OK OK OK, but what Cubans am I likely to enjoy if my favorite non-cubans are VSGs, HdM double maduros, Oliva"O", PAM, Estavan Cruz and Perdomo Reserves? I hesitate to buy Montes because I've been so dissappointed with their Dominicans.

I like all my ISOMs. I have Bolivar robusto, Monte #2, R&J Churchill, Hoyo DM, and fauxhiba. The list is in order of my preference. I've had some really good and some really bad Cohiba's. I smoke the Hoyo's but they're not a top choice.

The way I understand it non-Cuban cigars of a certain name have absolutely nothing to do with Cuban cigars of the same name. They are not affiliated whatsoever. Simply, the cuban government claimed the rights to the names of all the cigars that were made there.

So, I wouldn't let a Dominican Monte turn you off on an ISOM Monte.

E, Smith....aaaaahhhhhh...yes; they are sleeping....shhhhhhhhhh......

As far as Non ISOM's go, there are several that I would rate with your Ashton VSG! PAM, CAO Brazilia (this is a personal thing, I love the Brazilias), Oliva O's, Napa Reserve, Canary Islands (if you can find the damn things) are some that leap to mind and taste when comparing to VSG!

Charlie