Comments on: Stogie Tip: Beginner’s Guide to Buying and Selecting Cigars

By: Steve-o-Reno

Steve-o-Reno — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 01:04:03 +0000

I find it humorous that you suggest not buying cigars online yet have tinderbox.com & cubancrafters.com on your website. The guidelines on online purchases given above by Doug is spot on.

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:47:31 +0000

Gentlemen, this is a very informative wesite. I have learned quite a bit fro the short time I have been reading your articles. In the past I have tried cigars but was put off because of the low quality. From what I have been reading I shouldn’t have bought them at a supermarket. (Go ahead and laugh) I see the error of my ways and am willing to give cigars another try. Can you suggest a particular brand for a newbie like myself? I have read the above article, while very informative, it does not suggest a cigar to start off with. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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Mon, 16 Jul 2007 01:21:54 +0000

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By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 15:51:37 +0000

I have to second Jerry’s comment. While there certainly are good cigar shop owners out there, most of the ones I’ve run into have tried to push expensive humidors, lighters, and cutters on me when I just wanted to talk smokes. I realize they are in it to make money, but this is one quick way of ensuring that I won’t be returning.

I still prefer B&M stores to online shopping, however, because it makes it even more rewarding when you finally find a GOOD store.

By: Jerry @ Stogie Review

Jerry @ Stogie Review — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 14:48:19 +0000

I have trouble going with the “Stick to Specialist”. I’ve met way too many shop owners who are concerned with their bottom line and will tell you anything to get a sale out of you.

I’d replace “Stick to Specialist” with joining a Cigar forum like Club Stogie, Cigarzilla.com or Stogietime.com or a blog like Stogie Guys and get an unbiased review over someone with another motive.

By: Doug

Doug — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 23:46:09 +0000

I think with online sales there are two important things to do.

1) ask people you trust if they would use the vendor
2) order small (like a five pack or two) until you trust them yourself.

If the online vendor passes those tests… you’re probably good to go.

By: Patrick S

Patrick S — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 17:11:08 +0000

Like Patrick A, I get the majority of my sticks from online retailers.

Still, if you don’t have a humidor or only buy a handful of sticks a year, I think B & M (brick and mortar) stores are the way to go. You’ll get (usually very helpful) assistance to help you pick out your smokes and you only need to buy one at a time.

After a while when you start to learn what you like, you should go online for better prices.

By: Patrick A

Patrick A — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 17:05:10 +0000

Sam,

I’m glad you brought that up, and I agree wholeheartedly. I get the majority of my cigars through online purchases.

While there’s always a risk involved in buying items before you see them in person, I think that risk is relatively small — especially when you consider the benefits of shopping from home and excellent deals.

By: Cigars » Stogie Tip: Beginner’s Guide to Buying and Selecting Cigars

Cigars » Stogie Tip: Beginner’s Guide to Buying and Selecting Cigars — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 15:41:57 +0000

[...] Original post by The Stogie Guys February 26th 2007 Posted to 7 Cigars [...]

By: Sam

Sam — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 15:17:28 +0000

I’m not sure I would follow their advice with avoiding online purchases either. Reputable online dealers abound and the prices are sometimes half what a retail store might charge.

Certainly some Drew Estate affiliated cigars you could find some hints of chocolate. In fact they have a line called Java with Rocky Patel.

A good primer from a pretty decent publication.