sg1234 Posted July 29, 2010 Posted July 29, 2010 As a newcomer to the world of CCs, I have no experience with Regional Editions (REs). I am looking to pick up a box of reasonably priced, generally available REs, but I don't know where to start. Note: I don't typically like to mess around with purchasing singles, especially since I don't think it is fair to judge a vitola or blend based on one or two cigars. To give you an idea of what I like, my favorite standard production smokes have been BRC, PSD4, RASS, BBF, RyJ Churchill and Short Churchill, Upmann Mag50, Monte 2, Trini Reyes, and PLPC. LEs I have enjoyed are Trini Ingenios 07, Monte Sublime 08, and HdM Regalos 07. As you can see, my taste in blends and vitolas is quite varied. I like almost anything medium to full bodied with loads of flavor. Earth, leather, and pepper from a PSD4 or coffee, vanilla, and cream from a Trini Reyes are flavors I can pinpoint as favorites. Smooth tobacco and toast from the Mag50 and Monte 2 are also memorable. Rob, I am particularly interested in your vote as I have found in watching the FOH video reviews that I always agree with you, minus your opinion of the RyJ Churchill. Ideally, everyone could vote on what you think I would like based on what I typically enjoy (see above). Please note in your reply if you voted for your favorite or what you think I would like. REs available from the Czar would be great, but not required. Thanks for your suggestions.
Onsto Posted July 29, 2010 Posted July 29, 2010 Not sure why you'd choose to get onto the RE bandwagon. If you try one and love it, fair enough, but otherwise you are just paying a premium for no reason other than exclusivity...
chrisguinther Posted July 29, 2010 Posted July 29, 2010 I selected the PL Robustos as I've found these to be good and with more time great. Also, I would have to give a thumbs up for the German RA Belicosos. They're showing their youth but are already a great smoking experience.
bassman Posted July 29, 2010 Posted July 29, 2010 The German RA Belis are a fantastic smoke. SLR Pacificos also quite good. The RA CFs, if you get the right box, is a fantastic strong cigar. Some people say theirs are quite bland, I got some good ones. If you go for the RA CF (which are reasonably priced) I would have Rob or Lisa pick a high quality box for you. Might cost a couple dollars more, but well worth it. You'd go broke trying to chase ALL the REs out there. Your list is only a fraction of them. But some of them are musts in any cigar rotation. All of course, IMHO.
sg1234 Posted July 29, 2010 Author Posted July 29, 2010 Not sure why you'd choose to get onto the RE bandwagon. If you try one and love it, fair enough, but otherwise you are just paying a premium for no reason other than exclusivity... Correct me if I'm wrong, but REs are not merely re-banded more exclusive standard production smokes. Are they not special blends and vitolas ordered by various Habanos distributors for their market? They are produced in limited quantities and carry a higher price tag. I understand your issue with the increased price, but my intent is to see if (based on my taste) others could recommend a RE that I might like. You have a valid point, though, and it seems many agree with you. Almost half of you have voted "Don't waste your time (money) with REs."
sg1234 Posted July 29, 2010 Author Posted July 29, 2010 You'd go broke trying to chase ALL the REs out there. Your list is only a fraction of them. But some of them are musts in any cigar rotation. All of course, IMHO. I was trying to keep the voting options to REs offered by Czar. Fill-ins are welcome too.
perfectform Posted July 29, 2010 Posted July 29, 2010 I voted for the PL Robusto. I liked it the most out of the choices you offered up, with the PL Belicoso in at a close second. I have yet to try the SLR Pacificos, but love the profile. Based on your tastes, the RA Celestiales Finos may be the best bet though. It would probably give you a more satisfying experience than the others. It's nice and robust. I've said on more than one occasion that I abhor the Bolivar Short Bolivar. But that's just me. Some people love them. (why? Hope you get a good box pal!
rock Posted July 29, 2010 Posted July 29, 2010 I voted for the pl robustos, they are a great smoke with wonderful flavors. I truly love the RE program. I love the fact that I can try a cigar in a size that a brand doesn't have. An example is the pl Robusto or the JL maximos, the bolivar legendarios, and the bolivar short bolivar. I have tried all these cigars and they have diffrent flavors than what the typical cigars in these brands have. It is a unique experience that very few people get to experience. My latest purchase was the juan lopez maximo, it is one of the best cigars I have ever tasted.
Guest rob Posted July 29, 2010 Posted July 29, 2010 If you're a newcomer to CC's - I cant in good conscience recommend you spending money on an RE. There are sooo many amazing standard production CCs out there and I would suggest refining your palate on those. But, if you absolutley must, I would buy the PL Robusto and RA Estupendo. If you really want a memorable one - try the RA Celestiales Fino.
