Completely Underrated CCs

[Jerryvonkramer]

This year I've been trying to range outside my standard "go tos" (PD4, RASS, Connie 1, JL2, Epi2). For me this hobby is about DISCOVERY and CONSOLIDATION. Ranging out to see what you like and then coming back in. Recently, I've been very into 40-42 RGs. And I believe these sizes contain some of the best kept secrets in the CC world.

Here are three unloved and little discussed cigars I've grown to appreciate.

Fonseca Cosacos: Foneseca is such an enigmatic brand, but these have been a revelation to me. Back in 2004, El Prez described them having a "quiet dignity". Another review on here says these are like ultimate "inside baseball" sticks. First two I had were nothing, but then something happened and they opened up, and I've had three on the bounce now that a beautiful, elegant toasted tobacco, a hint of marshmallow maybe, black tea, floral notes, some shortbread perhaps, cuban twang too, super smooth, and tasty. They have a reputation as being the lightest cigars in the Habanos portfolio, but I am not sure if this is true. Certainly in terms of flavour intensity, they build and build, and by the final third are on the fuller side of medium. I'd argue that they are more intense than a typical Hoyo. There's a moreishness there as well. The word I keep coming back to is tea. Maybe sweet tea. I think they are more complex than typically granted also, they develop from third to third and there's multiple different flavour notes in there.

Partagas Aristocrats: I keep hyping these. They have a reputation as solid but unspectacular C&Cs that can give you a Party hit without forking out for a D4, but I don't get Party DNA from them, I get a honey note, something like honey nut cornflakes. They have been extremely consistent in this through two boxes now. Not complex or anything but a satisfying daily. Often when faced with a choice of a Monty4, PLPC, or any number of other -- superior -- sticks, I find myself reaching for one of these instead. And I seldom if ever regret it. 

Upmann Majestics: I'm a total Upmann fanboy, my fave marca and I never tire of the basic profile. Connie 1s, As, Bs, HUHC, Magnum line, there's not a bad one in there for me. The Majestic often gets short shrift, dismissed as a C&C, an also ran in the marca, but it's -- in its own right -- a great cigar. A little sweeter than core Upmann but the baked spices, shortbread, and so on is all there. I believe they are superior to Regalias.

[RDB]

It’s hardly a secret here, but I think the whole Rafael Gonzalez marca is generally under-rated…

[cnov]

1 hour ago, RDB said:

It’s hardly a secret here, but I think the whole Rafael Gonzalez marca is generally under-rated…

I had my first RGPE yesterday, could have done with a bit of dry boxing but it was a fantastic little cigar.

[Habanoschris]

👌I'll second the vote for Cosacos & Majestics and I do also prefer majestic over regalia myself. I've been curious but ultimately overlooking the Aristocrats for other choices - I think ill give them a try as I feel your tasting notes on the other two mirror mine.  😚💨

 

 

[Puros Y Vino]

I've replaced the HUHC with the Quinteros Petit Quintero.  Cheaper, just as enjoyable. Some good sticks in the Quintero line. Favoritos, Panatelas (if you can find them).

Fonseca and LFDC lines are very good too. Only had a couple of the new Vegueros. Not impressed. Better looking rolls, but somewhat bland compared to the former examples.

[EasternPromises]

I've only smoked one Quinteros Favoritos but was surprised at how pleasant it was. It won't take you on any sort of journey but it was tasty.

[Jimmy2]

Underrated cigar would also be Vegueros also. When you understand what your paying for it truly hits the mark. Just a good enjoyable straight smoke and not to be a complex cigar .Each size in the portfolio have different strengths so I would have a try at each if not had any. They have been all rolled just about perfect and draw on some have been lose a couple of times for me. The finished wrapper on most for me have been beautiful. The rollers at the factory really take pride there for sure on the cigars they roll.

 

[Partyshrts]

On 5/27/2024 at 11:55 PM, cnov said:

I had my first RGPE yesterday, could have done with a bit of dry boxing but it was a fantastic little cigar.

I just ordered a box. It will be interesting to try my first short filler cigar to compare with a long filler. Would you even be able to tell the difference aside from not being able to maintain a long ash? It's still tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo right?

I would add Romeo y Julieta Mille Fleurs. A petit corona with great flavor under $10 a stick (At least for a couple of days now).

[SUP8333]

PLPC? They are very nice fresh, better after some age and are affordable sticks. 

[BrightonCorgi]

Are the cigars mentioned less per gram by weight than their larger equivalents?  Does a Partagas Short cost less per gram than a Serie D?

[TacoSauce]

15 minutes ago, BrightonCorgi said:

Are the cigars mentioned less per gram by weight than their larger equivalents?  Does a Partagas Short cost less per gram than a Serie D?

By my accounting, the party short is currently around $1.5/gram, whereas the No.4 is closer to $1.8/gram

[Habanoschris]

On 5/27/2024 at 11:31 AM, Puros Y Vino said:

I've replaced the HUHC with the Quinteros Petit Quintero.  Cheaper, just as enjoyable. Some good sticks in the Quintero line. Favoritos, Panatelas (if you can find them).

Fonseca and LFDC lines are very good too. Only had a couple of the new Vegueros. Not impressed. Better looking rolls, but somewhat bland compared to the former examples.

I've had more than one box of Vegueros develop into something quite tasty and even complex around 5-6 year mark. As a result, I am a fan of them and keep a sistema full of them.