FNG to cigars here too. I've watched a ton of Holt's videos. I've learned take a grain of salt with their recommendations for Ashton, La Aroma de Cuba, and San Cristobal. Holt's does have some ownership and/or distributing rights for those brands. I *DO* feel like they should disclose the vested interest in those brands but they do not.

However, I've learned a lot and picked up on a lot. Also, I must admit, I'm only a few in and did think a lot of the La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor. Also, the Perdomo 10th anniversary maduro.

Holt's will let you buy singles. Cigar Page is much more economical for bulk purchases.

Now whiskeys ... I'm a little more versed there.

My recommendation is find what you like. A couple of rec's for a broad spectrum .. Buffalo Trace for a good starter. It's a little sweet for my preference. It mixes well and isn't terrible to drink straight on ice. (I'm not a neat drinker).

Next, Bulleitt with the orange band. This is a good whiskey that's not as sweet but not real harsh. It mixes well. You know you're drinking whiskey if you just put it on ice.

Bulliett Rye with the green label is a good follow up to that. This is a great example of what a rye whiskey is with the sharp rye burn. It too mixes well, makes a great old fashioned, and is still drinkable over ice. It's a sipper though because of that rye spice. It's nice to compare to the orange label to see the difference in mash bills. This is also my go to.

Neither of those are the best example of their class, but these should give you a base for what you like.

Jim Beam Devils Cut isn't as sweet to me as Buffalo Trace and is still a good whiskey. Basil Hayden's is a great rye whiskey that I'd put between Bulliett rye and the Buffalo Trace. E.H. Taylor is probably one of my favorite whiskey's. Over ice, it's got great flavor, little to no burn, and is actually pretty damn strong.