Recommendations for a NC smoker coming to the dark side

[HoyoFan]

Hey all, I'm new here, and to the world of CC's in general. However, I've been smoking NCs for about 6 years and have tried a lot of different stuff. Now however I'd really like to get in CC's and would love some recommendations for where to start, given that my palate is not of a complete Noob but at the same time not a seasoned CC. For the most part, I like a  medium to medium-full body smoke with hints of chocolate, coffee, and cream. Not too much spice.

Any and all recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[NSXCIGAR]

Welcome!

I'd highly recommend the FOH samplers offered here. Great prices & variety and will be hand-picked for you--no bad construction, etc. 

You're likely to find a significant difference in flavors and profile between CCs and NCs, so I'd definitely recommend trying as many different CCs as possible. I tried every brand before I decided what I liked--they all have their characteristics.

[JohnS]

You should start with the Montecristo marca and go from there as it compliments your preferences.

[RWhiz]

39 minutes ago, JohnS said:

You should start with the Montecristo marca and go from there as it compliments your preferences.

When I saw the topic, this is the first thing I thought of.  I started with the Romeo y Julietta line, which is another good line to start with.  

[jcorona]

HdM has cocoa, coffee, and some cream.

This post by el pres lists the flavor profiles by marca:

http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/forum/topic/60690-traditional-flavor-profiles-per-brand/#comment-60702

[sonarman81]

Partagas petit corona (Party shorts)

Romeo y Julieta Cazadores

[Smallclub]

41 minutes ago, sonarman81 said:

 

Partagas petit corona (Party shorts)

Romeo y Julieta Cazadores

That's your recommendation to someone who's seeking “hints of chocolate, coffee, and cream. Not too much spice.“?

btw the Short is a minuto not a petit corona…

[vinnyvega]

Try a Partagas Serie D no.4

50/50 Cuban and Nicaraguan tobacco 

I could see a Padron lover liking these.

Welcome to FOH!!!!!

[Fugu]

As NSX recommended - do yourself a favour and start with a sampler.

There's no avail in cutting corners.

[TomF]

I agree that you should try a sampler. I agree that Montecristo fits the description of what you like. I would also suggest trying a San Cristobal La Fuerza, it's got lots of cocoa, molasses, and not much pepper.

I do NOT agree that you are coming to the "dark side". You are actually being brought out of the darkness into the light.

The joy is in the journey. Enjoy it.

[HoyoFan]

Haha thanks so much guys! Wow! So much great info here, excited to get started. I think I'll be trying the sampler as you guys suggested

[LordAnubis]

5 hours ago, Smallclub said:

That's your recommendation to someone who's seeking “hints of chocolate, coffee, and cream. Not too much spice.“?

btw the Short is a minuto not a petit corona…

Tastes are subjective, and so are recommendations.

[PigFish]

14 hours ago, PadronFan said:

Hey all, I'm new here, and to the world of CC's in general. However, I've been smoking NCs for about 6 years and have tried a lot of different stuff. Now however I'd really like to get in CC's and would love some recommendations for where to start, given that my palate is not of a complete Noob but at the same time not a seasoned CC. For the most part, I like a  medium to medium-full body smoke with hints of chocolate, coffee, and cream. Not too much spice.

Any and all recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

... change your name from PadronFan, and resubmit the question!!! -LOL (read with levity)

-the Pig

[HoyoFan]

... change your name from PadronFan, and resubmit the question!!! -LOL (read with levity)

-the Pig

Only after you send me some samples

[PigFish]

Joined 17 hours ago and already mooching... We should get along just fine!!! -LOL We shall see (about the samples). Of course our host is a vendor and he will send you as many as you like. He has a barter system, involving your credit card and whatever you want.

Oh, welcome to the forum. -Piggy

[HoyoFan]

Haha touché

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[Orion21]

Hoyo de Monterrey - Epicure No. 2 (cedar, cream and coffee)

Bolivar - Royal Corona (earth, leather, slight spice, espresso)

H. Upmann - Mag 50 (cedar, cream, coffee, chocolate)

H. Upmann - Connie A (cream, cedar, espresso latte)

H. Upmann - No. 2 (espresso cream, cedar, leather, white pepper)

H. Upmann Connie No. 1 (light coffee, cedar, cream)

Montecristo - Petit Edmundo (coffee, cedar, vanilla cream)

Montecristo - Edmundo (coffee, cedar, vanilla, milk)

San Cristobal Del La Habana - La Fuerza (whipped cream, coffee, leather)

Romeo y Julieta - Cazadores (meaty steak, white pepper, cream)

As with any purchase that travels a long distance to get to you let them rest for at least a month before smoking.  I know it will be tough, but it does make a difference.  Also, since you are coming from NC's you are probably used to keeping your humidor at around 70% rh.  My experience is that Cubans smoke better closer to 60% rh.  But if you only do one thing let them rest after they arrive!

[sonarman81]

That's your recommendation to someone who's seeking “hints of chocolate, coffee, and cream. Not too much spice.“?

btw the Short is a minuto not a petit corona…

Compared to NC cigars I don't find them that spicy and they had enough body (for me) to bridge the gap.

And thanks for the info on the Party shorts!

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[eswary]

I too would recommend a sampler from the Prez. Just like in your days of NC's, gotta sample until you know what you like.

But I would suggest HUpmann Half coronas and El ReyDel Mundo Criox Supremes off of what you like. Both are pretty creamy, little to no spice.

Eric

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[HoyoFan]

Hoyo de Monterrey - Epicure No. 2 (cedar, cream and coffee)

Bolivar - Royal Corona (earth, leather, slight spice, espresso)

H. Upmann - Mag 50 (cedar, cream, coffee, chocolate)

H. Upmann - Connie A (cream, cedar, espresso latte)

H. Upmann - No. 2 (espresso cream, cedar, leather, white pepper)

H. Upmann Connie No. 1 (light coffee, cedar, cream)

Montecristo - Petit Edmundo (coffee, cedar, vanilla cream)

Montecristo - Edmundo (coffee, cedar, vanilla, milk)

San Cristobal Del La Habana - La Fuerza (whipped cream, coffee, leather)

Romeo y Julieta - Cazadores (meaty steak, white pepper, cream)

As with any purchase that travels a long distance to get to you let them rest for at least a month before smoking.  I know it will be tough, but it does make a difference.  Also, since you are coming from NC's you are probably used to keeping your humidor at around 70% rh.  My experience is that Cubans smoke better closer to 60% rh.  But if you only do one thing let them rest after they arrive!

This is great, thanks so much for the breakdown

[FLB03TT]

Samplers are a great way to start. Try to eventually sample all the different marca to learn each's house taste profile. Generally, the various vitola within any Cuban marca will share a similar house flavor profile, with the exception of H Upmann in particular, which have a large variation of flavors / strength across the many vitola offered within that marca. I can't think of another Cuban marca with such wide variation throughout their standard line. Have fun with the journey, it's a blast!

[OZCUBAN]

I wouldn't say your on the journey to the Dark side I would say you've seen the light brother LOL

Good advice here enjoy your journey 

cheers