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Posted

Ok please dont string me up for posting this question, what is it that makes cuban tobacco so special? Am I mistaken for thinking that cuba and lets say the Dom. Rep. have the similar climates and similar land make ups. So why is the DR's tobaccos so inferior. I also assume that tobacco from other countries are all cured, fermented, aged, and processed the same way as cuba's so once again why so inferior. I started my smoking career with NC's and have aquired quite a large collection and have really started to get involved here and try to grow a respectable CC collection. I havent smoked alot of CC but have had different R&J's and Cohibas and I honestly havent been entirely impressed. They have been good but the price and difficulty to aquire them makes it hard for them in mind to blow away some of the better NC's. So if I were to buy a box today from czar to make me a true believer in CC's, what should it be?

And please excuse me if anything I have said seems blasphemis to anyone here, no disrespect intended. Just really trying to develope the passion for CC that I see so many here have. Thanks

Posted

honestly cuban tobacco is simply the best in the world. I believe that the climate a conditons for growing in coutries such as the DR are great but Cuba is simply the best. they have a longer tradition cultivating tobacco and making a culture out of it. And honestly, it has a sweeter, creamier, all around more enjoyable, complex flavor with just a hint of spice. A flavor unlike any other tobacco. And once you start smoking the super ultra premium cubans.. they speak for themselves. you just have to try it to believe the hype. Personally I dont care much for cuban RyJ's...but Cohibas are excellent although some argue overpriced considering its brand power. I would personally recommend the Cohiba Maduro 5 Genios. Excellent. But this is just my opinion.

Posted

I would say that Cuban tobacco is not necessarily better than NC tobacco. As mentioned earlier, it is all a matter of taste. I smoke both CCs and NCs as I like the variety and enjoy tasting what is out there. I have other friends who hate CCs and only smoke NCs and vice versa. It all comes down to personal tastes and preferences. You may be one of those individuals who prefer NC tobacco. There is certainly nothing wrong with that.

In terms of cost...given the direction of taxes and the price level of premium NCs these days, there are many CCs that are on par and even cheaper than comparable quality NCs. There is no doubt that authentic quality CCs are more difficult to obtain though. That can be helped though by finding a quality retailer with great service (i.e., Cigar Czar, our host). It doesn't necessarily make the process easier, but it does make it better.

I'd try one of the samplers that Czar offers in a vitola that you enjoy and go from there. Read the posts here, as there are plenty of reviews, both video and written which may help you decide on what to try. For me, cigars are a journey...I hope that you will enjoy yours. Good luck...

Posted

some also call it umami.. i think thats japanese for when all the senses and flavors come together in harmony.

No, umami is a completely different thing: it's the taste of glutamate. Nothing to do with cuban terroir.

Posted

I would say that Cuban tobacco is not necessarily better than NC tobacco. As mentioned earlier, it is all a matter of taste.

Tobacco from Vuelta Abajo is richer than any other tobacco, it's a fact, not a matter of taste. Ask an agronomist. There are some books on the subject.

Posted

Ok please dont string me up for posting this question, what is it that makes cuban tobacco so special? Am I mistaken for thinking that cuba and lets say the Dom. Rep. have the similar climates and similar land make ups.

The soils are different. You might read and learn about terroir. You can start here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terroir

Posted

Tobacco from Vuelta Abajo is richer than any other tobacco, it's a fact, not a matter of taste. Ask an agronomist. There are some books on the subject.

I think that you may have misconstrued my message...ultimately it all comes down to taste, personal taste at that. Just because tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba is deemed to be richer, does not mean it is better for the smoker. Sure, the quality of the leaf may be better, but that does not mean the smoker will appreciate it more. What is best is determined by each individuals personal preferences and taste. And taste is always subjective. Some like Godiva chocolate, others prefer Hershey's. Some like 1st Growth Bordeaux, others prefer 2 Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. What is important is not what quality and value others ascribe to the tobacco, chocolate or wine you consume, but rather what your own preferences are. Therein lies the true value...

Posted

I havent smoked alot of CC but have had different R&J's and Cohibas and I honestly havent been entirely impressed.

We've had a few members come through who've had similar findings - kind of didn't understand what all the hubbub is about with Cuban cigars.

Just like many things, they're not for everyone. If you enjoy the cigars you regularly smoke, perhaps stick with them and count yourself lucky

you didn't get too involved with Havanas (I mean that sincerely).

I'd agree that there are many mediocre Cuban cigars, and that they often get a pass for one reason or another. I'm also not a big Cohiba fan.

It can't hurt to keep trying Havanas as you are able, but if in the end they're not for you, I don't think you need feel like you're missing out on

something - at least you've given them a try.

Posted

...ultimately it all comes down to taste, personal taste at that. ..

Sorry, but with this kind of reasoning it is simply impossible to have a discussion about the quality, specificity, particularity, singularity, etc. Everything is equal and a fool who drinks 2 Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's is entitled to say it's the best stuff…

Posted

Everything is equal and a fool who drinks 2 Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's is entitled to say it's the best stuff…

If a person has tasted wines from all over the globe and prefers TBC, there's nothing wrong with that - that's certainly personal preference

and hardly foolish.

