Ok guys I really need your help. I am on my 4th cigar now and it has gotten worse and worse every time.

The first cigar that I enjoyed (the one I enjoyed the most) was a "cuban Cohiba" that didn't really have the taste of vanilla but smelled of the most delicious vanilla I have ever smelled. The cigar was probably only a 42 or 44 ring gauge (thats my best guess) and probably only 5 inches; likely a corona. I bought it from a guy who spoke no english in Mexico so I don't know for sure. Anyway, it has been brought to my attention that it was likely a fake even though the band was the Cuban style and was immaculate looking. To be honest, I don't even care because that cigar was magnificent and it is the reason I am interested in cigars at all.

The second cigar I enjoyed was a romeo y juileta. My friend gave me this cigar and once again I have no idea what the size or type was... but it was also really good, but it was no Cohiba (counterfeit or not).

The third cigar I tried on Friday was pretty good but it made me kind of sick. Gave me a big buzz and it almost made me poop my pants... no joke. That cigar was a Puros Indios Viejo 99' limited edition. It burned so great all the way through with a 1 1/2 inch ash at least! I have a picture to back that claim up. Anyway, it was good but like I said it kind of made me sick but I think that was my own fault because I smoked it kind of fast, well, fast for a beginner (40 some minutes).

The last cigar I had tonight was a Graycliff 1666. To be blunt, this cigar pissed me off. I started in and to me it tasted bad. Not sweet and super silky/easy to smoke like the cohiba and not fun and easy to smoke like the Puros Indios. The draw was tight and in fact the cigar kept trying to go out after I had been smoking it for at least 15-20 minutes. Only got to about a 1/2-3/4 inch ash before it literally became a job to keep it going. There was no enjoyment in this cigar for me.

Other things to consider: all the other cigars that I smoked were all done with a punch cut and this was a double guillotine cut. I'm not sure if that would make so much difference but that is just another detail.

So guys I'm sorry for making this so long but I need some advice. What is a good cigar to start with that is fun to smoke and what gives with the Graycliff 1666? Any insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

If anything, the guillotine cut should have made the draw looser, not tighter.

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SMOKE INTO OBLIVION CIGAR BLOG

Thats what I was thinking! Now I'm no cigar aficionado (though I would like to be) but from my volunteer fire-department days I could see a possible problem; the cigar is kind of long and narrow which made it feel kind of like trying to drink a really thick milk-shake out of a regular straw. This would mean that with such a tight area to pull from, oxygen would have a hard time reaching the foot... just a guess.

I personally HATE the 1666. I had on good one out of six. All other seemed plugged and were harsh and plain bad tasting to me! Some people like em, some don't. I would reccomend the 5 vegas classic in the torpedo size. Great smoke, creamy, cheap, and delicious!!

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Alex the unabomber and recipient of the MoW Special Forces Badge

doromath:

Some folks bomb your humidor: Alex bombs your mind.

Thanks Alex! I appreciate the tip, I will look into getting one of those.

I would send tim an email for a fiver of them. I dont believe 5 vegas is sold in b&ms. Tim will give you a great deal. tblythe@cigar.com

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Alex the unabomber and recipient of the MoW Special Forces Badge

doromath:

Some folks bomb your humidor: Alex bombs your mind.

WOW! Thanks a lot! I really appreciate this! I will do this right now!

it seems that you like a more mild cigar. check out Cusano 18.

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Kuzi's cigar catalog blending 101 developing your palate

I've tried 3 or 4 1666's now and they have all had a tight draw and didn't do too much for me in the flavor dept either. You might also try the ITC 10th anniversary, I had one the other day and it was fantastic! Very creamy and smooth and tasty. The 5 Vegas classic is a good budget smoke as well, tasty and mellow.

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"I love it when a plan comes together"

MOW Special Forces Badge w/Ranger tab recipient 9/4/10

kuzi16:

it seems that you like a more mild cigar. check out Cusano 18.

+1

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"I love it when a plan comes together"

MOW Special Forces Badge w/Ranger tab recipient 9/4/10

don't give up yet bro......there is lots to experience......youll find the one soon enough. Part of the fun is experimenting and trying different cigars. you won't find "the one" right off the bat look for some mild to medium samplers. The guys at Cigar.com can help you find your way.

Hey thanks for all your input guys. There is no chance that I am giving up because cigars are just way too much fun! In any event, thanks again for the help.

All I can say is keep trying everything you can get your hands on. I used to go into the B&M and shop with my eyes. Big mistake. Now I shop with my nose and my fingers. I pick the sticks up. Feel them. Smell them. And then decide. I'm getting more sticks that I never would have tried before. I bet that blind people would make the best aficionados. They could probably walk into any B&M and pick out the best cigar and it would probably end up costing less than $5. Advertising is a tricky thing. We need it to know what's out there and what they're all about. But ads can be misleading and you may miss out on a gem because the ads aren't very appealing.

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Guns don't kill people......daddies with pretty daughters do.

Corymc23:

Thats what I was thinking! Now I'm no cigar aficionado (though I would like to be) but from my volunteer fire-department days I could see a possible problem; the cigar is kind of long and narrow which made it feel kind of like trying to drink a really thick milk-shake out of a regular straw. This would mean that with such a tight area to pull from, oxygen would have a hard time reaching the foot... just a guess.

Definitely give the NUB Connecticut and the House Blend Purple Label a try. I am new as well and these 2 cigars are very tasty in my opinion and I am sure you will enjoy them too.

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Death By Diesel

lilwing88- great advice on shopping with your fingers and nose rather than the eyes. you are right, cool bands get people to buy stuff. What should I be looking for as far as smell goes? I love the smell of Cigars so its kind of unlikely that as of now I would be able to REALLY tell the difference between a cigar that would likely be bad and one that is pretty good. coachjamie- I will for sure try these two cigars. Nub and the Purple house brand. I like the idea of tasty... I'm a food junky too!