Steve's cigar journey

[Dorsetman]

My introduction on the 'newbie greets' thread, in some way explains my hopefully, enjoyable first steps into the world of cigars and having gleaned information contained elsewhere on the forum (thanks Max A) I pondered, deliberated and finally made my first purchase which I now proudly present to you:
1. H. Upmann half corona
2. Hoyo Del Monterrey Epicure No 2
3. Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Belicoso
4.Hoyo Del Monterrey Epicure Especial
5. Trinidad Topes.

The question is, which do I try first? Which one(s) will either send me joyfully to explore further the world of cigars or conversely completely destroy my expectations?

Anyone care to advise please?

[JoeyGunz]

I'd pretty much smoke them in the order you've listed them, swapping 3 with 4.

[Max A]

Hey Steve!

Happy to hear my thread was of some use to getting you your starting line-up. Personally I love the H. Upmann HC, it's been good to me whether it's young (new) or aged. Give it a go and see what you think.

If you are new to the world of cigar smoking, try lots of different smokes and you'll find some you love, some you hate and everything between. The good news is you have a lot of knowledgeable people on here who will enjoy helping you. When you try a cigar take a few notes as to whether you enjoyed and why you did or did not... these prove useful later. Also, there's a daily thread on the forum where members post what they are smoking that day. I would recommend you use the daily smoke thread to post your review of a smoke and whether you liked it or not, I've found some great advice from members on here regarding my reviews. A good example would be that I hated my first Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto, luckily I was advised by many on here that if I had the same cigar that had been aged a couple of years I'd probably love it... they were right!

So welcome along Steve. Try the cigars you have and see where that takes you, hopefully you'll find a few winners in that list

[Haaltert]

Nice first purchases.

I would go for the Half Corona first, followed by the 2 Hoyo’s to end with the Topes because I feel this is the strongest of the bunch.

Don’t know anything about NC’s so not going to give any advice on those.


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[Vitola]

I would keep the Fuente Belicoso until after the Cubans and let us know what you think. Personally for me NC's offer a dimension which can give a totally different perspective on your cigar enjoyment. compared to just Cuban cigars. It's just a case of weeding through all the crap to find those gems, but there again there are crap cigars on both sides of the coin. There is a whole world of really decent smokes to explore like AF Anejo 77 "Shark" to name just one, which is an excellent if not pricey smoke.

[Dorsetman]

Thanks for the help and advice

[Midas]

Good choices there. I agree with Vitola to save the AF until after the Cubans. My knowledge of NC’s is quite limited but the Don Carlos collection I’ve had have all been excellent.

Make sure you let us know what you think of each in the What are you smoking today threads.


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[Sean]

I'd pretty much smoke them in the order you've listed them, swapping 3 with 4.

I agree with joey 100%


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[Dorsetman]

I'd pretty much smoke them in the order you've listed them, swapping 3 with 4.

Joey & Sean,

Many thanks for your responses, can you let me have the rationale for that reply. In fact should I be advised to not try any of the above until later in my 'development'..........there was I thinking it was going to be so straightforward.

[Simon Bolivar]

Hi Steve, Just some thoughts on your selection:

1. H. Upmann half corona, As Max said, there are probably one of the best 'Fresh' Cuban's out there. Generally, all Cuban's benefit from 3yrs aging & Cohiba's 5ys but most starting out can't worry about that, as you'll be buying over the counter & most UK outlets aren't going to have aged stock stuck on the shelves, unless charging a premium. But although good fresh, just remember the HC is even better after 3yrs (which is the only Cuban I think is reaching it's peak at 3yrs).when yo smoke? Such a short smoke can be fitted in almost any time (I would also highly recommend the ERDM Demi Tasse, which although only 4x30 can last as long). Next, the important subject to discuss (surprised no one else has mentioned it), is what to drink whilst enjoying your cigar? There is a whole forum on the subject so you can check that out but for such a short smoke, you might find a good black coffee a perfect match. Otherwise a light beer.

2. Hoyo Del Monterrey Epicure No 2, A personal Fav of mine. It was one of my first Cuban's (they were naked back in the day & even more appealing IMHO because you get to appreciate the beauty of the wrapper unadorned or partially hidden by the labels. When starting out you may find a Robusto (4 7/8" x50RG) a big smoke, 45-50mins. I enjoy these as alate morning smoke but to start with I would try after a full lunch (bit light for after dinner but would be OK except after steak ect). I would recommend starting it with a coffee, as the beginning of a cigar is always the lightest smoke & you'll get to appreciate more of the lighter flav's without alcohol. After that it matches perfectly with a Belgium beer but I would save spirits for fuller marca's.

3. Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Belicoso Only had a couple of this marca & not this vitola.

