What Cigars Would You Recommend?

[LazyLightning]

Hi Folks,
I was putting an order together last night and put a few in the cart that I know I like so far, but hit a wall on new ones to try. I was wondering what some of you guys would suggest based on the few I have found I really like as well as what I am looking for?

I know there are some sticks that people will say stay away from at first and work yourself up to them, if just starting due to strength (but to me it seems like they are referring to someone who has never smoked anything before) I was a heavy cigarette smoker for nearly 30 years and have moved onto pipe smoking for almost 2 yrs now, so nic strength is not an issue. Plus I smoke some vitamin N heavy tobacco blends almost daily. I just need to ween myself off these last 4-5 cigarettes a day and I will finally have that monkey off my back.

Anyhow, got a bit sidetracked, sorry about that.
Here are some cigars that I really like so far:
Padron: 2000 Natural
Padron: 2000 Maduro
My Father: Le Bijou 1922 Petit Robusto
Oliva: Serie G Cameroon Special G
Oliva: Serie G Maduro Special G
Arturo Fuente Curly Head Deluxe

I have been keeping a "journal" like I did when I started smoking pipes, on what I have smoked, how I liked it, the flavor profile I get from it, etc...

I really like rich flavors in about anything I do. But I am not opposed to a simple one dimensional smoke, that is a good all day any day smoke. Sort of the "Carter Hall" of the cigar world.

As far as price range, I am looking for something in the $5 and under range and a few suggestions in the $10 and under (if your suggesting singles). Remember I am trying to wrap my head around the different tobaccos, sizes, and everything else right now. Once I get my bearings and start seeing where my palette takes me I can start zeroing in on some higher priced sticks. I would think samplers are a great place to start, and there are a lot to choose from over on Famous, I just don't know which ones would be best.

Hope this isn't the ramblings of a ignorant newbie!

And thanks in advance for any help!

Almost forgot, what is the best Boveda pack to use? I have been using 72% and the cigars seem to be doing well, but is there an advantage to using a lower one like 65% or 69%, or higher? Currently I am using a tupperdor if that matters.

Again, thanks for any help.

[AlanS]

65% for NC's, 62% for CC's

[TreySC]

I would explore more into the lines you know you like. Padron's are going to get expensive once you get out of the X000 series.

If you like the Le bijou look for other things from the Gracia family of tobacco Oliva and Fuente also have a pretty big catalog with some affordable smokes.

As far as other low cost options especially on cbid look into Diesel, Man-o-War, pretty much anything form AJ Fernandez is good.


65% boveda especially in tupperador will be perfect.

[Brimy]

Hope this isn't the ramblings of a ignorant newbie!

And thanks in advance for any help!

Hi Lazy!

In my time here (since its inception in 2015) I have NEVER experienced being berated for asking ANY question. So no matter how simple you think it may be or no matter how many times its been asked, if you need some direction or clarification, go right ahead and ask!

That being said, I too am a cigarette smoker and seem to be immune to vitamin N and like a stronger cigar. But in my journey I've come to appreciate a flavorful cigar no matter the strength. I've dabbled with the pipe and still do occasionally but not to the point where I can really comment on the vitamin N and flavors that the different pipe tobaccos present.

Since you appreciate flavors, I appreciate a good Cameroon, maduro and Oscuro wrapper. As for makers, I haven't smoked a DPG (Don Pepin Garcia) that I haven’t enjoyed. I like AJF smokes. Casa Fernandez, RoMa Craft, Regius to name a few.

I like both CC's & NC's at 65%.

[Brimy]

There are also some "cheapies" that become really nice with 6+ months rest on them.

Ramon Bueso Genesis
Obsidian Black label

[Emperor Zurg]

Obsidian Black label

I like these. They have a nice chocolaty flavor that almost reminds me of smoking Bob's Chocolate Flake.
I've found you need to draw gently on them or they give off a nasty resinous flavor. Plenty enjoyable for the price though if you treat them right.

[Brimy]

I like these. They have a nice chocolaty flavor that almost reminds me of smoking Bob's Chocolate Flake.
I've found you need to draw gently on them or they give off a nasty resinous flavor. Plenty enjoyable for the price though if you treat them right.

Agree 100%!!

[restomod]

I second Trey on the Diesel's and Brian on the Roma Craft, cant go wrong I feel. Also Undercrown, Crowned Heads (virtually any), Joya Cuatro Cinco, CAO Flatheads.

[jhedrick83]

65% for NC's, 62% for CC's

I'd second that.

As for recommendations:
Fuente 8-5-8 maduro
Fuente Chateau Maduro
Fuente Hemingway Short Story maduro
Fuente Hemingway Short Story Natural (Cameroon Wrapper)
Fuente Petit Corona Maduro
Fuente Churchill Maduro
Holt's (Shop Premium Cigars & Deals Online | Holt's Cigar Company) is a great place for Fuente
601 (blue bands) Robustos or Toros (used to be on Cigar Bid a lot)
Illusione Rothchildes (you can find them for $3-$4 a stick are are awesome!)
Brick House Maduro (made by Fuente for J.C. Newman)
L'Atelier MAD44
La Gloria Cubana Serie R Maduro
Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970
Sancho Panza Double Maduro
Oliva Master Blends 3 (Holts also has great prices on these including this sampler Oliva Master Blends Monster Deal - Featured Samplers - Samplers)
Punch Bareknuckles
Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic in the 1979 size (Again, cheaper on Cbid usually)

[LazyLightning]

Thanks for all the feedback , it's always much appreciated!

I will take these suggestions and go finish my order off. For me right now it's all about finding what I like and as I go along, getting a better feel for what I might like as my knowledge grows.

I am already finding that a nice cigar between pipes is a great way to mix things up in terms of the differences in flavor profiles. It has also helped me finally realize those last 5 cigarettes a day are about to become a thing of the past.