Ladies & Gents, how are you finding the recent releases, 2014-onwards?

[CanuckSARTech]

Ladies and Gents,

I've fairly been out of it for the past year or so, just so damned busy with work and family / personal stuff. But, for those of you who have been knee deep into the recent releases from 2014 onwards, how are you finding it all?

I'm asking, as I'm going back down to Havana again shortly, and wondering if I should dip my toes into the recent release waters.

Don't get me wrong - I'll be loading up on customs, those RA EL's, and likely loads of these new Dip RE Cuba robustos (I've said for years and years that THOSE are what Diplomaticos has needed for ages).

But, I'll be travelling with the Mrs and some friends, so my allotment / travelling limit will be exponentially increased, thankfully, LOL. So, I'll have room for all that, and THEN SOME!

So, some recent stuff I'm curious on:

1. PL Picadores - bought a few singles when they first came out, picked up a box in Havana last November or so, and haven't really dug into them since. How are they looking?
2. Trini Vigias - same thing exactly. Turning out well? I personally still think they have a high bar to beat for me, with boxloads left of quality Robusto T's and Fundadores in a deep sleep.
3. Monte Double Edmundos - I liked the look of the format, and even the new bands, when they were first released. That said, I didn't try any, as everyone seemed to think they were meh to filth when initially smoked. Any improvements? Are they worthwhile?
4. Partagas Seleccion Privada - these little 10-boxes of EL sticks were dark and oily when I got to try a bunch back in November last year in Havana, and then again this past Feb/Mar. However, with some time on them, are they worthwhile to still look at?

Anywho, just some thoughts I'd like to get from the crowd.

Again, don't get me wrong - I do still plan on following the 3 golden rules of cigar buying in Cuba when I go down at the end of the month (1 - buy custom cigars; 2 - buy 50-cabs and rare/hard-to-find; and 3 - buy aged 10-year-plus stock when you can find it in quality offerings that suit you) - everything else, I can buy with Czar's or any other of the plethora of quality online vendors. And, yes, Hubba and Shannon and Frank and Enis (and damn near EVERYBODY FREAKIN' ELSE IN T.O.), I will be bringing back loads of the RA EL 10-packs and those Dip RE Cuba's.

But, I'm simply wondering if there's anything else worthwhile I should look at down there.

Cheers all.

[Lant63]

I Have always liked the Double Edmundo, I think it smokes very well, with good construction and true flavors to the marca. If you can find some 2013 original release with dark wrappers I would t least pick up a ten count.

[Lotusguy]

Clear winner are the Vigias for me.

Note, I never liked the Trini T

[Lant63]

Clear winner are the Vigias for me.

Note, I never liked the Trini T

what is the general flavor profile of them?

[Lotusguy]

what is the general flavor profile of them?

Which one? All the Ts I tried were linear and boring.

The Vigia is nutty for me. The only issue is that a significant percentage is rolled rather loose. I use my smallest punch.

[Fuzz AI]

Picadores and Privadas. Of the ones I've had so far, they have been fantastic smokes.

[Troels]

Liked the vigia, though a little mild for my taste. They are priced like the Connie a's. The picadores i've had has been quite tasty.

Didnt like the RA CA much. Smoke was sort of thin. Didnt have the body of a typical RA - only had one though.

Had a ryj cedro de luxe that was quite nice. Worth trying

Will be going myself in the end of december, so will read your reports with great interest

Happy hunting

[Carts]

They're good Keith, thanks for asking

[CanuckSARTech]

They're good Keith, thanks for asking

LOL, I remember you saying you were liking those Picadores. Did you smoke through all 5 or so that we traded for? How have you found the overall consistency and performance?

I just haven't been able to dig into them too much myself.

[Carts]

LOL, I remember you saying you were liking those Picadores. Did you smoke through all 5 or so that we traded for? How have you found the overall consistency and performance?

I just haven't been able to dig into them too much myself.

Smoked all 5 the same week I received them - they were great and had I had the whole box I would have smoked through all 25.

Also, I remember Tom saying that the Partagas LE 2014 were a 'go deep' cigar. I've tried a few singles and was very impressed. Am currently looking for a few boxes of these.

[JohnS]

• PL Picadores - I've not tried yet, but I have Montecarlos and Petit Coronas sleeping and I'm content with the lower ring guage PL's.
• Trini Vigias - If you've got boxloads left of quality Robusto T's and Fundadores in a deep sleep, it may not hurt to get a 12-count box. As for myself, I've had opportunities to grab a box but I'm holding out for some quality Reyes to come up on 24:24 (it may be awhile!)
• Monte Double Edmundos - I can't comment again on this specifically, as when I go for a Robusto Extra vitola I tend to go to a Cohiba Siglo VI or Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo San Juan. Then again, I'm a sucker for the Montecristo flavour profile.
• Partagas Seleccion Privada - I agree that the wrappers need time to settle, but I've liked the ones I've tried and I'm ecstatic to have a box resting, especially as El Pres mentioned recently that these are not around currently. I'm sure you'll be able to locate a box in your part of the world. If you do, in my humble opinion, you won't regret it.

[shlomo]

• PL Picadores - I've not tried yet, but I have Montecarlos and Petit Coronas sleeping and I'm content with the lower ring guage PL's.
• Trini Vigias - If you've got boxloads left of quality Robusto T's and Fundadores in a deep sleep, it may not hurt to get a 12-count box. As for myself, I've had opportunities to grab a box but I'm holding out for some quality Reyes to come up on 24:24 (it may be awhile!)
• Monte Double Edmundos - I can't comment again on this specifically, as when I go for a Robusto Extra vitola I tend to go to a Cohiba Siglo VI or Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo San Juan. Then gain, I'm a sucker for the Montecristo flavour profile.
• Partagas Seleccion Privada - I agree that the wrappers need time to settle, but I've like the ones I tried and I'm ecstatic to have a box resting, especially as El Pres mentioned recently that these are not around currently. I'm sure you'll be able to locate a box in your part of the world. If you do, in my humble opinion, you won't regret it.

