Pinar Del Rio - What do you think?

Goldie · 09-02-2010, 12:20 AM

I was browsing the NHC website and saw some Pinar Del Rio smokes that looked pretty good. After a quick search in the reviews section, as well as this particular forum, I came up with some very mixed reviews. The reviews aren't very old, the earliest went back to March 2009. According to NHC, the Habano Series has been revamped, and sounds like maybe a price redux as well.

Revsmoke started a thread here (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showth...ighlight=pinar) that really surprised me how hit and miss this smoke was for the different members.

So if you have smoked some Pinar Del Rio's, and enjoyed them, what was your favorite? What did you like about them? Hell, what didn't you like about them?

They seem to be reasonably priced, so I thought I would look into them a bit more.

Any feedback or thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks all.

+Drew

sikk50 · 09-02-2010, 12:54 AM

I've had a couple all gifted to me by Skywalker (thank D!) and I enjoyed the ones I had. It's been a while I don't remember what ones they were I remember the one I liked most had a blue or teal color on the band

Frodo · 09-02-2010, 05:06 AM

I tried an Oscuro Robusto. Nice enough @ $4 but didn't send me running for another...

09-02-2010, 05:23 AM

I'm told that Pinar Del Rio has undergone changes. They changed the factory in which cigars are produced in, got new rollers, and tweaked all of the blends. I don't know when this went into effect or how much it has changed the final product.

I smoked a couple of IPCPR samples and they were good.

My absolute favorite was the Classico Exclusivo Lancero from last year.

Dunkel · 09-02-2010, 06:23 AM

I was gifted an Oscuro Robusto some time ago and it had awful burn issues. Abe found out about it and sent me some Toros to try and they burned and tasted good. They are a little overpriced IMO. I have a Capa Madura in the humidor that smells great. Can't wait to try it.

Kreth · 09-02-2010, 06:57 AM

Mario sent me a couple to try in the MAW. Nice flavors, crappy burn. I was a little put off when Abe posted this thread announcing a new release, and promising a raffle "in the next week or so." Five weeks later, he ignored two posts (from me and DropTheE) referencing the raffle.
Posted via Mobile Device

BryanB · 09-02-2010, 07:21 AM

I really enjoy the Capa Maduros and Habano Sun Grown. Great smokes for the $$.

RevSmoke · 09-02-2010, 07:27 AM

Drew,

I have some Maduro Toros and some Sun Grown Torpedos. I like both of them. The SGs were a bit more spicy and really full flavored, while the maduros are a bit sweeter. I have also had a couple Exclusivos and they seem to be a bit different - more leather and cedar.

neoflex · 09-02-2010, 08:25 AM

I have only had a handful of the Blue labels which I believe are the Oscuros. They had nice flavor and a great aroma but as mentioned early I do remember the burn not being the greatest and a flaky ash that somehow always ended in my lap durung the two I smoked in the car.

elderboy02 · 09-02-2010, 08:33 AM

They did a blend for BOTL.org who got their own custom cigars rolled. They are pretty good

Brooks W · 09-02-2010, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elderboy02

They did a blend for BOTL.org who got their own custom cigars rolled. They are pretty good

Yep, honestly, the BOTL blend is the best thing to come out of PDR lately, IMHO, and cheap to boot

Burning leaf has them...

Hope that helps!

~brooks

issues · 09-02-2010, 08:48 AM

My favorite is the 1878 Capa Madura. I have tried the re-blended Limitada and it is very good. The Old blend of the Oscuro wasn't mind-blowing but it was still tasty. Never had a burn problem or any issues...

With most boxes around the $100 mark they are great smokes for the price IMO.

Skywalker · 09-02-2010, 09:07 AM

I think they are very enjoyable and high quality.

My favorite was the Oscuro (see review below):

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9823

The Classico Exclusivo got even better with more time:

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=12931

I hope this helps!

Mr B · 09-02-2010, 10:44 AM

I got this sampler a while back on Monster for about $15. I tried all 4 after some rest. The were all just ok. None of them really jumped out at me, and I have not gone back for more. If you can find them cheap, maybe $3 each, give em a try.

http://www.famous-smoke.com/pinar+de...ars/item+29616

Adriftpanda · 09-02-2010, 12:41 PM

They're good. I liked them enough to buy a box of the PDR Habanos, and I rarely buy NC boxes, but this was at least 2 years ago.

chatboardhero · 09-02-2010, 03:01 PM

Abe is one of the coolest cats I've met in the industry. I respect the fact that he is not trying to emulate all the "lifestyle" brands that are coming out these days. He is not a rock star; he's just a normal guy that wants to make great cigars. The Party Source has been championing his work for about two years, and we proudly have his back. Currently, he is in the process of re-blending his lines, switching to a 20 count box format, and lowering his prices. He has some really cool stuff on the horizon.

