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Last post 4 weeks ago by Palama. 48 replies replies.
Arturo Fuente Exquisitos MD
PapaWhiskey Offline
#1 Posted:
Joined: 01-01-2023
Posts: 759
Have any of you tried these? Is this a short filler cigar?
ZRX1200 Offline
#2 Posted:
Joined: 07-08-2007
Posts: 60,613
Once….never again.

858 is about as cheap as I go on Fuentes.
Palama Offline
#3 Posted:
Joined: 02-05-2013
Posts: 23,696
ZRX1200 wrote:
Once….never again.

858 is about as cheap as I go on Fuentes.


Ditto.
danmdevries Offline
#4 Posted:
Joined: 02-11-2014
Posts: 17,382
I've bought a few cheap Fuentes thinking they wouldn't put their name on crap.

They do.
PapaWhiskey Offline
#5 Posted:
Joined: 01-01-2023
Posts: 759
Thanks guys. Gad I asked. I was thinking of buying a box will hold off and maybe just try one from a shipo sometime. I love 858s.
borndead1 Offline
#6 Posted:
Joined: 11-07-2006
Posts: 5,216
These were the cigars that made me quit smoking gas station stogies.

That being said, I haven't smoked one in almost 20 years.
PapaWhiskey Offline
#7 Posted:
Joined: 01-01-2023
Posts: 759
borndead1 wrote:
These were the cigars that made me quit smoking gas station stogies.

That being said, I haven't smoked one in almost 20 years.


Lol, glad I didn't buy a box.
KingoftheCove Offline
#8 Posted:
Joined: 10-08-2011
Posts: 7,633
danmdevries wrote:
I've bought a few cheap Fuentes thinking they wouldn't put their name on crap.

They do.

That’s the difference between Padron and Fuente.
They both make excellent cigars.
But Fuente also has formidable craptastic lines.
Padron doesn’t bother with crap. Their “budget” lines (0000 series) are solid cigars, and priced as such.
DrMaddVibe Offline
#9 Posted:
Joined: 10-21-2000
Posts: 55,440
Their Ashton VSG line is the bottom entry point for me.

Although, the apprentice rolled Flor de Ybor City No. 80 is a pleasant surprise.

Perdomo has stepped up their game and taken Fuente's place for me.
PapaWhiskey Offline
#10 Posted:
Joined: 01-01-2023
Posts: 759
The VSG is a good cigar and Padrons. I haven't really explored Perdomo.

I wasn't looking for a cheap cigar just short burn time. I like a Dominican filler with a maduro wrapper like CT Broadleaf. AF Rothschilds are good but still burn close to an hour.
danmdevries Offline
#11 Posted:
Joined: 02-11-2014
Posts: 17,382
PapaWhiskey wrote:
The VSG is a good cigar and Padrons. I haven't really explored Perdomo.

I wasn't looking for a cheap cigar just short burn time. I like a Dominican filler with a maduro wrapper like CT Broadleaf. AF Rothschilds are good but still burn close to an hour.


Not Dominican, but broadleaf Maduro - Undercrown Coronets. Super short 30 minute cigar, quality small smoke.

I like the T52 coronets myself a lot more than I thought I would. Just bought another brick of 50 for about $100. A bit closer to a DR profile than the others
PapaWhiskey Offline
#12 Posted:
Joined: 01-01-2023
Posts: 759
danmdevries wrote:
Not Dominican, but broadleaf Maduro - Undercrown Coronets. Super short 30 minute cigar, quality small smoke.

I like the T52 coronets myself a lot more than I thought I would. Just bought another brick of 50 for about $100. A bit closer to a DR profile than the others


Thanks brother! I will definitely check out the Coronets.
delta1 Offline
#13 Posted:
Joined: 11-23-2011
Posts: 28,794
Liga Privada makes several great small cigars. My faves are the No. 9 Coronets.

I also recommend Tatuaje Petites though they are pricier than LPs.

