Looking for input on a tough decision

[r3db4r0n]

So here I am, a young guy with a newly seasoned 40 ct humidor and very few cigars in it... I know its an itch I can't scratch and for the first time I'm making some serious considerations, but before I run off and buy anything I wanted to see if any one had some suggestions on what I'm already considering or maybe even unforeseen advice.

Personally I'm a fan of a darker, sweeter cigar and have long favored Maduro's so right out of the box (pun intended) I'm leaning towards the Gurkha Master's Select Perfecto #1 (25 x 6.0" x 60) that I found for $119 USD at http://www.cigarsinternational.com/proddisp.asp?item=CS-GHA&stext=gurkah legend

But while looking at the site sponsors I came across The "Dream team" sampler from http://www.famous-smoke.com/the+dream+team+collection+cigars/item+29932 for $99 USD

5 CAO Cx2 Rob Natural (5 x 52)
5 Conuco Robusto Natural (5 x 50)
5 Creme De Jamaica Robusto Natural (4 3/4 x 49)
5 Cruz Real Robusto Sumatra Dark Natural (5 x 50)
5 Maroma Robusto Natural (5 x 50)
5 Plasencia Reserva Robusto Natural (4 3/4 x 52)
5 Rafael Gonzalez Robusto Natural (5 1/2 x 50)
5 Rocky Patel Honduran Robusto Natural (5 1/2 x 54)

In addition to being cheaper, the latter selection has a larger volume and includes one or more cigars I was already referred to by a friend but I'm not sure what the better deal really is. The themadurokid posted a nice review on the Gurkah last week and it seems to be something I'd enjoy but the same goes from some of the cigars from the sampler. I guess I'm really looking for the opinion of those that have tried one or more brands from the sampler and ideally the Gurkah as well.

I also have the option of buying a 25 ct box of Het Rokin jaarsigaar 2009 from P.G.C Hajenius in the Netherlands but I have to wait until family comes to visit in may, they are dark robustos that happen to quite tastey only I'm not sure I'll want to wait that long...

I'm open to all suggestions, advice and criticisms

p.s getting the cigars into Canada isn't a big deal as I have someone I can ship to and bring them over for me

 

[funkejj]

Ok first off pm me you address and I will set you up with a nice sampler. Second have you had any of the above cigars? Come are ok but most here will suggest things that will have considerable more flavor that that list. Again pm me your address and I will get you a starter sampler.

 

[krulos]

http://www.cigar.com/cigars/viewcigar.asp?prod=SP-JXASST20

This is the sampler I would suggest. All fine smokes way below retail.

 

[Mitch]

Read this thread, then consider buying a few singles.

http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php?t=24701&highlight=primer

 

[Treinenwj]

I wouldn't buy a box of something you haven't tried yet. On the other hand that sampler you listed looks like it wouldn't even fit in a 40ct humi. You're better off finding a smaller sampler, like the two offered above.

 

[r3db4r0n]

I guess I was being naive! lol

 

[Cigar Cowboy]

http://www.cigar.com/cigars/viewcigar.asp?prod=SP-JXASST20

This is the sampler I would suggest. All fine smokes way below retail.

Wow that is a great sampler. I might get that one myself.

However "r3db4r0n" I am going to recommend the following only because you will get a little bigger variety and you can figure what it is you like.

Click Here and add these three samplers:
The 92-95 Rated 5-Star Sampler
The Don Pepin Garcia Flagship 5-Star Sampler
The Don Pepin Garcia 5-Star #3 Sampler

15 Cigars for only $48.99

You end up with these:

3 - Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic 1979 (5" x 50)
1 - Don Pepin Garcia Blue Generoso (6" x 50)
1 - Don Pepin Garcia Serie JJ Belicoso (5.75" x 52)
1 - Don Pepin Garcia Serie JJ Maduro Selectos (5" x 50)
1 - Don Pepin Garcia Tabacos Baez Monarca (6.5" x 52)
1 - San Cristobal Clasico (5" x 50)
1 - Cubao No. 6 (5.5" x 52)
1 - Tatuaje Havana VI Noble (5" x 50)
1 - Oliva Master Blends III Torpedo (6" x 52)
1 - Padilla Miami Churchill (7" x 48)
1 - Rocky Patel Decade Torpedo (6.5" x 52)
1 - Alec Bradley Tempus Terra Novo (5" x 50)
1 - 5 Vegas Miami 'M5' (5.5" x 55)

All great cigars

 

[AlohaStyle]

I agree with the above, definitely do not buy a box of something you haven't tried if you are pretty much just starting out. I would buy some singles and/or samplers to see what you like. You will also find out what brands of cigars have more of what you like etc. Then after you figure some of this out, then you can start buying boxes or more in bulk.

