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General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: DREDIOCK on July 08, 2007, 07:19:17 PM

Title: Cigars
Post by: DREDIOCK on July 08, 2007, 07:19:17 PM
Several weeks ago while attending a party at a friends house I was offered and accepted and smoked a genuine Havanna Cigar.

Now Im not normally a cigar smoker.
But I always had wanted to try a genuine Cuban Cigar just to see what all the hubbub was about.

Now I know.
Now I know why they are so desired.

Typically all the Cigar smokers I've been around Smoke White out, or Phillies or some other local brand. Usually old timers.
And they, for lack of a better term. stunk to high hell.

I had an elderly gentleman working for me a few years back. He normally smoked Phillies.

Being trapped with him in my work van to and from work every day I couldnt take the stanch anymore and every day I'd stop at the local store and pick him up a $15 Cigar.

Smelled a hell of alot better. At least tolerable.
And the old guy was in heaven.
but still didnt smell like anything I would be wanting to try.

Ok back to the party.
He has the box out on the table and I can clearly see written on the side
Made in Havanna Cuba" or something to that effect.

I was like "that a genuine Havanna" He confirmed it and asked me to have one. So I took him up on the offer.

Upon lighting it the first thing I noticed is there was no offensive odor.
None at all.

And the taste not only wasnt offensive. But downright pleasurable.
I really enjoyed smoking this Cigar..
I mean I REALLY enjoyed smoking this cigar.

Now I know why genune havannas are so desired and sought after.

I want more.
I'm actually craving one LOL

My buddy gets them from one of his customers at something like $500 a box YIKES!


Ok Im for ending the embargo against Cuba now LOL

But seriously.
Are thee any cigars that anyone knows of that are similar in quality and flavor that ARENT $500 a box?
Title: Cigars
Post by: Ripsnort on July 08, 2007, 08:24:35 PM
You can buy cuban-seed cigars for a helluvalot cheaper.  To hell with Cuba and their cigars, there are better cigars out there than there little communist country. :)
Title: Cigars
Post by: storch on July 08, 2007, 08:40:29 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Ripsnort
You can buy cuban-seed cigars for a helluvalot cheaper.  To hell with Cuba and their cigars, there are better cigars out there than there little communist country. :)
yup PM me if you want.  my dad is a cigar distributor.  I can hook you up to buy direct at wholesale if anyone is interested.   someone is spanking the donkey hard if they are getting $500 a box.  if they were cohiba and they were genuine the street price is about $220 right now.  the chances are they were just good dominican which is a far better product than anything coming out of cuba today.
Title: Cigars
Post by: Ripsnort on July 08, 2007, 09:06:25 PM
Quote
Originally posted by storch
yup PM me if you want.  my dad is a cigar distributor.  I can hook you up to buy direct at wholesale if anyone is interested.   someone is spanking the donkey hard if they are getting $500 a box.  if they were cohiba and they were genuine the street price is about $220 right now.  the chances are they were just good dominican which is a far better product than anything coming out of cuba today.


Bold area worth repeating.
Title: Cigars
Post by: DREDIOCK on July 08, 2007, 10:49:27 PM
Ok I know for Cigars like I know for brain surgery.
the amount of which you could fit into the bottom of a thimble.

All I know is that thing was good.
Rather then jut being critical of Cubans stiff. Kindly point me in a direction on what to try.

brand, etc.

And do local Cigar shops sell sampler packs like I've seen online so I can try some before buing a bunch? LOL
Title: Cigars
Post by: storch on July 08, 2007, 11:12:34 PM
my personal favorites are arturo fuente cigars from the dominican republic.  

I like the chateau fuente because it's a short cigar and I can smoke it as I cruise from the shop to a jobsite and not come off like a fat cat smoking a big cigar.  they are also relatively inexpensive retailing for about $75 per box of 20.

as with anything else cigar tastes are subjective.  go to a smoke shop and buy one of each to see what you enjoy the most.

macanudos from jamaica are mild and inexpensive and are a perennial favorite, a good cigar to try out.  afterwards select a maduro to get the other end of the spectrum.
Title: Cigars
Post by: Frodo on July 08, 2007, 11:48:47 PM
Try a La Gloria Cubana.

