NC Recommendations

[Vitola]

With the cost of many if not most Cuban marques going through the 'proverbial roof' - there may be a good number of us looking to try non cubans for the first time, but the sheer array and vast range of NC marques/cigars available can be both daunting and off putting to many of us to seek them out.

There are some really good NC smokes out there, that for me at least can easily compete against cubans on taste and certainly in many cases beat them hands down price wise.

Light bulb moment - it may be a good idea to start a dedicated thread such as this to help and guide by recommending enjoyable NC cigars we may individually or collectively have come across on our smoking journeys.

I know there are quite a few knowledgeable aficionados on here whom I'm sure would be only too glad to offer recommendations to the uninitiated.......No names, but anyone feel free to recommend away if you think this would be a useful resource.

[PeeJay]

With a lot of you heading to Spain for the first time in three years you might want to keep an eye out for Vega Fina. Very popular with the Spanish these light Dominican cigars are a good buy. You may have noticed that they’ve introduced a Nicaraguan line too.

[Niela]

Anything from Crowned Heads is worth a try. They are all very different from each other, so ask first which is more to your preferences.

Everything from the Pichardo Line if you can get it. They are all superb, especially the Luciano The Dreamer.

[Midas]

I’m not very knowledgeable with NC’s but I’ll add anything Arturo Fuente, especially the Don Carlos line.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Niela]

Also, not cheap, but above most NCs are Davidoffs. Absolutely superb every time.

Sent from my IN2023 using Tapatalk

[Max A]

I've had a couple of beautiful Oliva Serie V and have only ever heard good things.

[Vitola]

You can’t beat a good budget cigar - something like Alejandro Lopez - Petit Robusto or Robusto, and at €3 each the price hides the quality of these lovely tasting cigars as everyday smokes. (They smoke well ROTT, but also seem to benefit from resting)

At the other end of the scale my personal favourites are from Casdagli (formerly Bespoke) - Grand Cafe (Lancero) is superb. Also love the Mareva range, Daughters of the Wind (Cremello) and the traditional Cotton Tail is a glorious smoke. Casdagli do benefit from resting. (I’m sure there are UK retailers selling Casdagli around the £11 to £15 price range)

Another favourite I’ve had recently is the L’atelier range ( think these are made by Tatuje another recommended marque) The L’atelier 52, 54 and 56 are sized as per the Behike range, but without the wallet stretching prices - but they taste bloody lovely

My last recommendation would be to echo what previous posters have said - in that ask if you have particular smoking preferences for a certain marque

[Romeo Allones]

Cubanesque smokes are most likely found in Connecticuts so the Plasencia, Undercrown, Brickhouse and Farce Room 101 versions are all quite sweet, cedary and nutty.

[potpest]

Really been enjoying the Fuente Natural range at the minute. Aladino has been good aswell, especially the Seleccion Vintage.

Sent from my SM-G770F using Tapatalk

[kern47]

I do love the a Cuban flavour profile. However, I've smoked a wider range of NC's and whenever I light a cuban, even to my fairly basic palate, I can still taste the difference. That being said, it is only a difference, not necessarily a superiority. With the range in flavours you can get from NC's, from Connecticut Shade right through to the darker Broadleaf and maduro/oscuro wrappers, there should be something for everyone.

Some of them can be 'pepper bombs' and made to smack you in the face, but I tend to prefer the darker wrappers with the natural sweetness. They can look intimidating, but some are surprisingly smooth with very little spice, but still packed with flavour.

I'd hesitate to recommend any in particular, given I'm not generally fussy and will smoke anything once, with only a handful so far that I wouldn't bother with again. But I would recommend trying as wide a range as possible. The QC on them generally means that, if nothing else, you'll get an easy smoke with a good draw and burn.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

[Niela]

I also have to point out the Intemperance line and in particular the Intemperance Whiskey rebellion. If you can wait a year or two (or even longer), they develop a rich sweetness that makes you crave for more. Fresh they're still quite good but at times a bit rough around the edges.

Wunderlust is also very good and not as strong as its reputation. A woody profile with a dry clean smoke.

Sent from my IN2023 using Tapatalk

[ha_banos]

The Skull 77 El Unico I had yesterday is good. I'll get a few to have on hand but they are a larger RG than I prefer. Nice aromatic and a lovely finish. But that one built up in strength from quite mild to strong. A nice blend.

[Romeo Allones]

I have had a couple of Atabeys now and they are rumoured to use Cuban tobacco. I got a bit of Trinidad sweetness and Upmann nuttiness in them, but they are a premium cigar so not cheap.

[ha_banos]

I have had a couple of Atabeys now and they are rumoured to use Cuban tobacco. I got a bit of Trinidad sweetness and Upmann nuttiness in them, but they are a premium cigar so not cheap.

And very very light if i recall correctly.

[Shaun]

The Skull 77 El Unico I had yesterday is good. I'll get a few to have on hand but they are a larger RG than I prefer. Nice aromatic and a lovely finish. But that one built up in strength from quite mild to strong. A nice blend.

I looked it up, 58RG! Not for me, but have you tried the lancero he has? https://www.boutiquesmokes.co.uk/pro...maduro-lancero