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

[Cornrow_Wallis]

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.

[maninblack]

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

[Marlon K]

Originally Posted by maninblack

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

Good call Kevin

[Scottw]

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.

[NCRadioMan]

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.

[kaisersozei]

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

[celtic250]

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.

[lenguamor]

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.

[LostAbbott]

Originally Posted by lenguamor

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.

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.

[T.G]

'spensive cigarz taste better. yo.

[Mattso3000]

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.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by Mattso3000

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.

This.

[AlohaStyle]

Originally Posted by Mattso3000

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.

^ 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.

[irratebass]

Originally Posted by Mattso3000

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.

+3

[Ed M]

My thoughts exactly Mattso!

[shilala]

Originally Posted by Mattso3000

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.

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.

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.

[ApexAZ]

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.

[massphatness]

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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