How many is enough...?

[PeeJay]

In your shoes emaresee if I can afford to buy I would while I can, never know whats round the corner.

Retirement in seven years!

[El Catador]

Great question.. with many excellent responses.

I guess my take on the issue reflects the advice we tend to give new members on the size of humidor they should buy.
i.e. If you're going to get involved in this 'hobby' for the long haul, you should buy a much bigger humidor than you imagine you'll need.
Likewise, as far as amassing inventory goes, I think it helps if you go 'BIG' in the early days.. buy as many (and as varied) as you can afford.. giving you enough stock to allow you to both smoke some now, and store the rest to age.
After that, it's just a question of keeping on top of it, rotating your stock and refining your tastes for future purchases.
It's easier said then done and requires you to hold your nerve (and hide the receipts..!), but it's worth it a few years down the line, especially if you bought well in the early years.
Nothing beats opening an aged cabinet of your favorite vitola knowing you've still get plenty left.

[TonyN]

Whatever you do emaresee don't get the calculater out after you finish stocking up
but if you decide to use one make sure your sitting down with a stiff drink might help.
And like catador said make sure you hide all the receipts.

[Emaresee]

Oh there is no doubt i will buy more.... I think i will pause and consider options for a while. excluding a few boxes of cohibas....box of lanceros, and pyramides extras, and robustos, i have a stick or two or more of most things i would like. I have some aged stock and some newer. But keeping the rotation sustainable will lure my wallet back out!

i have a 20yr old hdm dc tucked away for a special day.... And the concept of a 25cab ( cant imagine every getting through a 50) of those to nibble away at into my dotage is really rather glorious.

Really rather glad i asked the question as i was interested in peoples views on their collections, and how they think about what they have and how they acquire etc. My collection has now hit the critical mass of a strong CC core, coupled with some modest NC selections ( i will probably tune the NC elemets up a touch more in the short to medium term). From here the focus is likely to be slow and steady on the things I really like and enjoy.

i've been able to acquire some varied stock, young aged and somewhere in between, atrespectable prices almost entirely down to the knowledge shared, and box splits offered, by the kind BOTL's of this forum..... So to all of you who have helped thank you again! Long may the adventure last for us all!

[Emaresee]

Whatever you do emaresee don't get the calculater out after you finish stocking up
but if you decide to use one make sure your sitting down with a stiff drink might help.
And like catador said make sure you hide all the receipts.

Recycling bin (secure waste for shredding!) in the office is where the evidence gets hidden!