Hello my cheap smokin' bastage brethren. Joe (BillyBarue) has asked my to stop by and make some suggestions. I haven't had the time to read through the years I have missed, so forgive me if any of these are reposts. Hopefully some of these are of use to you..
Most of the cheapies I have been buying as of late have been on CB. Holt's has not been offering as many closeouts but there are still a few. Prices quoted are what I paid, YMMV.
Nestor Miranda SS Rothschild - Holts - $25/10 - Aged Pepin, was highly rated. It was milder than most out of this factory so it got lost in the crowd. Not worth original MSRP and worth more than this closeout price.
La Aurora Rothschild -Holts - $50/25 Just about everyone, B&M included have boxes of these on special/closeout. They have a less refined version of the signature Dominican taste. These aren't going to be as smooth as Preferidos/107/LJ 300. It is also a different taste than Nicaraguan tobacco if that is all you have smoked. Those caveats aside, they are good cigars with some depth.
Tatuaje El Triunfador No. 5 -CB - <$67/25 with careful bidding - I bought several boxes of these full price over the years, and at less than $3 a stick they are an outstanding deal. Please save some for me.
Tabacos Baez Serie H - $37/20 - These were a bigger step up from their SF equivalent than I expected. The same amount of spice, but the taste was fuller, 'cleaner' and better balanced. The SF is a killer deal even at B&M price, but this CB release is a better cigar for the same cost.
Padilla Artemis - on CB - $13/5 - This is one that 5ers seem to be better priced. Watch the boxes, but paying less for a 5er to try is nice. Reported to be rolled at Fabrica de Tabacos Raices Cubana.
Nicarao Classico/Especial/Exclusivo - on CB - $11/5 - Any of these 3 are a steal. Once made by DPG for Tropical, Patel brought the name at one point and I was done with it. Perhaps due drunken CB bidding, the Classico arrived in a shipment. The Classico blend really tastes the same to me as the original. The Especial is a bit spicier and the Exclusivo slaps on a maddie wrapper. These remain on the radar, chances are you will bid against me to get them. I haven't been tempted to try the bundled lines;unless you hear from someone who does like them I would avoid the Seleccion and HSG lines
Padilla Degustacion Collection Tin - On CB - <$25 - try 2 of each of 5 Padilla blends for $2.50 a stick or less. I've purchased 4 tins since April.
Vegas Cubanas Generosos - On CB - $3/1 - Singles seem to be the least noticed way to bid on these wonderful aged Pepins. Milder than the blues but more flavor than the Cabaiguan; though a bit less depth than either. Hard to pass up for 1/2 the price I paid on clearance at my B&M. Not up often so be prepared to fight.
Sencillo Platinum - on CB - $15/5. 5ers best price IME. Honduran cigar that doesn't suck made by Eiroa for the God of Fire folks. Like other Eiora cigars, they manage to avoid the muddy/earthy flavors that most Hondurans exhibit; this is a good thing to me. I bought several of these at full retail B&M, so this price is a no brainer.
Pueblo Dominicano - On CB - $34/20. These continue to be a good, slightly spicy Dominican cigar with some depth. I believe Quesada once made them when they were 'limited edition' in fancy packaging. This version has the AJ Fernandez taste all over it and is every bit as good as their pricier offerings.
Diesel Corona TIN - On CB - $73/30 - Here's another AJ cigar, this is a firecracker. Nice spice and some depth to back it. A great smoke after a meal. It smokes for much longer than you'd suspect, but at $2 and change it is a great 15 minute break on the cheap.
5 Vegas Relic - On CB - $10/5. Sometimes you can get the box of 24 for $40, but it is a very swell looking box and it isn't worth waiting for the box to go unnoticed. Unless my taste buds deceive me, this is the matasa anniversary blend stuffed into an uglier wrapper. This is not like the typical 5 Vegas cigar.. Much bolder than most, but also more refined and complex than the cask strength which to me has the spice but no depth.
Nica Libre Principe - On CB - $32/20 - These taste to me like a slightly less refined Padron x000 series at half the price. The box press is nice, and the principe has a bit more flavor than the larger sizes. I'm aging some of these.
Swag Lavish -On CB - $13/5 - Nice Corojo flavor, a bit of spice but smooth. There is enough depth to back the spice and some flavor change ups during its length. This is one I've been circling like a buzzard for the right price.
Vigilante - on CB - $25/20 - a mild corojo cigar. Same label but not the same cigar that was sold on B&M shelves 6 years ago. This is one dimensional, but still a very pleasant cigar for the drive into work. Will taste sweet if you take your coffee black.
Arganese Nicaraguan on CB - $15/20 can be had for less than a buck a stick. No other cigar in this price range is worth smoking IMO. One dimensional cigar, the true yard gar but still tastes decent to me. One to give moochers that you won't feel bad or be embarrassed to give them. I won't give away cigars I wouldn't smoke myself. I don't like any of the other varieties from this company.
EPC New Wave Connecticut Stellas - B&M - $80/20 - I have to mention this cigar even though $4 a stick is pushing the 'cheap smoke' envelope. I keep buying box after box because they are such a great cigar for their price and (don't tell anyone) are worth double. This cigar has replaced the Padron Londres as my benchmark cigar. This is a JOAT cigar that fits the bill regardless of experience. There is depth and mild spice for old hands but is refined and smooth to blow away the folks used to much costlier Dominican Montes, RyJ, etc. This cigar is a gustatory experience equivalent/akin to the aural experience of listening to Grado SR80s after the significantly costlier Bose QCs or (
shudder) Beats.
Cigars I didn't like:
Nestor Miranda Dominicano on Holts
Argyle on Holt's
Kinky Friendman on CB
Devil's Weed on CB
Varina Farms on CB
Garo Vintage on CB
Bahia Trinidad on CB
You aren't worthy...
- Matt -