What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

Good day my BOTL,

Today I picked up a Graycliff Pirate Emerald (Green Label) simply for the hell of it. Most of what I've read about this brand is that it is simply overpriced for the quality delivered. However it is the holiday season and I decided to splurge and try a few sticks that are above my means. I also bought a Davidoff Small Perfecto and an Avo XO Maestoso, all smokes that I would never buy on a normal basis because I simply can't afford to spend 15$-20$ per stick. I smoked the Avo today and did enjoy it, but in the end I've plenty other sticks that are half the price I enjoy more. Sooooooo.....

My question is this, banning the reason of "if you've got it to spend, spend it," how do you folks feel about "elite" cigars? Cubans are one thing, they can be hard to get, there is a high demand, etc., and the prices on those puppies "may" be justifiable. But sticks you can pickup at any decent B&M or online, is there any real reason to spend this type of money on a smoke? Also, it isn't just the elite names that are pricey these days. I've seen quite a few cheaper brands produce limited runs or "special" version of their sticks that are priced in the 15$+ range/piece.

I suppose there is a part of me that is frustrated, because I feel price should reflect quality. Are all of these pricey smokes made with extremely old tobacco? Do they have wrappers grown in the most difficult of climates? I looooove good cigars, as I know all my brothers out there do too! But it's getting to the point were I can hardly afford to try a lot of new sticks because they are just too expensive! The worst part is, I want to try them! I desire to purchase these cigars and smoke them!

Maybe I just needed to vent, and if so then I appreciate you gents (and ladies) allowing me a space to do so. If I can smoke an exspensive stick and say at the end, "damn that was worth it," than perhaps I'm not talking about those smokes (but still.) .....eh, life goes on.

~Boogie

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

None of those cigars are worth $15 each, IMO. Although there are cigars that I would pay that much for, on occasion. I like the Avo XO series, but at most I would give six or seven dollars for one, don't care for the Davidoffs or Graycliffs.

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

I'd buy HTF Tats for that kind of dough. Or Padrons!

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

Good call Kevin

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

I haven't had too many cigars that I would be happy to spend $15 on. I find my pleasure is derived from a good cigar, good scotch or a nice wine that fits my budget. I've had a lot of guys who upon seeing me with a cigar will tell me about them or their buddies hanging out smoking cigars that "are like 50 bucks man!". I don't see it.

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

As is the case with any cigar in any price range, some are worth it and some are not.

Looks like you can cross these off the list.

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

Davidoff & the high end Padrons are the only regular production sticks I would shell out $20+ for, but not that often.

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

I agree with everyone above. Those sticks I would not personally pay that $ for but there are sticks that I would have no problem paying 15-20$ for. Then again its whatever you enjoy.

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

There's elite quality, and then there are cigars which are priced at an elite level but don't live up to it.

Look in the reviews here; it's an invaluable resource.

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

'spensive cigarz taste better. yo.

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

I've bought cigars for $20 I wouldn't pay $5 for again and paid $5 for something I'd pay $20 for. Smoke what you like, like what you smoke.

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

This.

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

I really like the Graycliff reds. I haven't tried the one you had though. I agree they are not worth the retail price. They are worth the $5 you can find them for online though.

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

^ yep

And saying you expect good quality cigars if they are expensive... A lot of more expensive cigars are quality cigars, but you just might not like the blend and flavor profile, doesn't mean it isn't quality. Of course there are some crap cigars that claim they are high quality and have a high price like some Gurkhas. But there can be some aging, high quality tobacco and work that goes into making good quality cigars even though not everyone likes them.

I personally don't buy Padrons because there's a lot of cigars out there that I like where I can buy 2-3 cigars for the price of 1 Padron. I would rather spend my money on those, not expensive Padrons.