So.....the Partagas is the only one you had?! ?...lol

Keith might want to amend your post as you reference 2 online vendors.

Why would you want to "go deep" on a cigar you have not tried yourself?

[Fuzz AI]

1. PL Picadores - I've not tried yet, but I have Montecarlos and Petit Coronas sleeping and I'm content with the lower ring guage PL's.
2. Trini Vigias - If you've got boxloads left of quality Robusto T's and Fundadores in a deep sleep, it may not hurt to get a 12-count box. As for myself, I've had opportunities to grab a box but I'm holding out for some quality Reyes to come up on 24:24 (it may be awhile!)
3. Monte Double Edmundos - I can't comment again on this specifically, as when I go for a Robusto Extra vitola I tend to go to a Cohiba Siglo VI or Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo San Juan. Then gain, I'm a sucker for the Montecristo flavour profile.
4. Partagas Seleccion Privada - I agree that the wrappers need time to settle, but I've like the ones I tried and I'm ecstatic to have a box resting, especially as El Pres mentioned recently that these are not around currently. I'm sure you'll be able to locate a box in your part of the world. If you do, in my humble opinion, you won't regret it.

Pretty sure you had a Picadores when we went to the Rocks Brewery.

[JohnS]

So.....the Partagas is the only one you had?! ?...lol

Keith might want to amend your post as you reference 2 online vendors.

Why would you want to "go deep" on a cigar you have not tried yourself?

Sure...I've only had one of those, but I figured I've got my reasons why. If they aren't okay with you, well, you are entitled to think that, but then again, the other posters have similarly discussed one or two of the cigars.

I have not referenced any online vendors in my post, nor have I discussed 'going deep'. Have you possibly misread my post? If so, we are all only human!

P.S. I've just re-read your post and I take it you are referring to Keith in paragraph 2 and 3.

[Bartolomeo]

1. PL Pics....buy them

2. Trinidad- Pass for me

3. Monte DE....have had some good ones but mostly crap for me, definitely depends on wrapper for this cigar more than others IMHO

4. Partagas LE...meh

Buy 2013 tobacco later this month if you see it especially in Cohiba, Partagas

[JohnS]

Pretty sure you had a Picadores when we went to the Rocks Brewery.

Aah yes, thank you Fuzz for reminding me. In this case, the Por Larranaga Picodores I had contained slight nuttiness, the quissential PL caramel profile and a bit of 'bite', stronger than what I'm used to in a Por Larranaga cigar. Still, it was very enjoyable, and although the Hermosos No.4 vitola (48rg x 127 mm) is definitely not large in comparison to modern ring gauges and lengths, I'm more inclined to have a PLPC in this marca.

[shlomo]

Ive heard the Picadores were good.

Somebody mentioned the DE has improved

A forum sponsor is pushing Vigias, so I think they are not good as nobody is buying them.

ELs are too expensive, so while I havent tried any, I avoid.

Just having a laugh John. I find it amusing when people form opinions based on other's opinions...no harm intended.

And yes, was referring to Keith's op.

[JohnS]

Just having a laugh John. I find it amusing when people form opinions based on other's opinions...no harm intended.

And yes, was referring to Keith's op.

Always good to have a laugh my dear friend!

[CanuckSARTech]

Keith might want to amend your post as you reference 2 online vendors.

True. It was other vendors that Rob specifically has recommended, but granted, it's still a faux pas per the rules. Post amended - thanks for the spot.

[westg]

Pretty sure you had a Picadores when we went to the Rocks Brewery.

You have a double edmundo on Friday night John ?....I really liked the one I had

[PapaDisco]

I've no input on your specific vitolas, but in general I still have more love for the 2009/2010/2011's than 2013/2014. The current production seems more reliable in my favorite Punch Punch, but it also seems to be a completely different blend IMHO; lighter, dryer, etc rather than dark, sweet and syrupy. Maybe it's just the years, but I still have my doubts that the 2013 will become 2009's with time.

That said, the 2013's and 2014's from all marcas that I've tried have been remarkably accessible ROTT: BCG's, R&J's, Siglo VI's, some Hoyo's. So while I love an older Punch and so much so that I'll put up with their uneven construction, I really don't have much to complain about with the current production. It's fabulous but different.

[JohnS]

You have a double edmundo on Friday night John ?....I really liked the one I had

Oh yeah! That had a real kick, what a way to finish the night. That was the 5th and last cigar I had that day, but by the 5th one tasting notes all tend to blend into one!

[Smallclub]

I can buy with Czar's or any other of the plethora of quality online vendors.

err... we must have a different understanting of "plethora"…

[Lant63]

For what it's worth I also enjoy the picadores. They are true to their Marca in terms of flavor etc. as john said they do have an oaky character to them but the sweetness is there. It just needs time to develop. My only two wishes are that the pricing was more in line with other Hermoso no 4 and that they expand pl even more to include a robusto extra

Sent by telepathic superpowers.

-Stogieboy

[Lotusguy]

Why buy a Picadores, when you can get RASS for less and can get a 50 cab of PLPC for 10% more to get your PL fix? I really don't get this release. The ones I tried were decent.