How good is the Trinidad Esmeralda

[thestogiewhisperer]

Hi guys,

Looking at buying a box of really nice cigars for special occasions and the Esmeralda seems like a good, cost effective option especially as it comes in boxes of 12. I've heard people comparing them to a Siglo VI and wanted to hear your opinions on how they compare with higher end cigars like the Siglo VI, Lusitania, Leyenda etc. 

Thanks guys and merry Christmas !

[Habana Mike]

I've enjoyed the ones I have smoked. I say go for it!

 

[NSXCIGAR]

I don't know that I would compare it to a Siglo VI or Esplendidos but it's certainly a very good cigar (or can be--I've seen a few mediocre reviews). I would certainly put it on par or even above any premium (Lusi, any Monte, Connie A/B, Hoyo DC, RyJ Churchill).

Personally though, if I'm spending $20/stick, I'm looking for Sir Winston. 

[thestogiewhisperer]

11 minutes ago, NSXCIGAR said:

I don't know that I would compare it to a Siglo VI or Esplendidos but it's certainly a very good cigar (or can be--I've seen a few mediocre reviews). I would certainly put it on par or even above any premium (Lusi, any Monte, Connie A/B, Hoyo DC, RyJ Churchill).

Personally though, if I'm spending $20/stick, I'm looking for Sir Winston. 

This is my worry, I can pick up a 25 box of Connie A's for around $100 more. I've also seen the mediocre reviews and I've yet to see any mediocre reviews on a sir winnie although I have no idea where to find them ?

[NSXCIGAR]

1 minute ago, thestogiewhisperer said:

This is my worry, I can pick up a 25 box of Connie A's for around $100 more. I've also seen the mediocre reviews and I've yet to see any mediocre reviews on a sir winnie although I have no idea where to find them ?

Well, your outlay is less for 12 Esmeralda vs. 25 Connie A so you won't get dinged too badly if you don't like them. I doubt they'll be duds but you might get some that aren't great. Seems to be some inconsistency the last few months with the Esmeralda. But of course, Connie A is almost always a winner. Personally, I wouldn't feel too bad grabbing the Esmeralda.

As far as SW, it looks like it's thin on the ground right now. Production is usually sporadic on it and we're currently in a dry period. 

[Woody Hayes]

I just received my Esmeralds's today...April 20 GLE.  All the pictures I've seen are these cigars are packed sideways i. e. packed facing the width of the box. Mine were packed in the usual ,normal facing  straight when opening the box.  The box was preopened.  The cigars look fine.  Am I just paranoid? 

[rcarlson]

5 minutes ago, Tim Fleming said:

I just received my Esmeralds's today...April 20 GLE.  All the pictures I've seen are these cigars are packed sideways i. e. packed facing the width of the box. Mine were packed in the usual ,normal facing  straight when opening the box.  The box was preopened.  The cigars look fine.  Am I just paranoid? 

That's strange.  The dimensions shouldn't permit that.  

[Woody Hayes]

You're right.  I just pulled one from my humidor and they don't fit that way.  I just turned 72 and this is scary.  Sorry for the question.

[Greenhorn2]

26 minutes ago, thestogiewhisperer said:

This is my worry, I can pick up a 25 box of Connie A's for around $100 more. I've also seen the mediocre reviews and I've yet to see any mediocre reviews on a sir winnie although I have no idea where to find them ?

They are hiding on the shelf behind the magical unicorn.lol I'm beginning to wonder if they are mythical.

[NSXCIGAR]

8 hours ago, Greenhorn2 said:

They are hiding on the shelf behind the magical unicorn.lol I'm beginning to wonder if they are mythical.

So funny with the SW. After they're gone for 4 months panic starts to set in. They reappear just before people jump off the ledge. 

They always go very dry before they pop back up. People start getting antsy and paying 25-50% premiums on any stock floating around. Same happens with LGC MdO4. 

I would expect their inevitable return by Q2 21. 

[Chibearsv]

14 hours ago, thestogiewhisperer said:

Hi guys,

Looking at buying a box of really nice cigars for special occasions and the Esmerelda seems like a good, cost effective option especially as it comes in boxes of 12. I've heard people comparing them to a Siglo VI and wanted to hear your opinions on how they compare with higher end cigars like the Siglo VI, Lusitania, Leyenda etc. 

Thanks guys and merry christmas !

Special occasion cigars should be whichever cigar you or your guests enjoy the most - whether expensive or reasonable.  For personal taste, keep sampling as many as you can until you find a couple of them that are so good, they make you want to stare at them after each puff.  "Special occasion" cigar can also depend on who I'm smoking with.  One of my neighbors loves the Upmann No. 2 more than any other cigar so when he comes over, that's what I bring out and the look on his face after a single puff makes the occasion special.

The Esmeraldas I've had are very good but I've had many others that put me in a different state of mind, Esplendidos being my favorite.  I don't know that the forum can describe for you which cigar will bring you there based on your budget and tastes.  Keep trying as many as you can so you can find out for yourself.