Hey,
Last few days I've been trying to get my bud to give a cigar a try. Today he said he's not really willing to spend his limited money on something he might not like. Sooo... I figured I'd offer to pick a stick up for him (soon anyways... need to replenish the wallet a bit). I'm unsure of what to have him try though. I've heard Acids recommended for a first time smoker and I think it might be a good idea. Just as a general outline of his tastes, for beers he goes for hopped up IPAs. Stone is one of his current fav (i think they're over rated). Tends to shy away from heavy malts. Just using beer hear cause it's where I know his tastes the best. In any case, anyone have a recommendation for either which acid or what else might try.
Thanks
-John
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I would go mild, but not flavored like an Acid...that will give him an impression of cigars that will be hard to change.

I would say maybe a CAO Gold.
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I think a good first smoke would be something mild like a Macanudo Hyde Park.
Smooth, not too strong in a Robusto size that is not too intimidating. Another good one is a Arturo Fuente Curly Head, short filler but nice flavor and affordable. :-)
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I would say the rocky patel edge light. They were a big hit at the shop for the new smokers.
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Off the top of my head:

For a mild cigar I'd say
Butera Royal Vintage Capo Grande churchill w/ the natural wrapper if you can find them,
Playboy by Don Diego (this one has a white/biege/pink/gold trim band that says "Playboy by Don Diego" on the band, not to be confused with the new Playboy with the black/silver band which tastes like lawn clippings)
Nat Sherman "Host" line
Griffins
and a second vote for Bob's Macanudo Hyde Park suggestion.

If you want to move it up a notch to medium or so to keep up with the IPA:
Drew Estates Chateau Real Maduro,
HdM Excalibur / Excalibur 1066
Graycliff Red (original)
AVO XO
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Another good call. :-)
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My first few were Acids and I wouldn't recommend doing the same to your buddy. It was really difficult to change my taste towards real cigars. A nice light Macanudo or 5 Vegas Gold should be a good go-to starter.
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I'm always a fan of giving someone an Ashton classic 898. Good some, mild flavor & body, & a nice size. Most of the people I have given that to say its good; but they want something with more flavor. Then BOOM; you got them! :-)
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I dont think Acids will go good with hops
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Lots of good suggestions above and I will add the Casa Torano or the Torano 1916.
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Flor de Oliva maduro
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I've gotta agree with you on that, although any Don Diego would be a good first stogie for someone; it was for me, I still love 'em :-)
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hey, I liked the new Playboy cigar.
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After Boot Camp (1981), I went to the Playboy Mansion in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. What a place that was for someone who hadn't even seen a woman for a couple months! :-)
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Monte White. You get the classic brand name recognition plus it's a real nice mild smoke. Or a Taboo twist! I keep fogetting to recomend these to people,
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:-) with Bob. Macanudos in general are great starter smokes. Name recognition, and a mildness that wont turn him off. It is a bit pricey if hes on a budget though.
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First cigar I smoked and liked!! Then I could try others and always knew there was one I really liked that was also inexpensive.
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Oliva Serie G
Rocky Patel Connecticut
Oliva Connecticut
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:-) Great milder smoke. Very creamy. Sancho Panza Double Maduro or Indian Tabac Maduro would be good options too.
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Funny this topic came up as my girlfriend smoked her first cigar last night and liked it a lot.

She had an AF Don Carlos No 4. It was between that and an AF Hemingway. I think I made a good call.
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