No expert, but had a friend who was. La Gloria was my fav from his stash.

Frodo
Title: Cigars
Post by: rpm on July 08, 2007, 11:59:43 PM
Arturo Fuente, Cohiba and Romeo y Juliet are my favs. I prefer a mild smooth smoke not a robusto. It is hard to tell a Cuban from a Dominican rolled cigar anymore. Most of the skilled have either died or fled Cuba. But given the option, like when on vacation, I go for the Cuban. I always carry some extra bands with me when I go.;)
Title: Cigars
Post by: Rolex on July 09, 2007, 12:46:38 AM
Cubans have always been popular in Japan. More popular than Dominicans, but it may just be for the name value. Never been a silly embargo. Japan also imports goods from the China. Maybe some day Americans will be able to import goods from China, too?
Title: Cigars
Post by: Max on July 09, 2007, 08:27:57 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Frodo
Try a La Gloria Cubana.

No expert, but had a friend who was. La Gloria was my fav from his stash.

Frodo


Agreed.    La Gloria Cubana Gloria Natural - 5 1/2 x 43 - Box of 25 for $58 at bestcigarprices.com   Great smoke at a great price.
Title: Cigars
Post by: Engine on July 09, 2007, 08:34:32 AM
Do any other cigarette smokers out there feel unsatisfied by cigars because you're not supposed to inhale? I feel like I'm only half-smoking and it drives me crazy. :)
Title: Cigars
Post by: Shamus on July 09, 2007, 09:46:54 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Engine
Do any other cigarette smokers out there feel unsatisfied by cigars because you're not supposed to inhale? I feel like I'm only half-smoking and it drives me crazy. :)


It was like that for me when I smoked cigarette's. So I quit them didn't smoke anything for a couple of years.

Now cigars are quite satisfying with out inhaling.

shamus
Title: Cigars
Post by: storch on July 09, 2007, 10:37:29 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Shamus
It was like that for me when I smoked cigarette's. So I quit them didn't smoke anything for a couple of years.

Now cigars are quite satisfying with out inhaling.

shamus
yup at first you feel like you want to inhale but you will get a nicotine fix even when not inhaling.
Title: Cigars
Post by: DiabloTX on July 09, 2007, 11:06:31 AM
Mmmmmm macanudo's...

Cigar smoking, to me, is a lot like enjoying a good wine.  You don't just drink it, you slowly taste and smell it.  The smoke from a good cigar is highly pleasurable, to be enjoyed slowly, like a good wine.
Title: Cigars
Post by: Airscrew on July 09, 2007, 11:13:18 AM
Quote
Originally posted by DiabloTX
Mmmmmm macanudo's...

Cigar smoking, to me, is a lot like enjoying a good wine.  You don't just drink it, you slowly taste and smell it.  The smoke from a good cigar is highly pleasurable, to be enjoyed slowly, like a good wine.

thats about it for me.  When I was in Germany my favorite was the Romeo y Juliet.
Title: Cigars
Post by: DREDIOCK on July 09, 2007, 02:03:31 PM
Quote
Originally posted by DiabloTX
Mmmmmm macanudo's...

Cigar smoking, to me, is a lot like enjoying a good wine.  You don't just drink it, you slowly taste and smell it.  The smoke from a good cigar is highly pleasurable, to be enjoyed slowly, like a good wine.


Thats what it was like with the Havanna.

Ok Here's what I picked up today.

This morning at the local convienience store for $5.95 I picked up a "COHIBA" From "Repulica Dominicana"
(Dominican republic I am assuming. Seems kinda obvious)

Was,,,ok A bit on the bitter side. Nowheres near the quality of the Havanna. But I figure I can also attibute that to where I bought it too.

