Alternatives..

[Cigar_Addict]

When I first started smoking almost two decades ago, I ordered a sampler of a Montecristo, Cohiba RyJ and a Partagas (Maduro No. 8). Surprisingly to me, the latter stood out as the one I enjoyed the most, but has obviously been discontinued. Did any of you guys ever try these? I'm looking for similar offerings, which is not too expensive, so that I can enjoy them more frequently (don't mind an ultra premium stick for special occasions)

I'm guessing nothing really tastes terrible, but when reviews talk about 'smooth, creamy, chocolate/cocoa or coffee' notes, they sound like something I'd like to try
So... suggestions very welcome

[Ivan]

Thinking along the chocolate/cocoa or coffee notes, my favourites new world alternatives would be Oliva Serie G Maduro and Foundation Tabernacle.

[Cigar_Addict]

Thinking along the chocolate/cocoa or coffee notes, my favourites new world alternatives would be Oliva Serie G Maduro and Foundation Tabernacle.

I'll check them out, thanks

[PeeJay]

I think most NC smokers would agree that the Cubans aren't great at maduros so you might struggle to replicate it in a non Cuban. By all means try an Oliva but I'd recommend the Oliva V Melanie maduro

[Cigar_Addict]

Let us know how it goes! £8.99 for a long filler cigar in UK sounds like incredible value!

Do you guys usually give them time in the humidor first? If how long?

[Cigar_Addict]

I think most NC smokers would agree that the Cubans aren't great at maduros so you might struggle to replicate it in a non Cuban. By all means try an Oliva but I'd recommend the Oliva V Melanie maduro

I'm still a bit ignorant to what constitutes a CC vs NC as I've heard a brand can produce both?

[Ivan]

Do you guys usually give them time in the humidor first? If how long?

They should be shipped with a humidity control pack (e.g. boveda), however I like to let it "rest" for a couple weeks or so in my humidor. It is not uncommon for cigar merchants to slightly over humidify the cigars as it prevents the wrapper from cracking during shipping.

[Ivan]

I'm still a bit ignorant to what constitutes a CC vs NC as I've heard a brand can produce both?

Cuban cigars - Cigars made in Cuba with tobacco grown in Cuba.

Non-cuban cigars - Cigars manufactured and with tobacco grown outside of Cuba.


Were it gets confusing is there are non-cuban versions of Montecristo and Cohiba. Effectively same name, but manufactured by a different company. Something to do with Cuban companies not being able to get US trademarks due to sanctions. So some other company has basically taken the naming right.

Also not uncommon to hear of Cuban seed tobacco, just means tobacco was grown outside of cuba with seeds originating in Cuba,

[Cigar_Addict]

They should be shipped with a humidity control pack (e.g. boveda), however I like to let it "rest" for a couple weeks or so in my humidor. It is not uncommon for cigar merchants to slightly over humidify the cigars as it prevents the wrapper from cracking during shipping.

I've got a friend going to visit his parents in America in a few weeks and he's going to bring me back a 10pk of Esteban Carrera Mr Brownstone Maduro. These were advertised as $38, and have also heard good things about them

[Cigar_Addict]

I think most NC smokers would agree that the Cubans aren't great at maduros so you might struggle to replicate it in a non Cuban. By all means try an Oliva but I'd recommend the Oliva V Melanie maduro

Had a friend suggest these to me also, should've listen to him as he was going to get them from the States for around $10a stick & bring them back

[PeeJay]

Cuban cigars - Cigars made in Cuba with tobacco grown in Cuba.

Non-cuban cigars - Cigars manufactured and with tobacco grown outside of Cuba.


Were it gets confusing is there are non-cuban versions of Montecristo and Cohiba. Effectively same name, but manufactured by a different company. Something to do with Cuban companies not being able to get US trademarks due to sanctions. So some other company has basically taken the naming right.

Also not uncommon to hear of Cuban seed tobacco, just means tobacco was grown outside of cuba with seeds originating in Cuba,

Not entirely right, a lot of growers took their names with them when they fled Cuba and the communists hence you get the same brand names used inside and outside Cuba. The main exception is Cohiba which I believe is still the subject of a copyright dispute unless someone knows better.

[Ivan]

Not entirely right, a lot of growers took their names with them when they fled Cuba and the communists hence you get the same brand names used inside and outside Cuba. The main exception is Cohiba which I believe is still the subject of a copyright dispute unless someone knows better.

I stand corrected!

[Snakes]

I am a fan of the Maduro wrapper as well. Worth trying the Perdomo 10th Anniversary Maduro or if you like bigger cigars then I definitely recommend the Brick House Maduro Mighty Mighty

[Cigar_Addict]

All great suggestions, keep them coming. I hope to try as many as I can this year and get building up my humidor with some regular smokes while collecting some more expensive ones for special occasions

[Cigar_Addict]

I am a fan of the Maduro wrapper as well. Worth trying the Perdomo 10th Anniversary Maduro or if you like bigger cigars then I definitely recommend the Brick House Maduro Mighty Mighty

I understand the wrapper has little to no bearing on the flavour of the cigar, but I do like the look of a maduro