Emerson's of Norfolk

[theginguy]

Hello all.

I've decided to pick up the cigar. I've been a non-smoker now for over ten years (I smoked cigarettes when I was younger) but lately I've been lighting up a cigar once a week or so with my after dinner drink. I usually have a gin, vodka or whiskey in the evening and I find that a cigar is a great accompaniment for such an occasion when I'm sitting on my porch or deck.

Anywho, my father has smoked Dutch Masters pantella's for most of his life. He never changes and he smokes at least 4 or 5 a day. That's how I grew up, remembering his cigar smoke all the time, everywhere and that's what I've been smoking for the last year or so.

But I have a future Brother-in-law who smokes Padron's and he let me try one the other night........

OH MAN! TOTALLY IN ANOTHER WORLD!!

That's when I fell in love with hand rolled cigars and I think I'm hooked.

So here is my humble question?

HELP PLEASE?

I live in Chesapeake, VA and the closest specialty tobacco store near me is Emmerson's. It looks to be a pretty good store with a wide selection of gars.

I'm still having an issue with the cost factor though.

Emmerson's sells their own private label in cheap bundles, I was wondering if anyone here has ever tried them?

Or, could someone recommend some brand names that are a little more affordable then the Padron's and Oliva's, but are still in the same ball park.

Any help would be most welcome, thanks.

 

[lurch]

Chesapeake?!?!

I live in Newport News!!

Damn... I've been looking for a CP'r close enough to smoke with. I really wish I could help with Emerson's but I've never been there. One of my Marines went there and said they were a pretty decent place to go. He's never tried their house brand so no help there either.

Let me know if you ever want to get together for a smoke.

 

[in2xshp]

I'm not from that area but I went to the Granby St. store and the one in Chesapeake both were great stores with a great selection and really friendly staff.

 

[JHolmes763]

I've been to Emersons and they do have a nice selection. Padrons, Davidoff, Tats, LFD... They had the LFD cabinet cameroons the last time I was there - those are some great smokes.

I can't help you on the selection, either. I'd just stick with the Padrons and Olivas. No need to go cheap when you know those are good smokes. Never hurts to sample around a bit, especially as a new smoker. The only way to find out what you like is to smoke a variety and stick with what works.

-John

 

[theginguy]

Chesapeake?!?!

I live in Newport News!!

Damn... I've been looking for a CP'r close enough to smoke with. I really wish I could help with Emerson's but I've never been there. One of my Marines went there and said they were a pretty decent place to go. He's never tried their house brand so no help there either.

Let me know if you ever want to get together for a smoke.

Damn, hey Mike,

Looks like we got a couple things in common. I grew up in San Antonio and I also like UT. But my dad graduated from A&M.

I was thinking about trying to get together maybe once a month or so with my brother-in-law for a smoke, how about I try to get something together and then let you know? Maybe we can make it in Norfolk and that way you won't have to hump it all the way down to Great Bridge. ooh-rah?

Dave

 

[lurch]

Chesapeake?!?!

I live in Newport News!!

Damn... I've been looking for a CP'r close enough to smoke with. I really wish I could help with Emerson's but I've never been there. One of my Marines went there and said they were a pretty decent place to go. He's never tried their house brand so no help there either.

Let me know if you ever want to get together for a smoke.

Damn, hey Mike,

Looks like we got a couple things in common. I grew up in San Antonio and I also like UT. But my dad graduated from A&M.

I was thinking about trying to get together maybe once a month or so with my brother-in-law for a smoke, how about I try to get something together and then let you know? Maybe we can make it in Norfolk and that way you won't have to hump it all the way down to Great Bridge. ooh-rah?

Dave

Ooh-Rah is correct...

Let me know when and I'll be there...

 

[TheVitaleMob]

Cheap stuff that tastes great:

Carlos Torano: CT makes several great lines of cigars. Most people seem to like only 1 or 2 of their blends, but for $3-5 for most of them depending on where you look, they are very good. My favs are the Signature Collection and the Exodus 1959 gold.

Arturo Fuente: Green(Nat and Maddie) and Black(Sun Grown) are great benchmark stand-bys and can be had for $3-7 in most places.

CAO: Big on marketing, not much in real cigar but a few great lines: Brazillia, Italia, MX2, CX2.

Joya de Nicaragua: Punchy, but very good. The Antano 1970 can be had for (i think) $4-8 by size.

Punch and Romeo y Julieta: Very good benchmark cigars with inexpensive to somewhat expensive lines and sizes.

And of course, the Padrons and Olivas are great cigars in a nice price range.


ETA: Post in the intro forum and fill out your profile pronto! We have a penchant for info from newbies.

Also, there is a newbie sampler thread somewhere in the BST forum. This is a great way to get some great introductory smokes as well.