Recommendations for myself
 

Essentially, I started smoking on September 30th, 2012. So, 51 days ago -- and in that time, I've smoked at least a cigar a day and tried 41 separate lines [That I can remember, damn alcohol :sl]. I am looking for any recommendations, because I have been trying almost anything I can get my hands on. As of lately, I've been smoking more of the premium boutiques and not so much budget cigars [I AM NOT AGAINST TRYING SOME! Lord knows the high-end cigars hurt the pocketbook, heh]

Now, I have searched and read recommendations on past threads.. I've gone through countless "Recommend me cigars" lists.. And from those, some of these cigars have came from [The LGC Serie R #5 & the Quesada Oktoberfest immediately come to mind].. Alas, I feel that based off my specific likes and dislikes, a more honed in recommendation list could form. I don't mean to make "Another one of these threads?!?!" -- I just want to keep expanding. I think I've done good so far..?

Here comprises a list I just made up of cigars that I've smoked [To the best of my knowledge]. I realize recommendations may be worthless in some peoples opinions. I know that everyone's mileage varies -- but I've come to find some people can be like "Oh, you like this this this and this.. If that's the case, these might be up your alley".. Oh, and for the record.. This is a heavily edited list. The list I originally made that this came from lists wrapper type, where I bought them/who gifted me them, size/ring gauge, and is in an actual spreadsheet -- Also I removed any CCs [For reference sake, every one I've smoked I enjoy -- but wouldn't buy again]. On to the list:

First category are my "Will buy again" category. The * represent a highlight in my smoking career. Some of these have altered the way I smoke cigars completely, some have made me appreciate cigars even more. For whatever reason, they rank high.

Alec Bradley - Black Market, Robusto
Alec Bradley - Prensado, Churchill
Arturo Fuente - Flor Fina 8-5-8, Corona Gorda
Arturo Fuente - Hemingway Short Story, Perfecto
Cuesta Rey - Centro Fino Sungrown #60, Toro
*Drew Estate - Chãteau Real Small Club Corona, PC
*Drew Estate - Liga Privada Único Serie Dirty Rat, Corona
*Drew Estate - MUWAT 6x60, Double Toro
*Drew Estate - MUWAT Bait Fish, PC
Famous - Private Selection Nicaragua, Robusto
Hoya de Monterrey - Excalibur #2, Double Corona
*La Gloria Cubana - Serie R #5, Robusto
*My Father - Flor De Las Antillas, Robusto
*Oliva - Nub 466BPT, Torpedo
Partagas - Black Label Gigante, Double Toro
Quesada - Oktoberfest Bavarian, Robusto
Rocky Patel - Evolution, Torpedo
Rocky Patel - Vintage Connecticut 1999, Churchill
Romeo y Julieta - Vintage, Corona
Tatuaje - Havana VI Nobles, Robusto

This list encompasses cigars I would try again, but didn't rate the top list. The AB got on here because the Nicotine really roughed me up, but I enjoyed the cigar -- Revisit later. The Double Chateau was good, but it was one-note -- Priced right I'd grab 'em again. The Edge is a decent cigar, but it doesn't scream amazing. The RyJ, honestly I just can't remember it being outstanding.. So, recap:

Alec Bradley - Prensado, Robusto
Arturo Fuente - Double Chateau, Churchill
Rocky Patel - Edge Torpedo Corojo
Romeo y Julieta - 1875 Cedro Deluxe #2, Corona

This list encompasses cigars I have tried, and disliked for whatever reason. Reasons I dislike a cigar vary from the cigar having too much of a cigarette taste, or just overall didn't enjoy. Here are the few that I ended early: Unholy Cocktail, Cain Nub 460H, RyJ Reserva Real, and the Schizo. Here's the list:

Arturo Fuente - Curly Head
Brickhouse - Robusto
CAO - Cx2 Beli
Cuenca y Blanco - Toro Supremo
Diesel - Unholy Cocktail, Torpedo
El Baton - Robusto
Joya de Nicaragua - Antaño Dark Corojo Azarosa, Rothschild
La Gloria Cubana - Retro Especiale Cubano, Double Toro
Montecristo - Habana 2000 Tubos, Rothschild
Oliva - Cain Nub 460 Habano, Rothschild
Pinar Del Rio - Oscuro Liga Cubana #2, Torpedo
Punch - Rare Corojo, Rothschild
Rocky Patel - Edge Missile Corojo
Romeo y Julieta - Reserva Real, Corona
Schizo - Torpedo


So.. Wall of text done. Feel free to comment with outrages such as "If you liked the Dirty Rat, how could you NOT like the JdN Antaño?!?" & the like.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

I'm a big Ashton fan. Try the Heritage and VSG.

