Just need a bit of help as newbie

[wizi]

Hi,
My name is waz & I am new to this forum. I got interest in cigar about 6 months ago & have smoked few cubans. I am a student & live on a tight budget but do manage to save a bit of money at the end. So its hard for me to afford good quantity of cigars in UK.
My aunt is going to Dominican Republic next month with her 3 children. Nobody smokes in them so I have got a good chance of getting 200 cigars from there without paying tax.
Can anybody tell me what are the best cigars I can get from there & where she can buy them for me. I need to tell her everything & pay her money upfront but I have got 500-600 pounds put on side for this.
Please give your suggestions & opinions. Thanks

[Smallclub]

Wizi,

cigars in the Dom. Rep. are mainly made for exportation, not for local sales.
The prices in the Island shops are higher than in the USA, especially from e-retailers, even in the duty free shop at the airport!

Anyway, in my opinion, throwing 500-600 pounds in a business which you know nothing is a bad idea?

[Lee Nub]

Small club is right mate, read up on here for a couple of weeks and spend a little on a few to try from our sponsor.

[wizi]

Thanks for your reply

I just want to get cigars for personal consumption not for business. Secondly do you know any places or website where I can get non cuban cigars for good prices. & Can you please tell me which cigars are good. I mean names of few cigars. Thanks

[tippexx]

Anyway, in my opinion, throwing 500-600 pounds in a business which you know nothing is a bad idea?

Absolutely agreed. And putting to much responsibility onto someone who, other than what you may tell her, will know nothing about cigars real or FAKE.

Just be patient, hang-around, get your posts up, and you'll soon pick up on how to go about things.

[Simon-JG-hr]

I don't think that smallclub was insinuating you were buying to sell as such (lost in translation per chance?).

I'd agree with the other posts above. The Dominican cigars which are worth smoking often cost less in the States, and those for local enjoyment will not be particularly good (imo). You'd definitely be better off wittling away at that money with a few smaller, better informed purchases. The last thing you want is a batch of 200 dog-rockets. 200 sticks would last me over a year...

As for sources, well, we're stuck to discussing UK retailers (see site rules), so your best bet would probably be JJ Fox as they own the main importer of non-Cubans (which is Tor) so are able to offer great prices.

I would make a recommendation, but know that the cigars I love have been discontinued (and that I, therefore, want to get what remains), I'm going to be selfish and recommend some others (which are none-the-less good). La Aurora's Aurora series are due for release soon and will be very competitively priced, I've tried the Rothschild which wasn't bad at all. Then you've got the Oliva range - very varied with something for almost everyone. There's also Carlos Torano, which can be found for a good price if you look.

My second favourite NC brand (after the one I refuse to name) is Kristoff - particularly their Maduro range. Not available in the UK though, so Google will have to become your friend.

Hope that helps.

PS. Welcome aboard. Hope you're able to balance the books (cash) and cigars - sounds like you've got a good budget to start with.

[wizi]

Absolutely agreed. And putting to much responsibility onto someone who, other than what you may tell her, will know nothing about cigars real or FAKE.

Just be patient, hang-around, get your posts up, and you'll soon pick up on how to go about things.

I didn't understand the last sentence. But thanks for you reply though

[Simon-JG-hr]

tippexx was probably referring to the wonderful art of osmosis, whereby knowledge which is verboten to share on the forum, somehow just transfers from one member to another...

[tippexx]

I didn't understand the last sentence. But thanks for you reply though

Yeah .... see what you mean Wiz .... but I can only speak Cockney!

[wizi]

So should I keep the money for now & save a bit more for cubans then.

[Simon-JG-hr]

I'd personally keep the money for now. Then wittle away at it, bit at a time, buying some good quality non-Cubans (yes, there are some, don't listen to El Cat) and, obviously, Cubans.

Again personally, I'd rather have one or two really nice cigars a week than four or five distinctly average ones. But that's me, others may believe the opposite, but I'm was lucky to start on cigars without 'needing' the nicotine after years of cigarettes.

[Big J]

So should I keep the money for now & save a bit more for cubans then.

Wizi, personally I would keep the money and get some nice Cubans.

[PoohBore]

Wizi welcome. My advice is keep the money safe. Get involved in the forum and post away, we are a good community. When you have been around a while you will become educated without asking. For now buy some samplers from chars to work out what you like.

[davidruddell]

Buddha on a bike Simon, if you're ever considering a career change, may I suggest the diplomatic corp!

How discreetly but accurately put.

tippexx was probably referring to the wonderful art of osmosis, whereby knowledge which is verboten to share on the forum, somehow just transfers from one member to another...

[monkey66]

Go to cgars (or any reputable supplier) and buy a selection and see what you like. Got to be better that a large quantity of completely unknown smokes. My preference is for Cubans, no comparison imho although if value is your main driver there are some NC's to consider.