Non Cuban disappointment.

[Drewmidorn]

I have over the past couple of weeks been trying some NCs. I've realised I don't know enough about them to have an in depth discussion on the pros and cons. In the past fortnight I've tried:

Oliva Series V Robusto
Rocky Patel 1990 Torpedo and Robusto
Rocky Patel Old World Reserve Toro
Ashton VSG Enchantment
Arturo Fuente Belicosos of some kind
CAO Black Storm Robusto

The Oliva was Ok and the Ashton was really great... otherwise I wasn't inspired. I would certainly have to have my arm twisted Guantanmo Bay style to try another Rocky Patel and that particular Fuente I tried was extremely dull (wish I could remember exactly what it was).

I was wondering if you guys have any suggestions for a fella who likes a Cuaba Distinguidos, Party D4, Upmann Magnum 50, Monte Sublimes, Diplo No 2, Bolivar gold medal and the occasional punch punch among others (possibly the odd one out there).

because so far my blinkered "it's got to be a cuban" state of mind isn't being budged (apart from the Ashton) and I'm a fella who likes to be proved wrong... so possibly not that blinkered really.

[eggopp]

I think that you have been spoilt by the lavish CC range that you smoke, saying that i too like the P2 and D4, but i find it cheaper to smoke NCs its more suited to my budget.

Since joining this forum ive tried so many NCs that its un real, ive taken to removing the bands and writing on them what i like and what i dont.

I think everyones palette and tastes are different, what one person says is really nice another doesnt. For example there is so much being said for the Cohiba range and i recently invested in some and found them a little different for my tastes. Not that i dont like them, after all they are the bee's knee's of cigars, i just find some NCs easily rival them and much more suited to my budget.

Not thats of any help to you though lol

[larrysputnik]

The Ashton VSG is a really good cigar. Similar cigar profiles to that would be:

Hoyo de Monterrey Dark Sumatra Espresso (it's a little cigar but it rivals the strength and complexity of the VSG)

Padron (Any Padron will do)

Rocky Patel 1961 (I think this one is the closest to a Bolivar Gold Medal though the size and shape is not the same)

Trinidad maduro Robusto (not very complex but strong and reasonably priced)

[68TriShield]

The Ashton VSG is a really good cigar. Similar cigar profiles to that would be:

Hoyo de Monterrey Dark Sumatra Espresso (it's a little cigar but it rivals the strength and complexity of the VSG)

Padron (Any Padron will do)

Rocky Patel 1961 (I think this one is the closest to a Bolivar Gold Medal though the size and shape is not the same)

Trinidad maduro Robusto (not very complex but strong and reasonably priced)

I agree with the middle two. Most Pepin made cigars I enjoy as well.

[larrysputnik]

I agree with the middle two. Most Pepin made cigars I enjoy as well.

Oh yeah, especially the Cuban Classic by Pepin.

[Drewmidorn]

Thanks guys thats a nice little start.... vary wary of the RP, but i'll give it a go.

[Robusto]

I enjoyed examples of the middle two, too. They were wonderful cigars but I find my taste buds are geared towards CCs which, to me, are far more complex as they burn down. They can change vastly as you progress through the smoke.

Disappointment with NCs means I don't experiment much with them, TBH. I know what I like amongst Cubans and when I branch out, I branch out through related Cubans. These are more to hand in the UK, in any case.

Some NCs I have smoked light up in one colour and progress with little development to end on the same colour. I don't like that because I'm not used to no taste development.

Apologies to those of you who are NC nuts. I know there will be some wonderful sticks out there!
Because of what I've come to expect of a fine cigar for thirty years or more, it's got to be a Cuban for me.

[Robusto]

...And so I am prompted, by just scribbling on this thread, to seek a cigar in my humidor to smoke that will be new to me...

I'm on my holidays at home. I can do and smoke what the hell I like!

And so, from a special drawer, is extracted a GOD OF FIRE Robusto.

A gift from JoeyC when in New Mexico recently, I think it's time to enjoy this fecker and maybe put my tasting foot in my mouth...

Down to the drugs shack...

Laters.

I'm told this will be very, very good.

[Drewmidorn]

Let me know Bryan because thats another one of the ones Jean at Foxes suggested. Don't really know why I'm making such an effort.... I suppose its just so that I feel slightly more qualified to enter the debate, but at the moment I feel like the debate can go to hell and I'll just be content in my gentle Cuban ignorance. lol

D

[Lee Nub]

Get ready to take out a mortgage if you like the God of Fires lol

[jolsensen]

I think that you have been spoilt by the lavish CC range that you smoke, saying that i too like the P2 and D4, but i find it cheaper to smoke NCs its more suited to my budget.

Since joining this forum ive tried so many NCs that its un real, ive taken to removing the bands and writing on them what i like and what i dont.

I think everyones palette and tastes are different, what one person says is really nice another doesnt. For example there is so much being said for the Cohiba range and i recently invested in some and found them a little different for my tastes. Not that i dont like them, after all they are the bee's knee's of cigars, i just find some NCs easily rival them and much more suited to my budget.

Not thats of any help to you though lol

I've done the same band removing exercise and found it really useful.

Until I searched for a software to keep track of my past smokes. Doesn't mean I stopped collecting bands, but I find the software very easy to use.

You can classify smokes by strength, size, tastes, etc... A must have.
Moreover, it's free, so no excuse not use it really

You can download from http://www.cigarregister.com/

As for the tpoic of this thread I agree with Eggopp, tastes differ and if you are true to yourself, you will end up prefering a $2 nicaraguan to a $15 Cuban (Although it hasn't happened to me yet )

If anyone has recommandations about good NC's, please share

[Robusto]

Well my first and only GOD was a great smoke!

Strong Bolivar-like taste, I thought. Maduro-y. Firm ash that stayed the whole length. A dense, satisfying stick from start to finish... Thick smoke clouds and no hint of going out... and another NC to add to my short-ish like-list... which includes some fine NUB moments, by the way...

I'd recommend you try this one, Drew!

[Lee Nub]

Well my first and only GOD was a great smoke!

Strong Bolivar-like taste, I thought. Maduro-y. Firm ash that stayed the whole length. A dense, satisfying stick from start to finish... Thick smoke clouds and no hint of going out... and another NC to add to my short-ish like-list... which includes some fine NUB moments, by the way...

I'd recommend you try this one, Drew!

Music to my ears old boy

Good to see the God of fire was good, ive been thinking of a box myself, but at around $25 a cigar i have been waiting

[Cigar-aficionado]

Good grief they cost more than some excellent Havanas

[Drewmidorn]

Next time I am in JJs i shall purchase one! (which will be next week I imagine).

Thanks Bryan