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

[suggs]

My two cents:

I've been smoking CCs with great interest for about six months, but I've dabbled in them for about a year. The thing that I find most challenging about them is actually what initially caught my interest and hooked me. I smoked a Connie 1 with about three years of age on it and was simply blown away by how nuanced and elegant the cigar was. Until that point, I exclusively smoked NCs but I was getting a bit annoyed with how many of them kind of wallop you over the head with either strength or body (I'm looking at you, Nicaraguan pepper bombs!).

I'll get to the point, though. The problem I have is two-fold as it relates to aging: knowing when a CC has matured to where it's a great representative of the marca (because of my lack of experience), and/or, knowing if the cigar/marca is a dud or just doesn't match up with my taste preferences. I'd like to say that I've smoked enough, and smoked long enough, to be able to tell the potential of a cigar--and I definitely can with NCs--but Cubans are an entirely different ball game, which is what I love about them so much.

[ralphie48]

I've smoked ncs for about 12 years had a few ccs here over the years when traveling abroad and there in between and always enjoyed them immensely for the most part. For starters how some people say that nc smokers who try ccs hate them, j don't know how they could. i think there is no comparison. And once I found out how easily Cubans can be had online from many legit sources (and many not so legit) I've never looked back. As a matter of fact the only purpose my collection of nc have now is giving them to guests when they come over my house . That being said there is a few struggles. One is lack of consistency of course , but I think a part of that is what makes them special, if everything was perfect that would become the new norm. It's when you get that special one that puts a smile on your face, it makes it all worth it. If I had that every single time, I would become spoiled. So as sick as it sounds, it's not a problem for me. I'll take it as it is. The other is being that I'm only 5 to 6 months heavily into this is most of my stock is young; but at the rate I'm buying that problem will be easily remedied in a few years time , then there's the factor of the embargo; which is a pain because every time a box hasn't cleared customs yet there's that doubt it might not, but at the same time it adds to the excitement, there's no better feeling then seeing "arrived at usps destination facility" when you track your package. There's a bunch of others that have already been mentioned that I won't bother go on about, but I think these negatives also have a positive depending on how they're looked at and keep it an exciting and interesting hobby.

[Fosgate]

This is how I learnt because I found it hard.

http://youtu.be/X2N-uZR8wVI

I think a lot of people who have never smoked cigarettes find it hard. It adds so many more flavours when you do it. I only do it every 3 or 4 draws and that works for me well.

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I learned taste testing beer while brewing beers in Brewing Class at business school. Required exam we had to identify at least 25 out of 45 flaws given.(yes a breathalyzer was given and had to sober up to leave class). This is the basics for tasting beer. https://beersensoryscience.wordpress.com/2010/11/18/taste-vs-flavor/ Thing with a Hefeweitzen many people miss is the banana flavors that combine with bubble gum, clove and citrus because they channel the beer and liquor down the center of the tongue isolating those outside taste buds that pick up those extra yummy flavors. I totally agree with the video, you have to get smoke and the aroma of alcohol to your olfactoy bulb to pickup that taste of "Savory" or Umami . I personally like to combine the retro of both the beverage with the cigar by taking a small sip, cup my tongue to hold a small pool of beverage and then start my inhale process as described and upon exhale is when the beverage is swallowed. I can see how people find it difficult to learn and can become quickly discouraged from it. I feel learning off a beverage is far easier and I used to retro cigaretts when I used to smoke them and I found retroing a cigar to be a bit tougher to learn. (For one former cigarette smokers keep wanting to inhale cigar smoke.)

[MIKA27]

Try to enjoy every cigar with an open mind regardless of size, Marca and others opinions.

One can not say he or she is a Cigar enthusiast if one has never tried everything there is to enjoy. You never know what you're missing out on!

[Tobbot]

Great thread.

My experiences are as follows...

1. Many, many thanks to El Prez and Clubczar team. Your hard work is greatly appreciated!

2. Thanks to PigFish. You are the patron Saint of Noobs. I appreciate your critical approach to this hobby which I'm going to summarize as:

Test everything and rely on data that is returned. Take into account that in this hobby all data is interpreted by a brain (mine) and brains as processing units are extremely variable.

Where I see this the most is differing experiences with the same stick whether it is a C&C or an expensive one. I understand that storage and smoking environment are always varying, but how much are my emotions affecting my experience?... I'll never know.

4. I slowed my smoking pace and saw an instant change in the smoking experience. No more (much, much less at least) soap like flavors.

5. I'm not afraid to purge and relight. Because I've had some Temp issues this summer in my storage some sticks have had burn issues all the way through them... No worries.... Purge and relight. Works like a charm for me and I'm noticing little to no change in flavors.

6. Relax about storage!! Yes, I'm shooting for 62-65% and 60-65°, but it's only a cigar...if it's out of this range for a bit it's not rotting right in front of my eyes. Like I said above I've had some Temp issues, but thankfully no beetles. I was a bit nervous at times. The fact that 90% of my stock is from this site (100% going forward) calmed my nerves and maybe some luck and whew....I made it...no beetles, no mold. Next year I'm going to try some things like extra storage to quarantine new arrivals and maybe a cooling set up for my pad...we'll see. I don't want to freeze new arrivals, but I know this is my decision and mine alone.

7. Almost all my purchases have been boxes. This hasn't been the cheapest approach, but I've been able to try many ROTT and now have some left to age. Yeah, I know, they aren't ageing in untouched state, but I'm skeptical that I could taste difference.

Thanks for thread!

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[djjdhay]

The biggest Frustration is getting them. As a new guy to the Qbn game attaining proper cigars is a huge pain. From time of order to the box actually making it to my door step. I get so mad sometimes that I actually ask my self is it worth the head ache? The answer comes about as soon as I get at piece of my shipment since everything is sent separately. The moment I light one right out of the box upon getting it, yes its worth it.

[eswary]

A lot of great info in here and a excellent thread. Bigup Prez!

I will agree with the people stating the biggest challenge to newcomers is who's lead to follow. So many review sites, magazines, and columns out there. So who's a good reviewer, who's bias...ect. But as noted several times above, smoking is all subjective and the beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.

That being said, one bit of advice I can add is to notice people commenting on cigars you have tried and enjoyed. 9 times out of 10, the cigars they enjoy will most likely suit you as well. I have a handful of friends, 1 blog, and a trusted writer than seem to always steer me in the right direction when I'm looking at new material to purchase.

I recommend digging into samplers and trading!!!! The sure fire way to gain knowledge is thru your own experience and meeting some people in the communities. Committing to boxes on someone's recommendation as a newcomer could be a bad idea.

Lastly, just ask questions. Start a thread here and within hours people will chime in. Really solid community here with grown ups. No BS like all the all forums....

Eswary

Eric

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[MrGTO]

I'll put my 2 pennys in.

1) I think all newcomers should learn the basics of proper cigar storage first and foremost!

2) I love the idea of cigar sample packs. It gives a new enthusiasts somewhere to learn what they like and don't like.

3) Patience. I don't know how many times I've had cigars I thought I hated and then in a year found that same box in the bottom of my humidor and they were brilliant!

[JohnInCleveland]

Been having a hard time with the humidification process. I've been storing in a coolerador at roughly 17 C and 69% relative humidity. I decided this isn't a great smoking temperature, but dry boxing them before smoking has resulted in my last few sticks being TOO dry to smoke properly. I think I only want to dry box for an hour or two, but it's more of an art than a science. The dry Ohio winter humidity is turning them into dried out dust at a rapid rate.

Also, I'm pissing away money at a world-record rate. If my wife had the slightest concept for what my hobby costs she'd punt me in the dong. God bless separate checking accounts and both having gainful employment...

[MooseAMuffin]

I'd say my biggest issue would be information in general. I'm brand new to CCs and know 0 about them. This site has been helpful so far but there is so much to learn! But luckily, since I don't know much, this has kept my wallet alive a little longer lol.

I know that I am new and need to build up some respect within the forum before this occurs but, I'd like to learn more about box splits and acquiring cigars via FoH! And find out what alot of the slang terms mean, like ROTT, OLH, FTHF etc. I'm sure that will come with time though!

My last problem is honestly me being scared lol. I'm afraid once I start...I wont be able to stop. I've been debating the newbie sampler as my first purchase...I've come close to finishing the purpose...but I can't pull the trigger :*(

[spicycorona]

I'm a newbie have learnt things the hard way - trust, and what works for someone doesn't often work for another.

And it [the hard way] really is the only way to go. And I'm not sure "hard" is the way to put it. I am sure the learning process will never stop for 99.9% of people. Save for maybe that guy that wrote that book.

But to be honest, and this applies to whiskey and wine as well (for me), it is the process of learning that makes it fun. Knowing and experiencing it all would take much of the fun out of it(again, personally). It was that ignorance and will to learn that kick-started the hobby, not having an abundance of knowledge from the start. Learning about CC marcas, history, tobacco production, curing, rolling, packaging, the cuban revolution, what a rosado wrapper is, what a Connecticut wrapper is, shade-grown vs sungrown and why, dunhill was cuban? and what the hell is a monster release?... you could go on for days. Yes, some of that is non-cuban but all the same. really.

I started out reading in my dorm room, while occasionally getting a chance to smoke a dog rocket. The reading, shopping, and smoking haven't stopped and never will.

...didn't even mention the accessories market! fun fun

Cuban only advice:

And it's been mentioned but can't be stressed enough. Ditch all preconceived notions and expectations.

[ayepatz]

The cigar world is full of snobbery, less so on FOH, thank goodness.

I've often seen enthusiastic beginners being slapped down by so-called "experienced old hands".

