America's #1 Online Cigar Auction
first, best, biggest!

Howdy folks,

I first smoked a cigar right after I picked up the first edition of Cigar Aficionado off a local new stand. I smoked for about a year then, for reasons I don't quite recall.

Fast forward many years... During my last trip to Vegas with the wife, our 5th anniversary, we were at a fancy cocktail bar that sold cigars. I had my fond recollections rekindled and bought a nice Macanudo to enjoy with my martini. I was again lured back into the world of cigars.

The spark being rekindled, I opted to dive back in and start trying the occasional cigar. One thing lead to another over the coming months and I find myself back in it. I now smoke a cigar every evening while I wind down from the day. It's a nice time to slow down and relax and the cigar is a nice part of the experience.

I've been trying to run the gambit of trying new sticks so as to decide what I like. While I don't have a ton of disposable income, I don't mind spending a bit of it for a few moments of quiet and relaxation. I've tried a number of the brands I've liked in the past and have had mixed results--La Gloria, Romeo et Julietta, Punch. Some have been OK, some I didn't like and some were just horrid.

I've had a few brands that just were big disappointments. Montecristo White Lable were a tragic disappointment. I had two and both had draw problems and didn't taste good. Great. $25 bucks for two sticks and they both sucked. I haven't liked Ghurka or Rocky offerings. Again, more of my limited budget literally up in smoke.

Padron, on the other hand, has only been a pleasure. The two 1964s I have have been exceptional. The 3000s were good and of flawless construction. I've thoroughly enjoyed ever Avo offering I've had (Classics and XOs) and I've yet to have a bad Ashton. I've been impressed with La Aurora and they have seemed a great value to me, as have the two Brickhouse I've had. I've only had one Oliva V but it seemed quite nice after it got going.

So, with that bit of experience, any recommendations for both every day smokes and some special occasion sticks? I've picked up a few La Aurora offerings with some bids along with some Avos. Alas, the La Auroras are near the top of my budget for a daily smoke so I'd love to hear some alternatives.

Thanks.

why are you being nice?

Sage advice



Was wondering the same....

Because answering "Candles, champagne, Johnny Mathis albums, an open mind, strap on and lube" would have been too easy?

Cigars that can be had for $3ish, or less, that are good imho.....
Jaime Garcia
Kristoff
Mowpa
undercrown
Jericho hill
Various Tats
Four kicks
Others...............which I shall not divulge.......I've said too much already

That's why God created Samplers.




Oh yeah, on the Fuentes.

An excellent question. When Teeg doesn't go from zero to smartass... makes ya wonder.

I heard Fuentes are rolled on the thighs of virgins?

When She says everything is "fine" ... Retreat and run for your bunker.

Always wear white at night, when you run or ride your bike.

Sounds like you are on the right track already. I would say try to add some Tats/Pepin lines into the rotation and Fuentes. Sometimes those lines can be had cheaper by searching or waiting for sales that often happen then on here as well. Another blender I have really been getting more into lately is AJ Fernandez. He seems to make some good cigars even though some of them take some rest time to hit their potential. I tend to stay away from General made products just too much hit and miss(mostly misses for me).