Later I picked up at a Cigar shop but havent smoked yet

A
Romeo Y Julieta Maduro Reserve
(http://www.jrcigars.com/graphics/cig-os/JUL.gif)

And a

"PARTAGAS Black Label- Maximo"

(http://www.cigarworld.com/brands/partagas/blacklabel/images/18mxm06c.gif)

Figure I'll smoke one. or the other After Dinner
Title: Cigars
Post by: DREDIOCK on July 09, 2007, 07:47:40 PM
Just finished the "PARTAGAS Black Label- Maximo"

It was OK. A bit spicy.
Burned very unevenly till a little more then halfway down.

the last 3rd of the cigar tasted about the best I thought.
It strikes me this cigar would go well with a good glass of port wine and a game of chess LOL

Not bad. Nowhere near as good as the havanna. but better then the one I had this morning.
I am debating over smoking the "Romeo Y Julieta Maduro Reserve" tonight or waiting till tomorrow.
Title: Cigars
Post by: AWMac on July 09, 2007, 07:56:47 PM
Wait til you try true Afganistan Hash.

But I regress... A true Havana Cigar is to be cherished.

:aok

Mac

I like the Cherry dipped or the aged Cigars. Late night a shot of Cognac a good Cigar... sit by the pool and listen to Mother Nature.

Man...can't get better than that.
Title: Long time cigar smoker here...
Post by: TalonX on July 09, 2007, 08:09:20 PM
Yes, I have many cuban cigars in my humidor....  But you sure don't need to spend that kind of money to enjoy a great cigar....

Try these:  1.   Arturo Fuente Royal Salute in Maduro

                  2.   Ashton #60

                  3.   Hoyo de Monterrey Excaliber #1 (Also in maduro)

Obviously, I enjoy a double corona sized cigar....  46 to 55 ring, up to 8 inches long....  Plan on up to two hours to enjoy these.

Title: Cigars
Post by: rpm on July 09, 2007, 10:21:28 PM
Where you buy the cigar is more important than where the cigar is from. Unless it has controlled humidity and temperature you need to shop elsewhere. Picking one up down at the KwikEmart that has sat in room air for a few weeks is throwing away your money and ruining any chance of a pleasurable experience.

The Romeo y Juliet should be the best smoke of the 3, altho I'm not a maduro fan. I'd wait till tomorrow to give your palate time to clense then fire that bad boy up.
Title: Cigars
Post by: Elfie on July 09, 2007, 10:30:34 PM
Quote
Maybe some day Americans will be able to import goods from China, too?


We already do. :)


Btw.....you mention that you are in Japan......could you step over to the thread about the US using nukes on Japan and check a translation for us? ;)

*edit* Post of mine on the second page has a link to Wikipedia with some pictures of documents that are written in Japanese.
Title: Cigars
Post by: storch on July 09, 2007, 11:08:26 PM
Quote
Originally posted by rpm
Where you buy the cigar is more important than where the cigar is from. Unless it has controlled humidity and temperature you need to shop elsewhere. Picking one up down at the KwikEmart that has sat in room air for a few weeks is throwing away your money and ruining any chance of a pleasurable experience.

The Romeo y Juliet should be the best smoke of the 3, altho I'm not a maduro fan. I'd wait till tomorrow to give your palate time to clense then fire that bad boy up.
yup and how they are shipped is critical as well.  before you run down the kwikemarts you should know that most premium cigars are rotated out of the those stores every week and back into the commercial humidor for one week.  most distributors place the product on a shelf on consignment (well at least in this market) the salesman makes his rounds and collects on the sold product picks up was out replaces with fresh.  it's a six day a week 12-14 hr day job here in miami.  I don't know about other markets but the clientel here is very savvy, old product just doesn't move.
Title: Cigars
Post by: rpm on July 09, 2007, 11:26:33 PM
That's not been my experience in DFW. I can't speak for tobacco shops, only convenience stores. There is no rotation by the distributors in Texas.
Title: Cigars
Post by: storch on July 09, 2007, 11:31:26 PM
well then after three or so weeks it's just so much kindling then. especially if it's a dry climate.
Title: Cigars
Post by: rpm on July 09, 2007, 11:38:18 PM
Yup, crunchy, dry and curly
Title: Cigars
Post by: Rolex on July 09, 2007, 11:46:30 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Elfie
We already do. :)

It was a (very) short commentary about the hypocrisy of the Cuban embargo. If Walmart could find cheap crap from Cuba to sell, that would make Cuba a "trading partner" instead of an embargoed nation.

