Pre 2000 Cuban Cigar Strength

[Fireball]

For people who smoked Cuban cigars before the blue mold issues and they changed strains, would someone be able to compare/contrast one of those with cigars of today?

I’m just curious if they were stronger or fuller bodied than today. I had a Cohiba and a Monte in 97, but I didn’t know what I was doing then.  

[cybermadhatter]

Just off the top of my head; overall and generally :

2000 hit or miss, sometimes papery 

1999 plugged often, on the milder side 

1998 on the mild side, cream soda 

1997 excellent, punchy 

1996 more buttery oak and cola

1995 hit or miss, some peppery

1994 more chocolate and white pepper

 

Note: all smoked between 2003 and 2025  

Back in 2003, there were so many 1998’s on the market!  

 

[El Presidente]

1993-1997, at the time, both fuller and stronger. Extended time down considered a necessity. My 898 partagas from the time needed 7 years to really enjoy. Cabs of Boli PC, BBF, HDM Epi 2 - the same.

[Mike Mecklenburg]

My experience with Pre-2000 Cuban cigar strength took place in 1998 when my friend returned from Cuba with a couple fresh Partagas Lusitanias. I didn't know enough to let them sit since I was use to New World Cigars and they kicked my butt. I only remember them being spicy, peppery, harsh and very strong. I tried several other singles of Cuban brands during the Pre-2000 and only remember Vegueros Especiales No. 1 and Montecristo No.1 being outstanding, full and flavorful.

[Ford2112]

I smoked RyJ, Cohiba, Montecristo during the mid 90s. They were stronger in those days. I remember a Monte 4 being almost full on body, very rich and not as cocoa forward. Cohiba were very, very rich. I think I smoked Siglo 4 in those days. Maybe Robusto. It was 30 years ago so its hazy. The RyJ was strongest.

[Wookie]

Gold band Churchills were amazing in late 90s. Some recent tubos are trying to get back to that splendor. Esplendidos seemed richer. Lusitanias were better. Bolivar more barnyard and heavier. But these are nearly 30 year old memories. Even in the late 90s, Espys were $750/box. Monte 2 were $175/box in Madrid…I don’t think Montecristo quality has changed over the years for me. Same for RG and HU. YMMV. 

[Chibearsv]

4 hours ago, Ford2112 said:

I smoked RyJ, Cohiba, Montecristo during the mid 90s. They were stronger in those days. I remember a Monte 4 being almost full on body, very rich and not as cocoa forward. Cohiba were very, very rich. I think I smoked Siglo 4 in those days. Maybe Robusto. It was 30 years ago so its hazy. The RyJ was strongest.

Yep, those RyJ Churchills were ass kickers.