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

+3

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

Price alone is generally not the sole determining factor for me. "Value" is far more important. I don't mind spending good money on a cigar that's worth it.
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Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

I'm with a few others here...there are some sticks out there with a high price tag on them that aren't worth it and there are others that are very inexpensive that I'd pay more than what they go for to smoke again. :2

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

There are some sticks that are worth the money based on rarity or coffin packaging but most that they sell at a typical B&M that are regularly available I wouldn't waste the money on.

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

Ultimately, I cannot decide for anybody else, what is worth the $$ they spend on cigars. You've already heard lots of opinions about which cigars are $20 sticks and which are $5 sticks.

Personally, I don't know that there are many cigars out there worth $20. In fact, I'm not sure there are any I'd personally spend $20 on. It isn't that there aren't some great cigars in that range, but I personally don't have the expendable income to justify throwing $20 at a cigar. About as high as I'll go is the $10 range, and even that is done rarely and only for what I personally consider a stellar smoke.

But, what's a stellar smoke? I know that some of the cigars I love, others consider to only be OK. On the other hand, there are some sticks out there that people rave about and I scratch my head saying, "OK, but I just don't get it." Unfortunately, the only way to find out what you think is worth any amount of money is to buy the cigar and try it yourself.

Your financial wherewithal and your cigar tastes will help you decide what you can and cannot spend a lot of money on.

When each of my sons were born, I bought a special stick for me, something I wouldn't spend the coin on again. For my 25th Anniversary, I did it again. I am not sure if there is an event coming for which I will do so again or not.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

What Joe said, you bought sticks that can be had much cheaper on places like the devil site and need to do some more research before spending that kind of money on a stick again. There are many sticks worth that price and more but you need to know their actual value and the guys here can help you with that better than anywhere.

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

My experience so far has been to get my hands on a many different sticks I can and formulate my own opinions regardless of price. I have found some high end price sticks that I like quite a bit and plenty high priced sticks I didn't like. On the flip side I have smoked plenty of lower price end sticks and fully enjoyed them baffled by the low price point. Soon enough you begin to find what you enjoy and keep coming back to.

In the 1+ year that I have been regularly smoking I have found it simply comes down to finding what you're into. No one else should sway you and you should simply as already stated a few times above, smoke what you like and like what you smoke!

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

What was stated previously pretty much. There are some sticks I would have no problem paying $20+ for (e.g Padron 40th maduro) because they are stellar smokes.

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

My thoughts exactly Mattso!

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

Back2Back Lombardi's is as good an occasion as I can think of.:tu

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

Price alone doesn't indicate quality. As other guys have said, there are $5 smokes that are fantastic, $20 smokes that.....aren't really $20 smokes. IMHO the cigars you mention are in that latter category.

The only 'worth it' $20 smoke that comes to mind off the top of my head would be the Padron Family Reserve Series, specifically the 45th in Maduro. I have smoked that cigar on several occasions and it's just fantastic, each and every time. I have, and would, pay $20 for that one because, to me, it's well worth it.

The bulk of the cigars I smoke are in the $6-12.00 range, to be sure.

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

Also, certain special occasions deverve special smokes.
:tu

Re: What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

Interesting thoughts from all. Mostly what you all have said is what I myself believe in heart. I do agree with shopping around and looking for deals on sticks that are normally expensive; I picked up a 3 A. F. Anejo Sharks for just over 7$ each this past summer which is half their MSRP.

There are two smokes I am thinking off that I do like to purchase and IMO are worth the higher price tag b/c they really take me on a trip of the senses, and those are Zino Platinum Scepter Chubbies, and La Aurora Preferidos Sapphires.

I've come to a conclusion, and that is I need to have three or four of you lovely gents acting as little "ciguardian angels" who sit upon my shoulder and whisper in my ear when I reach for that stick that is simply not worth the money!

In all seriousness, thanks for the replies on my first thread, hope to talk to you guys more and learn all the knowledge you have to bestow! Long live long ashes!

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

There are some "rare" smokes and cigars that come in coffin packaging that suck, so I would hardly use that as my criteria for saying they are worth the money, Shane. :2

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

I find expensive cigars to be quite like inexpensive cigars: some are great, some are terrible, many are mediocre.