Try the Ashton small cigars, which come in several sizes. Their half corona is equivalent in size to the LP Coronets and are about the same price. Their smaller offerings can be had for as little as $1.00 each for a 3.25" x 20 cigarillo if you get a bundle of 100.
Stogie1020 Offline
#14 Posted:
Joined: 12-19-2019
Posts: 5,338
+1 for the Tatuaje Petite Cazadores Reserva
PapaWhiskey Offline
#15 Posted:
Joined: 01-01-2023
Posts: 759
Thanks guys! I'll try those also.
danmdevries Offline
#16 Posted:
Joined: 02-11-2014
Posts: 17,382
Stogie1020 wrote:
+1 for the Tatuaje Petite Cazadores Reserva


I edited that out of my recommendation post since he said Dominican fill. The PCR is a bit rough if you're looking for DR flavors. But once they've aged a few years, yes that would hit the mark here.

Surrogates Cracker Crumbs

Perdomo champagne puritos


delta1 Offline
#17 Posted:
Joined: 11-23-2011
Posts: 28,794
The Ashtons are Dominican made
Jakethesnake86 Offline
#18 Posted:
Joined: 12-29-2020
Posts: 4,143
I like the vsg
Stogie1020 Offline
#19 Posted:
Joined: 12-19-2019
Posts: 5,338
danmdevries wrote:
I edited that out of my recommendation post since he said Dominican fill. The PCR is a bit rough if you're looking for DR flavors. But once they've aged a few years, yes that would hit the mark here.

Surrogates Cracker Crumbs

Perdomo champagne puritos



Good point. I know LFD does some smaller sizes, but I have not smoked any of them to know if they are worthwhile.
Palama Offline
#20 Posted:
Joined: 02-05-2013
Posts: 23,696
Jakethesnake86 wrote:
I like the vsg


The Tres Mystique is a great small smoke but its price point is rather prohibitive.
PapaWhiskey Offline
#21 Posted:
Joined: 01-01-2023
Posts: 759
Palama wrote:
The Tres Mystique is a great small smoke but its price point is rather prohibitive.


$11.70 for a 4x44, that is a pricey little cigar but I think I'm going to have to try it. I like and stock the VSG Corona Gorda, Robusto, and Sorcerer so I know I'll like the Tres Mystique.
danmdevries Offline
#22 Posted:
Joined: 02-11-2014
Posts: 17,382
PapaWhiskey wrote:
$11.70 for a 4x44, that is a pricey little cigar but I think I'm going to have to try it. I like and stock the VSG Corona Gorda, Robusto, and Sorcerer so I know I'll like the Tres Mystique.


It's the only size I will buy, entirely due to cost. Picked up a fiver for $48 a few months ago. Once we're cresting $10 at online prices I'm expecting more entertainment than even a fantastic cigar can provide.

I also wouldn't lump em in with the short smoke/small cigar category. It is a smaller size but it's not a "I got an hour or less for a quick cigar" type of smoke.
bassman45 Offline
#23 Posted:
Joined: 07-05-2009
Posts: 4,091
Papa,if you're looking for a box the other auction site has a box up for bids on Monday.
Palama Offline
#24 Posted:
Joined: 02-05-2013
Posts: 23,696
danmdevries wrote:
It's the only size I will buy, entirely due to cost. Picked up a fiver for $48 a few months ago. Once we're cresting $10 at online prices I'm expecting more entertainment than even a fantastic cigar can provide.

I also wouldn't lump em in with the short smoke/small cigar category. It is a smaller size but it's not a "I got an hour or less for a quick cigar" type of smoke.


Yah, I should have mentioned that. They’re definitely best smoked slowly. Back-in-the-day, you could get the TM’s for around $6 each so I got a decent amount of them. Unfortunately all gone now. Sad
Homebrew Offline
#25 Posted:
Joined: 02-11-2003
Posts: 11,885
KingoftheCove wrote:
That’s the difference between Padron and Fuente.
They both make excellent cigars.
But Fuente also has formidable craptastic lines.
Padron doesn’t bother with crap. Their “budget” lines (0000 series) are solid cigars, and priced as such.
Just bought a box of 3000 maddies tonight. Just recieved a box of 4000 maddies yesterday. Just can't beat the bang for the buck.
Dave (A.K.A. Homebrew)Beer
jeebling Offline
#26 Posted:
Joined: 08-04-2015
Posts: 1,131
Rocky Patel vintage 1990 (seconds) has a Perfecto 4 x 48 that is a terrific little smoker clocking in at about 35 minutes. I think they are very fairly priced and they really hit the spot. Nice balance of the dark cigar flavor and lingering aftertaste. It’s my can’t sleep middle of the night cigar.
DrMaddVibe Offline
#27 Posted:
Joined: 10-21-2000
Posts: 55,440
jeebling wrote:
Rocky Patel vintage 1990 (seconds) has a Perfecto 4 x 48 that is a terrific little smoker clocking in at about 35 minutes. I think they are very fairly priced and they really hit the spot. Nice balance of the dark cigar flavor and lingering aftertaste. It’s my can’t sleep middle of the night cigar.



