Recommendation

plastic-man

Maybe I've been watching too much Sopranos lately, but I've had this inkling for a cigar for the past few weeks, I can almost taste the last one when I think about it, which wasn't a pleasant experience.

I've never had a full cigar to myself just 'sampled' the odd premium one, which I found heavy and the last one was a more low-grade one which I was asked to try, really wasn't nice.

I guess (as a novice to cigars) I'm looking for a recommendation for a nice MILD Cuban cigar, nothing Camacho or Maduro! I've heard Arango Sportsmans are a nice mild cigar, but they're not cubans.

Also anyone tried 'vanilla' cubans, or are they shunned in this forum?

OldGoat

I've not tried a vanilla flavored cigar so I've no opinion on that. Perhaps if I get a sampler some day but to be honest I'm not putting one on my wish list.
As for mild cigars you could try Montecristo White or a Macanudo. Neither are Cuban, the filler is Dominican. There is a mild Rocky Patel too. What you really need to do is go into one of the cigar specialists shops and ask the staff for their recommendations. Just going in with a name you picked off the internet doesn't do the pleasure of selecting your stick justice. Examining, holding, squeezing, smelling and selecting cigars is a huge part of the pleasure of cigar smoking.

plastic-man

Yeah I've always assumed that the selection is part of the beauty. Another thing, as a novice cigar smoker, can anyone suggest any good websites/books on cigars, different types, history, different aromas and of course the etiquette. Don't wanna make an ass of myself as always..

Cheers,

OldGoat

Cigars.ie is a great first stop. From there you start to learn what questions to ask and to search for.

fiacha

We are lucky to have three great cigar shops in Dublin city centre (James Fox, Peterson, and the Decent Cigar Emporium). Best bet is to have a wonder around and see what's available and ask the staff for help.

I have no connection with any of these shops, but I found the staff in the Decent Cigar Emporium to be very friendly and helpful. Last time I was there I was given a free cuban coffee to enjoy while I browsed.

James Fox has a good selection and the prices appear competitive.

The trip into Petersons is worth it just for the smell that hits you when they open the walk in humidor

I had a Romeo y Julieta No3 Tubos last night and it was a very nice smoke. Would recommend it for a beginner / occasional smoker.
A number of people have recommended the Trinidad Reyes to me, but I haven't tried one yet.

Both of these cigars will cost you around €10 each.

Let us know how you get on !
A.

stephen_k

+1 on the Trinidad Reyes, very nice smoke and a nice size too, lasts around 30-45 mins depending on how quick you smoke... I find when I have a larger cigar I tend to get bored if it has a long smoke time...

Partagas

Just seen this now am also a fan of the Trinidad Reyes, great choice!

Jedwardian

fiacha wrote: »

I have no connection with any of these shops, but I found the staff in the Decent Cigar Emporium to be very friendly and helpful.

I'll second that. It's definitely my favourite cigar shop in Dublin. I picked up a Macanudo 1968 Maduro selection not long before Christmas upon their recommendation and was very impressed. The Titan was my favourite. It's got a 60 ring guage, took about 45 minutes to smoke was relatively mild at the top but got a lot stronger as I smoked my way through it.

Excuse my terminology, I'm only recently getting into cigars!