Posted

Tobacco from Vuelta Abajo is richer than any other tobacco, it's a fact, not a matter of taste. Ask an agronomist. There are some books on the subject.

How are you (and the agronomists) defining "richer" in this context?

Posted

If a person has tasted wines from all over the globe and prefers TBC, there's nothing wrong with that - that's certainly personal preference

and hardly foolish.

Sorry again but this is very similar to the argument of people who are not able to tell the difference… (generally speaking, not directed to you ;) )

Posted

I thank you all for the replies, I just wanted some other opinions on the matter it seems a little controversal to bring this up. I just see so many people slam anything not cuban, so I wanted others opinions.

I have just recently picked up a 16 cigar sampler with about 6 or 7 smokes that it seems others really dig. I really enjoy everything cigars and soak up anything new that I am unfimilar with. I ready to dive in to the journey. I really wish I could get my hands on czar orders quicker than 3-4 weeks

Posted

*OOOHHH, what a terrific post question! :clap: I will do what I can to attempt an acceptable answer for you (and no don't feel anybody's gonna string you up here - we're all friends). Ahem, ahem! The high degree of lithium in Vuelta Abajo soil is said to contribute to Cuban tobacco's unique qualities. Also, if you open a box of Cuban cigars (or open the humidor lid containing them), put your nose close and get a whiff-you'll notice unmistakable honeyed maple and raisins like aroma. There's little else like it. When you smoke one, the aroma is nearly never "offensive" to other persons in the room. Some cigars (not necessarily machine-made) aren't that pleasant to by-standers. SOME aren't. But Cuban tobacco is so pleasant and almost non-descript that you actually get compliments. You'll notice that almost ALL other cigar brands make some sort of reference to Cuba in their advertising of. It's basically the best in the world. Yes, there will be differences of opinion which is everyone's right. It's like comparing Filet Mignon steak to ground round meat. Or comparing a Rolls-Royce to a Yugo. If you want smoothness, and that familiar honeyed brandywine flavor and aroma, nothing beats a fine Havana seegar. Some ARE a little close. But In Our Humble Opinion one does have to pay attention to what celebrities, politicians, and other rich & powerful people make it a point to obtain...the best in the world. Hope this tiny bit helps! :cigar::flower:

Posted

Cuban cigars taste better because they are more infested with tobacco beetles than non-Cuban cigars. Bettle larva and beetle poop removes the metallic taste that non-cuban tobacco has.

:innocent:

Posted

Sorry again but this is very similar to the argument of people who are not able to tell the difference… (generally speaking, not directed to you ;) )

An interesting perspective.

I love Guinness Stout. It's flavorful, rich, creamy, etc. But I have some beer-drinking friends who do not like it at all. They prefer beers that are, to me, lacking in character. Does this mean they just can't taste the difference? And if they could taste the difference they would like what I like? Or does it mean that I can't tell the difference and if I could, I would like what they like?

Posted

I always seem to fall back on my wine background...

Some people swear that French wine is the best in the world because as Dicko said "Terroir" is the reason. However, some people disagree and love California, Chilean, Australian or Spanish just as much. It's fairly obvious that some people "get it" and some people don't when it comes to the discussion of terroir. Additionally, there is no reason to push the Cuban superiority belief on those who cannot taste/smell the difference.

Those of us who have smoked a fair amount of both NC and CC have come to our own conclusions. I feel Cuban tobacco is special in a way no NC tobacco has shown me to this point. I get that the terroir influences the Cuban tobacco because I can taste/smell the difference and I prefer it to NC cigars. And that is the main point -- "I" prefer it, just like I prefer California wines to French etc. That is the only reason why I buy and smoke mostly Cuban cigars now. If I didn't I wouldn't buy them just to look at them, which has happened to a majority of my NC cigars I have purchased over the years.

Cheers and happy smoking!

Posted

Sorry again but this is very similar to the argument of people who are not able to tell the difference… (generally speaking, not directed to you ;) )

Blind tastings are often great equalizers... B)

Link

(Blind tasting cigar is Cohiba Siglo II)

Posted

… The high degree of lithium in Vuelta Abajo soil is said to contribute to Cuban tobacco's unique qualities.

Are you sure of that? Do you know a book here it's stated? Are you aware of any study that demonstrated it?

I'm quite sure it's a myth, a sort of urban (well, rural actualy) legend.

Posted

The soil has a great deal to do with it.The same goes with growing wine,coffee and pretty much else what we consume.

Posted

+2 Terroir

Terroir is a french concept that you are likely not familiar with unless your a pretty serious wine drinker. Spend some time reading about what Terroir is online and I think you will have a much better understanding what everyone is trying to express. Grapes show terroir. Tabacco shows terroir. Tea shows terroir. The list is pretty large, but the concept is most widely associated with wine grapes.

That is why you can take a wine made with the same grapes, in the same vintage, with exactly the same wine maker, but from a different vineyard/area/country and you will have two similar but very different wines.

Read about terroir.

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