So the other day a buddy and me trucked on down to the local B&M... we had some business to discuss and what goes well with business? Stogies!!!

My friend had mentioned that it has been years since he'd smoked a cigar and as such really wasn't a regular cigar smoker. I tried to help navigate him around the humidor, offering suggestions and whatnot.

I ended up suggesting to him an AF Flor Fina 8-5-8 (a smoke I remember as being either my second or third smoke of all time). I figured I loved it so well that likely he might too.

I was wrong...

Any suggestions on how to go about suggesting cigars to those who are brand new to cigars?
[Reply]

Something smooth and mild.

I think a Cuesta Rey Centenario is perfect.

:-)
[Reply]

I'd start them off with something mild or medium bodied, something that won't make him woozy or turn his stomach. Thats how I started and I worked my way up to what I smoke today, MOW's, Cain's, Joya's, etc etc.
[Reply]

Perdomo champagne....or maybe a Lot 23
[Reply]

Oliva Connecticut
Oliva Serie G
Perdomo Lot 23 Connie
[Reply]

I second the Oliva G. Most Cameroon wraps in general seem to work for beginners. Easy on the senses and usually tasty.
[Reply]

Macanudo is still one of the largest sellers in the U.S. They get a bad shake on the boards from guys who've smoked for a while, but I've used them with great success to help bring in new cigar smokers. A few I know still won't smoke anything else several years later.
[Reply]

Stick to Connecticut or Cameroon wrap for sure if you can. Dominican is usually a nice local and kinda neat to say it's "Dominican", kinda exotic (I know the hearty palates r laughing right now). Montecristo is usually pretty reliable/safe/available.

I agree, Macanoodles are good go to as well :-)
[Reply]

I would agree that Macanudos are very good sticks for beginners.

The Macanudo Court Cafe and the Portofino are very mild cigars that are great for beginners.
[Reply]

Go with the Oliva G, or a lot 23 is a darn fine smoke as well, but the Oliva G just spells smooth...
[Reply]

any of the Padron x000 series would be good. great flavor, mild but not boring, not too complex. This was the one that got me excited about cigars.
[Reply]

I like all of those selections...I loved the Oliva Connecticut.

My brother and I smoked a Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 that was really mild and buttery smooth.
[Reply]

I will parrot the Oliva G, just a very solid stick to start with. Shoot, I am fairly seasoned and I still like them especially the maddie.
[Reply]

Rocky Patel Connecticut
[Reply]

Add me on to the list of folks recommending a Macanudo (wow, I can't believe I just typed that phrase :-))

You wanna start out someone verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry slow.
[Reply]

5 Vegas Gold Nuggets
[Reply]

I always start them with a cusano 18 or a 5 vegas gold. Both mild and creamy.
[Reply]

Wouldn't you know it? What great timing!

http://www.cigar.com/DailyDeal/ccCigarDeals.asp
[Reply]

Put me in the Oliva Connecticut camp
[Reply]

I also would say the 5 vegas gold, Oliva G, or you could go with the RP connecticut or American Market Selection.
[Reply]