EAR: Is there a world class $8-$10 Robusto?

[El Presidente]

EAR= Email Assistance Required. 

 

".....so that's my predicament. Ten years ago, an $8 Robusto seemed like a perfectly respectable indulgence. Today, should circumstances demand it, I'll stretch to $10. Which, gives me nothing from what I can see. 

There was a time when I could buy Partagás D4s for $8 and RASS for $6. Those days now belong to history, along with affordable Bordeaux.

Rob, here's my question: Are there any Robustos in today's market that can still be had for $8–10 and genuinely qualify as world-class? I'm talking about what I'd call a four-star cigar, something you'd consistently rate 91 points or better.

I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I'd be equally interested in recommendations from the members. Surely there are still a few hidden gems out there."

 

Over to you gents. 

[Boxer31]

Maybe world class would be an exaggeration but very tasty/dependable $8-9 - the NC from La Aroma de Cuba, has both 50 & 54 sizes. My Father factory. 

[ElLoboLoco]

Don Pepin Garcia E.R.H. Robusto can be had at $7 a stick shipped, CA gave it a 92 for whatever that’s worth. Oliva Melanios can be as well and have scored higher ratings. World class…..I don’t know. To me that’s D4, Epi’s and some Padrons. 
edit: Illusione Epernay Le Ferme can be found for $9 shipped, that’s my top suggestion under $10

[JDoughty]

I heard a rumor that some cigar company with a name that sounds like Fabrica 005 makes this thing called a Trinity Robusto that is an absolute banger. World class. I'm sure you haven't heard of it though. 😁

[panpan]

FOH’s N6 and N10 models perform very well.

 

[Boss Hog]

2 hours ago, ElLoboLoco said:

Illusione Epernay Le Ferme can be found for $9 shipped, that’s my top suggestion under $10

Such a great cigar. 👍

[Glass Half Full]

I can think of only two robustos worth buying at that price point -- that are worth the 90-minutes one would likely spend to enjoy them. That said, I do not consider these "world class" cigars, absent the value consideration. For $8-$10 in today's world? An expectation of 91 points is just too much to ask, in my opinion.

But these two robustos --  

- Arturo Fuente Casa Cuba Doble Cinco; and

- Rob & Hamlet's Trinity Robusto.

These are good cigars, IMO, sometimes very good -- and perhaps the best value robustos in today's market.  (In my book, they can offer high 80-point experiences, which is the realm of "very good" :)  And they develop, offering delicious transitions.  (It seems to me that experiencing 3/3rds is uncommon in NCs or at this price point.)  

If the person inquiring is open to other vitolas, then the value and point-scoring equation can be enhanced further, I believe. (Divine Inspiration and Ninfa, and several Tatuajes are examples -- but even those don't enter the more rarified 90-point plus area in my book.)

[Ford2112]

I can often score Oliva Serie V Melanio Robustos for under 10 bucks. These are generally consistent and always well constructed. If you like the flavor profile they among the best NC robusto for the price. The Trinity Robusto can be had for under ten. Those are really excellent. 

Rojas Street Tacos in various wrappers are found in a sub 10 dollar Robusto. Tatuaje Havana VI is another sub 10 Robusto I like. But I usually go for a thinner ring gauge in that line. Anyway, lots of options actually, but if I say anymore it'll cost ya a whole Lotta cash!

[carsncigarsuk]

Padron 2000, either Natural or Maduro, can be had for just under 10 dollars a stick. I think they take some beating at that price point. Put a few away for a few years and they are unbeatable at the cost, I think. 

[Tom Novorol]

I would say the following:

Really close to the 10 dollar mark are Padron 2000 natural, Plascencia Original Reserva, Southern Draw Rose of Sharon and a couple of sleepers that get over looked are AJ Fernandez Last Call (Geniales 4.5 x 48) at 5 to 6 dollars, and Tatuaje Havana VI nobles around 7 dollars.

 

[David88]

I find the Padron 2000 series very good. I also really enjoy the Foundations Charter Oak series. I don’t believe they have a true robusto but their Rothschild is close enough. And, as others have said, the Trinity Robusto won’t let you down.