I'm a relatively new smoker but have sampled quite a few non-cubans. My current favorites include, 64' Padron Excluviso, Oliva Grand Cameroon Belicoso, La Aurora Prefido Robusto. So one could say I prefer a medium to full bodied stogie (I also believe all these are Nicaraguan made)
I recently returned from an overseas trip and had the opportunity to smoke some Cubans including Monte's #2 and #4, PSD4, Cohiba Siglo II and a R & J Churchill among others. My favorite of the bunch was the PSD4, it was the only one with a decent amount of flavor but it had an very loose draw. I found the others extremely mild and not very flavorful. Anyone else have similar experiences? (And, yes these were authentic Cubans)

Cuban cigars tend to age very well and young Cubans may not be to your liking.

As a long time smoker I have found many of the Non-Cubans out there to be very good and since I can not just go to my favorite retailer and buy Montecristo #2's I tend to smoke Opus, Don Carlos and other Fuente cigars which are very much to my liking.

On the occasion that I have to travel out of the country I may pick up a box or two but when I get home they go into my cabinet to age for a minimum of a year.

Yes, they're all terrible. I could not agree more. Absolutely no reason for anyone to buy them let alone smoke them.

Most Cuban cigar smokers need at least 3 years of aging.

The ones I had were quite good.

While also relatively new [about two years], I have only had a few (R&J, Cohiba, Partega). I liked them all, but did not feel that they were all that extra great [I did really like the R&J.]...maybe my expectations were too much...

At the moment, my taste is running Medium to Full...

Ive been smoking more Cubans in the last 6 months than i ever have. Im smoking a Monte no.2 right now, and its amazing. Cubans definately have a distinct taste, and its one that i really like. I still smoke many NCs,but have found myself smoking more Cubans than ever lately.

I like Cuban cigars. However I think there are some really great non-cucan cigars out there that rival Cubans. I also believe Cuban cigars are over rated and over priced.

I have often wondered what will happen to the price of Cuban cigars when Castro dies and the ban against Cuban products is lifted. Will the price go down? Will there be some really great Cuban non puros developed and put on the market? What will the future hold for the Cuban cigar market in a Post Castro Cuba?

Things to ponder.......

It's been hit or miss with me. The first few I've smoked a while back, including a Monte 2, didn't bowl me over. They were good but not great. However, I recently smoked a Sancho Panza Belicosos and it was amazing!

I agree that the Cubans need more againg to round out their flavor. Thankfully, I have another Sancho Panza resting in my humidor.

All Cuban cigars are horrible and you should not smoke them...send them all to me and I will properly dispose of them.

not only are they illegal for you (thank God and your president) but also they suck, plain and simple, they are overpriced and dont taste young or aged. stick to all the advertised non cuban cigars. cA gives you a great overview on what NC stuff is available.all sooo much cheaper and better. have a good smoke and good day.

quote:

Originally posted by blackie1:
not only are they illegal for you (thank God and your president) but also they suck, plain and simple, they are overpriced and dont taste young or aged. stick to all the advertised non cuban cigars. cA gives you a great overview on what NC stuff is available.all sooo much cheaper and better. have a good smoke and good day.

It sounds like Blackie didn't check the authenticity of the Cubans he 'possibly' tried.

Make sure you have an authentic Cuban.....Cigar Aficionado has a section on how to check those labels.

hahhahaha, its a well known fact that the cubans in Switzerland are usually fakes, only all the non cubans you get in the tobacco shops are real, I mean real non cuban cigars. ^

I have the choice of nearly all cigars (cuban and non cuban) and constantly just choose non cubans, they taste much better and are cheaper.


YEAHHHHH RIGHHHTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT..........

then again some would say I have the palate of a billy goat............

quote:

Originally posted by blackie1:
then again some would say I have the palate of a billy goat............

riiiiiight.

quote:

Originally posted by blackie1:
hahhahaha, its a well known fact that the cubans in Switzerland are usually fakes, only all the non cubans you get in the tobacco shops are real, I mean real non cuban cigars. ^

I have the choice of nearly all cigars (cuban and non cuban) and constantly just choose non cubans, they taste much better and are cheaper.


YEAHHHHH RIGHHHTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT..........

Like I said.....you probably did not check the authenticity of the Cuban you MIGHT have had.

Hence....your opinions...which you are entitled to of course.

DeeDee, blackie1 has more Cuban cigars than he can smoke by himself. He likes to rub it in our faces that we don't have freedom to enjoy Cubans here. Never heard him thank us for helping secure his freedom in Switzerland though. Maybe he never felt threatened, the Nazis being such good banking customers and all.

He especially likes to rip those that actually like nons. Most of his comments are full of sarcasm, especially the ones that seem to make sense.

About the only thing I agree with him on is a love for Cuban cigars. One day I will visit him and he will break out the good stuff.

lol! Thanks cigoz....I was wondering because he seemed too facetious. That rat!

Thanks for getting me on 'course' with that guy. I have a tough time understanding "left/liberal/democrat" thinking. haha!

Anyway......Cubans are good. I'm going to do my very first review on an excellent cigar I just had.

P.S. I doubt you will ever get a thank you from him......it's funny how people aren't more appreciative of 'basic freedoms'. It's sad actually.

thanks for everything guys, I am deeply greatfull.

quote:

(And, yes these were authentic Cubans)

Of COURSE they were. After all...they TOLD you so.

The other stuff...nobody really cares.