What am I missing

[jquest63]

It's all a matter of taste. If CC's don't do it for you, so be it. Note that what appeals to the senses evolves/changes over time. So, don't give up on CC's. Keep coming back to them and evaluate. I personnally enjoy both NC's and CC's. However, I find that CC's are superior to NC's in taste, complexity and aroma.

[El Presidente]

The cigar was beautiful torpedo, smooth. Construction - perfect, draw - perfect .

That was your first hint that they were fake

[Fuzz AI]

My advice if you want to find out what the fuzz is all about....

I could tell you what the Fuzz is all about....

But seriously, a lot of the guys here smoke both NCs and CCs, so have given you the best advice. Don't give up on cubans, they just may not be right for you at the moment. Get a sampler from Czars, try them out, and if you still not sold, come back in a few months.

In the end, everyone has different tastes. Heck, some people actually like Cuabas! (besides the Piramides, that is) A BOTL is still a BOTL whether they smoke a CC or NC.

[Ellery]

I would disagree about one dimensional/not complex. Far from it. Try Padilla 1948, for example. A lot of different flavors and very clear changes from one third to the next.

Interestingly enough, I find Oliva V much simpler than Oliva O, especially the maduro. I also have not found a Tat I liked, except one example of Noellas which was really good and special, which may have been a fluke

I do like bolder cigars, I think, but balance and flavour are paramount

I think I'll have to get a sampler to at least convince myself that I did due diligence. Anyone has an opinion on PETITE AND HALF CORONA SAMPLER on CigarSzar or am I better off with something else?

Never tried the Padilla 1948, and havent had an Oliva O in a couple of yrs. I think Ill pick some up this weekend and give them a try.

[PigFish]

That was your first hint that they were fake

Give that man a kewpie doll!!!!

I am non-apologetic for enjoying Cuban cigars. What is there to apologize for; I don't roll them? Criticize Cuban cigars!!! Hell I do it all the time. I love them and I am undoubtedly one of their biggest critics. They are simply my cigar of choice. Alternately, I will boldly proclaim that they are the best cigars in the world. Have I had Cuban cigars that were lousy... you bet? Am I biased, opinionated... a big prick? Yep... all the aforementioned.

Brother, if you don't like 'em don't smoke 'um! I, on the other hand, think that non-Cuban cigars are not worth the matches it would take to burn them to hell, but I am not going to fight with anyone about it. As my old man used to say, "There is an ass for every seat!" If you are gonna' belly up to the non-Cuban cigar table I will even pull out the chair and give you mine.

Lastly, might I add that I won't stroll into a *** mens' bar looking to pick up girls? -Piggy

[Colt45]

Lastly, might I add that I won't stroll into a *** mens' bar looking to pick up girls? -Piggy

But you would stroll in........?!?

[El Presidente]

Have I had Cuban cigars that were lousy... you bet? Am I biased, opinionated... a big prick? Yep... all the aforementioned.

They say a man who truly knows himself is on the path to enlightenment

Lastly, might I add that I won't stroll into a *** mens' bar looking to pick up girls? -Piggy

What about a transvestite bar?

[PigFish]

Amigo... I am looking at your avatar and wondering if I should answer that question!!!! -

... wait a minute. I just got a hit on my fur coat ad on the PETA site. Talk at you all soon! - the luvin' Pig

[maalouly]

But you would stroll in........?!?

haha that was a good one!

On a serious note I agree with Pigfish, if you don't like them dont' smoke them, but you couldn't name more thn 1 brand that changed flavours in the NC's where as you can name only 1 brand that doesn't change flavour in the CC world and that is Monte Open Line. To buy half a decent NC cigar you're spending up to $50 a stick to smoke an amazing CC cigar you'll spend less thn $9.

[Kangaroo495]

Let me start with saying I am not trying to throw smelly substance on the fan .

I am VERY new to CC's and still trying to decide what all the hoopla is about.

I've been smoking cigars for less than 3 years, almost exclusively NC.

After salivating at the reviews on FOH, past Sunday I decided to spark up my only Montecristo #2 I was gifted, which was sitting in my humidor for the last 2 years (was saving it for special occasion, not many cigars over $12US in mu humi).

Great fall day, wether was perfect. Sunny, almost no wind, warm. Awesome and rare in my area.

The cigar was beautiful torpedo, smooth. Construction - perfect, draw - perfect .

Smoked it for about 75 minutes. I am a slow smoker and sip my cigars, so I don't think I was rushing it.

Flavors: bit of citrus, bit of cream, some tobacco, light medium body, a twang that I think was that cuban taste everyone seems to be talking about. No other flavours, no real change, no WOW. Smooth, yes, but very unexciting. Impression: Meh!

I was really disappointed, since I really expected to get that "classic Monte flavour", but may be that is just my built-up anticipation.