GROSS!
jeebling Offline
#28 Posted:
Joined: 08-04-2015
Posts: 1,131
I like them
DrMaddVibe Offline
#29 Posted:
Joined: 10-21-2000
Posts: 55,440
jeebling wrote:
I like them



Great.

Bookmark this thread.

Years from now when your taste-buds mature (if they ever do!) you'll laugh at what you held dear.


You're not the 1st either. "dark cigar flavor"...snicker. OMG...too much.
jeebling Offline
#30 Posted:
Joined: 08-04-2015
Posts: 1,131
Ouch! Sick burn dude
DrMaddVibe Offline
#31 Posted:
Joined: 10-21-2000
Posts: 55,440
jeebling wrote:
Ouch! Sick burn dude



Stop smoking crummy cigars then.
PapaWhiskey Offline
#32 Posted:
Joined: 01-01-2023
Posts: 759
I'll end up trying all of your suggestions but ended up going with AF Hemingway SS MD. I haven't had Short Story in stock for a while and forgot about them. Still not that quick a cigar but I do like the Hemingway line.
PapaWhiskey Offline
#33 Posted:
Joined: 01-01-2023
Posts: 759
I ended up picking up 10 of these Arturo Fuente Exquisitos MD and they're not bad. A little skinny but they smoke well with a nice draw, good smoke, and even burn. If you like a Fuente Maduro, you'll probably like the taste. They're a little skinny for me but not bad.
KingoftheCove Offline
#34 Posted:
Joined: 10-08-2011
Posts: 7,633
PapaWhiskey wrote:
I ended up picking up 10 of these Arturo Fuente Exquisitos MD and they're not bad. A little skinny but they smoke well with a nice draw, good smoke, and even burn. If you like a Fuente Maduro, you'll probably like the taste. They're a little skinny for me but not bad.

I always chuckle to myself when I hear someone say a cigar is “not bad”….
It’s says a lot……………..and it says nothing…

In your case Papa, you had to tell yourself twice, that they aren’t bad.
Not exactly a ringing endorsement.

I’m guilty of this as well, but I take it to the next level….
They’re not horrible…
danmdevries Offline
#35 Posted:
Joined: 02-11-2014
Posts: 17,382
I rate cigars for myself as:

Bad/Trash
Not Bad
Decent
Good
Excellent/Fantastic
PapaWhiskey Offline
#36 Posted:
Joined: 01-01-2023
Posts: 759
danmdevries wrote:
I rate cigars for myself as:

Bad/Trash
Not Bad
Decent
Good
Excellent/Fantastic


I give it a decent. I'm just not a fan of that small 33 ring gauge.
PapaWhiskey Offline
#37 Posted:
Joined: 01-01-2023
Posts: 759
KingoftheCove wrote:
I always chuckle to myself when I hear someone say a cigar is “not bad”….
It’s says a lot……………..and it says nothing…

In your case Papa, you had to tell yourself twice, that they aren’t bad.
Not exactly a ringing endorsement.

I’m guilty of this as well, but I take it to the next level….
They’re not horrible…


Lol! Good catch.
KingoftheCove Offline
#38 Posted:
Joined: 10-08-2011
Posts: 7,633
danmdevries wrote:
I rate cigars for myself as:

Bad/Trash
Not Bad
Decent
Good
Excellent/Fantastic

So basically a 5 point scale, or school letter grade system (A,B,C,D,F)
I’m at a point where it’s become pretty simple for me….

