I used to only smoke LGCs. Now, that I have been a part of this board. i have sampled and indulged in most of the hard to find (OPUS, PAM, DC Maximus) and the taboo (authentic cubans). Without this board, I would have still smoked good cigars (LGCs are great), but would have #1) continued paying too much for them, and #2) not have been turned on to diversity.
As far as what to stay away from..................most smokes that are less than $2 each. And especially those cheap smokes with flashy bands. Or the ones with all of the print in the catalogs.
I WAS a quantity guy.............now, I am a quality in quantity guy.
I like (in approximate order of cost - starting cheap)
(cheap)
Consuerga
Sancho Panza Double Maduro
LGC Wavell Maddy
5 Vegas
Padron 5000
(norm)
LGC Serie R #5
CAO MX2
CAO Brazilia
CAO Maduro
CAO Cameroon
Partagas Black
Partagas Spanish Rosado
Partagas Cifuentes
Cohiba Red Dot
(overpriced, but worth it)
DC Maximus
PAM
OPUS
Davidoff MB
(the ones were not supposed to have)
Partagas SD4
Cohiba Robusto
Montecristo
Vegas Robaina
But, like others have said...........everyone has their own tastes. Just try the newbie sampler, take some notes........consider the cost of a stick.....and make your mind up based on experience and cost. Before you know it you'll be buying boxes and things to put said boxes in.
And remember..........even a bad cigar...........isn't too bad
Good luck and enjoy the journey,
M. Gipson