Now that I know what I like, I buy more boxes.
If I want to try something new, I'll buy a few at
the local b&m, or find a sampler/special with them.
Some sticks are just too darned expensive, so I have
to buy singles, if I really want to smoke them. Then
again there are deals that include one or two super
pricey smokes, which I can then justify the purchase
(a special/sampler) based on "average" cost per stick.
I'm sure the average cost of every stick in my humis is
under $6.50, but includes many Hemis, OpusX, Anejo,
Cien Anos, Graycliff, Ashton, etc. These expensive sticks
are offset by more everyday smokes like CAO Brazilia, RP,
Pepin Blue/JJ, HdM Excalibur, Punch, Oliva, RyJ, Torano, etc.
This is a complicated hobby to keep within budget.
I don't think I've EVER spent more than $15 for a smoke, and
my self imposed limit is $10, although prices are creeping up.
Unfortunately my paycheck isn't going up as much. If it's
my birthday, or Xmas, and have some mad money saved up,
I buy a couple extra OpusX or Hemi maddies for special occasions
later in the year. That's how I accumulated many of the htf
sticks, now resting comfortably. Not enough special occasions!
My goal this year is to buy a box of Hemi maddies for Xmas. Not
sure if my local will go for it, though. Last year, my best smoke
was a Hemi Signature maddie with 2-3 yrs on it, and salted with
plume. A memorable/remarkable smoke, on a cool autumn afternoon.
Chemyst
