Hello everyone,

My first post here. I got this in a CI sampler and I am trying to find the closest match to this stick..HC Series Maduro 2.

It is now discontinued and for a year I have been looking hard to find a replacement. Member "izonfire" and others also speak highly of this blend.

If anybody has tried this stick and remember what it tasted and smoked like (in terms of strength, smell, taste)....can you please recommend the closest match.

Thanks very much.

Oh, dear lord! You're taking Izon's advice?!? 🤦

Couldn't tell you what's similar to the HC, but I'm sure a barrage of maduro suggestions could be arranged

The reason I mention Izon is because I believe he still has a small stash of those.

I tried one stick in that sampler and I was hooked. It was an amazing smoke.

I got a fiver of these chillin in one of my humi's. 🇨🇮

Try the Caldwell Blind Man’s Bluff Maduro. It's similar to the HC Series Maduro2 with Pennsylvania maduro wrapper and Sumatra binder.

Also try the Room101 Farce Maduro or E.P. Carrillo La Historia. Both have the Sumatra binders but with a Mexican San Andres wrapper rather than the Pennsylvania wrapper.

One of my fav goto's though is the AJ Fernandez Last Call Maduro. It has a Pennsylvania wrapper as well.


Welcome to the forum and good luck lol.

Thank you Clint

Never had the HC2 but will second the La Historia recommendation from Clint. I also like the 101 Farce but, for my taste, its not nearly as good as the Historia. On the other hand, the Farce's are generally a lot less expensive, especially on Cbid.

Tertiary approval of La Historian, but yeah a little pricey usually. The Last Calls are also tasty and more affordable

Thank you for all the recommendations:

I just purchased the following:

AJ's Last Call Maduro (4.5 x 48)
HC Series Connecticut Robusto

I will keep an eye out for the Caldwell Maduro and the La Historia. Covid did mess up my taste palette a bit....but can't wait to try out these substitutes. Thanks guys.

I'm pretty sure u will enjoy those Last Call Maduro's. The one u got and the corona are my favorite vitolas.

YES, I recall enjoying the AJ Fernandez made blend. Below are darkies that are similar....

Rocky Patel 20th Anniversary Maduro Box-Pressed Toro.
La Herencia Cubano Oscuro Fuerte Toro (the new batch is very nice after a few months of naked aging.
Man O War Abomination Toro or Box-Pressed Toro are great.

Wow.... thank you for the additional suggestions. I will keep an eye out for them. Much appreciated.