I was so puzzled that I went to smoke a second cigar that evening (I don't usually smoke more than one a day) to ponder why am I missing all the fun. Got my "go to" Oliva Serie G Maduro Belicoso", and while thinking about my Monte experience, actually thought to myself that I enjoy the Oliva much more. WTF?

I have tried R&J, Partagas and Sancho Panza Beli CCs before which also left me cold.

Is it just that I am used to NCs and expect different flavor profile? Should I only try $100 cigars to expereience the CC nirvana? What? I'm really dumbfounded.

At this point I'm not sure I want to drop a ton of dough on a sampler of CCs and get disappointed again.

While pondering my predicament I was also wondering why on earth would anyone limit oneself to only CCs when it is clear to me there are really wonderful NCs out there, which are usually cheaper to boot. I think one will be missing out. Its like only drinking french wine: its good, for sure, but there are many excellent others.

Help the brother out, give your thoughts

Mate, I used be in an identical situation. Couldn't be stuffed with ССs at they were too unpredictable, didn't really make a decent impression. Don't know why, but one day I decided to start exploring Cubans. Made it my mission to try every marca. After that I was converted.

But Cubans are readily available here. Not like in the US. On the other hand, when I discovered Czar, I saved a LOT of money on my cigar budget. I remember getting 40 cigars shipped from Oz to Russia for marginally more than what I paid for 8 cigars locally. They've got great deals.

[Danashan]

Thanks everyone for great info and opinions.

I'll get myself a sampler from Czar and try some more. I'm storing all my stogies at 65%RH so this will be easy.

About not being able to name more than one complex NC - I'm not even gonna go there . I gave an example of one of my favorites, not tried to write Cigar Cyclopedia. As was said: if you don't like them, don't smoke them. Personally, I'd smoke everything I'd find appealing, regardless of origin and any snobs opinions

[aavkk]

But you would stroll in........?!?

Freaking classic line Ross! I got to find my way up to Boston to have a smoke with you, either that or head on down to NYC.

[tsolomon]

Thanks everyone for great info and opinions.

I'll get myself a sampler from Czar and try some more. I'm storing all my stogies at 65%RH so this will be easy.

About not being able to name more than one complex NC - I'm not even gonna go there . I gave an example of one of my favorites, not tried to write Cigar Cyclopedia. As was said: if you don't like them, don't smoke them. Personally, I'd smoke everything I'd find appealing, regardless of origin and any snobs opinions

BTW, it's not a snob issue. This is a habanos forum after all and we chat here mostly about habanos. The other issue is that I get more bang for my buck with CCs compared to NCs and when I reach into the humidor I tend to grab a CC first as that is what I prefer to smoke.

I would be happy to try a Padilla 1948 and report back on what I think of it. The important thing to remember is that everyone's tastes are different and my opinion as to its taste and complexity might be different from yours. I already know that I like the Tat Browns and Reds along with the Oliva V natural that you don’t seem to care for.

[PigFish]

But you would stroll in........?!?

Yeah... keep an eye peeled baby! I'll be wearing Ayala's pink and green hat!!! Wear a carnation and listen for the line:

"Hey there Colt! Is that a tubo in your pocket or are you just happy to see me!!!"

[MontrealRon]

The guys have pretty well summed up our collective partiality for Cuban cigars,

which is, after all, what draws us here to Friends of Habanos,

rather than to those fora that focus on US-market cigars.

One thing I would add to the many great suggestions above is that you try some well aged examples, as many classic Habanos do not show their best until the age of 7-8+.

Also, check out some small ring gague smokes.

Fitting both bills at once, Cigar-czar has some singles of La Gloria Cubana Medaille D'or #3 and #4.

They are probably vintage 2002.

Prices are reasonable, and quality is amazing.

[Colt45]

I got to find my way up to Boston to have a smoke with you, either that or head on down to NYC.

For sure either way

Yeah... keep an eye peeled baby! I'll be wearing Ayala's pink and green hat!!! Wear a carnation and listen for the line:

"Hey there Colt! Is that a tubo in your pocket or are you just happy to see me!!!"

Bring your dancing shoes.

[Danashan]

So, I thought to give a short update. My first batch has been resting since November 12, and I tried 1 stick from each vitola.

First of, the service by First Lady & Co. was flawless, which should not be a surprise, I guess. Also, to my relief, all cigars up to now had flawless construction/burn etc.

My first impressions:

PAR SP 2 TUBOS – TEB SEP 08 - OK, but nothing special. This one made me ill by nicotine, btw. And I have good tolerance to it.

HDM E2 3 PACK – SGT OCT 08 - Unreal. I first thought I must be imagining things. If the remaining 2 are like the first one, I know what my first CC box is going to be

HDM DES DIEUX – PSO HJUL 07 - Meh. I had exactly 2 puffs with interesting flavours. And I have not tried to count. Will see if more rest will change anything

VR FAMOSOS – LPM JUN 08 - Very good. Silky smooth, aromatic, interesting.

