list. I will definitely take a look.

Maybe someone knows of a good "starter pack" of sorts? Maybe something already available at famous smokes? Sorry if just being lazy, thought maybe there was a preferred sampler among the experts.

You will get as many opinions as there are experts. ;)

[markem]

You will get as many opinions as there are experts. ;)

Actually, you will get 2 opinions for every expert, but that's just my opinion

[icehog3]

Actually, you will get 2 opinions for every expert, but that's just my opinion

Vote early and vote often. :tu

[ballerjones]

Large quantity cheap packs like this one are probably bad then?

http://www.famous-smoke.com/famous+dominican+selection+1000+corona+cigars/item+20797

[ballerjones]

Also, there seem to be a couple of featured samplers in my price range at famous smokes. I'd love your opinions on which is best.

Best of Drew Estate, Best of Alec Bradley, Best of Pinar Del Rio, etc. I like the last one because it has 12 and not 10. I'm clueless however. Thoughts? (not on my clueless-ness)

[bobarian]

I would look for a sampler that gives you a chance to try different brands rather than a single brand sampler. Here is a pretty decent one at your price, http://www.cigarsinternational.com/prodDisp.asp?item=SP-AJBASST7&cat=6&page=1

[Emjaysmash]

I'm going to second bobarian's sampler pick!

[JJG]

That is a big list, and I haven't tried them all, but the Padron Londres was going to be my recommendation anyway. Hell, any Padron really. These were the cigars that got me hooked on this hobby. The maduro Londres just happen to be my favorite of the regular line. They're relatively cheap and ANY tobacco shop you visit is going to carry them.

[Emjaysmash]

[QUOTE=ballerjones;1009009]Large quantity cheap packs like this one are probably bad then?

[url]

not bad, but why get 20 of something you might not like? Trust me, when I started I spent 50$ on 50 cigars. Worst decision I ever made. Now those cigars were considerably sh!ttier than the ones you posted, but remember quality is better than quantity.

[maverickdrinker]

you can always look at the little havana overruns at Holts. They are made by pepin and sometimes go on sale.

[Superbad]

For $4.50 I recommend the Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu no. 5. Damn fine cigar!

[Wharf Rat]

You haven't given us a clue on whether you're looking for mild or strong cigars. The folks around here tend to be experienced smokers who gravitate to strong stuff. But, I dare say many of us started out milder. The following is a sampler of Oliva cigars that range from mild to strong and includes natural and maduro wrappers.

http://www.cigarsinternational.com/proddisp.asp?item=SP-6FASST2&stext=oliva

[JJG]

not bad, but why get 20 of something you might not like? Trust me, when I started I spent 50$ on 50 cigars. Worst decision I ever made. Now those cigars were considerably sh!ttier than the ones you posted, but remember quality is better than quantity.

I totally agree. In my experience, 95% of the cheaper cigars out there are total crap. Don't feel that you have to try them all. If $30 is your budget, I say spend it on 5 or 10 decent quality smokes instead of 30 dog rockets.

[bigdix]

Famous usually has some packs that will let you try several brands, like Bob mentioned. This would be my recommendation simply because you get to try a lot more for your money, that way the next time you go to spend some dough....you'll at least have a better idea of what you like :2

[ballerjones]

Thanks everyone. Good recommendations. Went with the Pinar del Rio. Looked good, two extra cigars.

[Subvet642]

Get yourself a little notebook and as you try different cigars, paste or tape the band into the book and keep a few notes about what you thought with each one. I'm not suggesting a formal review, just a few crib notes for yourself.

[markem]

Get yourself a little notebook and as you try different cigars, paste or tape the band into the book and keep a few notes about what you thought with each one. I'm not suggesting a formal review, just a few crib notes for yourself.

:tpd: wise words. Your palette will evolve over time as well. It is always worth having some idea as to the path you are on.

[Emjaysmash]

:tpd:

I did this when I first started CCs and it helped!