What are the biggest challenges newcomers to Cuban Cigars are finding (or have found).

[El Presidente]

We have had a lot of newcomers to Cuban Cigars join FOH over the past 18 months which is a good thing.

I often think that those of us who have been around for a long time in the world of Cuban Cigars possibly forget how intimidating it can be

So for the newcomers to Cuban Cigars (say past 5 years).

What are the bigest challenges you have faced. The biggest frustrations.

It is possible that some of the expereinced members here can point to a few hints/solutions to shorten your learning curve or answer some questions, help deal with the frustrations.

We were all new once

[Colt45]

I guess my main thoughts are to be open minded and abandon preconceived notion. That the "mystique" is just that. TRUST YOURSELF!!!!

Challenges / Frustrations - if you don't have an open mind, and have patience / and are willing to take the time to explore and learn, you will most likely feel challenged and frustrated.

If you seek immediate gratification, you'll more than likely be disappointed. These are my simplistic, GENERAL thoughts.

[PigFish]

I think that this is the single most interesting thread that I have seen here in a while, so I wanted to proffer my 'expert' advice!!! -LOL

While I am not a neophyte I once was. As such I am going to toss my 2 cents in.

Charlatans and gurus! Charlatans and gurus are this single biggest problem that neophytes have in learning about Cuban cigars. If someone is not trying to influence them to buy something, they are trying to elevate themselves by convincing the newcomer to follow them and give them praise.

I have found that much of the gurus advice is bad advice. Much of their influence is self-serving. Much of what is common knowledge regarding cigars is myth. At least some of this myth (if not most of it) emanates from the collector (guru) community.

In addition to this problem there exists the 'blind follower.' The blind follower depends more upon what he has read from the guru than he does from his own tastes. The blind follower is then merely a proxy for the guru, extending his influence even further and infecting more open minded people looking for knowledge.

To counter this, I mentor. I also opine with emphasis on gaining personal experience and personal taste. I respect those who have knowledge and represent facts. I reject those that propose silly half-baked theories and promote myths; those that present as facts certain phenomenon that cannot be proven and therefore cannot be disproven; therefore claiming their anecdotal experience as proof and pronouncing their claims as axioms...

-the Pig

[BigWill]

I've only been into cc's for about 2 years. I think that the biggest challenge is all of the hype around certain brands. I personally have learned to try different smokes and not to take the word of the masses. I leaned that lesson from nc's really and it carried over. You have to try things to ensure that you enjoy them, not just because of a popular brand.

That my input, I hope it helps someone a little.

Also, take your time, this cigar thing is a marathon. Be patient and you'll be rewarded. That's my input on my challenges.

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[Elvis]

I think if you've managed to find your way here you've already overcome one of the biggest challenges -- finding people who can share their legitimate experience and expertise with Cuban cigars.

There's no shortage of people with limited exposure to Cuban cigars of unknown or dubious origins or authentic Cuban cigars that were poorly stored or of poor quality to begin with. Many of these same people are all too ready to present their opinions as if they were fact. This can be pretty discouraging.

The rampant counterfeiting of Cuban cigars as well as the inconsistency of their manufacture greatly exacerbate the issue.

Without proper guidance, Cuban cigars quickly become a very expensive proposition with little reward.

[Scrubber]

I am a newbie. Been smoking for less than a year. By far the biggest frustration is the taxes in Australia but that's probably a little off topic.

I would say the next biggest challenge is finding reliable information but also differing opinions which is why FoH is so helpful. I had read over and over and over again to keep cigars at 70%rh and 70 degrees. I learnt quickly on here that CC should be stored differently. That was a huge help and I would guess that lots of newbies smoke CC way too wet which means they are not getting the best from the stick.

The next challenge is finding a reliable source. This is particularly important for Aussies as there are very few B&Ms here to be able to inspect before buying. Again FoH solved this problem.

Finally, I would say it is also pretty intimidating trying to discover what you like. It can be difficult deciding whether to buy sample packs or boxes. You buy a sampler you may not get a great stick but you buy a box and it may be something you don't like. That can be a pretty hard choice for a newbie especially if they aren't sure what flavour profile suits them.

