At what point did you believe that you went from a newbie to a smoker of experience

[dtbach]

I've been smoking consistently (i.e. one or more cigars per day) and trying out at least 100 different sticks since June. I still consider myself a newbie since 100 sticks is like .001% of what is out there. Perhaps in a year and another 150 cigars I could say that I'm at least a "novice" cigar smoker.

How long have you been smoking, about how many different sticks and what do you consider yourself as far as experience?

Just wondering. . . .

 

[pbibby]

For me, I consider myself a newb to BOTL for sure, but in terms of my smoking experience I don't. I stopped thinking I was newb when I could pick out the subtle nuances of a cigar. Once I could tell you all the different flavors of a cigar and was able to convey that to someone else is when I believe my "epiphany" happened. That and just having some good knowledge about cigars in general.

I've been smoking cigars for 5 years now but still only smoke about 1 a week.

 

[Red Raider]

For me, I consider myself a newb to BOTL for sure, but in terms of my smoking experience I don't. I stopped thinking I was newb when I could pick out the subtle nuances of a cigar. Once I could tell you all the different flavors of a cigar and was able to convey that to someone else is when I believe my "epiphany" happened. That and just having some good knowledge about cigars in general.

I've been smoking cigars for 5 years now but still only smoke about 1 a week.

This is what i am waiting for... My epiphany. I want too get beyond i like or i don't like...

Any suggestions???

 

[Craig Mac]

You're no longer a newb when you have a couple cigars that Aaron or Jerome smoke everyday.

 

[heavyd]

I'm a still a newb (6 years and counting). Cigars are a pleasure and a diversion, so it's different from a job (although I do like my job). I wouldn't want to be a newb at my job after six years, but cigars? No prob.

 

[Highlander]

I felt I was no longer a new when I could walk into b&m humidor and recognize most if the smokes plus remember smoking most of them.

 

[Cigary43]

Been smoking cigars since 1966...probably have smoked well over 10K cigars and pretty much have smoked at least 75% of everything out there. I'll say that Im not a newbie but I've seen BOTL who have only been smoking cigars for a year and are very knowledgeable in this hobby....more so than most who have been smoking for 10 years. It's really based on the time and energy you want to devote to this hobby....experience is equal to your time investing to know as much as you can about this great hobby. I still learn things about cigars...how they are harvested, marketed and blended...it's almost a neverending pursuit of something that is very interesting.

 

[StocktonJohn]

It took me a couple years to learn enough to know enough to feel like I understood what was going on. Trying different cigars and vitolas is important as is learning how to retrohale.

 

[Jfire]

Great answer by cigary. Especially on the time spent on focusing on the cigar and not just smoking it. Took me about 2 yrs to not feel newish after joining here. Even after smoking 10 plus years.

 

[darkman]

You're no longer a newb when you have a couple cigars that Aaron or Jerome smoke everyday.

Stole my play Craig. Although, I would have said James and Aaron. ..I..

 

[gui_tarzan]

I've learned a ton about cigars here and on another site. I don't feel like I'm a newb even though it's only been around eight years for me because I have had the chance to expand my palate and identify certain nuances in most cigars. Participating in blind reviews over the years has really helped, it forces you to concentrate on smells and tastes instead of brand names. I can't tell you which manufacturer makes what, but when it comes to the senses and identifying flavors, I'm in pretty good shape there.

 

[Mr.V]

if you ask more questions than you answer; you're a newbie

if you can have a nice long conversation w/ a fellow BOTL; you're a novice

if you answer more questions than you ask; you're a connoisseur

if you know everything about every cigar ever; you're a liar

just throwing those out there

 

[xFreebirdx]

I've been smoking cigars for over 36 years......and I'm still searching for a favorite.

 

[xFreebirdx]

if you ask more questions than you answer; you're a newbie

if you can have a nice long conversation w/ a fellow BOTL; you're a novice

if you answer more questions than you ask; you're a connoisseur

if you know everything about every cigar ever; you're a liar

just throwing those out there

hahahaha too true.

 

[pbibby]

if you ask more questions than you answer; you're a newbie

if you can have a nice long conversation w/ a fellow botl; you're a novice

if you answer more questions than you ask; you're a connoisseur

if you know everything about every cigar ever; you're a liar

just throwing those out there

hahahaha too true.

this^^^^

 

[Treinenwj]

Perfect answer, Mr. V. My thoughts exactly.

 

[Hoshneer]

Its all perspective. I know some experienced people that have great knowledge and info but I know others that think they know it all. Just smoke what you can and make a informed decision. That's how you know if you are a experienced smoker. Everyone's palate is different and so is everyone's opinion. Smoke, love and do a little dance and life is good.

 

[mwlabel]

Sometimes I tell myself I have an okay grip on things. Then I hang out with people like JDog and I feel stupid again.

 

[Treinenwj]

Sometimes I tell myself I have an okay grip on things. Then I hang out with people like JDog and I feel stupid again.

Come to Eau Claire and hang out with me some time. My lack of knowledge can make even the newest smoker feel smart.

 

[javajunkie]

if you ask more questions than you answer; you're a newbie

if you can have a nice long conversation w/ a fellow BOTL; you're a novice

if you answer more questions than you ask; you're a connoisseur

if you know everything about every cigar ever; you're a liar

just throwing those out there

really like this, man! but, just to throw a spin: knowledge is not really about having answers, but about the ability to find new and better questions. if you can get past "i know nothing", and past "i know everything", and on to "i want to know more", i think you are at least in a good place.

and even i wanna know where some of y'all find come up with some of these smokes! o)