There seems to be this notion that Nicaraguan cigars are now the best quality non-CCs. But as someone who smokes mostly CCs (and let's leaving Fuente and Padron out of this discussion), I'd always go for the average Dominican over the average Nicaraguan, given that choice. I find most Nicaraguans have a terrible flavor, and that's what throws me most about their coming into higher regard. I'd put it down to strength, except even people whose perspective I value highly such as James Suckling seem enamored with the Nicaraguan growers. And of course the reason I ask this of the CCs forum is due to those annoying comparisons of Nics and CCs. Opinions?

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

Naw, I'll pass. IMO it's being asked in the wrong forum, not that my opinion matters.

What's your point?

I'm confused.


what's your point???

OK, once more with feeling, and I'm asking in this forum coz I only respect the opinion of CC smokers on this question. Do you agree that Nicaraguans are the closest non-CCs to a CC-quality of flavor (as opposed to strength)? I do not and am wondering if anybody knows why James et al. seem to rate current Nic crops so highly. Seems there must be a CC point of reference in their interest.

I'm not sure I understand either. Many (most, actually) Nicaraguan-made cigars include tobacco from the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Costa Rica, Mexico, etc in their blends. I'm not sure how you'd make an apples-to-apples comparison of Nicaraguan cigars to Cuban cigars.

This is starting to sound all too familiar, i.e. the C.A. rating thread debate.

I may be a guppy but I ain't a biting on this one !

I believe I understand what you're asking, my 2 favorite tobacco producing countries are Cuba and Nicaragua. I believe that Nic tobacco has a very earthy, complex taste that comes closest to what's being produced in Cuba. From what I've read the Cuban corojo seed actually is better grown in Nic than Cuba.

Some of my favorite cigars are the Tatuaje which are a Nic puro. Also the Padron series are very, very, good.

There's a guy at my tobacco shop that has been smoking cigars many years and probably has about 1500-2000 Cubans in his collection. Every time I see him he's smoking a Tatuaje.

I agree that Cuban tobacco is quite good, but there are many good cigars out there. No need to be closed minded.

I went into a "new" cigar shop this past Sat. & was very impressed with his selection & all the trimmings, humidors, etc. Sure enough he had the cigar I've heard so much about lately & I bought 2, yes the brown banded Tatuaje!

I smoked 1 Sunday night & while it didn't have that metallic after taste most NC's have, I wasn't impressed at the least & won't be buying anymore. There are so many CC's that are so much better and not nearly as much $, IMO.

There are no NC's that taste like CC's period.

the main diffuculty in truly comparing Cuban cigars to all others is the limited availability in puros for each country. Most often you are tasting a blend of nic/hond or something else. I think this is where most non-cuban cigars have an issue. I don't smoke a lot of non-cuban cigar, but can you really tell me what is nic/hon/dr in a blind taste taste...again, not because they are necessarily bad, but just that its harder to find puros in those coutries. personal, i think cigar makes should put more efforts into puros...to really capture the essence of a country of local.

quote:

Originally posted by punched:
There are no NC's that taste like CC's period.

Absolutely true, but I don't think they're supposed to, despite what many claim. Take a Tatuaje brown label SW reserva, for example. It doesn't taste like a Cuban, it tastes like what it is - and it's marvelous, in my opinion. There are some who just don't like the taste of any NC cigar, and that's fine. But some of us do appreciate the taste of a good, complex NC like a Tatuaje or Padron. To my mind, it's like saying chicken is bad because it doesn't taste like steak.

quote:

Originally posted by Scottological:
To my mind, it's like saying chicken is bad because it doesn't taste like steak.

More like saying the Sizzler is bad because it doesn't taste like Peter Lugers...oh, and also if the Sizzler cost more and was rated higher.

quote:

From what I've read the Cuban corojo seed actually is better grown in Nic than Cuba.

Don't fool yourself. The wrapper that's coming out of cuba is the finest in the world. With a bit of actual comparison you will come to this realization yourself.

It's just like all of the tobacco shops in the states telling people that cuban cigars aren't really all people make them out to be. It's a load of crap so that people buy their stuff.

quote:

Originally posted by sobek:
More like saying the Sizzler is bad because it doesn't taste like Peter Lugers...oh, and also if the Sizzler cost more and was rated higher.

A Sizzler crack. Didn't realize anyone made these anymore.

Cuban cigars are the only cigars that taste like Cuban cigars. End of story.

If you smoke cigars from the DR or from Nicaragua, try to appreciate whatever you can about their respective taste profiles.

The habano cannot be replicated.

quote:

Originally posted by Scottological:

quote:

Originally posted by sobek:
More like saying the Sizzler is bad because it doesn't taste like Peter Lugers...oh, and also if the Sizzler cost more and was rated higher.

A Sizzler crack. Didn't realize anyone made these anymore.

Hes brain dead. Well documented.

Is that really you Hetch?

Let me go down my checklist:

-Posts within 2-3 replies following RyJ....nope
-Rephrases something RyJ just posted...nope
-At least one sentence starting "RyJ said"....nope
-Paranoia of people out to get you....nope


You sir are an imposter! Nice try!

Sorry Sherlock.

quote:

Originally posted by jmunro:

quote:

From what I've read the Cuban corojo seed actually is better grown in Nic than Cuba.

Don't fool yourself. The wrapper that's coming out of cuba is the finest in the world. With a bit of actual comparison you will come to this realization yourself.

It's just like all of the tobacco shops in the states telling people that cuban cigars aren't really all people make them out to be. It's a load of crap so that people buy their stuff.

I was trying to be nice even after the close minded remark, figuring someone else would point out the obvious as you did.

There are fine Nic. puros out there on the market with distinctive flavors. The Padron family is making some excellent cigars. Maybe someday they will be able to go back to Cuba and make something even better.