Hey Guys,
Here's the deal. I recently bought an Aristocrat Mini. I nearly filled it up, buying my favorite NCs. Then doomsday hit - I smoked my first cuban in 10 years (a PSD4). Now I absolutely have to get some but I'm limited on room right now. Also, I'm a newb to Cubans so I'm gonna take a chance on a "source". I don't want to order a lot until I see how it works out.

So my question is: If I'm to buy ONE box, what should I get? I'd like to get something that's truly a classic, traditional, Cuban cigar. I've been told Monte #2 and PSD4 are good options. Other "traditional cubans" worth considering?

FYI - on the NC side I prefer strong smokes (ERH, Padron, Partagas Black, Hoyo, Punch)

My suggestion would be to stick with the PSD4. The reason being you have no frame of reference other than the PSD4, but at LEAST you have a frame of reference. If you are taking a shot in the dark at a vendor, give yourself a chance to know if you are smoking the real deal or not. In the end, smoking the cigar is the ONLY way you'll really know. But if you have nothing to base that experience on, how will you know?

Besides, you prefer stronger cigars, well, the PSD4 is one of the strongest. Request your box be young, very recent production. The PSD4 is superb when young, and very classic and easy to pick out in a lineup. Don't worry yourself about dark or light wrappers, construction is more important than wrapper color. Good luck.

PSD4s would be good. If you are taking a chance with a source, why not try something a little cheaper, though? Partagas Shorts, Ramon Allones Small Club Coronas, Bolivar Petit Coronas are all well-loved and on the less expensive side.

If you get good product, then you can try something more costly in the future.

Im partial to bolivars(BBF) and HDM epi no 2. The PSD4 is awesome but the price is inflated some places because of the popularity.

I absolutely love:

Montecristo
Bolivar
HDM
Cohiba

I did like the psd4, but the first time I smoked it was at noon in a pub during a meal and it was just the wrong time...

You'll be amazed how much mood/setting plays...give the new box the time they deserve

Sox

PSD4, BBF, MC2, Mag 46. All great choices. Should be able to get these from $200-250 per box (MC2 a little more). Some places also sell 5 packs for a bit more per vitola. Could make yourself a sampler box. Which is a good idea given limited space and experience. Shipping will be same for one box or three from most places (expect around $40).

Throw out you JR Alternatives to make some room.

Guilow,
The group has lent you a pretty good selection. But, may I add one more the Monte #4. This is an excellent smoke, truely cuban, and price wise is a little better on the pocketbook.

Enjoy!

Thanks for the info guys. Now I have so many to choose from I'm might be even more torn now!

I didn't think about going some with of the smaller sizes since I rarely smoke NC petites. That's a good idea, especially when testing a source (my only one of course). We'll see. I'll let ya know how it turns out.

I saw this price list from another thread. I can't remember if it was on this forum or not. Can anyone verify if this is a good/valid price list reference?
http://marty.514crew.com/cigarprices.html

Buying small is a good idea. The smaller CCs are quite good relative to their larger sizes...as opposed to NC smaller sizes, which are pretty much all just harsh and flavorless.

Monte 2. Never let my humidor run out of them.

Eddie

quote:

Originally posted by Guilow:
Thanks for the info guys. Now I have so many to choose from I'm might be even more torn now!

I didn't think about going some with of the smaller sizes since I rarely smoke NC petites. That's a good idea, especially when testing a source (my only one of course). We'll see. I'll let ya know how it turns out.

I saw this price list from another thread. I can't remember if it was on this forum or not. Can anyone verify if this is a good/valid price list reference?
http://marty.514crew.com/cigarprices.html

That price list is legit! And Marty just updated it....

Guilow...MartyMix is puro Habano...thread jack (sorry)...Eddie, I just looked at your humi...damn, bro! That's some good schyte!

Well, I couldn't decided so I ordered a box of each -- PSD4s and MONTE #2s. Can't wait!

Good move...when faced with a difficult, gut wrenching choice between Habanos, a wise man buys both!

I know you won't be disappointed.

Eddie

Good luck. Hope the vendor is legit.

Thanks guys. I appreciate the compliments.

Eddie