Also, you may like the Kristoff Criollo.....

Just guessing here, but these are all really good smokes for me. You may find that one of them rings your bell!

Best regards,
Murray

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Been highly tempted to try the Ashton VSGs, but my lounge overprices the hell out of anything Ashton. I've seen the Kristoff but never knew much about them, they are sub-$10 at my lounge, so I may just grab one or two. Any specific vitolas for either Ashton or Kristoff? Was all about 6x60s but have recently gotten into more of the PC and Coronas.

Thanks again!

Jarrett

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Padron's, the Londres is such a good, consistent smoke that won't break the bank. Also, if you want something stronger, try the Camacho triple Maduro.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

I know this sounds Cliche... but you never really know till you try one for yourself... and even then you still may not know (due to humidification/age/care before purchase/ ect)

While there are many people who get similar tastes on sticks and many people who develop similar pallets... often times the same cigar can be smoked by 2 people who like the same things and one will like it and the other may not... The perfect example of this is when my neighbor and I herf on the same stick... often times I am a bit critical and he is a bit more redeeming or vise versa...

For this reason I take all good and most bad reviews with a grain of salt... it really comes down to you... your taste buds and you mood...

As for you list it seems you have gotten your hands on a pretty good selection... and you seem to be keeping up with your tastes and thoughts on them... Kudos... :tu

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

I tend to enjoy stuff from Drew, Ashton, and Tatuaje all of which are on your top list.

Give illusione MJ12, Kristoff Corojo Limitada, Jaime Garcia, DPG JJ, 601 Blue, and San Lotano a try. Seems like you have similar taste preferences to mine and these are my favorites.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

MMMM.... Tasty stick right there.... :dr

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

@Bob -- I was gonna get a Padron 1964 last night since my lounge just got boxes in. Cheapest one was $26.99 before tax. I passed, as Famous-Smoke would provide me with a cheaper price point. Annnndd, I'm scared of the Camacho Triple Mad.

@Rob -- Trust me, I know. That's why this post was LOADED with disclaimers. Life is just too short to smoke a bad cigar. :-)

@Tony -- I've got 5 Illusiones in the Humi. 2 of them are some 2009's Singulaires purchased when released and properly stored since. I want to smoke one, but I am waiting for a special occasion -- Much like the 2 Tatuaje Cojonu 2003s that have been aged for years that I got.. I see a trend of Kristoff, they are next on my hitlist. I have a DPG in the humi, and I have been dying to try the 601 Blue Robustos -- There is a thread on here with people just RAVING about them. I will keep that on my next purchasing list. Never even heard of San Lotano or seen the label. I'll keep my eye out.

And I refreshed before posting and seen Rob posted, to which I must say

@Rob -- Oh yes sir, that's the general consensus.. Got to just pull the trigger..

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Those were basically my thoughts too when I saw the list and the starred cigars. I was thinking Padron Maduro 2000, 3000 or 6000. A PAM64 if you want to take it up a notch (although they are spendy). La Aurora 1495 corona might also fall in line with what you are looking for.

Maybe also toss a Liga Privada T-52 on the list and a Fuente 858 Sun Grown (cedar wrap w/ black ribbon at the foot), and the Fuente Anejo or WOAM if you can find them.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

I'm shocked you've been in the game 51 days and already had (obtained) a dirty rat! Kudos!!

Give MOW puro authintico a shot (NOT MADURO). Also LGC Rabito De Cochino is at the top of my NC list

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Also a great stick... :tu

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

If you are going to try a PAM, look for the Principe. It's the cheapest of the lot. But as Adam mentioned, try the regular '000 series, or the Londres. They're a lot cheaper than PAM's and still very good.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Anything Padron... :ss

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

@Adam -- Right on, I'll check out some of the Padron Maduro X000s, and that PAM64 is on my hitlist. I've been meaning to grab some more LPs, but as of right now.. I must wait*. I'll look out for the AFs mentioned. I still need to put up those pictures from when I smoked the Dirty Rat!

