A NC package comes home.

[El Presidente]

I have to thank all the lads/lasses at the Toronto Party who put together a NC package. Outside of Padron and Fuente I don't get to experience too many NC's on a regular basis. I have been working through this humidor since I have returned.

I really haven't found a dud stick amongst them to date. The lanceros have been my favourite. All in all NC's have made great strides but still need to work a little on the flavour "Journey". I can't recall any (so far) where the flavour trasnforms throughout the cigar. Good, sometimes excellent but after 1/2 I am wanting that little kick, or nuance of change.

Great fun and a great experience. Thank you! If you know what you put in the humidor, list them for me.

[NJP]

All this talk of NC and now the members have sent some tasters to the Pres, I hope my Patriotism to the CC dose not weaken. Someone give me strength.

[El Presidente]

All this talk of NC and now the members have sent some tasters to the Pres, I hope my Patriotism to the CC dose not weaken. Someone give me strength.

Relax, from what I have experienced the walls of the Cuban Cigar are in no danger of being breached anytime soon

[CanuckSARTech]

LOL.

[BobKincaid]

Wow, Pres! I see my favorite NC lancero in there. The Padilla Series '68. It's aged nicely in my humi, but you're right: not a lot of development, although what's there is definitely a good quality flavor.

Padilla's other marcas have received more praise, but I've seen better consistency and blending consideration in the Series '68 than any other.

[Diamondog]

Opus and the La Aurora 100 Anos...2 of my favorite NC's....I smoke both CC and NC heavily but my palette is screaming out for an all CC binge for the next little while...

[riazp]

I kind of feel the same way Rob, some NC's start off great, but the flavors dont change and after half the cigar, it leaves me wanting a change, but never get one. I guess as a CC smoker where the flavors transform and takes you on a journey, most NC's will stay on course most of the way.

[Colt45]

Relax, from what I have experienced the walls of the Cuban Cigar are in no danger of being breached anytime soon

With respect to the Cuban Cigar, I agree. Regarding the current monopoly, I'm much less sure.

As I've mentioned more than once, I'm an advocate for open competition in their production, but no

need to beat that drum in this discussion - enjoy the cigars.

[Lastroll]

You have a lot of very high quality NC's there. Try that E.P. Carrillo.. I'm going to light one up right now in your honor~

[cigcars]

...looked at that pic of those familiar NC's in the Pres' stash and my only thought was, "Ugh!!" But I am happy to see the statements that our beloved CC's are in no danger of being truly outclassed!

[Squarehead]

Just sit back and enjoy them as much as you can.

[mdzotti78]

I think I see a "Flying Pig" buried in there. Give that one a go, Prez. It's very good.

[Puros Y Vino]

I put a Casa Fernandez Lancero and a Oliva Series O Perfecto. Those lanceros are quite good too.

[jedipastor]

Definitely a few good ones I can see in there. The only one that really compares to a CC in terms of profile is probably the 100 Anos. Not that the tobacco tastes "Cuban," of course, but it has some flavors I'd expect more from a Habano than a Dominican. And Padron, of course, is classic a Nicaraguan. The EP Carillo is surprisingly good, I like all the stuff he's put out so far, it's pretty unique. Enjoy!

[randomhero1090]

EP Carillo makes a great cigar. One of my new favorite NCs.

But that sweet/creamy CC flavor is just something you can't find anywhere but Cuba!!!

[Orion21]

I see an Opus Band, unless I am mistaken. And I agree with Prez. Until NC companies start growing their tobacco in Cuba, nothing is going to change.

[thechenman]

I see an Opus Band, unless I am mistaken. And I agree with Prez. Until NC companies start growing their tobacco in Cuba, nothing is going to change.

One day...hopefully sooner rather than later the U.S. embargo on Cuba will be lifted...in time I fully expect to see Cuba selling Cuban tobacco as in the past with many NC cigar manufacturers (i.e., Padron, Fuente, etc.) buying Cuban tobacco. We'll see the re-emergence or the new equivalent of Havana Clears. I personally am looking forward to that day.

[PigFish]

Relax, from what I have experienced the walls of the Cuban Cigar are in no danger of being breached anytime soon

...yeah, but then they went and got me pissed off at them!!! -LOL

[CaptainQuintero]

One day...hopefully sooner rather than later the U.S. embargo on Cuba will be lifted...in time I fully expect to see Cuba selling Cuban tobacco as in the past with many NC cigar manufacturers (i.e., Padron, Fuente, etc.) buying Cuban tobacco. We'll see the re-emergence or the new equivalent of Havana Clears. I personally am looking forward to that day.

Interesting point there.

However when the embargo is lifted, the government will still be in control of the factories/prime land/industries. The only thing that I can see changing is that HSA will export their products to the US, I personally can't see them giving their market advantage away to their NC rivals and the embaro being lifted won't force them to do that. ie letting even one leaf leave the island to go to a NC company.

IMO the only thing that will change with the embargo being lifted is a range of cigars (Cuban) will be made available in the US (Being sold by HSA). The only way NC companies will be able to get their hands on Cuban leaves will be to physically go to Cuba and fill as many suitcases as they can with them and try to get out of dodge ASAP

[Plato]

I can see it now:

Regional Editions for the United States.

A bunch of 60 gauge freaks. Who was it on the boards who called em "Donkey **** cigars"

LOL

[Maron76]

If I remember correctly....

Padilla Series 68 Lancero

Padilla Miami Bellicoso

Padron Lonsdale ( really yellow cello) they are roughly 7 yrs old.

Enjoy

[LowKey]

There's a time and place for NC cigars. IMO, there are some NC brands that can knock the socks off of certain CC blends. Everyone has their own tastes and different pallets interprate sences differently. Be open to the spices of life, you simply never know.

[CigarmanTim]

"I can't recall any (so far) where the flavour trasnforms throughout" and I don't think you will. NC's are soooo consistant I believe you lose the complexity. A good parable would be processed cheese to a good amish cheese. The processed cheese is very consistant but not complex nor remarkable. The amish cheese on the other hand...

[Charltonc]

I can see it now:

Regional Editions for the United States.

A bunch of 60 gauge freaks. Who was it on the boards who called em "Donkey **** cigars"

LOL

That was me. I work at a store and I have explained to the 60 ring gauge guys that I am glad they are enjoying cigars, but I give them a good corona to try and they come back and usually want more coronas, corona gordas, londsdales, and lanceros.