Superbad · 09-02-2010, 05:13 PM

I have a box of the BOTL small batch, they are very good. The Oscuro are often on Famous' auction site for pretty cheap.

thebayratt · 09-02-2010, 09:51 PM

They are all pretty good, except the new 1886 (i think thats the name)... I didn't care for it one bit.

Don Francisco · 09-02-2010, 10:11 PM

Crazy me! I like PDRs, especially the 1878 Maduros. I think they're reasonably priced and carry all of them. Abe is tops in my book.

btw, if you have some and don't like them you know where to send them - ME!

09-03-2010, 08:45 AM

Great Cigars! I loved the old SG Habano and Oscuro's....

I smoked one of the reblended SG Habano's a couple of
days ago and fell in love! I've also smoked the corona
and robusto in the capa maduro line and enjoyed both
of them. for 100/box you can't go wrong!

09-02-2010, 12:20 AM	#1
Goldie Bring the pain! Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Drew Location: Ohio Posts: 808 Trading: (13)	Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? I was browsing the NHC website and saw some Pinar Del Rio smokes that looked pretty good. After a quick search in the reviews section, as well as this particular forum, I came up with some very mixed reviews. The reviews aren't very old, the earliest went back to March 2009. According to NHC, the Habano Series has been revamped, and sounds like maybe a price redux as well. Revsmoke started a thread here (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showth...ighlight=pinar) that really surprised me how hit and miss this smoke was for the different members. So if you have smoked some Pinar Del Rio's, and enjoyed them, what was your favorite? What did you like about them? Hell, what didn't you like about them? They seem to be reasonably priced, so I thought I would look into them a bit more. Any feedback or thoughts are appreciated. Thanks all. +Drew __________________ Come in here dear boy, have a cigar, you're gonna go far - Pink Floyd I like my draw, like I like my women, a little loose - Goldie

09-02-2010, 12:54 AM	#2
sikk50 Just Bored Really... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Andrew Location: The Jefferson State Posts: 2,084 Trading: (13)	Re: Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? I've had a couple all gifted to me by Skywalker (thank D!) and I enjoyed the ones I had. It's been a while I don't remember what ones they were I remember the one I liked most had a blue or teal color on the band __________________ "Not a Headache in a Hogshead"

09-02-2010, 05:06 AM	#3
Frodo Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 410 Trading: (4)	Re: Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? I tried an Oscuro Robusto. Nice enough @ $4 but didn't send me running for another...

09-02-2010, 05:23 AM	#4
Walt Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? I'm told that Pinar Del Rio has undergone changes. They changed the factory in which cigars are produced in, got new rollers, and tweaked all of the blends. I don't know when this went into effect or how much it has changed the final product. I smoked a couple of IPCPR samples and they were good. My absolute favorite was the Classico Exclusivo Lancero from last year.

09-02-2010, 06:23 AM	#5
Dunkel Maduro & Oscuro Whore-O Join Date: Jun 2009 First Name: Doug Location: West by God Virginia Posts: 2,232 Trading: (75)	Re: Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? I was gifted an Oscuro Robusto some time ago and it had awful burn issues. Abe found out about it and sent me some Toros to try and they burned and tasted good. They are a little overpriced IMO. I have a Capa Madura in the humidor that smells great. Can't wait to try it. __________________ Blue Label,Any Filipe Gregorio,Acid,Don Elias,El Mejor Espresso,Tierra del Sol

09-02-2010, 06:57 AM	#6
Kreth Ronin smoker Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Jeff Location: Oneonta, NY Posts: 3,620 Trading: (14)	Re: Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? Mario sent me a couple to try in the MAW. Nice flavors, crappy burn. I was a little put off when Abe posted this thread announcing a new release, and promising a raffle "in the next week or so." Five weeks later, he ignored two posts (from me and DropTheE) referencing the raffle. Posted via Mobile Device

09-02-2010, 07:21 AM	#7
BryanB Have My Own Room Join Date: Nov 2008 First Name: Bryan Location: Benson, NC Posts: 1,177 Trading: (58)	Re: Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? I really enjoy the Capa Maduros and Habano Sun Grown. Great smokes for the $$. __________________ "Cheap cigars come in handy; they stifle the odor of cheap politicians." Ulysses S. Grant

09-02-2010, 07:27 AM	#8
RevSmoke Ain't Never Gonna Leave Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Todd Location: Northcentral woods of Wisconsin Posts: 6,849 Trading: (51)	Re: Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? Drew, I have some Maduro Toros and some Sun Grown Torpedos. I like both of them. The SGs were a bit more spicy and really full flavored, while the maduros are a bit sweeter. I have also had a couple Exclusivos and they seem to be a bit different - more leather and cedar. __________________ Todd__ "Smoke what you like, and enjoy it!"