@Jared -- I'm writing these names down as well.. Oh, and honestly, I got that cigar exactly 35 days after I started smoking. Next week I will be getting a shipment of another Único Serie.. Which will be explained in the asterisk! :-D

@Bob -- For sure, I'll remember. :-)

@Rico -- Hahah, right on man :-)

* At the end of this week, I'll be receiving a box of FFPs and also a 5er of Undercrown Gran Toros. So, my horizons will expand a bit further.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Sounds like you should take a dive into the Maduro variants of the smokes you like. The Padron maduros are wonderful smokes, and so is the Camacho Triple Maduro. Dont be afraid of that one, just enjoy it after a full meal. The triple maduros I have smoked have been medium-full but not buttkicking nicotine bombs.

Also, the EP Carillo lines are full flavored and full bodied, but have some great flavors to them and are certainly worth a try.

If money is an issue, many of the smokes listed can be found on the devil site in 5ers, or they can be ordered online cheap and sometimes without tax.

If you keep going the way you are, you will soon have whole new worlds of cigar enjoyment to confront! :D

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

@Scott -- Basically I've shied away from Maduro's, because I thought Maduro meant powerful. If only people had taught me better when I first started. I actually screwed up and had my girlfriend smoke a lighter colored LFD -- Double Ligero. She vomited. I thought "Meh, it's light, it'll be mild." Oh, it was Mild. I fed her sugar and she was better.

I forgot to add to my list the Illusione ~88~.. I found one at a local B&M lightly powdered in plume. It was amazing. And yes, I'm keeping track of every cigar mentioned!

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Padrons for sure, I love the 64's. Try some of the Tatuaje lines, the Liga Privada lines, and for one that's a bit under the radar, La Riqueza #4's

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Smoked some LPs & Tats.. Got some LPs, Tatuajes & La Riqueza #4s in the humi -- and some Liga Privadas on the way. :-)

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions as of yet. It's truly appreciated. I'm currently making a shopping list of where to buy all the cigars mentioned and what have you. :-)

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

We are NOT Twitter. Ditch the @ bull$hit.

Convention here is to quote the person's post to whom you are addressing/responding. Also, by quoting the post, it lends context to your response without the reader having to go back and read the post of the person you are responding to.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

I honestly dont see the problem with what he's doing. :sh The @ thing is keeping the thread from getting spammed from him responding to every post.

Anywho, on topic, I would say the MUWAT+11s if you can find them and any Tat with the Reserva wrapper would be up your alley.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

If you like full-bodied flavor, try a Coronado.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Could just as easily use the multi-quote function and insert replies in between the individual quotes. The biggest advantage is that it saves a lot of scrolling up and down to see the context that the reply was referring to, since as this isn't twitter, a decent percentage of the people here are actually interested in reading more responses than just their own / those directed towards them. With 5 or 6 quotes allowed per post, it wouldn't clutter up the thread any more than the nearly incomprehensible replies with all the @, $, %, ‡, ∙, ¬, ™, š, Ð, #tigerblood stuff in them.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Sorry, I had written my replies in Notepad so I could read the text on the screen as I wrote it and pasted them into the Quick Reply box. Didn't mean to upset anyone, wasn't aware this could/would cause an issue. I won't do it again.

Made a thread that I was happy with and proud of.. Now it just seems I'm a screw up. Have a good night everyone.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

I don't know how to explain it any simpler than what I (or Adam below) have done.
Spammed? I have no clue what you mean. Just recommending that he follow convention here used by most members.
:tpd:
No apology needed, Jarrett.
My post was meant as a concerned member - not as an admin.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Oliva V
More Padron
J Fuego Origen Soft Pack

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

And when you eventually make it to a S.HI.T. herf, I will have a few sticks for you that you might like.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

I'll do my best next month. Thursdays are always tricky. Thanks again Pete.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

No, you're not a screw up until you keep repeating the same mistakes.

That is precisely the reason why the multi-quote function is great. Hit the multi-quote button (the " button to the right of the QUOTE button) for each of the posts you wish to respond to, then on the final one, click quote, and they will all be individually quoted in a single new post in the advanced editor. You don't have to scroll or keep track of posts to reply to either, you just insert your replies between the quoted posts.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

If you make it down this way on a weekend, we can try to arrange a herf on Saturday or Sunday. Although, holiday time can be tricky.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Adam is a fart smel..er...smart feller. :D

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Other boards and technologies have their style of communications which may differ from the norm at CA. Some effort has gone in to trying to encourage a consistency of style here because, well, it can be hard on the brain (at least my tiny one) to morph styles when you pop in to a different thread.

The moderators notice this more quickly than others since they do (and I do mean do) read every post made here. Their sensitivity to divergent styles is perhaps more keen than most, but in general their ministrations are just ahead of the crowd, which is known to be less than gentle in their ministration.

