Tonight on the way home from work I smoked an Ashton VSG corona gorda. 1st VSG in maybe 2 months or more. Absolutely great cigar, one of my best ever I'd say. Now I don't have a lot of experience with the ISOMs so I'd like to ask you folks who smoke the Cubans frequently how they compare. It's hard for me to imagine cigars getting much better than that VSG. Which Cubans if any, I realize it's all subjective, are better than a VSG, a PAM or an Oliva"O"? IYHO, of course.

PSD#4,Monte #2 just to name couple. The VSG's,PAM's,FOX's,AF Anejo's are superb in there own right but the Habano's are different. To some different good to others different bad. Most Habano's if not all,require some aging before smoking. Some require years before reaching their peak. X

Two ISOM examples that IMO are just freakin fantastic are the Monte #2 and the Sancho Panza Belicoso. Just a different class from the AshtonVSG.

The Montecristo #2 is the "Royale" of cigars!

Charlie

I agree whole heartedly! Per a previous post, I have 18 "sleeping".... weeee!!! hahahaha

Love my VSG's,love my habanos there really is no comparison???

Love my VSG's,love my Habanos too there is no comparing the two. Except the VSG is far better than a lot of Habanos and there are a lot of Habanos that are far superior to the VSG's? You'll see!!!

oops,thought I'd stopped the first post in time...LOL

ISOMs are in a different class, not that it's a better class (to each their own) just a different class. I think the same is true for PAMs and Opus and I believe, IMHO of course, the Camacho Diploma-11/18. And as such they are tops in those respective classes. I also agree that ISOMs require a lot more humi time (at least a year going by box codes) to really come around. I'm sitting on some nice ISOMs right now, and it's killing me, because I wasn't observant in the box codes and they are simply too young. In a year or so, we'll see. VSGs and PAMs really develop after about 8 months to a year as does Opus and Camacho. All the remaining smokes that I prefer fall just under the above, some closer than others, but given enough time, you can just close your eyes and pick one--you won't be disappointed.

Because of where I live, Germany - I have the good fortune to smoke a Havana whenever I can afford them. I cannot compare a Cuban to a VSG.

Upside:
The Cuban is spicer, fuller flavor, more complex richer smoke etc. etc. IMHO the Cuban is by far a better cigar than a VSG - Yes, even the spellbound.

I compare the Opus X Perfection Number 2 with the fabulous Cuban Montecristo Number 2 torpedo in taste and complexity!!!!! Have you tried the Opus X Perfection Number 2?

The most recent and delightful find that I have experienced is the Romeo Juliet 2001 Special Edition, Absolutely Unbelievable!!!!

Downside:
Cubans sold recently have not been properly aged and seem to have been rolled way too tight. There are sceptics that say Cubans lack in consistency. Hmmm...I can say that I experienced only one bad Monte 2 - meaning that it was blocked which can happen to any cigar. I unblocked it and it had the perfect draw that I have come to expect with the Monte.

I speak only from my personal experience.

Regards,

B

Two of my favorite cigars are VSG Sorcerors and PSD 4s. I love both of them equally, but I would never try to compare the two, because it would be like saying that Knob Creek is better than hunting pheasants. Both are the best, but you cannot compare them.

J

Based on my non-Cuban favorites, can you recommend ISOMs that I'll probably like? They are HdM double maduros, VSG, Estavan Cruz, Perdomo Reserve both maddie and rosado, La Perla Habana maduro, Mayorga, Cohba XV and both of the Oliva"O"s to name a few. I'm going to buy some ISOMs and I'd like to make an informed choice.

SmithBW,Try storing your Habanos at 65% humidity. That will help a lot with the tight draw problems. I've had both a FOX #2 as well a Monte #2. I think there are some similarities but I have to say that the Monte #2 was just plain unbelievable. BTW,which R&J EL are you talking about,the Robusto or the Ex #2? X

Great thread! I'm with JJ...

I haven't met a RyJ that I've liked yet...I'm curious to know more about SmithBW's experience...

X,

You are so right about the storing of the Havanas. I store them at 68/65. Temp/Humi

Romeo Juliet 2001 Special Edition one that "I Fell In Love" with is a robusto. I have found this to be an incredible and delightful smoke.

E-Chick,

Shoot me a note - my email: [email protected] and we can discuss a few different options regarding trying a Great R&J.

You still have the Opus X's - right... 🙂

Regards,


B

Of course, a matter of taste is relative, but I prefer a VSG or a PAM over an ISOM any day.

Oh, No...

Please say that it isn't sooooo...That you "Honestly" perfer a PAM or a VSG over a Havana???

Okay, if that is your opinion then so be it. I can say that both the VSG and the PAM are good smokes - No doubt about it.

But.......Havana's - are great smokes!

IMHO

I guess we can agree to disagree on that one 🙂

Regards,


B

SmithBW,If you get the opportunity try the Habano Montecristo Millenium Robusto. This the one that comes in the ceramic jar. This is probably the Habano I've had to date. X

smithbw:

No more Opus X here. They may be up in smoke by now. Ask Jazzman or JD1 (Bob & Jerry - hey, isn't that an ice cream or cartoon?)

Thanks X and E-chick - I know that you traded them off..I was just kidding 🙂

Regards,


B