As a Beginner

[milesbrandoncomer]

I've read article after article on facts about different types of cigars; usually ones I could never afford. Put yourself in my shoes: 23 year old male who wants to come home and relax at the end of the day with a nice cigar and a glass of Makers Mark. I need opinions based on experience; not an article written by somebody who was paid to do so.

So here's the question: What are some good cigars to have on hand to sit down and enjoy that won't break the bank?

 

[CVAC085]

Well you're definitely in the right place for it. What I did (and actually still do) is follow the "Today's Smoke - 2016" thread. Well for me I did more so for the 2015 since I joined up in February of last year. See what others are smoking and go from there. Some brands if you're interested and go from there are: Crowned Heads and Tatuaje. They both have real nice smokes and nothing crazy in their price unless you go for the limited editions or higher end smokes. Take notice too that it also depends on if you're buying locally at your B&M OR buying on-line. Keep an eye on our forum sponsors too as they run deals for us with special codes online. But those stay here with us I think.

 

[nayslayer]

Oliva, padron are both nice, and easy to find smokes.

 

[ChuckMejia]

Your taste for cigars will be different from others bro. I'd say hit up smallbatch cigars @MrSmallBatch and grab a warped sampler and check out the other samplers they offer and just test them out. They have a sale right now too so you can get some good shit. BOTLORG20 will get you 20% off which is great. Try some tatuajes too, they might be your thing.

 

[tengel78]

Also get in on the newbie sampler trade. That will give you a chance to try a bunch of new stuff.

 

[CVAC085]

Also get in on the newbie sampler trade. That will give you a chance to try a bunch of new stuff.

^^^^THIS!!!

 

[dscl]

Also get in on the newbie sampler trade. That will give you a chance to try a bunch of new stuff.

This right here! Like others are saying everyones tastes are different so learning what you like will help us make recommendations. The newbie sample trade is a great way to try new sticks to get you started! Almost every company is making a good stick that can be had at budget prices.

 

[D Quintero]

get the best and do the worst with the least $ .
get cc's

 

[multi-useless]

There are a lot of good smokes out there that can be had for cheap online. If you're new to cigars, try everything! Figuring out what you like in a cigar is a lot of fun in itself.

 

[jonnylieberman]

Your tastes will change. However, they will probably change into what most people crazed enough about cigars enough to join a damn forum like.

So, that means -- and there's no nice way to say this -- $8-12 a stick. About $300 a month if you have a cigar every night.

As for where to start, I think the Today's Smoke thread is the absolute best place to start. And if you see a picture of a cigar and don't know what it is, ask.

 

[rraming]

I would look at list of "Best Smokes under 5 bucks" CA and Cigar Inspector and try those. Along with samples from multiple varieties, no multiple cigar purchases (meaning, same cigar), no brand samplers, just try a variety and make a journal on who's you think suck and which ones you like. Try some sponsors websites (Famous Smoke e.g.) When you're new you can smoke anything - it doesn't get expensive until you make it expensive. Start mild, I would not buy Full Bodied cigars right now even if someone says it's the bomb!

 

[atison]

I will echo the "try everything" mantra that the brothers above speak, however, I will throw a twist to try and smoke more than one of the same thing from time to time. Smoking one of everything will give you a general idea of what you like but there are lots of variables (what you drink, temp, condition of the stick, age, mood) that can all affect how it tastes.

I think a safe bet is to start with some of the "budweisers" of the cigar world (deliver consistently the core of what a cigar should be without going off too far in any direction), which tend to be mild (doesn't have to mean boring though) and run through a 5 pack of each. If you don't at least get some enjoyment out of them then maybe cigars aren't your thing. But I bet by the end of each 5 pack you will have found something unique that you picked out of the profile to bring you back.

Here is my recommendation for a few "budweiser" sticks to pick up a five of. Most of these can be hand in the $5-$8 range at B&M:
Oliva G
Greycliff G2
Fuente 858
Fuente Hemingway
Perdomo Champagne
Padron x000

With that said, don't limit yourself to mild sticks. Its good to see what the fuss is about in medium to full sticks and if the nicotine scares you (and you should always be mindful of the nic hit) you can call it quits at any time.

 

[Cigarth Vader]

I think I posted a link to my top 10 cigars under $5 somewhere on here but not sure where or when- here's my picks:

Illusione Rothschilds
Tatuaje Petite Cazadores Reserva (PCR)
Oliva G
La Vieja Habana (drew estate)
Joya Red
Asylum Premium 4x44

Keep an eye on sites like cigar monster, cbid, small batch, CigarFly, famous etc. try singles or 5 packs to get a feel for what you like, do a newbie trade and just trade in general.

Good luck and Happy Smoking!

 

[EO80]

One to add to these lists that are pretty popular and consistent. The DE undercrown. Its a moderate price middle of the road strength. A good stand by for a novice. Also echo the sentiment of Fuente. Grab a couple short stories. Can't go wrong there.
Lastly, newby trade. Get some cred and try some stuff!
Oh and welcome to slope. Enjoy the slide!

 

[Old Smokey]

You have gotten some great suggestions. If you made a list of the above and smoked them all your first year of smoking you would have a good idea of what you liked. Just in time for your tastes to change. Welcome to our world.

 

[Ralemonds1s]

Fuente chateau Fuente queen b: a box can be had for around 95 bucks online. Excellent smoke.
Fuente 858 maduro
Also a great one you can find for cheap on the auction website is the Ramone Bueso genesis Habano. This stick has blown me away. Wasn't great rott but with about 4-5 months Humidor time it has really taken off. For around 2 bucks a stick it's worth every penny.