Hey guys, I'm relatively new to cigars as a passion. In college I'd smoke an occassional cigar, probably a Partagas or Macanudo or something similar. But that was a rare once a year or longer thing, and I don't think I appreciated them as I've started to over the last couple years. I was at a Drew Estate event this last week, at a local shop I'm a member of, and after talking with Jonathan for a while he told me I should come over to BOTL. So taking his advice, I'm glad I did.
A while back I quit cigs (18+ year ride on the camel) and figured I'd treat myself on my b-day, and got a steak dinner a bottle of port, and walked into a local B&M to see what they would suggest to compliment the port. Thomas, the manager talked to me a bit and had me try an Ashton VSG. After truly enjoying the experience, I started to frequent the shop once a month for a while, then started coming around once a week getting to know the staff, and having them turn me on to new sticks. Last November they had lockers open up, and have been on a terrific journey since.
I always like trying sticks I've not had before, regardless of other pre-conceptions, and like to get my own opinion... That has led to some wonderful finds that might otherwise been overlooked... and it's led to some horrible experiences as well, but that's how you learn, right? I find that I'm attracted more to the medium/medium+ and full bodied strengths. But I have learned to enjoy cigars with complexity, and subtlety and depth. So it's hard topin down strict favorites, but some of my favs to date would be(not in any order):
Padron Anniversary TAA, Padron '26 #6 maduro, Padron 40th and 46th(both natural and maduro),Padillia 1932, San Christobal (Classico,Del Sol, XXL), Tatuaje (Havana, Black and Red tubo, Black label, 7th Reserva, 2009 La Verite), My Father #1,Davidoff 2000, La Aroma De Cuba Mi Amor, Liga Privada (No9, Dirty Rat, Flying Pig No9...and have a box of Ferral Pigs promised for November), La Sierena, Art Deco, Jamie Garcia Reserva Especial, La Aurora cien anos lancero, Camacho Triple Maduro, Ashton ESG, H.Upmann Magnum 50, Oliva V
I've got more on my list and in my locker, but that's a good start. I'm looking forward to learning more from the fellow brothers. I hadn't known or thought to much about trading until I started reading the site, but hope I can broaden my current palette and maybe help someone else sometime. I look forward to getting to know you guys.
A while back I quit cigs (18+ year ride on the camel) and figured I'd treat myself on my b-day, and got a steak dinner a bottle of port, and walked into a local B&M to see what they would suggest to compliment the port. Thomas, the manager talked to me a bit and had me try an Ashton VSG. After truly enjoying the experience, I started to frequent the shop once a month for a while, then started coming around once a week getting to know the staff, and having them turn me on to new sticks. Last November they had lockers open up, and have been on a terrific journey since.
I always like trying sticks I've not had before, regardless of other pre-conceptions, and like to get my own opinion... That has led to some wonderful finds that might otherwise been overlooked... and it's led to some horrible experiences as well, but that's how you learn, right? I find that I'm attracted more to the medium/medium+ and full bodied strengths. But I have learned to enjoy cigars with complexity, and subtlety and depth. So it's hard topin down strict favorites, but some of my favs to date would be(not in any order):
Padron Anniversary TAA, Padron '26 #6 maduro, Padron 40th and 46th(both natural and maduro),Padillia 1932, San Christobal (Classico,Del Sol, XXL), Tatuaje (Havana, Black and Red tubo, Black label, 7th Reserva, 2009 La Verite), My Father #1,Davidoff 2000, La Aroma De Cuba Mi Amor, Liga Privada (No9, Dirty Rat, Flying Pig No9...and have a box of Ferral Pigs promised for November), La Sierena, Art Deco, Jamie Garcia Reserva Especial, La Aurora cien anos lancero, Camacho Triple Maduro, Ashton ESG, H.Upmann Magnum 50, Oliva V
I've got more on my list and in my locker, but that's a good start. I'm looking forward to learning more from the fellow brothers. I hadn't known or thought to much about trading until I started reading the site, but hope I can broaden my current palette and maybe help someone else sometime. I look forward to getting to know you guys.
