If a punch in the mouth is what you're after Eric....then I'd suggest sticking to your NCs for that. That's what they're good at IMO, at least a lot of the high ligero stuff that's out there. Giving you a good buzz and making you wake up the next morning like you licked an ashtray clean. That's primarily one of the reasons I sought out cubans and have stuck to them almost exclusively. I've never had a cuban that's given me that 'kick in the face' sensation, but i've had plenty that i've felt were full-bodied. But I say that in terms of flavor moreso than the nicotine kick.
The 'strongest' cuban marcas IMO are Bolivar, Partagas, some RA and RyJ. Boliva Beli Fino is historically quite a strong cigar...but as I said earlier, habanos are becoming much more approachable young than they have been - at least since i've been smoking anyways....which I know is not long compared to many here.
A few specific sticks I'd recommend you try if you're after something stronger would be the RyJ Cazadores (probably the most notorious 'strong' cigar in the entire HSA lineup), Partagas 898, RASS (young RASS can often times be quite agressive). Come to think of it, you smoke that 2011 RASS I sent you? Those were very robust when I first got that cabinet...but have tamed a bit since. Give that a shot if you haven't yet and see what you think.
I've never had the Serie C3 by the way. I chased cuban ELs from about 2008-2011, and haven't found a single one that was justified by the price tag. Cuban ELs, to me, and many others as well, are a marca unto themselves. Profiles are very similar year to year...largely due to the same fire-retardant dark wrappers these mostly come with. You want some fuller cc's, these would be good to try as well. For me personally though, I'm out of the EL game permanently. Give em' a try though, these may be what you're after. Each person is different.
I'm sure others might have some insight on the matter as well, but those are my .02 anyways. 🍺
KPP wrote:
