Beginner's Mistakes: If you could start again

[BG318]

When they arrive, let them rest for 60 days. Don't do ROTT. The cigars are okay after 30 days, good after 60 days and best at 90+ days. I always notice the difference a little patience provides.

There is no one answer for when to dig into a box. I have smoked them too young as well as too old. If you're on this forum there are lots of people to ask, so ask.

[jhalischuk]

I didn't realize how much variance there can be with Cuban cigars. Every time I had a bad one I thought there was a problem with the humidity/temp in my humidor. I became kind of obsessive about it, to the point that it detracted from the hobby and it wasn't making the cigars smoke any better. 

Also aged stock isn't necessarily better, it's just different. Buying a newer box and seeing how it evolves can be part of the fun and gives you an idea how long you prefer to let them age. 

As others have mentioned, try lots of singles as first. I prefer to go deep on regular production i really like as opposed to limited editions/regionals. 

[El Presidente]

Through the forum (or elsewhere) fInd someone in your town who loves cigars. Catch up, CC or NC. 

PM them. Make the time. 

[Li Bai]

Everything has been said before, but I would just add one thing.

Don't be in a rush, take your time, I know prices are only gonna go up but in the end you'll save yourself a lot of money and time.

[DaBoot]

Aww, to have never taken a dive into Cuban Tobacco with that first BBF. Then I’d be happy smoking $5 Padron 3000’s forever…

[Ayub]

Thank you guys for the useful knowledge, it is very thoughtful that you pass your experiences to us.

I have some questions which I hope someone can help me with:

What cigars should I consider for long term aging, like 5+ years?

If a box is smoking great now, is there a chance that the sweet spot may pass and it will not be as good with age? *Assuming my storage is alright since I am using an electric humidor.

When less than half a box is remaining I feel I am not efficient with my humidor space, so if I combine different cigars in the same boxes will the taste and aging process be affected?

 

[CaptainQuintero]

3 hours ago, Ayub said:

Thank you guys for the useful knowledge, it is very thoughtful that you pass your experiences to us.

I have some questions which I hope someone can help me with:

What cigars should I consider for long term aging, like 5+ years?

If a box is smoking great now, is there a chance that the sweet spot may pass and it will not be as good with age? *Assuming my storage is alright since I am using an electric humidor.

When less than half a box is remaining I feel I am not efficient with my humidor space, so if I combine different cigars in the same boxes will the taste and aging process be affected?

 

I knocked up a rough guide a few years back:

https://www.fohcigars.com/forum/topic/148821-beginners-corner-a-rough-guide-to-ageing-and-aged-cuban-cigars/#comment-1082414

[pyrobob]

No mistakes really. Just wish I had the funds to buy more to age at the beginning.

[BrightonCorgi]

9 hours ago, Ayub said:

Thank you guys for the useful knowledge, it is very thoughtful that you pass your experiences to us.

I have some questions which I hope someone can help me with:

What cigars should I consider for long term aging, like 5+ years? - Anything in the Habanos portfolio will age 10+ years 

If a box is smoking great now, is there a chance that the sweet spot may pass and it will not be as good with age? *Assuming my storage is alright since I am using an electric humidor. - A better or different sweet spot may emerge.  Don't worry about missing the boat on a cigar evolution.

When less than half a box is remaining I feel I am not efficient with my humidor space, so if I combine different cigars in the same boxes will the taste and aging process be affected? - There won't be any difference in aging.  Try not to touch different cigars.  Wax paper works well to divide them in a box.

[HenryMartin]

15 hours ago, BG318 said:

When they arrive, let them rest for 60 days. Don't do ROTT. The cigars are okay after 30 days, good after 60 days and best at 90+ days. I always notice the difference a little patience provides.

So true. Especially Habanos. Partagas in particular but also my experience with Vegas Robaina.

Consequently this implies that a rolling stock of at least two boxes is ideal for the frequent enthusiast.

[SUP8333]

Instead of buying all the small glasstop humidors, buy the big electric one. I bought over 10 small ones including tupperdores before I bought my first full size electric. 

[Skrimp]

I fell into the belief that Cuban cigars are superior to all other varietals. This could not be further from the truth and in fact, I think in a lot of cases, it's the exact opposite. I still find myself having thoughts that align with that false mindset from time to time out of habit and its annoying. 

To add to that, I think there's a lot of end-all-be-all junk in this hobby that I fell victim to in the beginning. Stuff like you must wait x number of months before smoking a cigar that was shipped to you. Or you have to rest Cubans. Or you have to cut/light a cigar this way. Garbage like that kind of stuck in my mind. I'm also still working on trying to reshape my mindset on these topics. 

[Taco]

I would buy less variety. I would have stocked up on Coros, Connie A, and PD4s. I could probably just smoke these three sticks for the rest of my life.