newbie in Tampa

[pogodo111]

Hello all,

Came across this site and since I am new, both to cigar smoking and this site, I thought I would post a little info about myself. I am currently in Tampa, Fl working in healthcare. I recently took up cigars after seeing my dad smoke them for years. I am 34 and have been looking for info on different types of cigars and all the accesories that can be purchased with them (cutters, humidors,etc.) I came across this site by accident and thought what could be a better place to get the info I am looking for. I have been smoking flavored cigars so far CAO, ACID, Drew Estates. I have had a couple "real" cigars partagas being the latest one. Honestly I cant taste the difference between a flavored and regular cigar. I am thinking about trying something stronger, but at the same time continuing with the flavored varieties until I have tried them all. My next purchase would be a humidor, I have my eye on one at my local tobacco store. Anyway, thanks for all the future help you will be providing me.

 

[Benzopyrene]

welcome!

 

[dpricenator]

Welcome aboard, keep trying the unflavored, you'll realize the difference soon. But at the end of the day smoke what you like.

 

[RonC]

welcome, whereabout in Tampa?

 

[Jwrussell]

Welcome to the site! I always love finding other Tampa-ites. Feel free to contact me via PM if you would like to try to get together for a smoke sometime.

As Dpricenator mentions, definately keep trying unflavored cigars. If you truly can't taste the difference at this point, all the more reason to go for un-flavored. The more you get into the hobby and as your tastebuds get more acclimated you will start tasting things you never tasted before in your cigars. You mentioned CAO as a cigar you have had flavored. They have a ton of cigars that are wonderful (unflavored). There is a ton of variety there so it would be a perfect place to start.

Best of luck, welcome aboard, and let me know if I can be of any help.

 

[cvm4]

Glad to have you here.

 

[RigilKent]

welcome aboard and as said before keep trying unflavored CAO (Black, Brazilia are two of my favorites) when you get a humi try not to store flavored with unflavored have two humis.

 

[jwintosh]

howdy!!

 

[Rich K]

Welcome to BOTL!

 

[pogodo111]

thanks guys for the warm welcome. I am outside of Tampa actually...Largo, Fl to be exact. Ok, so I hear alot about cohiba and have had my eye on the cohiba black. It just looks strong to me. Is it? and would it be a good purchase for a newbie? Also, I have read that you should wait about a minute or so between draws, I tend to draw 3-4 times a minute. I guess that could be one reason why I cant taste the difference? One more thing...Does the way you light the cigar effect the taste?

 

[MichiganM]

Welcome!

You don't want to puff too often...it will cause your cigar to burn hot and that will affect flavor negatively. The way you light your cigar does have an affect has well...you should light with a wooden match or a butane lighter. You also want to make sure to evenly toast the foot of the cigar without burning the wrapper around the foot. Visit your local friendly B&M and ask for a demonstration (after you purchase one of their cigars haha). Viewing is the best way to learn. Hang around here and you'll get some great advice from top notch guys.

 

[jmatkins]

Welcome to BOTL.

 

[David]

Welcome aboard!

 

[thecatmac]

Hello And Welcome!

 

[Jwrussell]

OK, first and foremost: do yourself a favor and travel north on US 19 to Famous Cigars.
25032 US Highway 19 N, Clearwater, FL
(727) 796-2442
It's a wonderful cigar bar and not that far from you. Ask for Stan if he's around as he's a fellow cigar-board'er, though he doesn't frequent this site in particular. Great guy.

Next, as MichiganM already stated, SLOW DOWN!:stretchgr Taking 3-4 puffs a minute on a cigar is DEFINATELY affecting the taste. You are burning it all away. Relax, slow down and savor each puff. By continually puffing you are burning up everything that gives the cigar its unique flavors before they ever reach your mouth. Every cigar you have is bound to taste bland and blah. Don't be to hard on yourself though, it's one of the most common new-guy mistakes.

Cohiba Black or otherwise. IMHO, of course, stay far, far, far away. NC Cohibas are overpriced and I've never had one I would have chosen over any 50 other cigars.

Do a search on the board for "lighting" and I'm sure you'll find a number of posts that will describe the best way to light a cigar. Short answer, yes it can affect the taste and burn.

thanks guys for the warm welcome. I am outside of Tampa actually...Largo, Fl to be exact. Ok, so I hear alot about cohiba and have had my eye on the cohiba black. It just looks strong to me. Is it? and would it be a good purchase for a newbie? Also, I have read that you should wait about a minute or so between draws, I tend to draw 3-4 times a minute. I guess that could be one reason why I cant taste the difference? One more thing...Does the way you light the cigar effect the taste?

 

[Angry Bill]

Hello and welcome Sir!

 

[Ziggy]

Welcome from Winter Haven about 40 min. East of Tampa.

Zig

 

[WhiteLightning]

:welcome: Check out our local vendors for any items you need to purchase they carry some great stuff.

 

[Headbanger]

Always nice to welcome a newbie, glad you are here. Take some time to check out the site for great information. Sticky post on tops of most sections are a great place to start. When in doubt, send someone a private message for help.

 

[smokinafuente]

Hello and Welcome!!