Hello everyone,

I was thinking about an article idea for the blog and decided to ask for your advice. I'm looking to create a short list of cigars that you can gift and that will please every or almost every cigar smoker. The goal is to help people who do not necessarily know much about cigars (either non smokers or beginners) and who want to make a gift to their smoking friends (I often receive e-mails asking for this kind of advice).

I think that the cigars we are looking for should be:
- rather easy to find
- suitable for every kind of smoker (= no powerhouses, no extremely mild cigars)
- a significant part of these cigars should be within a reasonable budget

I came up with the following cigars that I think would be great for every smoker whatever his/her flavor profile:
Oliva Serie V (too strong?)
Cubao range
Ashton VSG
Arturo Fuente Hemingway
CAO La Traviata
Padron 1926
Illusione 88
Avo Domaine
Tat - which blend?

Wondering what's your opinion on these. Any brands/blends you think should not be on the list? Anything you'd like to add?

Thanks a ton :-)
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Not a bad list. I would suggest Padron 2000's as well. Cheaper than some others on your list, easy to find, smoke great right away, and consistent.

BTW, I enjoy the blog.

Cheers,
G
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Not a bad list, but I don't think a Padron 26 is a reasonable budget for new smokers. :-)

CAO Gold, La Triviata
AF Hemmingway
Tatuaje Havana (Red Label)
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I like your list as I have smoked most but not all of them. I especially enjoy the Ashtons and Hemingways. I do think that there is of course not a magic smoke that everyone will enjoy.
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Smoked one with several years on it yesterday and it was quite enjoyable.
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:-) Although not as pricey, the VSGs are probably a little steep for a beginner.
The regular Padron line is always good, and how about something "entry-level" like a JPG Fumadore, Indian Tabac Classic or Maduro, or a Perdomo Lot 826?
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Anything Padron, Fuente, Oliva or Pepin
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+1 :-)
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Davidoff
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La Riqueza. I heard that the bands changed for these, I seriously hope the blend has stayed the same.
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Padron 1000 series maduro
Fuente Hemmingway and Don Carlos
Illusione
Tat brown label
Pepin blue label
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I have yet to have anything bad from

Arturo Fuente
AVO
Romeo y Julieta (limited exposure) but all good so far.
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I like what you're saying, but your list does not take me there!

As stated; you have a few that are high priced! Suggest you ease the pain with the new guy$!

Agree with your criteria to keep it to the medium range. . . you list stepped outside the box a few times! OUCH! You'll have to include a resuscitation kit for the Newbies ! ! !

You also said rather easy to find. Where do you think your readers are? Tat's are NOT easy to find across the country. They are a very popular cigar among avid cigar enthusiasts, but still considered a boutique line of cigars. VSG is also a difficult line to find in the average cigar shoppe.

Rather than offer my list of favorite cigars. . . I'd strongly suggest you include a paragraph about how to select/approach a local tobacconist (cigar store). First; we ALL need to support our local B&M (brick and mortar) shops. Second; your experience and guidance will be better balanced if you encourage research and an open-mind while beginning one's exploration of the world of fine cigars. JMHO. I don't encourage short-cuts. . . not sayin' your list is a short-cut, but some newbies might take it that way. When it comes to suggesting cigars (flavor, aroma, size, strength, body, etc.) it's VERY (extremely) personal what people will like.

Interesting topic. I enjoy discussions with the new cigar guys (newbies). . . and they are fun to watch! :-)
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As others have said, the Padron 1926 and some of your other choices are pretty spendy. When I start someone off I ususally start with one of the following:

- Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic 1952 or 1979
- Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story or Best Seller
- Gran Habano Corojo #5
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For newbs, what about the Oliva O? I know the V gets all the press because it is outstanding, and easily one of my favs, but if there is a question of strength with the V, I think that the O is a perfectly acceptable starting point.

My list, if we're talking about something for newer cigar smokers or smokers that are learning, (as I am,) would be thus:

Oliva V (I'm putting this in mostly because it is one of the best)
Oliva O
Rocky Patel The Edge habano
Ashton VSG (Pricey)
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I believe he is asking for ideas for good cigars that anyone would like, regardless of whether they started smoking yesterday or 30 years ago, so that if someone close to them wants to get them a gift they can get them a good smoke.
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Carillo,Perdomo Connecticut and Maduro 10th anniv.,La Traviata,Oliva Cameroon and Maduro,Patel 1961,Guillermo Leon,Illusione,Padron,San Cristobal,La Aroma de Cuba,Cubao,Perdomo lot 23.
Mid range prices and medium strength,and consistant quality.
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You could ask every member here and you're going to get just as many different answers as there are members.
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I had the RyJ habana reserve for 5 or 6 dollars and it was easily one of the best smokes in the price range

Anything from DPG Black label, those are amazing

I can't get Tatuaje locally anymore, so I don't know if i'd put that for a general list

Hope this works out for you, sounds like a cool idea :-)
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The cigars being suggested are largely pretty strong cigars. I agree with tem, but I wonder if you need a similar list for folks who like lighter cigars.
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