There have been some great threads here on good cigar deals, best for the money etc. How about a thread on the best cigars, no matter what the price? Please limit to non-Cuban and currently obtainable. Why do you like them, how much they cost, where to get them.
I want to build a great collection. Can you help?

Less than $50 per box..Mayorga, Aristoff. Over $50 and up to $125 Padron, Excalibur, Romeo y Julieta, Indian Tabac (can get some for under $50) Partagas over $150 Ashton VSG, Padron Anniversary, Cohiba. Those along with some smart bids on the CB and you will have a Humidor with all strengths and prices. Charlie

Bill, what cigars have you smoked that you enjoy? That will give a basis for suggestions of what to try.

A brief list: Puros Indios (Toro's, Robusto's).....Mayorga's (any size).........La Gloria Cubana's (Wavell's, Serie R # 4,5,&6).........Ashton VSG's (what a cigar)....Romeo & Julieta's (Bully's, Churchill's and the vintage line), Astral's (Besos'), a new favorite of mine is the Lord of Jamaica line which is close to that of Macanudo (maybe even milder for that cigar after a piece of cake or pie). That is all that comes to mind......oh yeah! The Perdomo 2 line!

You have received some good recommendations so far, and I might add that I forgot LaGloria's which is one of my all time favorites. Charlie

Thanks to everyone for their thoughtful responses. In some cases people have suggested an entire line. Are there any standouts in these lines or does that question not make sense?

As far as what I have tried. I have just started, but several years ago I smoked many of the top Cuban brands as guests of people in other countries. They were all good, but I would be hard pressed to remember which was which, or which were the better ones.

All time favorite, Hoyo Excalibur #1 ems or maduro, if you want a smaller smoke, go for the #3. Also Punch Gran Cru Pyramid #2, Montecristo #2, Montecristo deArts Robusto, Padron 3000, Fuente Don Carlos, Hoyo de Monterrey Rothschild double maduro, La Gloria Cubana Series R, Dunhill Peravia, C.A.O. L'Anniversario Belicoso, , Leon Jimenes toro, Macanudo Robust, Sancho Panza Glorioso, H. Upmann #10, Perdomo Reserve #2, Avo #3, Diamond Crown Robusto #2. These are a few of my favorite things!
p.s. Dont forget the Lone Wolf (just kidding)

From what I have seen in here, it looks like I need to break down and try an Ashton VSG!

I can't find any Ashton VSG. Where can you get them?

bill

email me @ [email protected] there are a couple of sites.

P.s. don't forget cupidos partagas series s. Any Cao extreme(or cao usually)

As far as to sizes, I like Robustos, Perfectos and Torpedos! Refer to above listings and you will be fine! You have to experiment and try them all...ie I do not care for the Lord of Jamaca, too damn mild, yet I like Macanudo Hyde Park Maduros! Oh and don't forget the Lone Wolf's and Hamilton House lines (aaarrrgh, yeeeech)! Charlie

I'm getting very picky on the torpedos. I notice with a lot of the boom cigars, the torpedos are usually tight to draw. A good pyramid is hard to beat. For the most part I try to stat with a ring between 47-54. I find they provide more higher volumes of smoke with less heat. The length is usually determined by the amout of time I have to smoke, robustos for 30-40min, toros and churchills for 45-60min. Give me an Excalibur #1 and I'm in heaven for at least 1hr 20min.

There are two 5-packs of the VSG belicosos up for bid now. One closes Aug. 3 and the other Aug. 6.

Many cigars have been mentioned here, some of which I like, some of which I don't. That's one of the things that makes this hobby so much fun. VSGs are definitely good to me, but they are somewhat pricey. So I'll mention two that will point you in the direction of heaven: ERDM Robusto Larga and the Excalibur Prensado!!!

La Perla Habanas (torps) are incredible!...Another inexpensive but incredibly good spicy cigar IMHO is Andros, but good luck finding them!..They're only available from one place (which I am not allowed to post for obvious reasons)...Keith

Keith those Andros are very, very good and reasonably priced! Excaliber keeps coming up and they are among my favorites. I like the Epicure Excaliber and the #2, but all are very good and robust! Charlie

char, since you mentioned Excalibur, ever try the Prensado Oscuro? Darn nice flavor.