I won't get into Gurkhas as everyone has their own taste preferences, but I would recommend not buying a full box right away if you haven't tried them. A lot of people do not like Gurkhas, but again everyone has their own tastes and I could care less what you like. You just need to find what that is before diving in.

That sampler Krulos recommended is definitely a great sampler, I bought one myself awhile back. But some of those cigars are on the spicy side so you might want to be careful with those since you said you like more of the sweeter maduros.

You should try some of the Oliva cigars as they make some very good quality sticks at affordable prices. They have maduros in most of their lines such as the Series O, G etc. Look at the 5-star sampler madness page as you can get 15 cigars for $49 and they offer some decent samplers including 2 different Oliva ones.
http://www.cigarsinternational.com/prodDisp.asp?item=CS-PT1

 

[Cigar Cowboy]

Oops wrong link in post #7. I fixed it

 

[jwintosh]

Ok first off pm me you address and I will set you up with a nice sampler. Second have you had any of the above cigars? Come are ok but most here will suggest things that will have considerable more flavor that that list. Again pm me your address and I will get you a starter sampler.

:thumbsup:

 

[GoingPostal]

Yeah don't go overboard. Made that mistake when i started out. bought a 40 count, then a sampler to fill it, next thing i knew had to buy a 150ct and had a lot of sticks that were good but didn't care for. so take funkejj on his offer also check out the newbie sampler trade.[ame="http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php?t=4734"]http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php?t=4734[/ame]

 

[ciggy]

Yea I would start off by bying a sampler...I'm one of the guys that found out the hard way when I first started out. I would by a box and then later found my taste had changed. CI has a Maduro sampler That I belive would be right up your ally of taste at the moment.
http://www.cigarsinternational.com/prodDisp.asp?item=SP-CIDD86&cat=106

 

[r3db4r0n]

I have to admit while I'm not new to smoking cigars I am definitely new to buying them and your insight has been extraordinarily helpful, and thanks everyone for your suggestions thus far.

@ ciggy, I took a look at the sampler you recommended and I'll be giving that special consideration.

Also I really don't think I can funkejj enough, I'll have to gift you some cigars when I'm more established

 

[funkejj]

Ok boys I have his address I am going to make a nice sampler today and send it out. If anyone else wants to do the same hit me up..

 

[Ed Monton]

Good advice Fella's.

 

[r3db4r0n]

I have to say I think I'm going to forever be in debt to my fellow brothers here, my only hope is that I can one day pass along the advice and hospitality that you're showing me.

Thank you, especially Funkejj

 

[ChazHollywood]

http://www.cigar.com/cigars/viewcigar.asp?prod=SP-JXASST20

This is the sampler I would suggest. All fine smokes way below retail.

I'll second that. I'm about 2/3 of the way through that sampler and really enjoying it.

-Charles

 

[Cigar Cowboy]

Click Here and add these three samplers:
The 92-95 Rated 5-Star Sampler
The Don Pepin Garcia Flagship 5-Star Sampler
The Don Pepin Garcia 5-Star #3 Sampler

15 Cigars for only $48.99

You end up with these:

3 - Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic 1979 (5" x 50)
1 - Don Pepin Garcia Blue Generoso (6" x 50)
1 - Don Pepin Garcia Serie JJ Belicoso (5.75" x 52)
1 - Don Pepin Garcia Serie JJ Maduro Selectos (5" x 50)
1 - Don Pepin Garcia Tabacos Baez Monarca (6.5" x 52)
1 - San Cristobal Clasico (5" x 50)
1 - Cubao No. 6 (5.5" x 52)
1 - Tatuaje Havana VI Noble (5" x 50)
1 - Oliva Master Blends III Torpedo (6" x 52)
1 - Padilla Miami Churchill (7" x 48)
1 - Rocky Patel Decade Torpedo (6.5" x 52)
1 - Alec Bradley Tempus Terra Novo (5" x 50)
1 - 5 Vegas Miami 'M5' (5.5" x 55)

All great cigars

I would still do this one. Best cigars, big variety and the best value. :scratchhe

 

[dpricenator]

I don't recomend buying abox of anything unless you have tried it, like it, and have room for it. Those gurkahs are FAT, and will probaly not fit in your humi anyway. I miht pick those up though, and If I do, you can have a few. They are proably one of the only gurkahs I really like. AND YEAH I SAID THAT OUTLOUD.

 

[hdroadglide]

good advice from all the above.
the dutch cigars are usually much different from all the others. the majority of them are dry boxed which can be an aquired taste. but a always, smoke what you like, and try the suggested ones.