Did I like it enough to buy more?
Then it’s just a matter of cost justification………..yes I want more, but NOT at THAT price, I’ll just get some of these other cigars I like instead.
KingoftheCove Offline
#39 Posted:
Joined: 10-08-2011
Posts: 7,633
danmdevries wrote:
I rate cigars for myself as:

Bad/Trash
Not Bad
Decent
Good
Excellent/Fantastic

Going by your system above Dan…..
Where does your “not buy again” rating start?
At Not Bad?
Or, at “Decent”?
And, does cost play into your decision?
For me, buying “decent” cigars ended years ago. Of course, that is MY DEFINITION of decent.
I love some cigars that others consider “Trash”……….like the Papas Fritas for instance.
But not enough to pay $6+/ea, because at that price point, there are other cigars I’d rather buy.
danmdevries Offline
#40 Posted:
Joined: 02-11-2014
Posts: 17,382
KingoftheCove wrote:
Going by your system above Dan…..
Where does your “not buy again” rating start?
At Not Bad?
Or, at “Decent”?
And, does cost play into your decision?
For me, buying “decent” cigars ended years ago. Of course, that is MY DEFINITION of decent.
I love some cigars that others consider “Trash”……….like the Papas Fritas for instance.
But not enough to pay $6+/ea, because at that price point, there are other cigars I’d rather buy.


Price and rating and whether or not ill buy more are all muddy waters.

Buy again is a separate column in my spreadsheet. I'll mark no buy, box, 5, 10, and a price where it's worth it. Sometimes I find a killer deal on something and never see that price again, so it's not set at best price paid but what I think the experience was worth.

A decent cigar I'll buy again at yard gar prices or significant discount. A not bad cigar I'll smoke if it shows up in my humidor from a trade or something. A bad/trash cigar I'll stick in father in laws cigar fridge with his Dutch Masters.

Papas Fritas are a good cigar IMO, at least they're marked good in my notes. I'd buy more at $4. They may be good but they burn fast and at $6-7per, there's many other things I'd buy before them. So they're good but not worth it.

Sometimes I'll call a cigar good, but it's a profile I don't enjoy. I don't mark it trash, because it is a good cigar, my experience I write down matches reviewers, and if someone asks what I thought of that cigar I don't wanna say it's trash, I'll share my thoughts and say but it's not for me. But fantastic/ excellent are the ones that make it move as they say.
jeebling Offline
#41 Posted:
Joined: 08-04-2015
Posts: 1,131
All of this is good conversation and I’m glad that, as it turns out, I’m not crazy after all
tonygraz Offline
#42 Posted:
Joined: 08-11-2008
Posts: 20,260
Don't be too sure. If you are in a nuthouse you will feel normal.
jeebling Offline
#43 Posted:
Joined: 08-04-2015
Posts: 1,131
Haha! Well, so far, so good. I wrack my brain trying to decide if a cigar is okay or not too bad or whatever and in the end it boils down to - would I buy it again or would I recommend it to a friend. I’ve been burning through fivers of blends I’ve never smoked before and most of them I will not buy again. Off the top of my head, I’d buy these again:
Aging Room Quattro
La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor
San Cristobal Elegancia and Revelation
CAO Flathead 660
Alec Bradley Prensado Lost Art
AJ Fernandez has a few I’d repurchase …I’ve got a lot of fivers laying down that I’ve never tried and looking forward to
Tiver Online
#44 Posted:
Joined: 08-22-2019
Posts: 329
Moving along one can end up with too large an inventory and may have to raise the bar. But not everyone has the spirit of adventure,
jeebling Offline
#45 Posted:
Joined: 08-04-2015
Posts: 1,131
My inventory is definitely too large now but I’m smoking through the never-hads, most of which I won’t repurchase. Once I have figured out which are my favorites I can worry about repurchasing them. Right now I’ve got a lot of tobacco.
Palama Offline
#46 Posted:
Joined: 02-05-2013
Posts: 23,696
jeebling wrote:
My inventory is definitely too large now but I’m smoking through the never-hads, most of which I won’t repurchase. Once I have figured out which are my favorites I can worry about repurchasing them. Right now I’ve got a lot of tobacco.


Odds are you’re gonna be saying the exact same thing a year from now…. Laugh
jeebling Offline
#47 Posted:
Joined: 08-04-2015
Posts: 1,131
^ Palama, maybe I caught the bug haha
Palama Offline
#48 Posted:
Joined: 02-05-2013
Posts: 23,696
jeebling wrote:
^ Palama, maybe I caught the bug haha


Iffin' Vegas had odds on your inventory, I'd put some $$$ down that it'll be bigger. Whistle
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