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[stogieluver]

Anyhow, a more directly useful bit of frustration would be that the 24:24 sales do not include the size of the cigar. For those who are familiar with everything and know what you like, that works fine. But I would love to have a simple "5x48" accompany that listing for a box of Choix Supreme, especially given the fact that by the time I've checked it out on Topcubans they're already gone!

Paul, do what I did when I was unfamiliar with the cigar sizes, etc on the 24/24's and LFTH's. Just prior to the sale starting, pull up the Cuban Cigar Website and leave it open during the sale. Then, during the sale, you can flip back over to the CCW and quickly pull up that cigar and see what size it is. Just a suggestion.

[mgravito]

I would say the biggest challenge for echoes some of what pigfish said. It was so hard for some reason to trust what I was tasting and what I liked. I was so focused on site reviews and the opinions of those I deemed to be gurus, it made me question my own taste. "Why do I like this? There's something wrong with my palette. This doesn't taste so great, must be my tastebuds."

It's OK to like what you like. I like Fonsecas and they're not highly regarded and that's OK. I know what I like and ultimately that's the most important thing. Trust your tastebuds!

[Kyoung]

I've been in the world of CC's now for just shy of 2 years. I would say the biggest challenge I've faced is getting to know my palate and the cigars which, for lack of a better term, please it. The day may soon come when I can stop into my local B&M to have a look at a cuban selection but right now that isn't possible. Outside of samplers, I don't feel there is a reliable way to try new singles to expand my knowledge of the different Marcas. I understand why. Singles just wouldn't make sense logistically for our host, or anyone else shipping far distances. Which means until I get to know my preferences, I'm taking a pretty big risk purchasing a box of something I've never tried before. I did just learn of the sub forum splits and that seems to be a great way to lower that risk to some degree and gain experience. I can't wait to participate in some...if they didn't go so damn fast every time!

Secondly, I think its a love/hate that we all may share, is the fact that you never really know what you are gonna get. In just my limited experience, I've had one beautiful cigar out of a box that I loved and the next I wanted to toss after the first third. Starting out on NC's, you get what you get. What the cigar has to offer is there and its there in the next stick, usually. After switching to CC's, I feel like the flavor/smoking experience loves to play hide and seek and wants to be found sometimes and lost forever others. I guess that is what keeps me coming back and whats so beautiful about Cubans! Because when you find it, it is all worth it!

[Fumadoro]

Coming from the world of NC cigars, the idea of aging your cigars to get the best out of them caused a bit of early frustraition. The way I countered this frustration was to have a healthy stock of NC cigars I enjoyed and put some extra investment into some aged CCs.

The second frustration I came across very early in my introduction to CCs was all the fakes on the secondary market. My advice there is just learn as much as you can so you can spot fakes a mile away. Use cubancigarwebsite.com, and don't just learn what fake bands and boxes look like, but learn the whole package. What version of the Habanos parchment and warranty seal should be in a box from a certain date? Should there be extra parchments that come with the box? Become an expert, it is worth it and very fun to be a detective!

[Scrubber]

I did just learn of the sub forum splits and that seems to be a great way to lower that risk to some degree and gain experience. I can't wait to participate in some...if they didn't go so damn fast every time!

I can't wait to try some box splits too. Another great thing about FoH. I don't really have any mates that are into cigars so it's great to meet some new people and hopefully join in on some splits soon.

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[cgraunke]

Anyhow, a more directly useful bit of frustration would be that the 24:24 sales do not include the size of the cigar. For those who are familiar with everything and know what you like, that works fine. But I would love to have a simple "5x48" accompany that listing for a box of Choix Supreme, especially given the fact that by the time I've checked it out on Topcubans they're already gone!

I know this is not what the thread intended to address, but I echo this entirely. I'm VERY new to the game. Months, not years. So when trying to watch some of those 24:24 sales not only am I struggling to look up sizes, but also sometimes box counts. Would love to see 4.4x42 (50) when a cab of Partagas Shorts is listed. (that's one of the few I've learned now )

Hmmm... I should probably go put an intro up, huh?

My name is Clint by the way.