While it may be convenient for someone who loves the Twitter (or FB or whatever) style to bring it here for convenience, ultimately they are, whether they know it or not, trying to move the style of discourse here in a new direction. The multi-quote and other VB forum style techniques used here have stood the test of time. We are a large board with an active membership using that style of communications. To accidentally or deliberately mess with a winning formula would, in my (some may say arrogant) opinion, lead to a lack of harmony and fracture the board even more than the "banter thread of the day" movement already has.

The OP can continue how he wishes and we'll see how it plays out. The OP can also be sensitive to the local style of communications and adapt. One may be far easier for the community at large and one easier for the OP, but only the OP can say what path he will take.

Hoping that this resolves itself quickly in a way that all can live with...

Just another old guy who has been wrong before.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

:bdh I've long since apologized. Back on topic please!

Great suggestions all, looking forward to more!

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

For the record, I'm not so sure everyone even knows how to use the multi-quote, as I still haven't figured it out and have been here quite awhile, so I wouldn't assume a guy whos been here just shy of two months tops to have it all figured out. Not trying to start a fight or anything, just sayin how I see it. The @ thing is much simpler and less time consuming than quoting each post and copy-pasting it into another window/tab as I've done a number of times.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

It takes about 6 seconds to figure out... on a bad day, with a hangover, on a 14.4 dial up, running mosaic.


And now you know.


We already covered this, four times. Furthermore, the @herpderp works on twitter because of the automatic conversation threading, Over there, it's quite easy to actually bring up the post that was being responded to along with the entire conversation, so things actually are in context and make sense.
Here... not so much.

But hey, if you wish to be obtuse about understanding the differences between the sites, their format and conventions along with how the use of @herpderp nonsense yields exceptionally poor quality and hard to understand posts here, go for it.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

So I've heard OpusX are good...

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Good cigars, as in tobacco quality, blending and construction; yes.

Good for everyone, as in liking or enjoying; no.


Opus X is unique enough to be a must try cigar, but it's hype and reputation proceed it, and, sometimes these will influence what people think of the cigar. Which seems to happen more with Opus Xes than other cigars. I've noticed that, with the Opus X more than any other cigar except maybe their first Cuban cigar, people often go into their first Opus X cigar with expectations of greatness, foot massages, and the red sea parting while they smoke it.

If you can go into smoking one completely open minded with no expectations, even as hard as that is, then that's your best bet. I've seen people force themselves to like the cigar and give it a personal top 5 rated just because so many people rave how it's the best cigar they have ever smoked.

Different vitolas do make a difference in the profile of the cigar, so trying a few different shapes/sizes is ideal. MSRP runs around $10/cigar to low-mid $20's depending on size. Don't overpay, it will make the whole impartial smoking even harder.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

I've grown fond of smaller cigars. Used to force myself to smoke huge Churchill's just for bang for buck. I've gotten over that. PCs can be fruitful powerhouses. Any small Opus Xes worth igniting in your opinion?

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Glad to hear you enjoyed the Illusione. I was oblivious to their existence until the guy at one of my regular B&M's suggested. Like you said, it almost seemed like it was rolled in sugar! Pretty powerful smoke, caught me completely off guard.

Oh yeah, my obligatory #1 for Padron x000 series ;)

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

If you are looking for a nice fine smoke you might give the Escencia's a try; they are made by one of our BOTLs who also makes Palio cutters.

Gullien cigars are inexpensive and are also made by one of our BOTLs.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

When I still smoked these, I found the larger sizes to be somewhat bland in comparison to their smaller counterparts.

There are quite a few vitolas in the Opus X line, but the problem is that they aren't all released every year and it's unlikely for any B&M to get more than a few sizes in any given shipment. So you really have to take what you can get when it comes to these.

Keep an eye on the "Limited and HTF" section of Tampa Sweethearts website (or call them), they sell them at MSRP or less - sometimes bundled with other cigars like their own line, which are good cigars and nothing to steer away from.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

I happen to enjoy CAO Italia's and CAO Mx2's. Also, anything Padron works out well. I've been smoking pretty regularly for a few years now and I've still not had an OpusX or a Davidoff. Both are certainly on my cigar bucket list.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

It was such a smooth smoke. I smoked the ~88~ Robust Maduro outside in high-30° weather. Didn't budge, just patiently smoked it away after a night of ice skating. Was beautiful. Soon I will possess Padrons, soon. Thanks :)

I'll keep that in mind. If they are readily available I'll probably look into obtaining some. Thanks!

