Famous Nic 3000 - still got it...kinda.

[borndead1]

I bought a metric sh1t ton of these (4 bundles IIRC) about 10 years ago, and to my horror I discovered that I am down to just a handful left. So I grabbed a bundle of torps off the Famous auction site last week. I was a bit hesitant because blends and quality change over the years. But ehhh...for 40 bucks, why not?

I just smoked an old one last week and it was fantastic. This one is...good! Not fantastic, but solid. A bit less bite/spice than the older blend, but not bad at all.

Honestly, I probably won't get another bundle.

[dave]

I agree. I've been buying a 2-5 bundles a year for many years. They are good 'fishing cigars'. Blend seems to have softened a little...and the burn isn't quite as consistently sharp as used to was, but reliable cigar, nonetheless.

For me, they are a model fishing cigar; decent flavor, box press (doesn't roll around on boat seat), and most importantly, I can leave one burning mindlessly out the side of my mouth for long periods without it going south - tastewise or burnwise. Had a couple fresh ones this past weekend, in fact; both solid.

[Da Klugs]

Memories. Before he became addicted to party shorts there was a day when Sam had 10 bundles stacked on his desk. A good solid honest smoke.

[Tio Gato]

Rumor at the time when they were awesome was that Oliveros came out with an XL brand.
Another company that makes a line starting with O and has an X took offense.
As a settlement the bands were removed and the cigars liquidated to Famous. I have no idea if that's true or not.

3000's were awesome. When the originals were gone Famous had someone else try to match the blend. Still a decent smoke, but a shadow of the old version.

[T.G]

Jeff, wasn't that the Oliva X? The Oliveros XL is still around, I think.

[Tio Gato]

Yup Adam. My brain is getting old.

[T.G]

I know the feeling, until you mentioned the X and Fuentes debacle, I thought these were the ones that were originally made by Pepin Sr.

[dave]

My opinion on these since April has gone down considerably. I've smoked most of a couple different size bundles this summer and while they don't quite 'suck', I they are nothing like the Nic3K's of years past. No way I could recommend these anymore.

[Fig_Nasty]

I was recently gifted a Nic 5000 and it was a great everyday stick. Burned nice and even with a great taste on the back end. Smoked it down to a nub.

I was actually considering buying a bundle to keep for throw downs, but after reading the thread I'm on the fence now. Recommendations?

[dave]

Never had a Nic 5K. But I've had a few more 3K's since my last post in this thread and I will attest, that I may have misspoke....my new assessment is that they do, indeed, suck

[kelmac07]

I always keep 5K Toros in the vinos...age them a few years and they are FANTASTIC bargain sticks. Always keep a handful of 3Ks as well. Can't beat these for the price.

[Fig_Nasty]

I guess I’ll take your word for it and not waste my time with the 3k’s then ��. I’ll still probably buy a bundle of the 5k and split the difference with one guys from work and see what happens. Either way it comes out to like $3 a stick so I’m not too worried.

[dave]

Never paid more than about 2 bucks per for Nic3K's (Cigar Auctioneer.)

They were a tremendous bargain years ago before they changed.

Looks like 5K's go for around the same prices

[Fig_Nasty]

Thanks for the heads up Dave

[Wharf Rat]

I smoked a lot of those gordos back in the day. I guess CI's Oliva 2nds are the way to go now. The Liga Vs are quite tasty!