Never smoked a cigar. Want to try.

[bambini]

Ah, a Canterbury boy, eh? I think Holts is a mail order only place, but I could be wrong. Your nearest Hunters and Frankau "official" specialist is in Rochester, which is a way away.

Here's your list of local retailers:

http://cigars.co.uk/where-to-buy/map/r%3A25+miles+z%3Act13th+a%3Acanterbury+type%3ARetailers+show%3ANearest

Try the Cuban bar (near Pizza hut in the high street). It's a great place anyway, and by the looks of things they stock a few cigars too. They also have a great heated courtyard to the rear.

Other than that, the web is your friend. Three sites to recommend are C.Gars, JJ Fox online or mysmokingshop.co.uk

As for a first smoke, I'd suggest a Hoyo de Monterrey. It was my first Cuban (aside from a couple I bought from a guy outside a toilet in Havana, but that's a story for another day!). Lovely and mild, good starting point. Or pick up a small sampler. Might I suggest:

http://www.jjfox.co.uk/p19199/JpointJpointFox-Best-of-small-Cuban-cigars-Sampler-3s.php?prodcat=1&startpoint=0&viewsect=samplers

I recognise you have a small budget, so I think the above might suit (satch's suggestion is better but comes with a slightly higher price tag). As others have said though, take your time. It won't do to rush these things and it could put you off

[bambini]

Oh, and welcome BTW! Feel free to make a formal introduction at "Newbie Greets." We won't bite

[davidruddell]

It was my first Cuban (aside from a couple I bought from a guy outside a toilet in Havana, but that's a story for another day!)

It certainly is a story for another day, I for one am looking forward to that day very much!

[Habana-Habanos]

Cigars are a luxury, you don't go to the BMW dealer and say I need a BMW for 500 quid.

[bambini]

It certainly is a story for another day, I for one am looking forward to that day very much!

I'm sure I saw a "what was your first cigar?" thread around here before. I'll resurrect it at some point and tell my sordid tale

[Simon-JG-hr]

I too look forward to that with great anticipation.

Welcome Smooyth. I'd agree with the recommendation of going for something in the petit corona size range. It's a nice accessible size (around 45 minutes long) which is big enough to get an idea of the flavours available, but not so big as to put you off. It also offers a pretty nice price point too.

The two I'd really be looking for as a 'beginner' would be the El Rey del Mundo PC and the H.Upmann PC (or the Corona Major). Both are relatively light/accessible, but still have pleasant and obvious flavours. The ERdM PC is one of my all time favourites, and is the cigar which really made me fall in love with the hobby and Cubans. Whenever I have another I remember just what it was that made me stick around - a really good cigar.

[Big J]

I would suggest you pay a little more and get yourself a nice Cuban...maybe a Petit Corona size. You want your first cigar smoking experience to be a memorable one.

[BHK54]

Being fairly newby myself I would recommend to start with something sweet and creamy ... My first was Java by Drew Estate. Would also recommend it to you.

[Kdot]

is it resurrect old thread week again?

[BHK54]

my bad ... sry mate

[Robusto]

However you start, do it in front of a mirror.
You can work on the alpha look you allude to in your first post.
Take photos, too, and store them in a special folder.