Quote
Btw.....you mention that you are in Japan......could you step over to the thread about the US using nukes on Japan and check a translation for us? ;)

*edit* Post of mine on the second page has a link to Wikipedia with some pictures of documents that are written in Japanese. [/B]

You want me to translate a document full of old-style kanji that 90+% of native Japanese can't translate today, and most Japanese didn't have any idea what he was talking about at the time anyway because of the convoluted, circumlocutory keigo (formal language) used?

And do it so everyone can continue to be made fools of by Boroda yanking their chains? He must be howling with laughter.

Sure! I'll get right on it.

On second thought, naw... :D
Title: Cigars
Post by: DREDIOCK on July 09, 2007, 11:49:26 PM
Quote
Originally posted by rpm
Where you buy the cigar is more important than where the cigar is from. Unless it has controlled humidity and temperature you need to shop elsewhere. Picking one up down at the KwikEmart that has sat in room air for a few weeks is throwing away your money and ruining any chance of a pleasurable experience.

The Romeo y Juliet should be the best smoke of the 3, altho I'm not a maduro fan. I'd wait till tomorrow to give your palate time to clense then fire that bad boy up.


I figured as much. Thats why I bought the other two at a shop. LOL

And yea, I decided to wait to tomorrow for exactly that reason.

this culd be an interesting little hobby.
I figure I'll just keep trying different ones till I find something I really like.
Title: Cigars
Post by: Elfie on July 10, 2007, 02:35:26 AM
Quote
You want me to translate a document full of old-style kanji that 90+% of native Japanese can't translate today, and most Japanese didn't have any idea what he was talking about at the time anyway because of the convoluted, circumlocutory keigo (formal language) used?


I was hoping you could......just to satisfy my own curiosity. :)
Title: Cigars
Post by: lasersailor184 on July 10, 2007, 04:51:13 PM
I don't smoke at all, however my father buys a lot of his Cigars from here: http://www.jrcigars.com/ .
Title: Cigars
Post by: Major Biggles on July 10, 2007, 06:50:35 PM
i have1/ 2 cigars a week, usually a montecristo or a havana. here you can pick up great havanas for 10/15 quid each in the local winestore or good quality tobacconist. some top notch dark leaves for 20+ pounds

montecristos are also cuban but cheaper, although they don't have quite the same havana taste, almost nutty sorta taste. nice, and not quite as strong, they're a much lighter leaf.


my first cigar was a huge dark one from germany, it was cheap, it stank and it tasted bloody awful, it made me puke (typical cigar noob, i had the whole thing ultra quick and inhaled it all :lol ). proper cigars are just a class above anything else.

welcome to the addiction lol. i had a mini collection for a while but they were all consumed by a series of mini fires on my 18th birthday with some mates :D
Title: Cigars
Post by: DREDIOCK on July 10, 2007, 07:05:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Major Biggles



my first cigar was a huge dark one from germany, it was cheap, it stank and it tasted bloody awful, it made me puke (typical cigar noob, i had the whole thing ultra quick and inhaled it all :lol ). proper cigars are just a class above anything else.

 


First time I tried em I was a kid. About 13-14.
Back in those days it was common for kids to be sent to the store for smokes for their parents.
I picked up a package of White Owls and thinking I was cool as hell I proceeded to chain smoke two in a row...inhaling.

Trust me I know exactly what "green around the gills" feels like.

Didnt pke but at the time wish I had.

