Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 5/21/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I am a beginner to cigar smoking and would like to get some recommendations on some brands for me to try. I prefer cigars that are mild and aromatic. Cost is also an issue, so some suggestions in the mid-range would be appreciated. Also, is it cheaper to buy cigars online or at the tobacco shop. I've gone to the tobacoo shop, but the man there was very uninformed when I asked him for some suggestions on what to purchase. Thanks.

ANSWER: Good morning Sam, and as a new smoker welcome to the wonderful world of cigars! Since you've already begun your search, you know that there are literally thousands of brands of cigars to choose from. The only way you'll really find what you like is to try some of these many different cigars, but suggestions from friends, tobacconists... will hopefully help steer you in the right direction. As with most products, you can probably find your cigars cheaper on line, but you'll have a very hard time getting good advice, and you'll quickly learn that there are more "cigar stores" that consist of a guy with a few boxes in his garage than there are good on line merchants, so be sure to do your homework there too before you buy. You'll also have a harder time finding single cigars on line vs. boxes, and you really don't want to buy a brand you've never tried by the box. If you let me know where you live, I'll give you more reccomendations of local tobacconists with good reputations. As far as my suggestions, start with cigars that are relatively mild and if necessary work your way up from there. If you buy one you don't like, don't smoke it! Consider it a lesson learned, throw it out and try something else. Every cigar you smoke should be great, or its not worth smoking. Here is a list of some of my suggestions for you to start with:
Ashton Classic (white bands)
Macanudo Cafe (white box)
Romeo Y Julieta Reserva Real (red box)
Arturo Fuente
Partagas Classic (yellow box)
Avo Classic
Oliva Serie G
H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon

These are all mild or mild to medium bodied cigars, and should all be available from better tobacconists. If you have trouble fining them let me know and I'll let you know where to look.

I really hope you enjoy these cigars and hope you develop a passion for cigars in general. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.
Bill

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

QUESTION: Thanks for your suggestions Bill. I live in Chicago. There's a lot of tobacco stores, but there a many that don't know their products. Can you give me the names of a few good tobacconist in the Chicago area who are knowledgeable with their products. I went to one store asking for suggestions and the guy just shrugged his shoulders and grumbled.  

Answer
Sam,

There are some great stores in Chicago. The ones I know best are:

Iwan Ries & Co.
19 S. Wabash Avenue
312-372-1306

Jack Schwartz, Importer
141 W. Jackson Blvd.
312-782-7898

Up Down Tobacco Shop
1550 N. Wells Street
312-337-8505

You can also visit www.rtda.org and click on "find a retailer". This is the official Retail Tobacco Dealers Association web site and they list every retail store who is a member of this organization.

Let me know if you need anything else.
Bill