4 months into the hobby. Too soon for first box?

[IMABEAST]

Hey Botl/ Sotl,

I have only been in the hobby for about 4 months. I believe I have pegged a few smokes, that I would consider a box purchase. I keep putting them in my cart and then backing down lol. Im trying to wait on a cash deal request in the newbie thread to come to fruition. However, with my impatience, I don't think I can resist much longer lol. I "need" my reserve at a point, that I can actually rest a cigar for a few months.

The only issue is, there are sooooo many more to try. So, is it too soon to buy a box?

Note: Potentials are all in the liga family. No. 9's, T52's and Undercrown (most likely choice and either corona viva or robusto)

Someone talk me off the ledge...

 

[THEMISCHMAN]

Sorry, nothing but enablers here. As long as it's fiscally responsible there is no reason you shouldn't pick up a box of smokes you know you enjoy. Don't forget to check with our site sponsors, Famous Smoke and Small Batch because the code BOTL will get you 17% off at Famous and 10% off at Small Batch.

BTW, Corona Viva is the best size Undercrown.

 

[ZippoGeek]

You have done well, Padawan, by asking this question BEFORE buying! I was not so lucky. On that "other" forum, I started what would become a pretty long thread on this topic: "Box Buyer's Remorse." I went out out and bought two boxes of some sticks that I liked, only to have my palate change completely. Guess what those cigars tasted like to me after 2 or 3 of them: You might save a ton of money on box deals, but what good is it if you end up with a ton of sticks you can't stand anymore? I'm not saying those aren't some great cigars you're considering as box-worthy...but with so much variety out there, why saddle yourself with so many of just one stick so early in your career? Your palate will evolve, I've learned that much.

My suggestion (and I'm sure a lot of the guys will agree) is that you sample a ton of singles; if you really like one, buy another and see if it's just as good. Still impressed? Buy a five pack. But hold off on the boxes until your palate has evolved for a while...

My $.02 - YMMV

 

[3/5King]

How many cigars do you smoke a month?

 

[joe45]

Sorry, nothing but enablers here. As long as it's fiscally responsible there is no reason you shouldn't pick up a box of smokes you know you enjoy. Don't forget to check with our site sponsors, Famous Smoke and Small Batch because the code BOTL will get you 17% off at Famous and 10% off at Small Batch.

BTW, Corona Viva is the best size Undercrown.

Couldn't have said it better. No one here will talk you out of it. Go with the corona vivas.

 

[pbibby]

I wouldn't. I know for me that in my first 2 years smoking my tastes changed so much that I was always smoking something different. I made the mistake of buying a box before I had established what my tastes were and I ended up regretting the decision to buy an entire box. Just my. 02

 

[MattyMatt]

I made this mistake early on, twice. I started smoking a specific infused cigar and quickly bought a box. Well, as quickly as I bought it my palate changed to traditional cigars and just thinking about infused smokes made me sick. Ended up giving a mostly full box away to a buddy.

Once on the traditional cigars, I quickly bought a box again of a very good smoke, but found I got bored with it real quick and wanted to try a lot different things. Ended up piecing out most of the box to fund new purchases. Essentially my palate and brain craved variety.

So my advice is stick to singles and/or 5ers and sample the hell out of everything. There is so much out there that you will always find something better than your last favorite.

Enjoy!

 

[ZippoGeek]

So my advice is stick to singles and/or 5ers and sample the hell out of everything. There is so much out there that you will always find something better than your last favorite

^^^^ Wisdom!

 

[Bondo 440]

I started with samplers and when I found what I liked, I would pick a favorite and get a box. But I still had the others to mix up my game.
I puff one cigar a day. And if I smoked the same stick all the time it will get old fast.
I'm a big sampler fan and meanwhile for economic reasons grab a box of something in the sampler I know I will eventually smoke. Smoking cigars isn't like cigarettes where you are locked into "brand loyalty" for life. Like Matt says, mix your game. But Yeah Undercrown coronas are always good. Get a box and plan to make them last a few months.

 

[Zmilin]

Your options are excellent and at the very least those sticks can always be sold off. I didn't buy a box for a few years and even when I did it was Habanos that I knew I loved and would be smoking most on that particular trip.
That said I have a buddy that's a few months in and he buy boxes on the Devils site all the time. He has realized he likes almost everything from one mfg so he keeps his stock up. He rarely won't smoke them he can go through a few sticks a day easy.
Lastly... If your financial situation is such that you can throw away that money and not miss it then go for it.

 

[Cardinal]

The UC Corona Vivas were my first box purchase a couple years ago, and I don't think you can go wrong with them. I'd be much more inclined to do that vs. paying 2-3x as much for a box of No. 9s or T52s, but either way you'll have cigars that other people like. I take that point into consideration when I'm buying a box that I haven't sampled very many cigars from. Popular cigars - that means you can sell/trade/bomb them!

 

[Old Smokey]

I have been smoking cigars about 18 months and am still extremely hesitant to buy boxes. I am much more likely to buy a box of 10 cigars than a box of 20 or more. And then only if they are reputed to age well.

As to the OP, I would be more likely to buy a 5'er of each of those you mention over buying a box of one of them. Variety and choice in cigars is a wonderful thing.

 

[BuffaloPat]

I would h as have to agree with the above. I've been smoking cigars for 3 years and have only bought 1 box in that time. So many new cigars to try. Enjoy the journey!

 

[danmdevries]

I say go for it.
When i was still very new, I bought a couple boxes "blindly" - I'd not tried them prior.
I still buy boxes semi blindly. If its from a company or factory I love, I'll grab a box even before trying them, or only trying one.
If you question whether or not they'll do well long term aging, ask.

I like boxes.

 

[ckay]

Nothing wrong with boxes. If anything you can buy a box and then split it up amongst people.

 

[B-daddy]

How many of each of these cigars have you smoked? If you've smoked, say five or so, of a particular brand and vitola over a few months and still really like them; you're probably safe for a box buy. Particularly the ones you've named. Not sure I've ever met anyone that doesn't like Undercrowns. Even if they're not raving fans of them, they're certainly smokable. And you can get them for about a hundy a box (after promos, etc.). Can't really get hurt there.

 

[ascrivner]

Here's one that doesn't dig them, I'm shocked that you guys would recommend that dog rocket over liga 9 or t-52.

 

[Almi]

As to the OP, I would be more likely to buy a 5'er of each of those you mention over buying a box of one of them. Variety and choice in cigars is a wonderful thing.

I like that plan and it is the one I am working right now. Try all sorts of 5ers and 10 packs and storing them in the coolidor.

 

[rdomfoto]

*If* your budget allows for it and you like the sticks, I say go for it. But don't stop buying the samplers and single cigars, either. As long as buying a box won't lock you into that cigar, go ahead and buy it. And post pics!

 

[johnnyflake]

I would not buy larger amounts, than Fivers, of any cigar, until you've been smoking for at least a year. Four months is nothing! Your taste will change at least once or twice in the coming months. It's a bitch, to be stuck with a S--t load of cigars, you no longer enjoy!