Non-Smoker from Sunny London

[grumpybaldy]

Welcome to the forum Max, it looks like you’ve been well taken care of with some great recommendations so I don’t think I have anything specific to add. Some general advice would be to try everything and don’t necessarily be put off by something that’s not a “beginners” smoke. I didn’t enjoy coffee until my mid 20’s because everyone told me I should try it with lots of milk and sugar and I hated it, one day I tried it black and have been in love ever since, moral of the story what others say you should like is not always going to be what you will and you need to find that out for yourself through experimentation.

That's very true, actually. It didn't take me long at all (and quicker than I thought it would) to move from the milder smokes to the full bodied and really enjoyed them. Good start for these are a Partigas (as suggested elsewhere) or, my favourite (and the favourite of many), the full-on (reckoned to be the strongest Cuban), wonderful Bolivar Belicosos Finos. In for a penny...

[grumpybaldy]

Me too

Likewise

[Alexw33]

Welcome to the forum Max, it looks like you’ve been well taken care of with some great recommendations so I don’t think I have anything specific to add. Some general advice would be to try everything and don’t necessarily be put off by something that’s not a “beginners” smoke. I didn’t enjoy coffee until my mid 20’s because everyone told me I should try it with lots of milk and sugar and I hated it, one day I tried it black and have been in love ever since, moral of the story what others say you should like is not always going to be what you will and you need to find that out for yourself through experimentation.

[potpest]

When I tried Partagas and Upmann that's when my interest peaked at the beggining. I'd recommend jumping in at the deep end with the Upmann Nr 2 or the Partagas P2 if you fancy a larger format.

[mcdee]

Hi Max. Good recommendations already. Although a slightly larger, robusto size cigar, I would say the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure no.2 is a good cigar for beginners.

[Max A]

Welcome come aboard....hope you know what you've let yourself into. Where in London are you?

I'm in Southgate, North London. How about yourself?
I took a look at your profile and noticed you support Arsenal.....Tottenham fan here....keep your friends close and your enemies closer

Nice to meet you!

[Max A]

Welcome. In addition to the advice you have already received I'd suggest once lock down is eased a trip to JJ Fox as you are in London. They have an excellent walk in humidor and will happily give knowledgeable advice to a newbie.

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I'm in the area a lot for work and have walked past on a few occasions. I'll give it a go when the lockdown is lifted, looks like a very interesting shop. There are a few cigar shops in the area.

[Max A]

Matches are a massive pain, unless you literally only smoke indoors. Get 4 of these - you will misplace them. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184140768264. Needs way less refilling than my slightly nicer ?10 one.

Or something nicer of course, but it doesn't sound like you want to drop ?50 on one? (I haven't).

Same with cutters really - I find cheap plastic double blades (usually get one free with your first order from cgars or whatever) cut just fine. Metal ones are mildly nicer, but I'd skip them and go straight to a ?30 premium xikar xi2 or colibri if you want a bit of fancy.

As for cigars pretty much try everything - I like some cheap ones, some expensive ones, try em all.

Welcome down the rabbit hole.

I've taken your advice and ordered a few of the lighters, seems like a no-brainer for the price!

As for the cutter, I'm very tempted to try a cheap/free one for the first couple of cigars and then invest in something more premium.

Thanks for the advice!

[PeeJay]

Non smoker before cigars [emoji113]

Me too

[SHAMZ84]

Welcome come aboard....hope you know what you've let yourself into. Where in London are you?

[ha_banos]

Non smoker before cigars [emoji113]

[geoffbot]

Welcome. In addition to the advice you have already received I'd suggest once lock down is eased a trip to JJ Fox as you are in London. They have an excellent walk in humidor and will happily give knowledgeable advice to a newbie.

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Yes - I didn't know for a few months after joining here that indoor cigar lounges exist! Still haven't been to one yet...

[moteyi]

Welcome. In addition to the advice you have already received I'd suggest once lock down is eased a trip to JJ Fox as you are in London. They have an excellent walk in humidor and will happily give knowledgeable advice to a newbie.

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[Tomm783]

Welcome along Max. Many if not most cigars smokers were non-cigarette smokers before taking up this passion.

Enjoy reading the wealth of information on the forum and go with the previous suggestion.

Small acorns and all that!

Have fun!


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[geoffbot]

Matches are a massive pain, unless you literally only smoke indoors. Get 4 of these - you will misplace them. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184140768264. Needs way less refilling than my slightly nicer ?10 one.

Or something nicer of course, but it doesn't sound like you want to drop ?50 on one? (I haven't).

Same with cutters really - I find cheap plastic double blades (usually get one free with your first order from cgars or whatever) cut just fine. Metal ones are mildly nicer, but I'd skip them and go straight to a ?30 premium xikar xi2 or colibri if you want a bit of fancy.

As for cigars pretty much try everything - I like some cheap ones, some expensive ones, try em all.

Welcome down the rabbit hole.