Felt like I was gonna die and was afraid I wouldnt LMAO
Title: Cigars
Post by: DREDIOCK on July 10, 2007, 08:17:50 PM
Currently typing with the "Romeo Y Julieta Maduro Reserve"

Nice.
Started off a really bitter immediatly upon lighting and was thinking "Oh no. Im not going to like this one at all"

But a couple of minutes later the flavor changed entirely. And actually seems to have changed several times. Going from kinda spicy to almost sweet to an almost bakers cocoa type flavor (the best way I can describe it) and back again.
My only complaint is I have to clear out the hole every now and again to be able to draw from it.

Aint as pleasureable as I found the havanna but the best I've tried yet.
And damned close.

I'm about 2/3rds of the way through this 6 1/2"  baby and now wish it was longer
Title: Cigars
Post by: rpm on July 10, 2007, 08:19:19 PM
Are you just poking a small hole in the end or are you clipping off the entire cap?

(hint: clip the whole cap)
Title: Cigars
Post by: DREDIOCK on July 10, 2007, 08:31:19 PM
Ahhh yes I was just poking a hole.

I was afraid If I cut off more I'd end up with a mouthful of tobacco leaves LOL
Title: Cigars
Post by: Silat on July 10, 2007, 10:11:59 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Rolex
Cubans have always been popular in Japan. More popular than Dominicans, but it may just be for the name value. Never been a silly embargo. Japan also imports goods from the China. Maybe some day Americans will be able to import goods from China, too?


Depends on what she is like:)
Title: Re: Cigars
Post by: Seagoon on July 10, 2007, 10:34:27 PM
Hi Dred,

Quote
Originally posted by DREDIOCK
Now I know.
Now I know why they are so desired.

But seriously.
Are thee any cigars that anyone knows of that are similar in quality and flavor that ARENT $500 a box?


Ah, finally a Cigar thread! The sad thing is that you missed the real glory days of the Habano. These days Fidel is so strapped for foreign currency that they've shortened the aging process and lowered the production quality to the point where the cigars from many other countries are comparable and sometimes even better than Cubans. An example would be the Cigars of Arturo Fuente, and in particular the incredible Opus X line.

As to great cigars at less than $500 a box. I see you've already discovered Romeos which would definitely be a recommended for me. You might want to also try these brands:

CAO
Partagas
Hoyo De Monterrey
Padron

Also, if you are looking for Cigars that have something of the strength of Cubans, my advice would be to look into some of the Nicaraguans. For my money they taste the most like a mid-range Cuban. I particularly enjoy Nicaraguan cigars by La Tradicion, Padron, and Mayorga. Also, if you are looking for an excellent but cheap daily smoker, check out LA FINCA (they are about the only decent cigars I can afford these days - well, almost afford ;) )

- SEAGOON
Title: Cigars
Post by: DREDIOCK on July 12, 2007, 09:36:23 PM
Just finished a "Montecresto Court"
(http://www.jrcigars.com/graphics/cig-vt/MXWC.jpg)

Honestly. Not real impressed. It was ok but. Perhaps a bit to bland.
Dunno. cant quite put my finger on it. It was like it was missing something.
The best part was the last 3rd and the flavor seemed to pick up some.

Dunno maybe a bit too mild for my tastes.

So far Im liking the Romeo Y Julietta Reserve Maduro the best.
Picked up two more for the weekend

Also picked up a "Macanduro Maduro" Which Ill try tomorrow night.

New ritual for me now is I finish Dinner. Go outside and leisurely smoke a cigar while playing fetch with the Dogs and unwind.

Goitta admit is sure is relaxing
Title: Cigars
Post by: Golfer on July 12, 2007, 09:50:00 PM
+1 for Partagas
Title: Cigars
Post by: storch on July 12, 2007, 11:04:19 PM
Quote
Originally posted by DREDIOCK
Just finished a "Montecresto Court"
(http://www.jrcigars.com/graphics/cig-vt/MXWC.jpg)

Honestly. Not real impressed. It was ok but. Perhaps a bit to bland.
Dunno. cant quite put my finger on it. It was like it was missing something.
The best part was the last 3rd and the flavor seemed to pick up some.

Dunno maybe a bit too mild for my tastes.

