First-Timer Recommendations
 

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?

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

Something smooth and mild.

I think a Cuesta Rey Centenario is perfect.

:2

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

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.

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

Perdomo champagne....or maybe a Lot 23

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

Oliva Connecticut
Oliva Serie G
Perdomo Lot 23 Connie

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

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

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

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.

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

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

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

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.

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

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

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

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.

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

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.

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

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.

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

Rocky Patel Connecticut

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

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.

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

5 Vegas Gold Nuggets

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

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

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

Wouldn't you know it? What great timing!

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

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

Put me in the Oliva Connecticut camp

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

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

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

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.

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

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

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

Fonseca 5-50 robusto.

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

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

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

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.

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

Padron 2000

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

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.

Re: First-Timer Recommendations
 

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