Your local tobacconist should have a means of rating the relative intensity of various cigars. I pretty quickly graduated to smoking pretty dark, oily, robust cigars…anything less just seems like a big cigarette. You’ll get hooked :).
I try to keep it to one cigar a month…more than I should smoke but from what I’ve read not statistically likely to impair your health.
And by hooked I meant “you start liking the better, heavier ones pretty quickly and really do enjoy them”. I’ve not seen any indication that they make you dependent the way cigarettes do. I don’t find myself jonesing for them…I just enjoy the flavors and sensation you get smoking a decent cigar.
I spend about $12-15 a stick at most. You can get a great smoke for $7-$10 all day long.
If you are used to SS, start with something thick and short, like a Robusto. You want a high ring size (44+) and no longer than six inches. (No more intern references!)
Lighter colored wrappers are usually milder, and more expensive are generally (but not always) smoother. Your best bet? Find a tobacconist that has a big walk in humidor and a lot of guys with beards and stubble hanging around. Tell them exactly what you told us, and let them show you some cigars. If you are at a really good place, they will help you smoke one of your purchases right there. Even a mediocre place will help you get it cut right and show you how to light it.
The best thing for me? Smell them. Get into the humidor (it should feel tropical in there, or you should find another shop) and start picking up cigars, slightly opening the end of the wrapper, and smelling. Even if you don’t end up buying anything its a nice way to spend half an hour. It’s almost enough to get me to understand a woman’s idea of shopping.
And find out what they have on sale. A good place always has something that is a deal.
March 31st, 2009 at 8:47 am
Oooh! Intern Pleasuring Devices!
March 31st, 2009 at 9:55 am
Yummy.
March 31st, 2009 at 11:11 am
What’s a good “beginner” cigar for someone used to Swisher Sweets?
March 31st, 2009 at 11:26 am
Arturo Fuentes are good, inexpensive starters before you move on to the really good stuff. I like the Fuente Maduros.
March 31st, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Bill Clinton’s toybox!
March 31st, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Yep, Arturo Fuentes, like the Hemingways – I’m still at the starter stage. Maduros are a bit intense and rich for my taste.
March 31st, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Your local tobacconist should have a means of rating the relative intensity of various cigars. I pretty quickly graduated to smoking pretty dark, oily, robust cigars…anything less just seems like a big cigarette. You’ll get hooked :).
I try to keep it to one cigar a month…more than I should smoke but from what I’ve read not statistically likely to impair your health.
March 31st, 2009 at 4:01 pm
And by hooked I meant “you start liking the better, heavier ones pretty quickly and really do enjoy them”. I’ve not seen any indication that they make you dependent the way cigarettes do. I don’t find myself jonesing for them…I just enjoy the flavors and sensation you get smoking a decent cigar.
I spend about $12-15 a stick at most. You can get a great smoke for $7-$10 all day long.
April 1st, 2009 at 2:12 am
If you are used to SS, start with something thick and short, like a Robusto. You want a high ring size (44+) and no longer than six inches. (No more intern references!)
Lighter colored wrappers are usually milder, and more expensive are generally (but not always) smoother. Your best bet? Find a tobacconist that has a big walk in humidor and a lot of guys with beards and stubble hanging around. Tell them exactly what you told us, and let them show you some cigars. If you are at a really good place, they will help you smoke one of your purchases right there. Even a mediocre place will help you get it cut right and show you how to light it.
The best thing for me? Smell them. Get into the humidor (it should feel tropical in there, or you should find another shop) and start picking up cigars, slightly opening the end of the wrapper, and smelling. Even if you don’t end up buying anything its a nice way to spend half an hour. It’s almost enough to get me to understand a woman’s idea of shopping.
And find out what they have on sale. A good place always has something that is a deal.