Re: What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

The one thing I have noticed about expensive sticks is that they usually cost more than cheap sticks.

Re: What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

Only usually Travis? :r :r :r

Re: What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

I think they taste great, if you pick the right expensive cigar, not an overpriced cigar that someone thinks should be an expensive cigar :tu

Re: What do you think about "Exspensive Cigars?"
 

I'm with Matt.
I've also smoked $30 cigars that were worth every dime, and $30 that weren't worth a dime.

I think that there is definately a time and a place for an expensive cigar. It's not the cigar, but the experience that I'm paying for. I'll pay $30 to try a new limited Padron. I know I'll get my money's worth, even if I haven't done my homework.
The window for that type of cigar is small, and most are just simply a hose-job. Graycliff being one, unfortunately. Sorry about that.

Without going into specifics, I'd easily spend $100 or more for a specific cigar, but for the "experience" value, not for the cigar itself. If I spent the coin, I wouldn't have any notions about how good the cigar is. I'd have already done my homework and searched the cigar out to buy it.
I'd also have to buy two so I can smoke with a good friend so we can share the experience. That $200 will provide hours of entertainment and something that friend and I will remember for the rest of our lives.
I've spent a lot more for a lot less entertainment along the way, ya know?

So I think it's where your heart is, what your motives are, and what you plan to do that make an expensive cigar purchase sensible.
And I don't think it's irresponsible or crazy or bad that you spent $15 on that Graycliff. If it was fun and exciting to do, there's your value. If the cigar smokes well, consider it a bonus. :tu

Re: What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

IMHO, most 'expensive' cigars aren't worth the msrp.
Having said that, there are some xlnt smokes that are
out of my usual price range. I stopped buying special
smokes for Xmas/New Year because it's too cold outside
to enjoy them. But for my vacation and b-day I try to
get a PAM or ESG or Fuente Anejo. All xlnt smokes.

My regular rotation is San Cristobal, La Riqueza, AF Hemi
maduro and Oliva MB3, which are 'expensive' for some people.
But I only smoke 2-3 per week, so it's easier to stay within
budget.

For me, the Oliva MB3 tastes very similar to a PAM, so that
gives me a PAM profile for a reasonable price.

You'll just have to try the 'expensive' sticks when you can,
and determine which are worth the coin to you. I got some
GOFs to try, recently. I can hardly wait, for warm weather,
to try them out!

Graycliffs are much more affordable on the Devil's Auction
site.

Chemyst :cool2:

Re: What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

I had an opus x torpedo that was about the size of a Robusto. Not sure what vitola it is. It was good, but not quite sure it was $13.50 good. Maybe next year I will buy a box and stuff it away for a while since the concensus seems to be that they really improve with age. I have a few anejos to try out as well. Those don't seem to be quite as spendy and I tend to enjoy maduros more anyways.

Re: What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

I rarely spend more than $10 on a cigar, There are just so many great cigars for $10 and under. When I do it's almost always a CC, Anejo, Opus or Padron.

Re: What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

Probably a Belicosos. Not sure if they named it something different though.

I've personally never had a cigar over $20 that made me think it was worth a box purchase.

I find that for $15 and under there is so much selection I'd rather broaden my collection then drop major coin on a box or two.

Although in time when I have enough cigars, :r :r, I'll go for pricer special occasion smokes (boxes). That doesn't mean I don't try some $20+ singles occasionally though.

Re: What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

It has been touched on but when I think of the little bit I know about all the hard work that it takes from seed to purchase; cigars are pretty under priced as is. That being said the market is what it is and for me at least price will effect what I buy and how much I expect from a cigar. 20$ is about as high as I will go but I have bought some +30$ cigars that I really enjoyed. The problem is I know how much I spent and that effects the experience from the cigar in the thinking that " this should be the best cigar money can buy" sometimes it is and sometimes not. I think it can be a mindset so I'll try doing the same with 3-5$ cigars as well and end up occasionally with the same experience.