I am getting ready to get another sampler of mostly PC vitolas sometime on December. I guess I have started my journey to the CC world.

Still, I cannot imagine why would I give up my Padillas and Olivas.

Cheers

[Fuzz AI]

Try a young PLPC or RyJ Cazadores if you want something to blow your socks off.

[Tampa1257]

From what I read about your impressions of the cigars thus far, I would have to say that you enjoy mild to medium bodied cigars. Partagas is not that type, nor would Ramon Allones. You mentioned that you were going to try a samplier of PC's. I would make sure that you included the following:

Montecristo

Diplomaticos

H Upmann

Rafel Gonzales

Cohiba

Romeo y Julieta

Por Larranaga

I left off one of my favorite PC's which is the Bolivar, but I do not think your palate would enjoy it if you thought the Partagas Serie P No.2 was strong and was excessive with the nicotine,

Food for thought while you begin your journey discovering Habanos. I say try everything and smoke what you like and like what you smoke.

Tampa

[SnakeHips]

I've found that Habanos have a sort of learning curve: you do not begin to appreciate Cuban tobacco until you've smoked a number of Habanos, none of which have impressed you. Until "The One." After "The One" you're completely hosed.

[Danashan]

From what I read about your impressions of the cigars thus far, I would have to say that you enjoy mild to medium bodied cigars. Partagas is not that type, nor would Ramon Allones. You mentioned that you were going to try a samplier of PC's. I would make sure that you included the following:

Montecristo

Diplomaticos

H Upmann

Rafel Gonzales

Cohiba

Romeo y Julieta

Por Larranaga

I left off one of my favorite PC's which is the Bolivar, but I do not think your palate would enjoy it if you thought the Partagas Serie P No.2 was strong and was excessive with the nicotine,

Food for thought while you begin your journey discovering Habanos. I say try everything and smoke what you like and like what you smoke.

Tampa

Thanks for suggestions, Tampa.

I have very high tolerance to nicotine, IMO. I've smoked CAO LX2, Man O' War Ruination and some others and they had no effect on me at all. But I do not like the sick feeling of nicotine poisoning, that's for sure.

I also find that I enjoy full bodied cigars a lot. My meaning of body is a mouth feel, not nicotine strength or depth of flavour. I do like full flavored cigars (Padilla 1932 is one of my favourites and is both full flavoured and full bodied, Padilla 1948 is full flavoured and medium bodied). My gripe with Partagas was that it was BORING, just like HDM Lonsdale. I'm not writing these cigars off just yet, only expressing what my experience was up to now.

On the other had, what I look most for in a cigar is interesting and enjoyable flavour. For me a cigar is like a dessert - I have to be stimulated on my pallet. It doesn't have to always be very complex, just not too boring.

So far I really enjoyed the texture of the smoke on CC, which I find very unique and unlike anything I've experienced in NC.

[samb]

So far I really enjoyed the texture of the smoke on CC, which I find very unique and unlike anything I've experienced in NC.

Yup. Since Ive bee smoking CCs, I agree that the way the smoke feels is definitely unique. Its creamy

[stargazer14]

I've found that Habanos have a sort of learning curve: you do not begin to appreciate Cuban tobacco until you've smoked a number of Habanos, none of which have impressed you. Until "The One." After "The One" you're completely hosed.

I have to agree. I smoked NC's for years then tried a few CC's.

At first I was hoping for some big revelation and was let down - not because the cigar was bad but just because i was expecting so much more.

My 'wants' made me miss what the stick had to offer.

So i tried more, found what i liked and, not so slowly, I stopped grabbing the NC's,

i just learned to find so much more in the Cubans. I too like Padilla and Oliva,

but can honestly say, the thought of a decent cuban makes my mouth water,

i dont get that feeling from any NC's.

Keep at it, your almost hooked....

[Jesuscookies]

Interesting thread. Be sure to try many different vitolas. I dislike the Partagas P2 as well, but find the Partagas Shorts to be a wonderful smoke. The 898 is pretty good as well. Also, based on your post I would defiently try these.

Por Larranga Petite Coronas.

H. Upmann Connie #1's

If you want a cigar that will knock your socks off and is everything a CC should be, check out the Cohiba 2006 LE Torpedo. This is by far one of the finest CC's I have had to date.

[Colt45]

I think that perhaps at times people new to Cuban cigars might expect some kind mind blowing, life altering experience - as members have mentioned.

And of course, this is not always or probably usually the case. As I recollect, my first Cuban cigar was a Montecristo No.5. A very good cigar, it was not

earth shattering, but I could sense the differences. Flavorful, great depth on the palate, a sensation of sweet spice I'd never experienced prior. I realized

quickly that there was something to this.

So, I'd like to agree with the rest and say don't give up, but at the same time I'll say if you really don't feel they're for you, get out of the water now,

and count yourself lucky