The kilt and other favourite pastimes

[Ryan Ross]

Despite all the hype and swooning, the Cuban cigar industry went down the drain after Castro took over. All the growers, who knew how to grow, process, and manufacture cigars fled Cuba, mostly to the Dominican Republic.

"You wouldn't be tryin' to sell me Dominicans in a Cuban wrapper, would ya'?"

[Mickey]

All of those fantastic sounding names are simply the brand name. The maker. Same with Romeo y Julieta.

All makers make different blends, from very mild to super strong. Size and shape affect the flavor too, among the same blends.

Mookien covered the main bases very well. The single most important one is to find something that you enjoy, and don't worry about what anybody else thinks of it. What I love, you may find disgusting and vice versa.

Here a a decent site to get some more basics. http://www.cigargroup.com/faq/#2.4

There is a ton of information out there online. As mentioned, stogies are like Scotch and wine. Very subjective. Price does not always equal quality for every individual.

Good hunting on your favorites! I enjoy shopping at cigarbid.com when I want to try something new. You can buy singles and 5 packs at very reasonable prices if you don't have a good smoke shop in your area.

[mookien]

"You wouldn't be tryin' to sell me Dominicans in a Cuban wrapper, would ya'?"

Mi? Absolutamente no!

But a lot of folks wouldn't hesitate. Many, if not most, "Cuban" cigars are counterfeit. Somebody wraps a fifty cent "El Dildo de Groucho" or "Phallico de Fidel" under a "Partagas" or "Cohiba" label and sells it for ten dollars.

[Tobus]

"You wouldn't be tryin' to sell me Dominicans in a Cuban wrapper, would ya'?"

Just don't hire out the Dominicans to roll your crepes for breakfast!

[Madpiper1130]

Try to find a local brick and mortar shop that you can sit down and talk with Some one. Maduro wrapper will add a coffee or dark chocolate back note to the over all taste. Cigars take on flavors from the soil and climate in which the tobacco is grown. Find a brand you like and then try other blends and brands from that country. Most important of all go with what you like and enjoy yourself.