Which One

[kuma]

If you had to choose either; Vegas Robaina Clasicos (05) or Saint Luis Rey Londales (01)

which one and why!

[PigFish]

I cannot say that either one was a real favorite out of the field of available lonsdales at the time. I have had very poor luck with VR cigars in general. On the other hand, I have had some excellent SLR's, but put my money on other lonsdales that I happened to favor more.

I would choose the SLR's out of the two.

If you are prone to be sensitive about tight drawing cigars, you might want to inspect the cigars if you can, them being from '01. I think '01 was a fantastic year for cigars but there is no doubt that many lonsdales from that year have gotten a bum rap from many a smoker. The toughest that I can remember were the '01 Upmanns. I still have a box or two of them, and they are really phenomenal cigars! Many people I know, would never get past the tough draw and toss them.

If you are sensitive to the draw, the '05 would likely be a better choice. Of course there some who believe that '05 was a year for loose cigars and poor construction from that perspective. Ultimately, I would not pay through the nose for either box, but that too is a value judgement.

That is the best I can do for you mate, I hope that helps!

-Piggy

[kuma]

Thanks Piggy I've been stoogie smoking about 3 or 4 yrs on so the lesson on what when cigars were this or that

is very interesting to me.

[PigFish]

My memory really is not the best for this sort of thing and I was hoping that you would get input from other sources. I am a minority opinion here regarding a lot of things, and I am guessing that the majority would steer you away from the '01's. (Just a note, since the opposition has not posted it).

-Piggy

[Orion21]

The VR's for me. Surprisingly I have smoked quite a few of those SLR Lonsdales from 00-03 and I thought every single one of them was bland. I would be much more excited to buy some 05 VR's!!!

[NSXCIGAR]

I think Piggy's pretty right on here. I smoked quite a few SLRs in that 99-02 era and while most were good, none were great and that year is just so prone to failure I'd personally go with the 05 VRs if I was facing the same choice.

I can't recall ever smoking a crap VR from any year. They have always tended to perform somewhat reliably throughout their history, and while there were some issues in many marcas from 04-06 I think the 05 Clasicos will be fine.

[NSXCIGAR]

Double post--edit

[archosaur]

Good advice above.

All things considered equal - price, construction, condition, etc. (which they probably aren't ) I'd go VR simply because the flavors in my experience have been more up my alley.

Have smoked a few '01 SLR lonsdales in the past couple years, they were fairly light, maybe fading. Have smoked a few Clasicos as well, but not '05s.

I have encountered tightly rolled lonsdales from many years, well past '01 or even '05. I would proceed with caution if you are considering buying any lonsdales blind or without a good vendor guarantee of quality.

[PigFish]

The VR's for me. Surprisingly I have smoked quite a few of those SLR Lonsdales from 00-03 and I thought every single one of them was bland. I would be much more excited to buy some 05 VR's!!!

Unfortunately, of the choices given neither would be my first choice for a lonsdale. While I have had some excellent SLR lonsdales, it proved far better for my taste to buy the Diplomatico #1 and others, than the SLR, or the VR. I have never really seen the love for the SLR either.

VR cigars just have never been my thing. I think it has just been a luck issue, and with so many other choices (in my previous life) there was little reason to continue to try and like them.

I am glad that others have chimed in here. I was beginning to worry when no one answered a thread that went back to as near as '05...!

-R

[Orion21]

Unfortunately, of the choices given neither would be my first choice for a lonsdale. While I have had some excellent SLR lonsdales, it proved far better for my taste to buy the Diplomatico #1 and others, than the SLR, or the VR. I have never really seen the love for the SLR either.

VR cigars just have never been my thing. I think it has just been a luck issue, and with so many other choices (in my previous life) there was little reason to continue to try and like them.

I am glad that others have chimed in here. I was beginning to worry when no one answered a thread that went back to as near as '05...!

-R

My opinion comes purely from my belief the VR's would have a higher likelihood of have good flavor left. There was a reason I weas able to pick up a nice selection of the SLR's early on . . . those who sold them to me knew they were over the hill big time!!!

Cheers!

[PigFish]

My opinion comes purely from my belief the VR's would have a higher likelihood of have good flavor left. There was a reason I weas able to pick up a nice selection of the SLR's early on . . . those who sold them to me knew they were over the hill big time!!!

Cheers!

Funny you mention this. This is a reason that I hardly ever buy cigars from other smokers. I would rather buy blind than something from a guy who wants out of a box. Not everyone who sells cigars is a rip-off artist of course, but there are a few out there!

I have a few of the VR coronas left (Familiar)... Maybe I will try one tonight.

Cheers! -R

[Habana Mike]

I'm a Clasicos fan so that's how I'd lean regardless of age. YMMV.

[El Presidente]

If you had to choose either; Vegas Robaina Clasicos (05) or Saint Luis Rey Londales (01)

which one and why!

I enjoy both immensely.

Have the vendor check the box. It is not hard. The roll is the key here. He needs to check weight in hand and take a little attention to knots in the roll.

All things being equal. if you enjoy Monte and VR profiles...then the VR.

If you enjoy the SLR A, Upmann Mag 50. SLR Pacifico profile, go the SLR.