09-02-2010, 08:25 AM	#9
neoflex I'm nuts for the place Join Date: Nov 2008 First Name: John Location: Monroe, NC Posts: 2,765 Trading: (32)	Re: Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? I have only had a handful of the Blue labels which I believe are the Oscuros. They had nice flavor and a great aroma but as mentioned early I do remember the burn not being the greatest and a flaky ash that somehow always ended in my lap durung the two I smoked in the car. __________________

09-02-2010, 08:33 AM	#10
elderboy02 Lets Go Buckeyes! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dan Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 12,508 Trading: (133)	Re: Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? They did a blend for BOTL.org who got their own custom cigars rolled. They are pretty good

09-02-2010, 08:48 AM	#12
issues Have My Own Room Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Tony Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 1,626 Trading: (8)	Re: Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? My favorite is the 1878 Capa Madura. I have tried the re-blended Limitada and it is very good. The Old blend of the Oscuro wasn't mind-blowing but it was still tasty. Never had a burn problem or any issues... With most boxes around the $100 mark they are great smokes for the price IMO. __________________

09-02-2010, 09:07 AM	#13
Skywalker BABOTL Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dice Location: Galaxy Far Far Away Posts: 10,168 Trading: (18)	Re: Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? I think they are very enjoyable and high quality. My favorite was the Oscuro (see review below): http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9823 The Classico Exclusivo got even better with more time: http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=12931 I hope this helps! __________________ Smoke what you like!!!

09-02-2010, 10:44 AM	#14
Mr B Livin' in a Van.... Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,233 Trading: (79)	Re: Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? I got this sampler a while back on Monster for about $15. I tried all 4 after some rest. The were all just ok. None of them really jumped out at me, and I have not gone back for more. If you can find them cheap, maybe $3 each, give em a try. http://www.famous-smoke.com/pinar+de...ars/item+29616

09-02-2010, 12:41 PM	#15
Adriftpanda Peter's Daddy Join Date: May 2009 First Name: Huy Location: No one wants me Posts: 10,313 Trading: (74)	Re: Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? They're good. I liked them enough to buy a box of the PDR Habanos, and I rarely buy NC boxes, but this was at least 2 years ago. __________________ Who eats plantains when they can eat placenta.

09-02-2010, 03:01 PM	#16
chatboardhero Makin' it Rain! Join Date: Jun 2010 First Name: Kevin Location: Bellevue, KY Posts: 54 Trading: (0)	Re: Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? Abe is one of the coolest cats I've met in the industry. I respect the fact that he is not trying to emulate all the "lifestyle" brands that are coming out these days. He is not a rock star; he's just a normal guy that wants to make great cigars. The Party Source has been championing his work for about two years, and we proudly have his back. Currently, he is in the process of re-blending his lines, switching to a 20 count box format, and lowering his prices. He has some really cool stuff on the horizon.

09-02-2010, 05:13 PM	#17
Superbad Have My Own Room Join Date: Apr 2010 First Name: Bobby Location: Panama City, FL Posts: 1,784 Trading: (53)	Re: Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? I have a box of the BOTL small batch, they are very good. The Oscuro are often on Famous' auction site for pretty cheap.

09-02-2010, 09:51 PM	#18
thebayratt Still Watching My Ash Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Shawn Location: Mississippi Posts: 1,326 Trading: (11)	Re: Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? They are all pretty good, except the new 1886 (i think thats the name)... I didn't care for it one bit.

09-02-2010, 10:11 PM	#19
Don Francisco Manufacturer/Retailer Join Date: May 2009 First Name: Lewis Location: New Jersey Posts: 172 Trading: (7)	Re: Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? Crazy me! I like PDRs, especially the 1878 Maduros. I think they're reasonably priced and carry all of them. Abe is tops in my book. btw, if you have some and don't like them you know where to send them - ME! __________________ http://www.donfranciscocigars.com/

09-03-2010, 08:45 AM	#20
whodeeni Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Pinar Del Rio - What do you think? Great Cigars! I loved the old SG Habano and Oscuro's.... I smoked one of the reblended SG Habano's a couple of days ago and fell in love! I've also smoked the corona and robusto in the capa maduro line and enjoyed both of them. for 100/box you can't go wrong!