Your top Cigars of the first Quarter 09

[Monk]

I am relatively new to Cuban Cigars. Probably about a year under my belt.

I did have a fresh SLR churchill that was one of the best cigars I've had this past year.

Very good flavor, sweet, and nicely balanced.

[Colt45]

Weather has been for the most part crap, so I've not been able to smoke very much, and no '07s or '08s. When I've been able, I've gone

with standbys - BCG, PSdC3, HdM Epicure1 (this box has been excellent in all aspects - whoever rolled these deserves high praise).

[Hoops]

I smoked several great cigars in the last few months, but the ones that come immediately to mind include:

- ERDM Tainos ('98)

- Partagas SD3 EL ('01)

- Several great smokes from recent regular production, including Partgagas Lusitania, SD4, HdM Mag 50, and believe it or not, R&J Cedros De Luxe #3 (smoked w/friends while watching the NCAA basketball tournament, so the environment certainly contributed to the experience)

[strayvector]

The two cigars I smoked for my birthday yesterday, absolutely blew my socks off. The first was a Trinidad Fundadore from '98 that a friend gifted me (Thanks, Robbie). The other was a Sir Winston from 2003.

[mash]

Best DC: Lusitania

Best Churchill: SWC, Boli CG close second

Best Corona Gorda: Sig IV

Best Long Panetela : ERDM Grandes de Espana

Best Piramide: H Upmann #2

Best Lonsdale/Dalia: 898

Best Corona: Dip #3

Best Robusto Extra: H. Upmann Magnum 50

Best Robusto: Simones

Best Petit Corona: RyJ

Best TPC/Minuto etc.: El Principe

[Jimmy2]

I see alot of people listing AGED CIGARS but i think Rob was listing cigars that have box dates of 06/07/08 to judge what is smoking good now with very little nap time.

Also you have to understand that the last 3 years have produced excellant cigars that have not been seen in years and most people can get them very easy from their vendor with newer box dates.

I just smoked another Partagas Lusi (08) i have to say this is better than the 97's i smoked and any other years ever and yes they are very smokable now just mind blowing ...The blend has change to a more robust flavors and yes med to full in strength.

It s has all of the classic Partagas flavors and than some in a one hour and half of stress relief...

Now thats the kind of good info i think alot of members want as they can now get 08 boxes of Partagas Lusi very easy..Enjoy

[anacostiakat]

I thought the same thing.

I gotta say, I am smoking a '98 Lusi that is magnificent.

[ksblazer]

Thanks to Pres and everyone for posting updates on what is smoking well. Lately I've been a little cautious about buying anything from 07 to current. This gives me a better idea of what to buy and try.

My list will be short but there are were a few cigars that impressed me so far this year.

Lonsdale- late 07 Monte No.1

Piramide- Early 08 Diplomatico No.2

TPC/Minuto 07 Monte No.5

Robusto Extra- 08 Upmann Mag 50

Double Corona 07 SLR DC

[jdbrown]

Have to totally agree with Rob on all the Punch listed and the RASS has been the most consistent Robusto for me. Have not had a bad one yet!

[aavkk]

Well in terms of what blew me away in the last 4 months, its a decent mix of old and new.

Here are my top 10

1. 1992 Punch SS#2

2. 2003 Siglo VI

3. 1998 Punch SS#2

4. FEB 06 Partagas 898

5. NOV 01 Cohiba Lancero

6. Feb 07 RASS (from Cab)

7. All 02 LGC's

8. May 08 Upmann Mag 50's

9. 03 HU Sir Winstons

10. 04 Party D1 EL

[brian1]

Prez,

You mean Cohiba Grand Reserva right??

Standouts for me were the Cohiba Seleccion Reserva (near 100 perfect) and the Cohiba Piramide 2006 (not too far behind mid 90's).

[mkz]

Number one for me is still the Punch Petit Coronas. Simply superb!!!

[Stalebread]

Prez,

You mean Cohiba Grand Reserva right??

I've been wondering the same thing.

. . . Standouts for me were the Cohiba Seleccion Reserva (near 100 perfect) . . .

After reading this again -- do you really mean the Seleccion Reserva or

do you mean the Gran Reserva?

Or are they the same thing?

[El Presidente]

I've been wondering the same thing.

I mean't the Gran Reserva.....sorry about that

[jquest63]

Hi, great list! Haven't had a bad Habanos yet this year, so tough to choose. Here goes:

Double Corona: Vegas Robainas Don Alejandro

Belicoso: Bolivar Belicoso Fino

Robusto: Vegas Robainas Famosos

Robusto runner up: Partagas Serie D

Petit Corona: Por Larranaga Petit Corona

[CIGARHead]

Best so far for me:

'07 BBF - Lisa sent me the most beautiful cab of these and they absolutely amazing. Sweet coffee, earth and spice.

'08 Monte 2 - God these have such a pronounced Ginger bread spice it's unbelievable. Tons of aging potential.

'03 CSR Esplendido - Mind blowing. Sweet cream, coffee and loads of vanilla bean.

'08 Reynaldo Salomone - Strong, earthy, spicy. Espresso. Yum

Partagas Salomone - Bold Partagas. Spice and coffee. Toasted bread. Notes of dark chocolate.

'04 Boli Inmensas - I've smoked damn near 15 in the last month. So damn good. Licorice, syrup, earth.

I'm sure there are more, but it's a start.

[neal875]

You know what's interesting? Unless I am just missing it, nobody has mentioned the Monte Petit Edmundo? Can this be? I have had some really great '07 and early '08s. I mean really good for such young examples. So, I throw my hat in the ring with these as well as the Jan. '08 SLR Regio in cabinet and the early '06 JL #2 which are really good about now.

Best so far for me:

'07 BBF - Lisa sent me the most beautiful cab of these and they absolutely amazing. Sweet coffee, earth and spice.

'08 Monte 2 - God these have such a pronounced Ginger bread spice it's unbelievable. Tons of aging potential.

'03 CSR Esplendido - Mind blowing. Sweet cream, coffee and loads of vanilla bean.

'08 Reynaldo Salomone - Strong, earthy, spicy. Espresso. Yum

Partagas Salomone - Bold Partagas. Spice and coffee. Toasted bread. Notes of dark chocolate.

'04 Boli Inmensas - I've smoked damn near 15 in the last month. So damn good. Licorice, syrup, earth.

I'm sure there are more, but it's a start.

[brian1]

Standouts for me were

03 Cohiba Seleccion Reserva Robusto

08 Upmann mag 50

86 La Escepcion Longos

04 RyJ Hermoso#2 EL

00 Cohiba Millenium Piramide