[teamrandr]

My biggest challenge has been not draining my bank account.

[Liga1069]

Thanks for starting this thread....

Now that I have found a few reliable places to order from, I just don't know what to order. I've been blessed by my local B&M who have done an amazing job educating me about non CC, but I have no idea where to even begin for Cubans. A friend has made a few suggestions, and I am researching whether some of my NC's faves have a similar Cuban counterpart, but I just don't know where to start. Then you add specific years tied to specific labels and I feel I'm buying wine instead of cigars...just adds to the confusion.

[mk05]

Try everything, listen to everyone's experiences, and make up on your own mind what's good for you. People can try to guide in what they believe is right, but in the end, only you can be the judge of your own self.

[stogieluver]

Thanks for starting this thread....

Now that I have found a few reliable places to order from, I just don't know what to order. I've been blessed by my local B&M who have done an amazing job educating me about non CC, but I have no idea where to even begin for Cubans. A friend has made a few suggestions, and I am researching whether some of my NC's faves have a similar Cuban counterpart, but I just don't know where to start. Then you add specific years tied to specific labels and I feel I'm buying wine instead of cigars...just adds to the confusion.

Patience, Grasshopper, for it is the journey and not the destination. But I know what you mean.

[Hunter1974]

I think that this is the single most interesting thread that I have seen here in a while, so I wanted to proffer my 'expert' advice!!! -LOL

While I am not a neophyte I once was. As such I am going to toss my 2 cents in.

Charlatans and gurus! Charlatans and gurus are this single biggest problem that neophytes have in learning about Cuban cigars. If someone is not trying to influence them to buy something, they are trying to elevate themselves by convincing the newcomer to follow them and give them praise.

I have found that much of the gurus advice is bad advice. Much of their influence is self-serving. Much of what is common knowledge regarding cigars is myth. At least some of this myth (if not most of it) emanates from the collector (guru) community.

In addition to this problem there exists the 'blind follower.' The blind follower depends more upon what he has read from the guru than he does from his own tastes. The blind follower is then merely a proxy for the guru, extending his influence even further and infecting more open minded people looking for knowledge.

To counter this, I mentor. I also opine with emphasis on gaining personal experience and personal taste. I respect those who have knowledge and represent facts. I reject those that propose silly half-baked theories and promote myths; those that present as facts certain phenomenon that cannot be proven and therefore cannot be disproven; therefore claiming their anecdotal experience as proof and pronouncing their claims as axioms...

-the Pig

No doubt PF knows his stuff but sometimes you need a PHD or a good dictionary to decode his information ! DAMN Ray what the hell is a neophyte ? Dictionary here I come!!!

[Hunter1974]

Patience, Grasshopper, for it is the journey and not the destination. But I know what you mean.

agreed Everyone has different tastes. I too understand Being a man thats not wealthy I have always been scared of getting something that wasnt good ! The only thing I can say with my limited Knowledge I have found that there are some good CCs for the right price Alot cheaper than High quality NCs But there is such a thing as buying to cheap!

[topdiesel]

The embargo is certainly the biggest challenge. I would love to be able to walk into a local shop and try a variety of cigars. That would have made it much easier to experience cigars before purchasing boxes. The allure of picking the cigar that calls to you must wait for travel outside of US.

Finding a few great vendors makes all the difference.

Humidification levels and ideal storage was also fairly intimidating for the first year or so. This site offered a wealth of information.

[jman]

I enjoy CC's more than NC's, but there isn't a huge difference. I tell beginners to try cigars from different country's and smoke what they like the best. And for CC's I like to try the one's no else is smoking. I just bought a box SLR Regio's and they were better than the other box of H. Upman 46's I purchased. I stay away from the Global Brands if I can. My favorite current CC is the QDC, I love it. And the Embargo here in the states crushes many nubies. So here is my advice to nubies:

1. Smoke Cubans, they are priced better than a good portion of non-Cubans

2. Global Cubans are expensive and not much better than the smaller brands

3. Don't get discouraged by the embargo, keep your chin up and keep trying

4. Try everything and then conclude what's good.

5. Enjoy cigars with friends and family

[Fosgate]

• more of the smaller samples of a line like 3,5 and 10 packs (AND JARS!) when available.
• Getting a great deal in the dead of winter and having the Brown Clowns from UPS drop off my package in -55 degrees Fahrenheit. Sounds great for killing beetles but when they go through the shock of outside and heated inside before they reach their destination wreaked havoc on my PD4's that 1/4 of them split out of 2 boxes. Trying to order spring and fall now.
• Missing 24 hour sales by 10 minutes or more because I'm stuck at work or in traffic.
• Fighting my subconscious on sales like an Abbot and Castillo bit for how math adds up. Buy, wait, buy now, wait.

