Top 10 according to CA--need some opinions.

[zeedubbya]

I'll strike the first match I guess. Seriously though politics aside, I consider myself a somewhat well versed NC smoker and I have had only I think 1 of the top 10 list (besides the CCs)--The EP Carrillo Oscuro.  

Usually, even though the Vitola might be different I have at least tried some of what they pick.  This year, nope.  I thought for sure Ashton would get it.  That LFD is a curveball.  I really like some LFD cigars, some not so much.  Anyway--what's everyone else here think? 

***And please, can this not turn into a CA bash fest.  The info is relevant and of interest to some people.  So please.  Would like to know if people have smoked some of these and what they thought bad or good.  

[MooseAMuffin]

I just smoked an Andalusian Bull and I loved it. I generally like LFDs but this one is my favorite. 

I've also had the Oliva Melanio, and I like that one as well. It's one of my wife's favorite cigars. I've only had one Norteno and I enjoyed it, but probably need to smoke another to get a better feel.

It seems like a good list. I wonder if there will be more CCs to join the top 25.

[Corylax18]

Pretty much the same boat here. I've smoked the Melanio V in a couple different sizes, but not the one on the list. I love the Herrera Esteli Lanceros, but haven't ventured into the Norteno line at all. I have never in my life tried a single LFD, single ligero is usually fine for me, I've never had a desire to burn every taste bud I have. This blend seems true to marca according to CA's description, wood and spice. Im also not typically a fan of the Partagas (CC) line, too much spice for me there.  I know you said no bashing, but a Rocky Patel as your second best cigar of the year? Yikes. They're bashing themselves....

I'm just glad none of my regular or even occasional smokes are in the top 10 this year. Huge win for me!

[SinfullyPatient]

I think the traits that make their list versus the traits that I appreciate are a world apart.  

I'd be interested to hear the opinions of those that have tried the PSE2 2016.  I myself still haven't tried it, but did buy a box out of intrigue from Rob's description.  For those of you that have tried it, did you think it earned #3 spot?   I'm surprised none of the cigars that we've all fell in love with this year made the list: Dip #2, La Fuerza, BCG.  

[Duffer]

Of the top ten, I've only had the Hoyo Epi 2 and the Oliva Melanio.  I enjoyed both for sure, but for me the Melanio isn't anywhere near the Epi.

I can't help but notice the abundance of 50 and over rg on this list.

[zeedubbya]

Thanks guys for the great answers.  I have actually had 6 on the list--The Norteno( didn't like at all, like reg Herrera Esteli), The Serie V Melanio, The EP Carrillo, and the two CCs.  I guess that's 6/10.  Without a doubt IMHO the best are the two CCs, but neither one of them hit my top 10 list here.  I was not overly surprised to see a RP cigar up there.  He's an industry giant. Surprised no Pepin Garcia (My Father, Tat, L'Aroma De Cuba) iteneration is there.  Really like your opinions thank you. 

[irratebass]

Not CA Bashing, but this is my kind of list 

 

http://cigar-coop.com/tag/2016-cigar-of-the-year

 

Now of the CA list here is what I have had:

10,9,8,7....not sure about 6,...can't afford 5, 4...nope, & 3...that's it. 

Of this list, I think I would move Epi 1 to the top 5 & disregard the rest from being top cigars....I mean #8 & #7 are three & two year old cigars.

[SaintMickey®]

Kind of a sidebar but I always look for a correlation between ratings and advertising. Probably all in my mind...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Philc2001]

I'm surprised to see the Part SE #2 and Hoyo Epi #2 as the only CCs on the list. I haven't tried the SE, but I like the Epis. I suspect the SE made the list because of its 54 ring gauge, more than anything else. That seems to be trend, and it CA seems to prefer the bigger cigars.

Like so many ranking exercises, it's difficult to relate to such lists because everyone has different tastes. It's like comparing Speyside single malt to Islays, they're both scotch whisky but very, very different. My surprise 2016 dated winner would be BPC, although I only have 4 or 5 boxes with 2016 box dates, so it's not a good sampling. But I smoked about 5 of those BPCs and every one made me do a double take, they are quite smooth and tasty for a Cuban under one year old.  