4.Hoyo Del Monterrey Epicure Especial, As you might expect - similar to the Epi No2 but has ardent fan's who think it's a better smoke, advice as the No2.
5. Trinidad Topes. An interesting cigar & although not classed as Full bodied, it is the fullest bodied Cuban there so I agree with trying last & after dinner. Always good advice to eat before smoking any cigar & if you get a nicotine hit (can be a hazard with fresh cigars) drinking Coke & having Chocolate is the antidote, might sound strange, I only needed it once, a green RA Superiores but it worked a treat (cheers PJ for that tip).


Others to try, keeping light to med to start with & I I wouldn't bother with Cohiba or cigars larger than a Robusto for 6 months+, until you're comfortable with smoking cigars & can judge your ready to enjoy it for 60mins+, 90mins for Churchills.

Bolivar - wait your not ready!
Cuaba, an exotic to try later.
Cohiba, maybe try a smaller one as your anniversary of oyur first smoke, don't rush into them to best appreciate them.
ERDM Demi Tasse, Made for a morning coffee, can last 25-35mins
ERDM Choix Supreme, a Hermosa No4 5"x48RG, a more flavoursome light smoke for post luncheon.
JL No2, another interesting Robusto
LGC No4, light & fruity, perfect on a summers afternoon. Goes nicely with a dry white.
Monte No4, used to be the biggest selling Cuban, one many of us started on. Not spectacular but with give you a good Cuban taste & these days are reliable. I used to smoke these after dinner & really enjoyed them.
Party Mille Fleurs a cheaper & reliable smoke, in the Petit Corona format. This used to be the biggest selling format way back, when people smoked more cigars during the day. It's a good place to start, not too big to get bored or feel it's too much, or be tempted to put it down before it's finished.
Por Larranaga Petit Corona, my fav PC.
R&J Julietta, my first box of Cubans! Same size as the Demi Tasse, perfect match with a Cuban coffee.
R&J Romeo No1, a Tubos, sold in bigger supermarkets so convenient; pop it in your pocket & smoke when time permits. Keep all tubes, you'll use them in future to protect other cigars.
R&J Short Churchill, another Robusto, better for me than the Wide Churchill but this is subjective. Find the right size cigar, that you feel most comfortable with takes time, but for me any cigar of 52RG+ is best as a Torpedo/piramide shape.
Party Mille Fleurs, see R&J of same name.
Party Short, can be strong but a shorter after lunch/dinner smoke.
Trini Reyes, 4 3/8" x40, I call these a little Reyes of sunshine, marvellous wee smokes, come in a very attractive varnished cab & age well but good over the counter too.

OK, hope that gives you some thoughts on the start of your exciting journey, as I revealed on a recent UKCF Competition, I have smoked over 400 different Cuban's so feel free to ask me about any you fancy.

Of course I am sure you'll soon discover that the very best cigar is called the reward cigar, that is enjoyed after a big fish/es is/are landed! Best enjoyed as soon afterwards as possible to get the max pleasure.

[Dorsetman]

Hi Steve, Just some thoughts on your selection:

1. H. Upmann half corona, As Max said, there are probably one of the best 'Fresh' Cuban's out there. Generally, all Cuban's benefit from 3yrs aging & Cohiba's 5ys but most starting out can't worry about that, as you'll be buying over the counter & most UK outlets aren't going to have aged stock stuck on the shelves, unless charging a premium. But although good fresh, just remember the HC is even better after 3yrs (which is the only Cuban I think is reaching it's peak at 3yrs).when yo smoke? Such a short smoke can be fitted in almost any time (I would also highly recommend the ERDM Demi Tasse, which although only 4x30 can last as long). Next, the important subject to discuss (surprised no one else has mentioned it), is what to drink whilst enjoying your cigar? There is a whole forum on the subject so you can check that out but for such a short smoke, you might find a good black coffee a perfect match. Otherwise a light beer.

2. Hoyo Del Monterrey Epicure No 2, A personal Fav of mine. It was one of my first Cuban's (they were naked back in the day & even more appealing IMHO because you get to appreciate the beauty of the wrapper unadorned or partially hidden by the labels. When starting out you may find a Robusto (4 7/8" x50RG) a big smoke, 45-50mins. I enjoy these as alate morning smoke but to start with I would try after a full lunch (bit light for after dinner but would be OK except after steak ect). I would recommend starting it with a coffee, as the beginning of a cigar is always the lightest smoke & you'll get to appreciate more of the lighter flav's without alcohol. After that it matches perfectly with a Belgium beer but I would save spirits for fuller marca's.

3. Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Belicoso Only had a couple of this marca & not this vitola.