So far Im liking the Romeo Y Julietta Reserve Maduro the best.
Picked up two more for the weekend

Also picked up a "Macanduro Maduro" Which Ill try tomorrow night.

New ritual for me now is I finish Dinner. Go outside and leisurely smoke a cigar while playing fetch with the Dogs and unwind.

Goitta admit is sure is relaxing
try an arturo fuente.  I agree it really is a great way to unwind.  pick up a nice VSOP and hunt for a sunset.
Title: Cigars
Post by: DREDIOCK on July 13, 2007, 10:17:42 PM
Just had the  "Macanudo Madoro"
(http://zigarren-bennung.de/webshop/php/images/mad5.jpg)

VERY nice.
I'll be buying more of these

No stench, no bitterness Nice flavor. NoT overpowering yet not too mild either

I can see how I might want different Cigars at different times depending on mood.

the Partagas is good and a bit on the spicy side and I am thinking will go very nicely rlaxing with a nice glass of Sandeman special reserve port

The Romeo Y Julietta perhaps with a cream sherry

The Macundo..with just about anything LOL
Title: Cigars
Post by: lasersailor184 on July 17, 2007, 02:47:27 PM
Tax on each cigar likely to go up from 5 cents a cigar, to $10 a cigar.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/07/17/Business/Cigarmakers_in_a_pani.shtml
Title: Cigars
Post by: Seagoon on July 17, 2007, 05:52:31 PM
I heard about this on the radio and initially thought it was just a joke.

It wouldn't raise a dime for "children's health" because it would kill the industry overnight, pure and simple. For instance I'd never be able to buy another box oif cigars and I know of very few people who would. I suspect however, that this is actually a not-so-subtle way of getting rid of the second smallest sector of the Tobacco market (even though health wise, it is the least dangerous). As the saying goes, Q. How do you swallow an elephant? A. One bite at a time. The eventual target is the entire US tobacco industry but you have to take it down sector by sector.

Good thing we'll simultaneously deliver a huge whammy to several Central American and Carribean economies by shutting down one of their few thriving industries, and drive even more illegal immigration to the USA. Looks like we can't wait till China owns the Tobacco market as well.

Well so much for the Boston Tea Party spirit. What a bunch of PC lemmings we've become. Beat the rush, buy your man-bag, Chinese light-bulbs, and Prius on the way to rent "Happy Feet" today. :rolleyes:
Title: Cigars
Post by: DREDIOCK on July 17, 2007, 06:39:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lasersailor184
Tax on each cigar likely to go up from 5 cents a cigar, to $10 a cigar.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/07/17/Business/Cigarmakers_in_a_pani.shtml


Looks like they are gonna put some people out of business

Found a new favorite

Bolivar Robusto.

(http://www.cigars-now.com/images/bolr.jpg)

Damn fine smoke in this novices opinion
I was half tempted to find a roach clip for this one LOL
Title: Cigars
Post by: lasersailor184 on July 17, 2007, 06:51:27 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Seagoon
I heard about this on the radio and initially thought it was just a joke.

It wouldn't raise a dime for "children's health" because it would kill the industry overnight, pure and simple. For instance I'd never be able to buy another box oif cigars and I know of very few people who would. I suspect however, that this is actually a not-so-subtle way of getting rid of the second smallest sector of the Tobacco market (even though health wise, it is the least dangerous). As the saying goes, Q. How do you swallow an elephant? A. One bite at a time. The eventual target is the entire US tobacco industry but you have to take it down sector by sector.

Good thing we'll simultaneously deliver a huge whammy to several Central American and Carribean economies by shutting down one of their few thriving industries, and drive even more illegal immigration to the USA. Looks like we can't wait till China owns the Tobacco market as well.

Well so much for the Boston Tea Party spirit. What a bunch of PC lemmings we've become. Beat the rush, buy your man-bag, Chinese light-bulbs, and Prius on the way to rent "Happy Feet" today. :rolleyes:


I'm the first one to cry bloody murder if anything is forced on anyone, however I believe that all Americans should be forced to learn economics at Gun Point.