What Haul Should It Be?

[Gryph]

Right, hols to the cigar heaven fast approaching, and have tasted a couple of brands in prep, Montecristo (no2, edmundo), cohiba (ii, vi) and R&Y (duke)... any thoughts on what should make up the post-hols haul?

7 draw humidoro special in place and holding the correct % perfectly.

2 of us, UK, so 100 count in total (I think).

So far on the list:

R&J Duke
Cohiba VI
Cohiba IV (on the basis of the cohiba quality, but a smaller one)
A churchill of some form, not entirely sure what.
Possibly another LE?

If it's any help, I loved the VI, the cream burst of cohiba was amazing. Equally loved the contrast of the Duke and lots of flavours. The edmundo... ok... nothing special, may have been the one I had (found it didnt smell particularly strong, and middling in flavour while being slightly dry).

Main reason for Cohiba being on there was ensuring I got genuine articles (appropriate purchase place of course) over any price difference, as I understand this is the main source of concern on web orders.

[skyhigh]

well if you are going to the Partagas factory on your hols it would be rude not to indulge in the make. You might get some nice LE'S.

[Deano]

Montecristo Sublimes if you can get 'em.

[HabanoSy]

Montecristo Sublimes if you can get 'em.

Very good call Deano...

Won't go far wrong if you can get some of those Gryph...

Churchill sized smokes I'd be looking at would be:

Bolivar Corona Gigantes
H.Upmann Sir Winston
RyJ Churchill
Vegas Robaina Don Alejandro

Hope this helps...!?!

Cheers, HabanoSy

[Gryph]

It all helps thank you!

Sublimes - good point indeed. With the age on those, are these a likely purchase, or will they have been snapped up previously? (yes, conjecture )

I will deffo take a trip to a factory, most likely Partagas.

Good suggestion of churchill sizes, my only concern over R&Y ch is the quality aspects I've read. Heard good things about the H.Up ones.

[Deano]

I reckon there will be some around Cuba - was about 5 months ago when my friend bought me a box back.

Online there's definitely some Sublimes still around. About $220 a box (10) though.

[barrytb]

Hi Gryph,
bit of a novice opinion here, but the only dodgy RyJ Churchills I've had have been from sources where I suspect they've been badly kept. All the ones I've had from good suppliers have been fine.

If you get time, as you fly out, is there any chance of letting me know what the selection and prices are like in the airport shop? Allegedly it's one of the better places to buy. I'm hoping to get over there later in the year. There are obvious appeals to buying on the way out, but it's a bit of a gamble to leave it until then - (you can't really pop back to the factories if you can't find something).
Any observations gratefully received.

Have a great trip - you lucky, lucky "?$%^&*!

[PoohBore]

which airport are you using in cuba? I know varadero had 2 good shops plus 4 or 5 stands selling cigars.

[El Catador]

Main reason for Cohiba being on there was ensuring I got genuine articles (appropriate purchase place of course) over any price difference, as I understand this is the main source of concern on web orders.

Hi Gryph

If you're contemplating a possible Churchill sized purchase, the Esplendido would seem to tick quite a few of the boxes you mention.
As (possibly) the worlds most counterfeited cigar it can be a tricky purchase both on and off-line, so being able to get hold of some from the source itself (so to speak), would seem a sensible move.

I'm sure you're probably already aware that it's considered one of the benchmark Churchill's etc, but if you've not already tried one I think there's a good chance you'll find it to your liking. Its renown for its consistency in capturing that elusive Cohiba taste, not to mention producing a rich, voluminous and creamy smoke.

Obviously, stick to the authorized vendors when purchasing to avoid risk of fakes etc, and, most of all have a bloody good time!

El Cat wanders off muttering to himself 'jammy sod'.

[tippexx]

Once you're there you've all the leisure time to try a few. Find a favourite so to speak.

Dark horses maybe. LGC Tainos (Which I think are made at the Partagas factory) and SCdH Muralla, which a lot of the guyes on here swear by!

[Gryph]

Thank you for all the posts! I shall deffo try an Esplendido, along with the iconic R&Y, amongst anything else I can get my hands on.

Am flying to and from Havana airport, but staying Varadero (beach holiday required after busy year, not traditional Cuba I know, but will save that for another visit).

Got a smaller H-Upp to try tomorrow, so it's all go...

[Gryph]

Well, back after a great time - tried many different sticks sat on the balcony after dinner, with a glass of rum or beer (or both) and reading my Kindle.

In the end, the Cohibas really stood out for me (us) on the taste, with the Robusto coming top as the definite favourite and Siglo VI a close second. Tried an Esplendido and R&J churchill, and wasn't entirely convinced on the size.

Ended up bagging a 25 cab of Robusto, 25 cab of Siglo VI, 3 Siglo VI Tubo (for gifts at home) and a variety of different singles to still try (HUpp Tubo, Cohiba Siglo II tubo, etc) in the LCDH in Varadero.

All sat nice and tidy in the humidor at home now.

Also as an aside, today, picked up a Colibri Maritime Jet Lighter in BlacknSilver from a local shop that was a treat to stumble across, with a really good selection of seingles. Ended up 'accidentally' adding a Oliva Serie V (to try something other than a Cuban) and a 2006 Cohiba Piramides... well... just because it seemed wrong not to!

For those asking about prices - LCDH Varadero and Duty Free in Havana airport, paying by card, were all within 2% give or take in $ to Cigars of Habanos website.