I put myself on Tampas Newsletter on your suggestion a while back in my past "Opus X" thread. Mostly I was just trying to get back on topic. Speaking of the off-topic: Look who learned how to Multi-quote. :)

I smoked a Cx2 and really really disliked it. Maybe I wasn't experienced enough at that point, because I really do love Cameroon wraps. Something about the Cx2 killed me. I got 2 Mx2s in the Humi, have had them for quite some time. May just have to light one up. As far as Opus X and Davidoff, I think as long as you buy them online and not at a crazy mark-up that you'd get at a B&M, you'd be able to mark a few off that list.


Thanks again everyone for any and all suggestions. I smoked a La Riqueza #3 earlier, I loved it. About to smoke an AJ Fernandez and a gifted B&M cigar. That brings me up to 45 brands in 52 days. Haha. It'd be more, but honestly I didn't even bother listing any B&M brands. Meh, whatever. No loss for me :-P

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

:tu

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Well, yesterday was interesting. I took 2 unbanded cigars that I was gifted by a BOTL on here, and brought them to my buddies. The first cigar was an AJ Fernandez Overrun Toro 6.5x48.. I cut it perfectly, lit it up... And the damn thing was plugged. I tried cutting a bit more off the cap to help it.. Didn't help. Snapped it in half. Lit up the second cigar which was a local B&M's stick the guy gifted me, also 6.5x48. I'll be damned if I didn't have 2 plugged cigars in less than 5 minutes. Snapped that in half as well.

My buddy was shocked, he had never seen me commit such an act. He doesn't really smoke, but I've got him to smoke a RP Evolution and also an AF Short Story -- both of which he enjoyed but didn't smoke much of. Anyways, he goes "Hey, there's this new smoke shop few blocks away that just opened up, they had one of those walk in humidity things you always talk about".. I was like.. Right on, sold. Let's cruise. I knew I had cigars at the house, but never hurts to check a new place out.

This place was actually pretty decent. They had my favorite LGC in stock, the Serie R #5 [Natural, not Maduro], as well as the #6 -- both of which are $6 cheaper than where I normally get them. Then I continue on. The typical suspects. Romeo y Julieta, Acid, Java... Then I seen the Arturo Fuente, also typical suspects.. But wait, there are 2 boxes of the Short Stories. Nay, one is the Short Story -- The other is the WOAM, priced at about $9 or $10, can't remember exactly. I was pretty impressed. I continue on. I see the 858, but it's the typical one I purchase, at a slightly higher mark-up. Oh, Camacho Triple Mad as well -- Relatively decent on the price. And they had some Oliva V Melanios, Torpedos. They were pretty expensive.

Then, I see Padron.


I look at the boxes, and I laugh as they basically miss all the ones you mentioned. There is the 7000.. No 6000.. The 5000... The 4000.. Score, 3000 is there, no 2000. Not sure if it was a Maduro or not, but sure enough, I grabbed one. It was $8.99, but whatever. Not mad. Thing blew me away. I was impressed all too hell with it. The finish was too damn brutal though. I had to let it go with a 1/6th left. Great little smoke.

The B&M also carried almost all the RP Vintage lines, cameroons and connecticuts and all that good stuff. Nothing really outrageous of course, it's a small town and it's a small shop. No Ashtons, no Illusiones, no Tats, no EPCs, no LPs. Had some better priced Cohiba Red Dot Tubos than I'm used to [He had the toro tubos for like $17.95, most places around here do $24.--] The owner is really weary and untrusting of people who go in his humidor -- so hopefully in time I can try and get him to get some new sticks [after spending some money in his shop and he warms up to me. Haha]



All in all, pretty damn good day after the 2 cigars disappointed me. This B&M is also a 3 minute drive from my house. The normal one I frequent is literally an hour and 10 minutes drive, but I go there because it's actually a lounge and they serve drinks. This was just your typical Smoke shop, with a pretty decent humidor in there. I'll for sure grab some new things out of there just to try.

Sorry for the long post. Just on my lunch break and had a lot on my mind.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Sounds like a nice little excursion Jarrett. Always fun when you find those little gems that you would normally overlook.

Glad you liked the Padron. For me, the 3000's is as large as I would go, but I prefer the 2000, if I'm smoking the thousand series.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Jarrett, if you want to try the 601 blue they're on the Monster for 20 a 5 pack.

Re: Recommendations for myself
 

Yeah, I saw those earlier. Personally I want to get the Robustos, its always the Proms, etc that go on sale.. I'll drop the hammer soon, thanks though!