[PigFish]

Rob,

I think that one of your flash sales is in order. I think it should be a selection of singles that some of these folks should try, 2 or 3 of each.

New smokers are our only hope for survival and getting singles out to them to expand their horizons and build their confidence is one way to do it. Cut them a nice deal my friend, please, they are the future!

Perhaps you can limit participants to this single sale to those who have less than 200 posts, something that will keep the old scoundrels (you know who you are) from snapping up the 'booty' before some of the new guys can dry their sweaty palms get their mouses moving... It is just an idea.

It is easy to be generous with someone else's money... -LOL Isn't it???

While I am sure (or at least I hope) more new smokers will chime in, I have to say to the rest of you; welcome to the fight! While it may seem a bit silly, I am quite touched (but you knew that already) about this whole thread... Great thread...

The new smoker is our future mates... Smoking is under constant attack. We gotta' support these guys/gals.

Cheers mates! -the Pig

[srbbones]

I experience a higher percentage of tight draws in Cubans. Improved over the last 5 years, but still notable. Anybody else note this?

[PigFish]

Thanks for starting this thread....

Now that I have found a few reliable places to order from, I just don't know what to order. I've been blessed by my local B&M who have done an amazing job educating me about non CC, but I have no idea where to even begin for Cubans. A friend has made a few suggestions, and I am researching whether some of my NC's faves have a similar Cuban counterpart, but I just don't know where to start. Then you add specific years tied to specific labels and I feel I'm buying wine instead of cigars...just adds to the confusion.

Jump in mate, the smoke is fine!

Don't be persuaded to dump your funds on the expensive and elusive... Forget the hype and BS surrounding aged and rarities! Gather up some singles from our host, I say try mostly smaller sticks, regular production. Extra bands mean extra bucks, not extra taste.

Cuban cigars are not non-Cuban cigars...! Forget this 'behemoth' theory and shy away from the bigger names and bigger price tags, bigger is better theory.

Let your cigars dry a while, I know it is hard to wait, but don't taint your palate with cigars that are too wet... You will ruin the experience and not taste the true cigar.

Best of luck on your journey, and welcome to the fight! -Piggy

[hoffmr3]

Not to be too Confucian, but the biggest challenge over my first 6 months in this new world has been not knowing what I don't know.

I started my journey with one of Rob's "New to CC" samplers in order to try to pin down all of the flavor profiles that I have been reading about on the boards. I really couldn't taste much of anything in those, either because I have too few taste buds, or because I just don't know what I'm looking for. I would have even settled for just understanding the differences in taste between each of the cigars, but that is nearly impossible because I couldn't light all of them up and try them side by side (well, I guess I could...).

On a whim, I ordered a box of aged PSD4s from the 24:24. The first one of those that I smoked had a taste that was remarkably different than anything else I had smoked. So, I bought an aged box of Ramon Allones, and... BAM!... another new flavor. I still wouldn't say that I can identify those favors as anything specific like Rob uses in his 24:24 descriptions, but I can definitely pick up on the fact that the flavors are different. So, I am buying up boxes when I can and stashing them in the OLH to age in hopes that the aging enhancement is the ticket for my palate.

in a perfect world, the two things that I wish I could have had 6 months ago were: 1. A sampler consisting of aged sticks (unless the ones in my sampler were aged, then I'm back to square one); and 2. A beginner's guide to the cigars that maybe suggested a sequence in which to smoke them and the different flavors to look for in each. Both are prob. unrealistic, but thought I'd put them out there.

Thanks to all of you who make this community such a wonderful place!