Battle of the churchills: Espy vs Sir Winnie

[nikesupremedunk]

I've been wanting to buy a box of the Sir Winstons for some time now but these seem to be very hard to find. I haven't tried one yet but they seem to be very well regarded and I like the Upmann profile so I don't think I'll regret buying them (if I can just find them!)

Tonight I smoked a '12 Esplendidos that were resting for 4-5 months in my humi and man, it was friggin' awesome! I bought a 10'er and smoked one ROTT, which I vaguely remember as decent, but this one was definitely better. I want to age the rest but don't see that happening unless I invest in a full box this time. I also love Cohibas and it's probably one of my favorite marcas.

Now the question is, for those that have smoked both, which one would you buy a box of? Which do you think is a better churchill? I'm interested to see your replies.

[polarbear]

The last Sir Winston I had gave me a lot of trouble

It had a really tight draw and started to come apart not long after I lit it

All the Espys I've had have been outstanding

I prefer the Cohiba profile most of the time so its the Espy for me

[Duxnutz]

My last Sir Wistons (2002) took a while to get going but was a very classy smoke. Have a couple recent production I'm yet to try. Tough one for me but I'd go with the Upmanns just on price alone and then buy a couple 3 packs of Espys.

[mk05]

In my opinion, these are serious late bloomers. Almost a complete waste smoking these young <5yrs. I've had excellent experiences with the sale '02 SWs. '05 Espys are decent.

But start winding the clock back...'98 SWs are awesome. '96 Espy is good, but still Cohiba . '80s, '70s SWs...untouchable.

[markmurase]

I have a HQ box of Esplendidos (code TUG NOV 09) and a HQ box of Sir Winstons (code LOT OCT 10). Both are excellent.

The Sir Winnies I've smoked from the box have been smooth, satisfying cigars. My scores have been 91-92 and the Sir Winnies are continuing to improve. They are one of my favourite smokes.

I've smoked a similar number from the box of Esplendidos.They have a lovely flavour, with some typical Cohiba sweetness. The Esplendidos have been very good with scores of 90-91, but they they have been a little harsh in places so I think they need more time to age. At their peak, I'd guess that Esplendidos would be at least as good or better than Sir Winstons. If you were going for Esplendidos I wouldn't buy them 'blind' because quality can vary: try to get a HQ box.

I voted for the Sir Winstons because of their consistency.

[laficion]

It will be Sir Winstons, I don't care too much for Cohiba's.

[Hafner32]

I haven't had any recent production of either but have tried both with several years on them and I have had some Winnies from either 2002 or 2003 that were spectacular. My vote goes to the Sir Winston

[Hubba]

While both amazing cigars, I can't help but factor in the additional cost involved with the Cohibas.

[canadianbeaver]

Box of Sir Winstons; fiver of the Cohibas for special occasions or whatever.

[Habanos2000]

I've had SW's that have blown my socks off!

I've had Esplendido's that were pretty darn good.

Espy's cost a lot more than SW

So in my opinion:

HSW > CESP

[Ophidion]

Sir Winston all the way.

[MnMWC]

Great topic!

Two of my favorite cigars and very hard to find. Have some 2002 Sir Winnie's and 2004/2007 Cohiba Espis that are my special occasion smokes. I have enjoyed both, but my vote goes to Cohiba. The best cigar I have enjoyed was one of the 04 Espis that lasted 2 hours and was pure bliss. You can definitely tell that these need age... there is a difference in 04 and 07. As mentioned above, the younger cigars will have a few harsh spots.

[SurpriseMVP]

Sir Winston all the way.

X2

[nikosdoc]

Sir Winston's anytime of the day!

Amazing smoke,steady staple for those big cigar moments.

[JohnnyC]

Sir Winston for me.... one of my all time favorites

[nikesupremedunk]

Thanks all. I suppose it makes sense to get the SW since I already have some Espys.

Now if I can just find them!

[Guest rob]

I've got multiple boxes of SW.... And haven't even got a solitary single Espy in my stash.

Like MK said, they need time to develop.

Those who subscribe to the school of thought that says time can't make a cigar better.... I feel they're missing out on some great opportunities.

[aes8]

Tonight I smoked a '12 Esplendidos.

Baby Killer

[David67]

I've got multiple boxes of SW.... And haven't even got a solitary single Espy in my stash.

Like MK said, they need time to develop.

Those who subscribe to the school of thought that says time can't make a cigar better.... I feel they're missing out on some great opportunities.

Point taken about the aging, but for me I just don't have the money to have boxes of cigars sitting for years in the humidor! However I do leave one or two cigars from great boxes for as long as I can to try years latter.

[Jnaube]

I personnaly frefer the Cohiba. Got almost a full box of both Esplendidos and Sir winston from 2011 and both are splendid. BUT, I just prefer the flavors of the Cohiba. Tastewise, Cohiba wins it for me. Even with the price, I would still go for the Cohibas. I guess I'm a loyal Cohiba junkie.

[Charltonc]

Sir WInnies. I have enjoyed some excellent ones from 2010 and the usual 2002 batch.

[Hohenthal]

I'm an Upmann-guy

[LGC]

Older is not always better. The cigar has to have the right "guts" to begin with. You also have to factor in subjective tastes, blend inconsistency, and construction inconsistency. I'm not a proponent of throwing down cash on boxes of expensive sticks and expecting them to blow you out of the water after leaving them untouched for 10 years. I would advise trying a couple 1st, then proceed from there. Also, I never depend on a single cigar to make the celebration of an event... even from a "good" box that has been already sampled. Just my $0.02

[bassman]

Well, I voted Cohiba, but I'd take a Bolivar Corona Gigante over either & keep the change. I

[perfectform]

Very difficult decision for me personally. When they are on, it really doesn't get any better.