Re: What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

And you'd have 3 different opinions about which one is not worth it and which one is. Everybody's tastes are different. What you like may not be what I like. What I scream about, you may roll your eyes back in your head and think, "The preacher's lost his mind."

For example, you said, " There are two smokes I am thinking off that I do like to purchase and IMO are worth the higher price tag b/c they really take me on a trip of the senses, and those are Zino Platinum Scepter Chubbies, and La Aurora Preferidos Sapphires."

Glad you like them. It is your money you are spending -- to satisfy your tastebuds. To you they are worth a higher price tag.

Now, here's where I make my point. I won't say they are not cigars worth that price tag. Both companies are credible companies, both make superior products, and these particular sticks are their upper end smokes. But personally, I wouldn't spend $5 on either one of them. Why? Because there are other cigars out there which I find more pleasurable smokes in the $5 range. So, would I spend more on them? No!

It isn't my palate or pocket book that needs to justify that smoke, it is yours. You already gave me your opinion above. If that is how you feel, then get them and enjoy them.

Other examples.
Kelmac would tell you that a 601 Blue maduro is worth $15.
Shilala would tell you that a Coronado maduro is worth $15.
And Icehog would tell you that your nutz to spend $8 on any NC cigar.

OK, maybe that's an exaggeration, but hopefully it it making my point.

Only you can decide how much you will spend on a cigar. And then, only you can decide which cigar is worth it. Get out and try a few.

Here's a bit of advice, find out whose tastes are similar to yours. Who enjoys what you enjoy in a cigar? They can be a guage for you. If they like a particular stick, then you MAY (notice that word there, it still isn't positive), like the same stick.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Re: What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

:r :r

I do this ALL the time. :r

Re: What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

Yes sir!! :tu :tu

Re: What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

I smoked a Christmas present yesterday Fuente "Between the Lines" it was $16 cigar. I enjoy the Fuente "Short Story" a whole hell of a lot more. I'm glad it was a one cigar gift.
I have only been smoking a short time but I am learning the cost or size doesn't matter it is what you like to smoke that does. Be it a $3 dollar or $16 cigar.
Also learned that the setting and atmosphere help to make a great smoke.

Happy New Year
Dave
'

Re: What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

Unless I'm buying from a B&M to smoke there (or on my next visit), I have a _really_ hard time paying more than $6 for a smoke. Part of it is how much shopping around I do, I find I can find most things I want to try for $2-3 from various bundles around the 'net.

Re: What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

there is a sentiment out there against Davidoff. ive been smoking cigars for 6 or so years and to tell the truth, i used to think they were overpriced and had no flavor.

i think part of it was because at the time i had no idea what i was smoking because my palate had not been developed. i didnt know how to retrohale. i confused body and strength with flavor. i was 100% in the "the fuller the better" mindset.


as i moved along in my cigar journey i began to appreciate milder cigars. i could see more of the flavor. i could understand what was going on.

Davidoff is now one of my favorite brands.

i have actually began to take all this "Davidoff hate" with a grain of salt if it is coming from someone who will only smoke full bodied cigars.

there are some people i know who dont like Davidoff not because they are "expensive and not full bodied" but because they actually dont like the flavor profile, and i can understand that. the signature "Kelner musk" isnt for everyone, much like not everyone likes the spicy blending syle of DPG, or lito Gomez.

all that being said, i have no problem dropping $15+ on a davidoff.

Re: What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

Everyone has different palettes. I've "expensive" cigars that I personally hated and my friends loved, and vice-versa. I personally just love trying new stuff that I've never tried before. Smoking can be sometimes be a gamble, but that's what makes it so fun!

Re: What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

:tu If You Don't Try It, You'll Never Know! :D

Re: What do you think about "Expensive Cigars?"
 

They should have samples.