But the truth is that taste is entirely subjective. Everybody's palate is different. Opinion is simply that, and everybody is entitled to their own.

So like what you like, and don't be put off by pedantic old buggers.

[Tobbot]

I've smoked ncs for about 12 years had a few ccs here over the years when traveling abroad and there in between and always enjoyed them immensely for the most part. For starters how some people say that nc smokers who try ccs hate them, j don't know how they could. i think there is no comparison. And once I found out how easily Cubans can be had online from many legit sources (and many not so legit) I've never looked back. As a matter of fact the only purpose my collection of nc have now is giving them to guests when they come over my house . That being said there is a few struggles. One is lack of consistency of course , but I think a part of that is what makes them special, if everything was perfect that would become the new norm. It's when you get that special one that puts a smile on your face, it makes it all worth it. If I had that every single time, I would become spoiled. So as sick as it sounds, it's not a problem for me. I'll take it as it is. The other is being that I'm only 5 to 6 months heavily into this is most of my stock is young; but at the rate I'm buying that problem will be easily remedied in a few years time , then there's the factor of the embargo; which is a pain because every time a box hasn't cleared customs yet there's that doubt it might not, but at the same time it adds to the excitement, there's no better feeling then seeing "arrived at usps destination facility" when you track your package. There's a bunch of others that have already been mentioned that I won't bother go on about, but I think these negatives also have a positive depending on how they're looked at and keep it an exciting and interesting hobby.

I can really relate to your description of Cuban v non....First Cuban I smoked was an eye opening experience but is still very difficult to describe. What I've finally settled on is...it just tasted like a happy plant grown in its happy place. Up to that stick, I couldn't even imagine tobacco tasting like that. I've only drank a couple aged 1st growths (Bordeaux) in my life and the experiences were very similar to that 1st mind blowing Cuban. Aged 1st and aged Cubans bring words to mind that I've always been and am still skeptical of (because of their subjectivity) like balance and complexity.

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[ErikB]

The biggest challenge, as in other areas of life, is to be yourself. Trust your instincts and smoke what you like, not what others tell you you should like.

[BuckeyeSmoker]

I am very new (like a few months new) to CC. I love following here and other places (mostly here) to see what people are saying and gathering info. It has become a quick obsession. My biggest frustration is trying to just relax and enjoy. I did all the research before setting up my small (100 ct) humidor and small tupperdor, but i am still worried about storage. I dont really know how to tell if something is too dry or too moist without smoking it and that bothers me. I just need to keep smoking and figure out what is what. So like a lot of you have said, just enjoying the process and learning as i go, and not wanting to be an 'expert' right away. I think the sooner i accept i can only be an expert in my own tastes the better!

[Martin3203]

A lot of good topics and challenges brought up. With everything that has been mentioned, I don't have anything new to post. Lol

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[dageshi]

Perhaps this exists, but I wish there were somewhere that said "These particular cigars will likely smoke at their best 6 years after production". I know Rob and Ken do this in their reviews but it'd be great if there was a site somewhere that listed cigar production from a particular year and people with more experience could basically chime in and say "yep these are in their prime now, there's not much more upside, smoke and enjoy em".

When you're a noob you often don't even have a clue how good a cigar can be with the right amount of age on it, it'd be great if there was an authorative place that could answer this question and that crucially got updated regularly since quality/blends fluctuates over the years.

[Martin3203]

Perhaps this exists, but I wish there were somewhere that said "These particular cigars will likely smoke at their best 6 years after production". I know Rob and Ken do this in their reviews but it'd be great if there was a site somewhere that listed cigar production from a particular year and people with more experience could basically chime in and say "yep these are in their prime now, there's not much more upside, smoke and enjoy em".

When you're a noob you often don't even have a clue how good a cigar can be with the right amount of age on it, it'd be great if there was an authorative place that could answer this question and that crucially got updated regularly since quality/blends fluctuates over the years.

I think with everyone's taste being different, opinions would vary. I might like one stick that is ROTT, where other guys might think it needs a year and some might think it needs 6 years.

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[msm1771]

Having to look for older boxes. At least 6 months + at the minimum

Sent from my 86" White Testarossa

[dageshi]

I think with everyone's taste being different, opinions would vary. I might like one stick that is ROTT, where other guys might think it needs a year and some might think it needs 6 years.

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There will likely be a majority that tips in favour of one answer or another and failing that you can batch them up to try at those different intervals. It's still much more useful to know that information than to be completely blind.

[Martin3203]

There will likely be a majority that tips in favour of one answer or another and failing that you can batch them up to try at those different intervals. It's still much more useful to know that information than to be completely blind.

Very true.

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[ChefBoyRG54]

My only frustration is I don't have them ALL yet. In due time

[KFBR392]

Describing that unmistakable cuban twang. Only been in the CC game for a year, still can't come close to describing it, just unmistakeably cuban.