[Starscream]

Originally Posted by MajorCaptSilly

Looks like you've tried some good ones! Without getting into specifics about the brands you've tried, I can a couple suggestions:

1. Take the time to write down some notes about the cigar you are smoking so you don't forget what you like and what you don't. The notes don't have to be elaborate. Just keep a record so you can remember the good/bad qualities of the cigar you're smoking. Don't expect to pick up on some of the tasting notes you see in reviews here (hints of leather, wood, sweetness, etc). At first just you can just write about good or bad based on the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd part of the cigar.

2. Start buy trying different sizes of the cigars you like. Size can make a huge difference in the flavor of a cigar.

3. Ask here for other cigars that fit into similar category of the ones you like and try those as well.

4. Don't make hasty judgements. A cigar you love the first time you smoke it may not be the same experience the second time. I usually smoke at least 3 of the same cigar before I pass jusdgement unless I absolutely hate it.

5. Remember, you like what you like. The cigars that folks rave about may not be your cup of tea or you may fall in love. Be patient and you will soon have several key brands that you'll like then you can start trying some others as you think they fit your likes.

6. PM me your address and I'll send you a few cigars I like that you might like too.

It's a lot of fun on the cigar slope. Welcome to the ride!

MCS

Originally Posted by akumushi

A few tips for the newb:

* Read the Faqs on setting up a humidor, seasoning, humidification on this and other sites, get at least a 100 count, better to get a 300+. Trust me, you will use up all that space and more. Having properly humidified cigars is key to the enjoyment of this hobby.

* You've started with some good cigars so remember this, you will run into smokes that you don't like. A cigar should taste good and feel good to smoke. If it tastes awful and smokes awful, there are plenty of smokes out there that won't. Life is too short for a bad cigar. If you hear a lot of hype about a cigar you have had a bad experience with, try one again in a few months, but don't expect any miracles.

* Try a wide variety of sizes and shapes, from figurados and torpedos, to lanceros and coronas in addition to the standard robustos and toros, you may be surprised by what your favorite shape is, and you'll find that it changes over time. Also try a wide variety of styles, from mild to full bodied, with wrappers from connectict to cameroon, habano and maduro. You will find they all have their relative benefits and deficiencies.

* Don Pepin Garcia and Tatuaje Cigars rock. Check them out and you won't be disappointed.

* Get in on HERFS, trades and PIFs with the awesome BOTLs and SOTLs on this site. You will have fun and meet people to share your passion and their knowledge of the hobby.

* After smoking for a year and getting your tastes developed, consider coming over to the dark side...

* Most of all, have fun!

Originally Posted by rharris

Also ,don't judge too harshly on anything right off the truck.Make sure to let a few of a fiver(or whatever) that you buy sit and age for a few weeks or months.You will be amazed at the difference a little time can sometimes work on a cigar.Look at the reviews on this site and other places,try and find someone with similar tastes to your own and see what other cigars they like. Samplers are sometimes a good way to try a bunch of new things. As has already been mentioned,try and enjoy each experience! Sometimes its the company you keep,and the memories you make that can truly make the experience a great one.

Good advice above!