Thoughts and questions.....(typical newbie drivel)

[GlennC]

Greetings all,

Although an unabashed newbie, I thought share a few thoughts and ask a few pertinent questions. I’ve been spending some time on the forum each day and have spent several hours absorbing the wisdom of the group.

Some thoughts and a few questions:

Due to a previous engagement (among other things, I’m a pianist with a regular gig) I only had a short time available this afternoon to enjoy a habano. I selected an RyJ Sport Largo (4 5/8” x 35) Before you all smile knowingly at the newbie’s lack of refinement in selecting an obviously inferior vitola, I might add that, owing to my present financial situation, the somewhat less expensive habanos are within my means. I’ve found that sticking with the marques traditionally known for quality is the best entrée into a new realm, hence the fewer, smaller cigars in my humidor.

RyJ Sport Largo:

Although initially unremarkable, the developed some rather interesting flavors about halfway through. At a couple of points I found myself thinking “Umm, that’s a different taste. Where did that come from?”. I enjoyed this evolution to it’s finger-singeing conclusion. I guess the fun part was actually paying conscious attention to the changes that occurred during this rather brief, but very enjoyable fumo. This is a cute little cigar that offers more than might first be expected. Nice. Perhaps my philistine palate is developing.

Questions:

Any other good choices in the “smaller” vitolas up to about 46 ring or so?

From Trevor’s fine web site, where I’ve also spent quite a bit of time, it appears that the “machine bunched, hand finished” practice was pretty much discontinued a few years ago, but some vendor sites still seem to state that some are still made. What’s up?

I like to read up on areas of interest and have purchased the del Todesco and Pere et Fils books (used, but like new) in addition to the couple available in the local library. Although a bit dated, they seem to have good and interesting information. Any other books I should read? The Nee book is a bit pricey for me. As mentioned, I’ve been relying on Trevor’s web site and this forum for current information .

Varnished vs. Unvarnished cabinets? Not sure I get it, but it seems important.

Thanks for any and all advice.

Still a rapscallion and a poseur, but perhaps not so much a philistine.

Off to rehearsal.

Regards,

Glenn

[El Presidente]

Glenn there are some excellent inexpensive small vitola Habanos to chase.

Hand made:

Ramon Allones Small Club Corona

Bolivar Corona Junior

San Cristobal Principe

Monte 4

In Machine made

Por Larranaga Panetela

Por Larranaga Montecarlo

All offer unique flavour experiences.

I am sill awaiing a detailed response from Habanos regarding the situation with "Hand Finished, Mackine Bunched" cigars. Our man in HSA is away until next week.

Put the MRN book on your list for a Birthday or Christmas gift. t is well worthwhile having.

[n2advnture]

» Glenn there are some excellent inexpensive small vitola Habanos to chase.

»

» Hand made:

»

» Ramon Allones Small Club Corona

» Bolivar Corona Junior

» San Cristobal Principe

» Monte 4

»

» In Machine made

»

» Por Larranaga Panetela

» Por Larranaga Montecarlo

»

» All offer unique flavour experiences.

»

» I am sill awaiing a detailed response from Habanos regarding the situation

» with "Hand Finished, Mackine Bunched" cigars. Our man in HSA is away until

» next week.

»

» Put the MRN book on your list for a Birthday or Christmas gift. t is well

» worthwhile having.

Man, nearly exactly what I was going to suggest down to the MRN! Although, I always throw in the ERDM Choix Surpreme as well

~Mark

[Trevor2118]

Welcome Glenn.....

PS.

As Rob states, the question of hand-finished is up in the air at the moment.

I just hope that the Cubans know what is going on:-P

[Colt45]

Glenn, as the names might imply, varnished or unvarnished cabs are wood boxes

that are either varnished......or not.

Now, as Chopper might say, Jeez Colt, you've got a F!@#$n' keen grasp of the

F!@#$n' obvious!

But they can also denote a difference in size or blend, as in the Partagas 8-9-8

varnished (comes in varnished box), and the Partagas 8-9-8 unvarnished.

Different blend.

I would also consider adding the Montecristo No.5 to the small cigar list.

[El Presidente]

» Now, as Chopper might say, Jeez Colt, you've got a F!@#$n' keen grasp of

» the

» F!@#$n' obvious!

[GlennC]

» boxes that are either varnished......or not.

........yes, well I'd gotten that far..........

» But they can also denote a difference in size or blend, as in the Partagas

» 8-9-8 varnished (comes in varnished box), and the Partagas 8-9-8 unvarnished. Different blend.

»

.....that's what I was after. Thanks.

Thanks all for the recommendations. Put them in a file I can keep open while I surf vendors. I can get the Montes in 5s, so they might be first. But those PLPCs are mighty tempting.........hmm.........

Regards,

Glenn

[Wiley]

A certain vendor we all know and love sells singles. Maybe put together a list of fivers of the different PCs and perlas that he sells. You never know what's going to suit your fancy until you try them.

The vast majority of cigars I smoke are in this size. I just don't often have more than 30 or 40 minutes to sit down. I can't really say I've run across any small Cubans I just really don't like. For me they vary from "good" to "fantastic".

I would like to second the Montecristo No.5 suggestion, since I have a box I bought recently and they kick ass! :-D

[CoryOllis]

» A certain vendor we all know and love sells singles. Maybe put together a

» list of fivers of the different PCs and perlas that he sells. You never

» know what's going to suit your fancy until you try them.

My thoughts, exactly! Take advantage of this opportunity. Also, Partagas makes some tasty PCs. The Super Partagas is affordable(around $4/stick) and a great value. Also, the Jose Piedras are very inexpensive but do have some quality issues.

Above all, have fun! :-D

[GlennC]

» » A certain vendor we all know and love sells singles. Maybe put together

» a

» » list of fivers of the different PCs and perlas that he sells. You

» never

» » know what's going to suit your fancy until you try them.

Exactly my intention. Just trying to narrow the list.

»

» My thoughts, exactly! Take advantage of this opportunity. Also, Partagas

» makes some tasty PCs. The Super Partagas is affordable(around $4/stick)

» and a great value.

Good advice.

>Also, the Jose Piedras are very inexpensive but do have

» some quality issues.

I laid in 25 JLP cazadores (Lonsdale is perhaps my favorite shape).I've only smoked one, but I liked it.

»

» Above all, have fun! :-D

Always.

Thanks to all of you who contributed your thoughts. Much appreciated.

Regards,

Glenn

[Cam]

Welcome mate, some good deals, monte number 4 and 5's id suggest talking to Rob, I only know a fewother places in the world where prices are a littl e4bvetter, but shipping, service and quality remain to be beaten.