Best first box to buy ...

[DevRider]

If you have to ask, you shouldn't buy a box yet.

Your palate will grow and develop, and as you continue to smoke, your preferences may change. Even if they don't, you might buy a box today, and find a cigar you like more, and half the price, tomorrow.

Here's my advice: Keep sampling singles. When you find one you really like, buy a fiver, and smoke through those. If after that you still think it's boxworthy, only then should you actually buy a box. There's so much good stuff out there to try, and very little that's actually box-worthy.

I've been smoking regularly for about 6 years, and I have three wineadors. You know how many full boxes I bought and kept? Eight, including the boxes I bought to mark the births of my five kids. I tend to buy in fivers and ten packs, which is enough to keep me smoking and even age a few, while trying new things. I have a few favorites, but even those I tend to buy in five-packs or do box splits. The only things I buy by the box are Cubans I want to age.

Save your big purchases for stuff you already know you like, and will like for a while. Right now, I'd recommend buying samplers, or trying singles/five packs.

What about that ... http://www.cigarsinternational.com/s...mpler/#p-87014

[StogieNinja]

What about that ... http://www.cigarsinternational.com/s...mpler/#p-87014

Only if you want to be cured of ever wanting to smoke cigars again.

Start with samplers featuring well-known, and well-respected blenders or manufacturers.

Here are a couple by some reputable manufacturers that feature a variety of wrappers and strengths:
http://www.cigarbid.com/Auction/Lot/...ler-10-Cigars/
http://www.cigarbid.com/Auction/Lot/...pler-Box-of-6/
http://www.cigarbid.com/Auction/Lot/...r-II-5-Cigars/


Most of these sticks are decent sticks. None of them are great, ultra-premiums, but the more important thing is that they are inexpensive, decently made, and will offer you a good variety of wrappers and blends, which will help give you an idea of what kind of smoke you like as you work your way through the different styles.

As you smoke through any of them, make notes of what you really liked and what you didn't about each cigar, and you'll begin to figure out what kind of preferences you have. Then you can start exploring other good smokes within that profile, and start figuring out what really blows your mind

[Billb1960]

What about that ... http://www.cigarsinternational.com/s...mpler/#p-87014

Oh. Hell. No.

[AlanS]

Oh. Hell. No.

Tell him how you really feel Billb1960. Lol

[Billb1960]

Tell him how you really feel Billb1960. Lol

Any sampler that includes both Dark Sharks and Ron Mexicos is not worth buying.

[izkeh]

What about that ... http://www.cigarsinternational.com/s...mpler/#p-87014

I can only hope you're joking...

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!! Life is too short to smoke shitty, and ultra-shitty cigars.

Arturo Fuente 8-5-8 Natural or Maduro - around $100-$110. Never disappointing, always consistent.