As a noob, I've smoked through a few sticks, and would like to tell everyone (especially potential noobs) of my likes and dislikes so far. Keep in mind, I've never had a Cuban cigar, and I invite others to chime in. Because I'm a noob, my experiance is somewhat limited, so keep that in mind. I'll try to keep my selections to top 3 in each of *my* categories.

A. Very favorite cigars so far (best-3rd best)
1. Ashton VSG's - Never fails to amaze me. If I were rich, I'd have boxes and boxes of these.
2. Rocky Patel 1992's - I love these cedary smokes.
3. AF Hemingway's (especially the Short Stories)

B. Best Value in cigars
1. AF 8-5-8's
2. Punch Rare Corojo - Good Strong smoke, that seem very consistant.
3. RJY Maduros

C. Best "cheap" stogies
1. Punch Maduro Maduro
2. AF Curly Head Deluxe Maduro
3. Flor de Olivia Maduro

D. Cigars that disappointed me the most
1. Macanooonooo's - Too mild for me
2. H. Upmans - I just don't like the tase of these.
3. Partegas Black Label - Was recommended to me by a friend because they are strong, The taste was too bitter in my opinion.

I could go on and on, but these are my opinions of these cigars based on my experiance so far. I'd be interested in your own lists, or any comments.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Biker Bry,

I love your signature! I remember that episode of SNL... Laughed my ass off!

bry if you like ashtons, try la unica cameroon series. theyre awesome and have that same creamy texture.

Ashton VSG's are nothing like La unica Cameroons. The LUC's are good cigars, but the profile is nothing like a VSG.

Biker Bry, your list was pretty good. You'll find that a lot of non-noobs here will agree with most of your choices.

For the cheap cigars though I would lose the Olivas and Curlys. There are other cigars out there in the range that are better.

As for the Partagas Black label, yes they are strong and do seem a bit harsh. For some reson cigar makers don't realize that the two don't have to go hand-in-hand. The VSG is a good example of strength with flavor. However once the Partagas Blacks sit for a year or so they get better. I bought a box of the Classicos and they were harsh. Now with over a year on them they are almost tasty.

I'd have to agree on the A list smokes, but add in the RP 1990 instead of the 1992. The 1990 seemed alittle stronger and spicier.

Another good value smoke I've been enjoying is the Mayorga Maduro Gordito, super flavor and perfect draw. Got to agree on the Mac's too, way too mild for me.

Stay away from the Counterfiet Pre-Embargo Cubans that Holt's & JR.com sell, total crap IMHO.

Thanks Binder,
I'll keep looking at the budget smokes. The Curleys are what I like best in the morning with a cup of coffee.
I know the Hemingways have a cameroon wrapper, and are one of my favorites, but I have not liked much else in a cameroon wrapper. I had a La Uncia in the EMS, and wasn't too impressed. I'll admit, it might not have been the cigars fault, because it came from a questionable source, but I didn't like it. Seemed SUPER earthy to me. I actually like some 'hints' of earth to help accent other flavors, but this one was too much.

Nice choices BB...we have very similar tastes....

I would just add La Gloria Cubana Serie R #7 Maduros for special occasions...(when you have a minimum of 2-3 hours to enjoy a smoke - for me...that's a special occasion).
BTW...Here's the link to my personal home page with some pics of my "Babies" (bikes): http://home.cfl.rr.com/rbihari/

BinDerSmokDat;

You stated that you would toss the Oliva maddies and curly tops because there were better cheap/tasty offerings out there. The FDO Maddies are my daily/budget favorites....any recommendations ?
Inquiring minds want to know....
Thanks...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rbihari,

Man, both bikes are nice. I have a 03 Heritage Softail, and if I get a promo at work, I think a Bagger is in the works.
I would be interested in recommendations too, given my current list. There are some great recommendations on this sight, and have given me some great directions to explore.

quote:

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Originally posted by Biker Bry:
I know the Hemingways have a cameroon wrapper, and are one of my favorites, but I have not liked much else in a cameroon wrapper.

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Biker try out the Carlos Torano 1916 Cameroons. They're probably my favorite cigar with a Cameroon wrapper. I prefer the Toro size but pic whatever suits you. The Churchills are also good if you like a cigar that big. I also personally enjoy the H.Uppmann Vintage Cameroon cigars. Some people think they're too mild for a Cameroon wrapped smoke but I find the construction to be outstanding and the flavors a nice change of pace. They're also a very creamy smoke. Both of these are top notch smokes. Give 'em a try and see what you think!

BinDerSmokeDat-
i wasnt saying they were alike, i was just saying i found the texture to be similar, otherwise yes, they are very different. the other reason i reccomended it is that most ashton fans i know also like cameroon wrappers.

quote:

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Originally posted by travisscottdierolf:
BinDerSmokeDat-
i wasnt saying they were alike, i was just saying i found the _texture_ to be similar, otherwise yes, they are very different. the other reason i reccomended it is that most ashton fans i know also like cameroon wrappers.

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Actually, I don't usually care for cameroon wrappers. The CAO Cameroon, FDO Cameroon, and others I have tried seemed bitter to me. The only exception as I stated has been the Hemingways. I like the Ashton "regular" lines, but I think they are too mucho denero for what they are. I'd rather put my $$ somewhere else, such as more VSG's!

hmmm...guess im way off on this one...

biker bry - nice list. Where are the toranos? Give em a shot. The cameroon is just a damn good cigar as is the sig and the exodus silver. I would also second the LGC serie R and add the punch gran puro as well. My newest fav is the JDN celebracion. Great cigar and out of almost a whole box of torps smoked I have only had one bad one. Give the criollo wrapper a shot. It is worth it.

I would add, as my personal fav, Camacho SLR's. Great Flavor, nice volume of smoke, and not too expensive.

Biker - Looking at your tastes...I recommend trying a Montesino Sun Grown Pyramid. It may bump it's way onto your A list and it's reasonably priced.

The Camacho SLR suggestion might work for you too. I'd start with the Maduro if you can find it.

Try everything twice.

Biker Bry
I got a couple of for you to try. If you like a cheap stick with some Ooommph dont forget about the Cubita SMS robustos. Very nice for about 40-50 bucks a box. You also got to try the Toranos(Sigs, silver and gold exodus, and 1916) If you looking for a good strong smoke get some JDN Antanos but let them sit for about 3 months. There to strong just right out of the box.

There is a difference between Noobs and lightweights (no offense to mild smokers). If you think you may be a lightweight, don't smoke a JDN Antaño before 5 PM or on an empty stomach.

stogemiester is dead on about letting them rest. So unless you think your a full/full kinda consumer...step away from the Antaños.