First cigar recommendations

[larrysson]

So where is the best place to begin with cubans? I've got a hundred pounds set aside. I was thinking of getting a five cigar cohiba sampler from simplycigars, but I don't know if I want to start out with big, long smokes. Also, I would like to stretch out the cash. In your opinion, what are some first "must tries"?

[El Catador]

Greetings leaf explorer!

If I could offer a point of view..

For a 'perfect' introduction into the aromatic world of Cuban bliss.. you'd struggle to do much better than this:

http://www.cgarsltd.co.uk/best-both-slender-sampler-p-8108.html

It's: in budget.. from an excellent and trusted supplier (with great customer service).. and contains some absolute classics*..
Many of them.. 'benchmark' cigars.. by which you will measure all future smokes (PSD4 for example)

Montecristo Edmundo
*Montecristo Open Junior
Romeo Y Julieta Exhibition no 4
Romeo Y Julieta Petit Julieta
Partagas Serie D no 4
Partagas Short
Bolivar Royal Corona
Bolivar Corona Junior
Ramon Allones Specially Selected
Ramon Allones Small Club Corona


(*The only slight dud.. and yet, some people love 'em).

[spirit_of_will]

Great suggestion from El Cat. Larry, whilst your first was a Cohiba and they are a top-end Marca, there is LOTS more value to be found in exploring the other Cuban Brands! Much more bang for your buck from a Partagas or a Ramon Allones. The Party Short in El Cat's suggested sampler is a cracking wee smoke for example!

[BEN R]

.

[James811]

El cat has it nailed! Or you could do what I'm about to do which is buy 5 different Petit Coronas, get 2 of each, and go from there. I wish I had done that a few months ago when I started.

[gmacz]

Boli royal corona and boli corona junior would be my recs as well.
Monty petit edmundo and RYJ No2 and all around this size, RYJ petit coronas are nice.
This was my first order -

2 x	Romeo y Julieta No.2 Tubos - single cigar
1 x	Romeo y Julieta No.1 Tubos - single cigar
1 x	Romeo y Julieta Churchills - single cigar
2 x	Montecristo No.4 - single cigar
1 x	Montecristo No.5 - single cigar
1 x	Montecristo Edmundo - single cigar
1 x	Cohiba Exquisitos - single cigar
1 x	Cohiba Siglo I - single cigar
1 x	Cohiba Siglo II - single cigar
1 x	Diplomaticos No.1 - single cigar
1 x	Diplomaticos No.4 - single cigar
1 x	Rey Del Mundo Gran Corona - single cigar
1 x	Bolivar Belicosos Finos - single cigar
1 x	Ramon Allones Specially Selected - single cigar
1 x	Vegas Robaina Famosos - single cigar
1 x	Cohiba Panetelas - single cigar
1 x	Cohiba Robustos - single cigar
1 x	Bolivar Royal Coronas - single cigar
1 x	Juan Lopez Seleccion No.2 - single cigar
1 x	Hoyo Double Coronas - single cigar
2 x	Montecristo No.2 - single cigar

[blackjack]

In my opinion, I think beginners shouldn't start with strong cigars such as Bolivar or Partagas.
Perhaps consider smaller gauge cigars, no larger than robust size... corona or petite coronas.
They don't take as long to smoke, so you don't find it a waste if case you don't like a particular brand's flavor.
They're also cheaper, thus allowing you to sample more.
H. Upmann, RyJ, Hoyo, SLR are all wonderful.

[Zigatoh]

I dunno, my first few were mc4/2 and the lovely Party Lusitania might be the one that got me hooked, not exactly a light or small cigar... I also went straight to Islay peated malts when I started on whiskey... Basically I think try a range of strengths and you'll find out if you currently have a preference.

Can't fault the points on time and cost though, sadly even though I know what I like I rarely find the time for the larger smokes

[Pandyboy]

Hoyo de Montery Epicure #2, a lovely easy robusto for a first smoke.

[spirit_of_will]

Hoyo de Montery Epicure #2, a lovely easy robusto for a first smoke.

Great shout...

[CaptainQuintero]

Here's what I would buy myself if I was starting out:

-Monte 4
-Trinidad Reyes
-Partagas Short
-Romeo Y Julieta Short Churchill
-H Upmann Mag 46
-QDO Corona
-Hoyo de Monterrey Epi #2
-Bolivar Petit Corona
-Roman Allones Short Club Corona
-Punch Petit Corona

Like others said I would try other brands before investing in Cohiba but it's up to you

[Andy W]

Diplomaticos No2, Trini Reyes, Boli GM are not bad starts, something for everyone.

[El-palmaro]

are the bolivar GM's strong? I've heard they're medium, but unsure really. think it might be the bolivar name I'm scared of!

[monkey66]

In my opinion, I think beginners shouldn't start with strong cigars such as Bolivar or Partagas.
Perhaps consider smaller gauge cigars, no larger than robust size... corona or petite coronas.
They don't take as long to smoke, so you don't find it a waste if case you don't like a particular brand's flavor.
They're also cheaper, thus allowing you to sample more.
H. Upmann, RyJ, Hoyo, SLR are all wonderful.

Probably be nice to go over to knewbee greets and introduce yourself.

[Zigatoh]

are the bolivar GM's strong? I've heard they're medium, but unsure really. think it might be the bolivar name I'm scared of!

I'd say only medium IMO, definitely no serious kick and well worth a try