4.Hoyo Del Monterrey Epicure Especial, As you might expect - similar to the Epi No2 but has ardent fan's who think it's a better smoke, advice as the No2.
5. Trinidad Topes. An interesting cigar & although not classed as Full bodied, it is the fullest bodied Cuban there so I agree with trying last & after dinner. Always good advice to eat before smoking any cigar & if you get a nicotine hit (can be a hazard with fresh cigars) drinking Coke & having Chocolate is the antidote, might sound strange, I only needed it once, a green RA Superiores but it worked a treat (cheers PJ for that tip).


Others to try, keeping light to med to start with & I I wouldn't bother with Cohiba or cigars larger than a Robusto for 6 months+, until you're comfortable with smoking cigars & can judge your ready to enjoy it for 60mins+, 90mins for Churchills.

Bolivar - wait your not ready!
Cuaba, an exotic to try later.
Cohiba, maybe try a smaller one as your anniversary of oyur first smoke, don't rush into them to best appreciate them.
ERDM Demi Tasse, Made for a morning coffee, can last 25-35mins
ERDM Choix Supreme, a Hermosa No4 5"x48RG, a more flavoursome light smoke for post luncheon.
JL No2, another interesting Robusto
LGC No4, light & fruity, perfect on a summers afternoon. Goes nicely with a dry white.
Monte No4, used to be the biggest selling Cuban, one many of us started on. Not spectacular but with give you a good Cuban taste & these days are reliable. I used to smoke these after dinner & really enjoyed them.
Party Mille Fleurs a cheaper & reliable smoke, in the Petit Corona format. This used to be the biggest selling format way back, when people smoked more cigars during the day. It's a good place to start, not too big to get bored or feel it's too much, or be tempted to put it down before it's finished.
Por Larranaga Petit Corona, my fav PC.
R&J Julietta, my first box of Cubans! Same size as the Demi Tasse, perfect match with a Cuban coffee.
R&J Romeo No1, a Tubos, sold in bigger supermarkets so convenient; pop it in your pocket & smoke when time permits. Keep all tubes, you'll use them in future to protect other cigars.
R&J Short Churchill, another Robusto, better for me than the Wide Churchill but this is subjective. Find the right size cigar, that you feel most comfortable with takes time, but for me any cigar of 52RG+ is best as a Torpedo/piramide shape.
Party Mille Fleurs, see R&J of same name.
Party Short, can be strong but a shorter after lunch/dinner smoke.
Trini Reyes, 4 3/8" x40, I call these a little Reyes of sunshine, marvellous wee smokes, come in a very attractive varnished cab & age well but good over the counter too.

OK, hope that gives you some thoughts on the start of your exciting journey, as I revealed on a recent UKCF Competition, I have smoked over 400 different Cuban's so feel free to ask me about any you fancy.

Of course I am sure you'll soon discover that the very best cigar is called the reward cigar, that is enjoyed after a big fish/es is/are landed! Best enjoyed as soon afterwards as possible to get the max pleasure.

After reading the above, I feel that I have received an absolute masterclass! I do really appreciate the obvious thought and detail that has gone into this advice - many thanks.

[Dorsetman]

I would like to claim it was down to youthful exuberance for my next purchase but at my age nooooooo! It could be down possibly to a degree of sympathy for the five cigars lying all alone in the 'Lock & Lock,' or more probably, it was out of downright envy after seeing the vast collections regularly portrayed on this forum. In short, I have added the following to my small but perfectly formed ensemble: -
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure de Luxe
Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe Cigar
Punch Punch 48 Cigar
Trinidad La Trova Cigar
H. Upmann Connoisseur B Cigar

All I'm waiting for now is the weather to improve and hopefully enjoyable and positive reactions to report back upon.

[ha_banos]

All double banders I note..... I think we have a little insight to your vice here... Very nice. Try the Trinidad Esmeralda.

[Simon Bolivar]

I would like to claim it was down to youthful exuberance for my next purchase but at my age nooooooo! It could be down possibly to a degree of sympathy for the five cigars lying all alone in the 'Lock & Lock,' or more probably, it was out of downright envy after seeing the vast collections regularly portrayed on this forum. In short, I have added the following to my small but perfectly formed ensemble: -
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure de Luxe
Romeo y Julieta Cedros de Luxe Cigar
Punch Punch 48 Cigar
Trinidad La Trova Cigar
H. Upmann Connoisseur B Cigar

All I'm waiting for now is the weather to improve and hopefully enjoyable and positive reactions to report back upon.

Not a bad smoke there Steve, I'd have the R&J first, after that they'll all get better.

[Dorsetman]

IMG_0826.JPG


My latest additions, I look forward to reporting back on progress.