Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 8/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Bill,

I am new to the cigar world and was wondering what you would suggest as great cigars to start with (both artificially and non-artificially flavored).

Also, I'm interested in the Rush Limbaugh cigar special your company offers. Would that be appropriate for someone like me?

ANSWER: Jason,

Welcome to the wonderful world of cigars. As you spend time trying different cigars you'll find that the choices are vast, and finding the right cigar is pretty much a matter of trial and error. I always suggest that new smokers start out with mild cigars and work from there. If you start out too strong you're likely to smoke something that doesn't agree with you and you could end up with a negative feeling about cigars in general. Among the many mild or mild to medium bodied cigars available at almost any tobacconist, here are some of my favorites:
Macanudo Cafe
Romeo Y Julieta Reserva Real
Ashton Classic

Going just a little stronger you might try:
Romeo Y Julieta 1875
Punch
Padron
Partagas
Cohiba
Excalibur
Oliva Serie G
H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon
Sancho Panza
Arturo Fuente

Flavored cigars, try:
Tatiana
Helix Amaretto
Java

In addition, my company makes a lot of very mild cigars. If you'd like to try our brands these are the mildest:
Travis Club
Charles the Great
Lamb's Club

We offer a sampler of 20 cigars, 2 each of 10 of our brands (including the ones mentioned above) for $34.95. If you'd like to try it order our Blue Ribbon Sampler on line at www.finckcigarcompany.com or give us a call at (800) 292-4427. We will be happy to mail your our catalog at no charge if you'd like to look through it.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks,
Bill

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey Bill,

I bought the sampler and am very pleased, thanks! I'm just wondering how long the cigars can stay in the sealed container they came in before they start to dehumidify and become stiff.

Also, I really liked the cohiba "red dot" cigar and was wondering what your opinion is on the cohiba black.

Thanks.

Answer
Jason,

Glad to hear that you liked our sampler. The cigars will stay fresh in the canister for a couple of weeks. If you're going to keep them longer than that use some sort of humidifier in the canister - you can pick up a disposable one for a couple of bucks.

Cohiba Black is more full bodied than the original and I like it better, however since you mentioned that you are new to cigars it may be stronger than what you are looking for. The only way for you to know though is to try one!

Let me know if you have other questions.
Bill