SethLG Posted July 30, 2010 Posted July 30, 2010 If you're a newcomer to CC's - I cant in good conscience recommend you spending money on an RE. There are sooo many amazing standard production CCs out there and I would suggest refining your palate on those.But, if you absolutley must, I would buy the PL Robusto and RA Estupendo. If you really want a memorable one - try the RA Celestiales Fino. Isn't that the truth.
sg1234 Posted July 30, 2010 Author Posted July 30, 2010 I can see why one would say stick with standard production. In the few months I have been smoking CCs, I have already amassed several boxes of standard production smokes. However, in the case of the PL Robusto, the price is not unreasonable. I might give those a try. Thanks for the input guys.
sg1234 Posted July 30, 2010 Author Posted July 30, 2010 Based on your tastes, the RA Celestiales Finos may be the best bet though. It would probably give you a more satisfying experience than the others. It's nice and robust. Hope you get a good box pal! Thanks, Luke! It seems like we have fairly similar taste in cigars from what I have noticed. I will definitely look into the Celestiales.
asmith Posted July 31, 2010 Posted July 31, 2010 Rob, I am particularly interested in your vote as I have found in watching the FOH video reviews that I always agree with you, You do realise we are drunk in most of those reviews, I recall one where Rob was drinking from a jam jar?
Wicky Posted July 31, 2010 Posted July 31, 2010 You do realise we are drunk in most of those reviews, I recall one where Rob was drinking from a jam jar? zigarzzergud!
drake2k Posted July 31, 2010 Posted July 31, 2010 My taste seems very close to yours, from the cigars you said you like. My all time favorite CC is the Edmundo Dantes Conde 109. It's a Mexico RE. They're not terribly expensive (about $700 for a box of 25), but can be tough to find. If you can find them, I think you'll love them.
bassman Posted August 1, 2010 Posted August 1, 2010 My taste seems very close to yours, from the cigars you said you like. My all time favorite CC is the Edmundo Dantes Conde 109. It's a Mexico RE. They're not terribly expensive (about $700 for a box of 25), but can be tough to find.If you can find them, I think you'll love them. They ARE excellent cigars & I find each year's release have distinctive flavor profiles, but for someone just getting into Cuban cigars $700 is a lot of money for 25 cigars. (Paid considerably less for mine, but still an expensive cigar)
Colt45 Posted August 1, 2010 Posted August 1, 2010 You do realise we are drunk in most of those reviews, I recall one where Rob was drinking from a jam jar? yeah, the funniest part was when he realized it was Ken's tasting spittoon......
Colt45 Posted August 1, 2010 Posted August 1, 2010 It seems a number of the cigars on your list are still available as singles - why not try a few of each?
aavkk Posted August 1, 2010 Posted August 1, 2010 buddy either the PL Robustos or the RA Estupendos are excellent choices. Both represent their respective marque very well and have an added "something" that I find in the very best RE's. I am actually amazed that the PL Robustos are still around, they will be carrying close to 3 years of box age and are blended IMO to really go the long haul and be something very special. That being said, if these boxes are going to be the majority of your purchasing for the next several months I would recommend spending more time and money on regular production that you havent yet experienced.
sg1234 Posted August 3, 2010 Author Posted August 3, 2010 You do realise we are drunk in most of those reviews, I recall one where Rob was drinking from a jam jar? In that case, tell Rob I want his opinion on this matter after a few glasses of wine. Funny, I still find the video reviews helpful and informative.
sg1234 Posted August 3, 2010 Author Posted August 3, 2010 You guys talked me out of it. There are a few boxes of standard production smokes I should pick up before I delve into REs.
CanuckSARTech Posted August 4, 2010 Posted August 4, 2010 If you're a newcomer to CC's - I cant in good conscience recommend you spending money on an RE. There are sooo many amazing standard production CCs out there and I would suggest refining your palate on those.But, if you absolutley must, I would buy the PL Robusto and RA Estupendo. If you really want a memorable one - try the RA Celestiales Fino. Fully agreed with what Rob says. Only go for an RE if it stands out for you - you shouldn't have to go eeny-meeny-miny-moe to find one. The main stuff is better, IMO. My taste seems very close to yours, from the cigars you said you like. My all time favorite CC is the Edmundo Dantes Conde 109. It's a Mexico RE. They're not terribly expensive (about $700 for a box of 25), but can be tough to find.If you can find them, I think you'll love them. Notwithstanding what I just said above, I also highly agree with what Drake2K stated. The Conde 109's are beautiful cigars - they are definitely one of the few RE's that I've had in the past 12 years that are definitely worthwhile to grab (about 14 or 15 different RE selections tried, I'd have to look back through my bands to be sure).
thechenman Posted August 4, 2010 Posted August 4, 2010 ED109s are great cigars...I concur with that. From your list I would go with the RA Estupendos...but I am glad to read that you have decided to stick to the regular production cigars for now. There really is nothing wrong with going after REs, I do it myself. However, what most REs don't offer, at least IMHO, is a true representation of the marca whose label they bear.
CanuckSARTech Posted August 4, 2010 Posted August 4, 2010 ...However, what most REs don't offer, at least IMHO, is a true representation of the marca whose label they bear. Here, here. Well put.
Habanakane21 Posted August 4, 2010 Posted August 4, 2010 I've yet to smoke a regional. It's not something I'm purposely doing, it just doesn't intrigue me. My good friend brought me back a '08 RA Spain regional I plan to smoke this weekend in Vegas. I'm hoping it's not good. I don't think my wallet can afford it!
Recommended Posts