Cuban Cigars vs. New World

[smashed]

Even my non-smoking wife can smell a difference in NW vs Cuban (which obviously reciprocates in the flavor). Is the amazingness of a CC perhaps overhyped by some? Yes, but I can't deny there *is* a drastic difference and I like it way more. Lots of Nicaraguan brands for example have this ashy note which correlates to cigarettes and I can't shake (even on some of the more highly rated examples). I don't know what is, but for my palate, I just enjoy CC the best. Throw in some very well made Dominican Davidoff and AF/Opus but that's all I rotate anymore. No reason to differentiate from that trifecta for my purposes as I'm too lazy to buy NW sticks to try out and tired of blind buying boxes which never work out.

[Ford2112]

Fired up a Diplo 2 tonight and my non smoking buddy said, " I can always tell when you are smoking a really good one ". Cubans always have a higher ceiling to me. 

[ElLoboLoco]

Listen to the lizard’s latest podcast. It touches a bit on this topic. 

[Hoosh]

1 hour ago, ElLoboLoco said:

Listen to the lizard’s latest podcast. It touches a bit on this topic. 

Right from the beginning (in case someone who hadn’t heard it is looking for where this part of the discussion takes place), it was interesting to hear. I’ve read the reply’s on this thread - given the forum, not unexpectedly almost entirely one sided - and I’m hoping the OP doesn’t confuse “better” with “different;” One is surely very subjective while the other objective. 

[Exotic Pallet]

On 8/28/2025 at 1:05 PM, yuppie said:

To me, CCs have far less spice, that ever-so-lovely "twang" and more subtle, complex flavors.

I started with NWs, but often found myself tossing them due to too much earth, too much spice or just too strong of a smoke to enjoy. I initially gravitated toward Connecticuts in order to keep things more on the mild side, but when I tried a few different Cubans, I was just hooked and left my NWs behind.

Another interesting point is vitolas. In the NW catalogue, there never seems to be anything resembling the petit corona size, no shorts, some lanceros but not too many. I tend to enjoy short smokes and smaller ring gauges.

The NWs you have listed are excellent. I still am very fond of Warped Saunter, La Colmena, Isla del Cocodrilo, some Ezra Zion, Opus, Davidoff, Arturo Fuente, etc.

But, I'm constantly trading or selling these NWs off to make more room for Cubans.

I am looking into trading or selling off some Opus X, do you know where I could do so at?

[yuppie]

8 hours ago, Exotic Pallet said:

I am looking into trading or selling off some opus x, do you know where I could do so at?

Cigar Page Discord would probably love that.

[Justonemore]

I initially started smoking New World cigars since I live in the U.S., but after getting my hands on Cubans, I realized my palate really leans toward that Cuban profile. I still enjoy New World cigars, but Cubans are usually my go-to when I can find them—and the Henk cigar by Heiko is one of the few New World sticks that gives me a similar vibe.

The Henk Straight Shooter is a medium-bodied Nicaraguan cigar with a creamy, nutty profile. It’s smooth and well-balanced.

[MadridPuros]

On 4/16/2026 at 9:41 PM, Justonemore said:

I initially started smoking New World cigars since I live in the U.S., but after getting my hands on Cubans, I realized my palate really leans toward that Cuban profile. I still enjoy New World cigars, but Cubans are usually my go-to when I can find them—and the Henk cigar by Heiko is one of the few New World sticks that gives me a similar vibe.

The Henk Straight Shooter is a medium-bodied Nicaraguan cigar with a creamy, nutty profile. It’s smooth and well-balanced.

I’m in the exact same boat as you. Started with NW being in the USA but as I travel more out of the US and family abroad I have ability to get my hands on more CC. And I’ve almost completely switched to CC. Not 100% yet but I’m damn close. I’ll always have my NW like Opus or Padron PB-97 Maduro. The biggest distinction that I have noticed is how much more satiating Cubans are on the palate. Nicaraguan tobacco can just be so assertive with notes of pepper and earth. It’s night and day difference. I’ve never had a Cuban that I’ve had to put out early due to disliking it. Can’t say the same with NW. 

[Justonemore]

On 4/22/2026 at 2:14 PM, MadridPuros said:

I’m in the exact same boat as you. Started with NW being in the USA but as I travel more out of the US and family abroad I have ability to get my hands on more CC. And I’ve almost completely switched to CC. Not 100% yet but I’m damn close. I’ll always have my NW like Opus or Padron PB-97 Maduro. The biggest distinction that I have noticed is how much more satiating Cubans are on the palate. Nicaraguan tobacco can just be so assertive with notes of pepper and earth. It’s night and day difference. I’ve never had a Cuban that I’ve had to put out early due to disliking it. Can’t say the same with NW. 

I see you’re based in San Antonio—I’m in Houston. If you’re ever out this way, let me know. I’m a member at one of the best cigar lounges here and can bring you in as a guest. The group I usually smoke with is really into Cubans.