[Dave001]

duffer I agree I don't get the fascination with large ring gauges call me old fashioned then lol I just don't get it, I had the Andalusian Bull meh didn't much care for the sweet molasses flavor at all in my opinion the eppy 2 is way better not even close

[BarryNY]

I've smoked plenty and still own 6 boxes of the 10 pack Melanio V.  Before I got into CC - I loaded up on the item in a few sizes, Figurado, Torpedo and Churchill when they were on sale.

It's a great smoke - I like the Figurado best.

[JohnS]

5 minutes ago, Philc2001 said:

I'm surprised to see the Part SE #2 and Hoyo Epi #2 as the only CCs on the list.   

On average there are a minimum 3 to maximum 5 (perhaps a few more on occasion) on the top 25, going by previous lists. We will find out tomorrow the other/s.

[Dave001]

john, I agree with you as well, I feel there will probably be another Cuban on that list what it will be well I suppose we can guess lol if I was to guess id go with a montecristo or a cohiba yea I know the easy way out (just pick one of the most obvious names LOL)

[godpheonix]

i must say, glad to see an LFD from Litto gomez at #1 !! that or a Padron. its about the only non cubans i dig! they usually have complex flavors. i just bought a box of the Bull!

[fabes]

I enjoy the Fuente Rosado Sungrown Mag44 every now and then. I'll pick them up at the local lounge as my "courtesy purchase". 

I really like the PSE2. I personally would like it more in a corona gorda, but I really like the flavors. From 2012 to 2016 I've liked the ones I've smoked. Not a Partagas fan by any means, but make sure to always have some of these around. 

[SmittyinAZ]

I'm actually not surprised at all we don't see more CC's in their annual list. Most of us seem to agree almost every stick needs a few years on them to really show it's true colors. Some are good ROTT, but not many IMO. Would love to see a list of some aged in the mix. Might be an entirely different list. But it's sticks of the current year, so oh well. Just opinions, and we all have them.

 

Cheers!

[JohnInCleveland]

Here's my problem with their lists...

 

They always include a few cubans.  The cubans they include are never in my top 10 cubans of the year.  I love Epi 2's and Party SE, they're two of my personal favorites.  They didn't do anything extraordinary in 2016 that separates them from any other year.  

 

No comment on the NC's.  I've had the Oliva, they're good.  I get CA but I really entirely disregard their reviews and only read for the articles, interviews, and accessories.  

[helix]

 La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull  #1  a 60 ring. I guess the trend toward big ring sticks is the preference in the USA.

[PigFish]

Reading about NC cigars is a waste of time! (MHO)

I cannot even fathom all the fine cigars I must be missing out on...! Now where did I put that 100 dollar box of Rafeal Gonzalez PCs...? -Piggy

[Fugu]

2 hours ago, Philc2001 said:

I'm surprised to see the Part SE #2 and Hoyo Epi #2 as the only CCs on the list.

What's so surprising exactly?!

It's the usual yearly game, that only one or two CCs make it on their Top10 list.

The list is worth what it's worth. And if you know how they test, you will know in how far that relates to your own smoking. No bashing here, but just to put it a slight bit into perspective.

[Fugu]

5 minutes ago, PigFish said:

Now where did I put that 100 dollar box of Rafeal Gonzalez PCs...? -Piggy

... sais it all....

[jrusso14]

With the LFD cigar being 6 1/2 by 64rg I doubt I will ever find the time to smoke this. Have only smoked a few others from the top 10. I never put too much stock into these lists but it is always interesting to see something unexpected pop up. 

[Philc2001]

2 hours ago, Fugu said:

What's so surprising exactly?!

It's the usual yearly game, that only one or two CCs make it on their Top10 list.

The list is worth what it's worth. And if you know how they test, you will know in how far that relates to your own smoking. No bashing here, but just to put it a slight bit into perspective.

Well, since you challenged me I guess its not that surprising. I haven't followed CA for about 10 years now, but being respectful to the OP I won't go any further down that rabbit hole.

[wabashcr]

Good for Litto Gomez. Everything I've heard about him is that he's a really great gentleman. His Double Ligero chisel was the cigar that I credit with converting me from a very casual smoker to a more serious one. Nowadays I find most LFD stuff just doesn't hit my palate right, but I've always had a soft spot for them. I've not tried the #1, but I'll keep my eye out.

The rest of the list is what it always is- conversation fodder and something to troll all the online cigar forums. Always amusing to see people get so worked up over it every year.

[wabashcr]

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