I read this and a few other cigar related boards frequently. In reading others posts I've noticed that alot of my Brother's of the Leaf have LOTS of super-premium cigars in their stash. Now I don't want to sound jealous or come off like I don't enjoy the super-premiums--- its just that I never really have many on hand at one time. Oh, I have LOTS of cigars, mostly what I would consider just regular premiums (like CAO, Torano, Fuente, Perdomo, etc..)and some average yard 'gars but no real "stash" of Opus, Maximus, PAN or PAM. Can I be the only one with lots 'o smokes but very few Super-premiums?? Anybody else?

Heck--- maybe I'm just giddy from lack of sleep. G'night all,

Tony

It seems that these super-premiums are a LOT easier to come by -- and a lot more affordable -- to people east of the mississippi. Here in CA, we have a 47% (roughly) tobacco tax, meaning your average "premium" costs between $6-9 at a hole-in-the-wall smoke shop to $8-14 at an upscale tobacconist.

On the rare, rare occasion you find a super-premium (I've yet to see any PAM/OpusX/Zino Platinum in southern cali), you can expect them to cost $15-30 apiece, or roughly double retail.

The only place I've seen so far that actually had a decent stock of all the heavy hitters was the Davidoff store in the Venetian Las Vegas, but you're looking at $25-60 a stick.

I think I'm doomed to being super-premium-less unless I can make it over a couple time zones or can hook up some really, really good trade with someone. 🙂

Southern CA has LOTS of stores that carry VSG's PAM and PAN's... haven't seen an opus yet though. However, you are correct, they are an arm, a leg and a firstborn child. ($18+ in all cases)

That's what ya got C-Bid for!!

Um, and the "other" internet sites. 😉

You're not the only one. I used to get one or two of the super premium sticks a year because I didn't feel the price was justified. Now that I can discern the taste differences, I stock up on 'em. I'd rather smoke am awesome smoke every other day than 3 dog rockets daily. Just my .02.

***Threadjack***

Shawn, there's a shop that on your way home from work (when your at home that is) that has Opus and PAMs fro less than that. I'll show you where it's at when ya get back.

E4A

Oh yeah, wait till you discover the darkside!!!

Do us here in Cali avoid the Cali' tax when we win bids here?

yes we do avoid the cali tax at any time on the internet (unless the site happens to be based out of california) My local only carries PAM and PAN's and they are 19.95 apiece. To much for my blood. I don't think I have smoked any super-premium that wasn't an ISOM and wasn't given to me in some sort of trade. It's funny really that I have had an easier time getting ahold of ISOM'sa than I have some of the super premium domestics. Wait thats not funny....its sad 😞

I think it is location, location, location. I have two shops in Michigan where I can routinely count on the so-called "super premiums" being available at any time at the MSRP. And I do feel lucky, based on what other BOTLs have written here today and in the past.

Big Tony -

No, you are not the only one... I have a nice selection right now, (at least in my opinion...)

The majority of them are CAO, Torano, Perdomo2, IT, and a mix of others from trades & sampler packs.

I do have some AF Hemingways, but that is only because I have become addicted to them... (there may be 5 in there right now.)

I do have one OpusX and some AVO's from a trade, but not much else...

What each individual will call a 'super-premium', what I believe, is what 'they' think is a super-premium ... and totally subjective.

There is no definate criteria of what denotes a 'super-premium' ... and usually it's the manufacturer that will give it that distinction.

All the cigars that I put in that catagory, are all bought online (much cheaper, and more easy to find) than I can get at my local shops ... or I get them from others in trades, box splits or as gifts.

well, I used to have very few super premiums but over time due to great deals and quite a few generous BOTL I have built up my super stash.

Now I can smoke a super a few times a week.

I can buy some "super premiums" cheaper at my local than anywhere else I have found, including the net. Opus X under $12, same for Pams and VSG's (the larger sizes are more). I guess the tobacco taxes here must not be to high yet.

John L

Tony, by your definition, I have no more than 20 "super premiums" on hand, but have a great many premiums ...

on the other hand, my neighbor looks at my stash and is awed by the number of premium cigars I've got ...

I like those "super premiums" as well as anyone does, but there are quite a few "premium" cigars (and you've named some of 'em) that I like just about as much ... enough so that it's pretty tough to justify spending a lot of additional money for something I'm only gonna set on fire ...

I also meant to add that Opus and Maximus (all Fuentes, for that matter) are over-rated, IMO ... fact is, I'd RATHER have a greater number of CAOs or Toraños for the same $$$ expenditure ... I've CHOSEN the path I'm on ...

It's just those darn sun-dried $20 bill wrappers that makes um so expensive...Too bad the Euro doesn't taste as good.

I am just happy to be here 🙂

No Super premiums here, I'm just a newby. A lot of these don't satisfy many of their buyers though. Still I am preparing my self to be a super premium buyer, but I have to try a lot of the premiums cause there are many good ones. So far I like Onyx best, taste goes a long way with me.

Whew! Looks like I ain't the only one after all!

Thanks for the replies, guys, I know everyones definition of super-premium differs... Thanks again for humoring my overtired brain.

later,

Tony

I second the whew. I like to think I have a decent stash of cigars of my liking (IT’s, Torries, HdM’s, Padron, Punch…) but sometimes get a bit self-conscious when doing a trade. Will they like them? I hope I don't short a BOTL. Can I run with the big dogs?

I see that IT's keep popping up in a lot of brothers' stashes. Makes me feel good to know I'm not the only one digging them. GREAT prices on some good smokes. I like the cameroon legends, super fuertes, and fires. When I'm able to sneak in a bid, I love a rocky patel also - just a bit more expensive.