First time poster and relative noob to the cigar world. But, in the last 6 months my "curiosity" has turned into a "passion".

To date, my favorite cigar I've smoked (non-Cuban that is) is the Ashton Monarch. However, given that it is on the pricey side, I was wondering if anybody has a suggestion for a stick that is similar but cheaper?

Try a JR Alternative.

www.JRCIGARS.COM

any cuban cigar.

Occidental Reserve -- about $60 per bundle
Cusano M1 -- about $50 a bundle where I shop
Fonseca -- about $75 - $100 per box

All excellent and similar to the Ashton.

Helix might do the trick too -- about $50 - $70 per box on the internet. So might the Davidoff Private Stock line which is cheap at Famous Smoke.

Al Aroma de Cuba are made by Ashton all available in similar sizes to the traditional Ashton brand at less of a cost.

IMO the ONLY N/C cigars that taste very close to ashton and have a similar level of refinement are the griffins or the davidovs. Both of which are pricey too. The combination you seem to enjoy is the true connecticut shade wrapper with a dominican filler. So look around for that combination and try everything you can find.

For about 30% less, if you want a REAL cigar with the same flavor profile and overall refinement, try a BEETHOVEN Series CLASSIC.
Yes I am biased, but they ARE gooooood

Not my cup of tea personally, but maybe the Avo line as well.

You might want to give the Carlos Torano Casa a try. They are mild-medium bodied as well. Nice flavor too.

The casa torano isn't a bad cigar but aside from a slight similarity stemming from the same type of wrapper, they are not very close at all.

The casa is much spicier.