What's the best way to get started developing your palate & filling your humidor?

ejgorman

I used to go to the local cigar lounge about once a week while I was finishing school just to relax and enjoy a good smoke. I had a good friend that kept me well supplied with Ashtons and even the occasional Davidoff (yes, he was well off). Other times, I would just buy a stick at random from the guy behind the counter (their selection was so-so). I recently started smoking again. Career, wife, 2 yo...just need some me time again. We have no B&M nearby so I bought a humidor and seasoned it. I'm a relatively inexperienced smoker, but because of my previous experience I don't shy away from medium or full bodied smokes. I'm wondering what the best way to jump start my collection is? It seems silly to me to buy a mazo just because it's cheap. Should I look for good deals on 5 packs? Samplers? Singles?

blutattoo

Welcome buddy. At the risk of sounding cliche; you've come to the right place. Samplers are always a great way to start figuring out what you'll like. Once you get some idea of preferences you can move into fivers or even boxes if you've got the room for storage. Really your only limit will be budget. There are samplers for every price point. If you have some that you don't necessarily care for there is always the option to trade them, provided they aren't dog rockets. You can check out the trade/pass section and more than a few people would be willing to trade with a newbie. Welcome again.

PAtoNH

curtiscr79

Bob Luken

ejgorman

Thanks for the warm welcomes and the advice! It sounds like samplers are the way to go. Unfortunately, I never took notes on what I liked or didn't like about the cigars I was smoking, it was all about taking an hour or so to relax and unwind. I just ordered the awards sampler. It looked liked it would give me a good introduction to a variety of smokes. Once I start filling my humidor I'll have to check into the trading thread you mentioned Bob.

PAtoNH

good choice IMO!

Puff_Dougie

catfishbluezz

Lee.mcglynn

I agree with taking notes and getting 5 packs...I'd also like too say if you like a certain cigar read the review on it. This can help pin point some of the flavors you like! Most people will start too notice similarities in what they tend too grab for and this is one of the best ways too start

curtiscr79

curtiscr79

Oh, and another good tip is to add some info to your profile in the BIO section of any cigars you have liked and many a few that you have readheard about that you want to try. We can let you know of any "Deals" that come up and could take advantage of.

ejgorman

A classmate started me out on Ashton classics and I remember enjoying those more than any of my random purchases. I already plan on starting with milder cigars and working my way up to find my niche. I doubt my palate could appreciate a really full-bodied smoke at this point. I'm sure my preferences will change over time and I'll eventually have sticks of every variety I enjoy depending on the occasion.

curtiscr79

ejgorman:

A classmate started me out on Ashton classics and I remember enjoying those more than any of my random purchases. I already plan on starting with milder cigars and working my way up to find my niche. I doubt my palate could appreciate a really full-bodied smoke at this point. I'm sure my preferences will change over time and I'll eventually have sticks of every variety I enjoy depending on the occasion.

That is the way I did it. I started very mild and took it up a notch each stick until I thought it was to strong at which point I backed it down and went from there. Unfortunately, it will take a good handful of sticks to find your sweet spot.

brianetz1

Puff_Dougie

And don't forget to get on the email list for the occasional "Kelly Deal"!!!

ejgorman

Puff_Dougie:

And don't forget to get on the email list for the occasional "Kelly Deal"!!!

Forgive me for being new, but what email list and what is the Kelly Deal? Along similar lines, I see posts about "bombs." Is it considered bad to be bombed? Good? Indifferent? Does protocol require you return fire? And should one aim to please, expand horizons or just unload some sticks?

Thanatos0320

I would just try everything you can to find out what you like. Every time you smoke a cigar actually take the time and try to taste as much as you can and associate the flavors with something. The only real way you can actually learn is by doing it.

ejgorman:

Puff_Dougie:

And don't forget to get on the email list for the occasional "Kelly Deal"!!!

Forgive me for being new, but what email list and what is the Kelly Deal? Along similar lines, I see posts about "bombs." Is it considered bad to be bombed? Good? Indifferent? Does protocol require you return fire? And should one aim to please, expand horizons or just unload some sticks?

Kelly sends out deals every so often that are usually too good to pass on. As for being bombed it means someone has sent you some cigars that were unexpected. After being bombed it is your job to call in the bomb squad to investigate what as happened (aka me) and hand the evidence over. Your losses will be replaced with swisher sweets

Puff_Dougie