Just getting started
MichaelScott
Posts: 13 ✭
Hello all. I am new to the hobby of Cigars and was looking for some suggestions on what I should try. I just recently acquired a 30-50 count humidor. I will say that I have not ventured too far out into the various worlds of cigars. I have started myself out on Drew Estate Java Mint cigars and started branching out that way. I have read and heard that buying samplers is the best way to really narrow down my likes and dislikes.
I am also looking for tips on what percentage humidity boveda packs everyone is using. I have heard many different ways to season a humidor and I have also read through the 102 tips for noobies thread.
In all of your experiences, should I use the distilled water method of seasoning or just stick to a boveda pack seasoning kit?
What direction or brand or type of cigar should I branch out to from the Java Mint by Drew Estate? Did anyone start with a similar flavored cigar, if so where did you go from there?
Thanks in advance!
-Steve
Comments
-- Winston Churchill
"LET'S GO FRANCIS" Peter
Samplers are great because if you don't like that particular stick you're not stuck with a whole box. When I was starting out I watched a lot of youtube and used to just go into my b&m and pick out a bunch of singles to try. Like USAF said, start some form of notebook so you know what you have tried and liked. Been keeping one for a few years now and they're handy for multiple reasons.
Personally I recommend 65% boveda. I started out running at 69% but found a few points less was about where I liked my cigars. It's all about what you like and what your climate is like. 65 is good for me because I'm OCD and have been taught that anything over 70 is dangerous for mold and beetle egg hatching. So instead of running that risk if something fluctuates I just keep it a bit lower.
As far as seasoning, there are a lot of good discussions on here which dive into the best methods. Use the search bar and you'll find them. Would not recommend wiping down your humidor no matter what some may say...it's risky.
I started on Legends by Drew Estate from CI and discovered Arturo Fuente shortly thereafter. It's not the only brand I smoke by far, but definitely my go to. My best answer is to try everything you see at least twice even if you don't think you'd like it.
Word of advice if you do stick around: get yoself a cooler because these cats are crazy.
Your on the right track when it comes to the sampler packs. Keep an eye on the daily deals on here too.
I started with 72% packs, which kept my humidor at 70%.....Since then I've changed over to 65% and really notice and change for the better.
One of the most important thing is..........Sit back, relax and enjoy the smoke.
I've noticed that folks living in places like Arizona or the eastern side of California etc. tend toward 65% or even 63%. You don't want a rapid change of environment when you smoke your cigar. It's a good idea to let it sit for 15 - 30 minutes in the place you'll be smoking before lighting.
That said, I don't expect my humidor to be 69%. I have wooden humidors and a 69% Boveda tends to keep them at about 65%, which works well for me since I smoke indoors with the central air.
As far as what should you smoke next? Who knows? Only you will know what you like. Try stuff, and go back to the 102 tips from time to time as your experience grows. Oh, and in a year or so, what you like today may not satisfy, your tastes will change from time to time. For instance, I used to smoke a lot of Connecticut, now that's only occasionally.
Most of all, have fun. Enjoy.
"If you do not read the newspapers you're uninformed. If you do read the newspapers, you're misinformed." -- Mark Twain
Which percentage Boveda packs will depend on what you like and your area. I live in South Florida where the humidity is very high year round which would lead you to believe that I would utilize the lower ones offered, except even though the outside humidity may be 92% on any given day, with the A/C running the indoor humidity is only 50-55% so i need to adjust accordingly.
The Drew Estate non-flavored cigars are excellent.
Herrera Esteli
All the Liga Privadas
Norteño
Undercrown
I also have a similar mindset to yours about 70% and above can lead to issues. I travel from the Pocono's to New Jersey rather often and spend time in both regions. I was trying to narrow down a good percentage based on my area.
I will also look into those discussions as I have been already. I will be sure to check out Legends and also Arturo Fuente.
-Steve
Lol. I figured I would try something a little mild before I dove into the heavy sticks. The few that were next on my list were a few different Drew Estates. I hear great things about the Liga Privada No. 9.
I just ordered a sampler from CI and will see what I end up enjoying.
Thank you for your suggestions!
-Steve
*Edit- Try the harder stuff on a full stomach. If you break into the cold sweats, go for a little walk.. helped me in the beginning.
"If you do not read the newspapers you're uninformed. If you do read the newspapers, you're misinformed." -- Mark Twain
Doesn't matter, I hope you have fun with the new hobby.
"If you do not read the newspapers you're uninformed. If you do read the newspapers, you're misinformed." -- Mark Twain
So Bovedas or beads to me, are a better way to go.
What direction or brand or type of cigar should I branch out to from the Java Mint by Drew Estate?
Your tastes may be there now, but over time, you may discover certain wrappers or types of cigars are to your liking.
Problem is, only you can decide that.
But Rosados, sungrown and cameroon all seem to be cigars that are generally smoother. Try one, see how you like it, then if you do, move to another.
And believe me when I say that you will go through quite a few that just don't do it for you. It may be that you don't dislike them, but they just don't hit the spot.
Did anyone start with a similar flavored cigar, if so where did you go from there?
Infused are one of those you have to be able to stomach and with exceptions of the Moontrance, there are very few infused I can tolerate.
Well, Baccarats would be one that could be considered close, but that was many moons ago. LOL!
Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy cigars and that's close enough.
Michael Scott quote (since I just watched this episode):
"Nobody likes beets, Dwight! Why don't you grow something that everybody does like? You should grow candy."
Since I just watched this episode for the 1000th time, here is a Michael Scott quote for you:
"Nobody likes beets, Dwight! Why don't you grow something that everybody does like? You should grow candy."
Carbs (pastas, breads etc) ahead of time if you're concerned about handling the nicotine. A sweet treat afterward (sugars) will help you if you actually do get too much nicotine.