Recommendation for a special occasion '07 LE...

[LukeBird]

As per title really.
I need two of these and would like a 2007 LE if possible (for reasons of the celebration!) willing to spend up to around ?30 per stick. One caveat, I don't want any Cohibas...
Size-wise, not too bothered as long as it's not small! I guess 44+ gauge and 5"+ as a very vague guide!

Over to you...

[whisky77]

2007

You have a choice for LE 2007 of Trinidad, R&J or Hoyo.

I am sure you will have no problem getting someone to sell you a couple on Luke.

[LukeBird]

I had a PM from a UKCF member (thanks!) and he suggested the Hoyo.
They look nice...!!
I haven't had a chance to order yet (am looking at ordering now as I need them for the beginning of March) but it'll be between the Hoyos and RyJ...
Sod it, may have to have both!

[cesara valverde]

For what it's worth here's my take on your options:

Trinidad: Not many of these still around as far as I can see. Construction was a bit iffy, some boxes I saw were quite loosely packed. They were strong, but lacked depth, didn't give me the impression that they had great legs for ageing. Disappointing.

Romeo y Julieta: Again, they were a little inconsistent, some wrappers were noticable rustic. From the ones I smoked they were full-bodied but had less tobacco-strength than the Trinidads. Flavours were there, but unsettled and quite raw. They'd be what I'd buy if I was looking to age them.

Hoyo de Monterrey: By far the most consistent construction-wise, and a nice size. I've smoked a fair few of these and they have been fairly uniformly LE-like. Strong, bitter, with th occaisional hit of dark-chocolate sweetness. Not particularly interesting, but the best of the 07 LEs for immediate smoking.

Two other options which are 2007 Regional Editions: If you are willing to spend up to ?30 per stick Davidoff in St James' still have some Por Larranage Magnificos left. These are a beautiful stick, and should age to be even better than they are already. Floral, honeyed, sweetness well balanced by tobacco tannins.

Many estancos in Spain still have a fair few Vegas Robaina Maestros left, as they were produced in very large quantities.On release they received some glowing reviews, and are considered by a lot of people among the best REs ever produced. They are deep and woody, less sweet than the Magnificos, but more complex, with some coffee and cream coming through, after a couple of years.

[LukeBird]

Many thanks for the reviews.
I'm definitely going to get the Hoyos for this occasion. Will try and get hold of a few of the RyJs if I can, and more importantly if I have any humidor space left!!

[monkey66]

Personally I think the Trinidads are excellent and the pick of the bunch.

[whisky77]

Agreed

Personally I think the Trinidads are excellent and the pick of the bunch.

Completely agree. Been lucky to try them all, and IMO the Trini wins.