I'm not so sure.I do like the Don Carlos #3 and #4 but I'm just not sure if they're truly worth the coin.AF has so much more to offer....some just as pricey but more worthy IMHO..One of my favorite SG's is the Hemingway SG Signature followed closely by the 858 SG.The 858 natural and maduro are both very good smokes.In the Hemi Naturals the Work of Art and Short Story are hard to beat.Everyone raves about the WOAM(mehh I like the cameroon wrapped nattie much better)and to some this is the holy grail of Fuenteness.

Oh yea the the Opus X.Well aged X's are extraordinary IMHO.Lets not forget that Diamond Crown and Ashton are also part of the Fuente family.I'll drop the coin on both the VSG corona gorda or the DC MAX #5 before I would on any of the sticks in the Don Carlos line.Like I said above.......they're good just overpriced in comparison to some of the other lines that I rate as better.

As in most instances.....beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Ron

Whistlebritches wrote:

Ron, as you know, your last line said it all. Personally, I find the DC Reservas better than almost anything I've smoked by Fuente. And I DO mean almost. When Opus X are on, they are hard to top. Last years, and previous years, Anejos blew my mind but this past incarnation left me not wanting to buy more. I thought the 46, also MY favorite, never left the gate. Hemingway's have been inconsistent, though some where quite good. Recent Hemi's have left me wanting.

The entire SG line I find completely underwhelming, I won't buy them at all. Same with the King and Queen lines - Emperor's new clothes, if you ask me. When it comes to the 858's I much prefer the original Cameroon wrapper but I also like rosados. Rosados in general, for me, are often good, better than the SG by a long shot, but still not as good as the Cammies in general. I do like Diamond Crowns but think they are WAY over priced. Ashtons I do not like at all, even the VSG. I hung in there with the VSG's for several sticks, looking for one I thought was worth the coin, and came up feeling like I had wasted way too much money on that search. I'll never buy another and I tried several vitolas.

As you said though..."beauty is in the eye of the beholder".

hoyodude wrote:

Funny how we always end up in agreement.LOL

I love the ESG 20 Year Salute.............TOO DAMN PRICEY.I occasionally throw down a bid here for a couple.....and usually I leave empty handed.I always have at least 1 in my humidor.I won't smoke it til I have a replacement.The ESG is the only cigar I'm willing to shell that kind of coin out for.IMO they're much better than any of the Opus X line.

Ron

Whistlebritches wrote:

Well, you've got me there - I haven't tried the ESG Salute. I guess I feel a little gun-shy after my past Ashton experiences. I suppose I should give one a try sometime. I'm always open for a new experience and, truthfully, you've never steered me wrong. I used to feel this way about La Aroma de Cuba because of my impression of the earlier line, those didn't impress me at all. Once I tried the Mi Amor I knew what I was missing. Now one of my favorite smokes. Go figure....

hoyodude wrote:

This is a line I need to try out more. I have a WOAM and a couple Anejos waiting for me in the humi but I think I have only had a Hemingway Classic & Short Story.... both excellent.

rwilly wrote:

Next time I score I'll get that secret snailer of yours and force an ESG on you.I really think you'll like it.One of the smoothest SG's Ive ever smoked....and packed plumb full of flavor.How often do you hear me sing praises about a churchill????????Rarely if ever....I just can't get enough of that ESG.It reminds me of a well aged Habana less the twang........subtle changes but the flavor never stops and the complexity is such that you'll miss more than you reveal.

Ron

Whistlebritches wrote:

You're an evil man. I know, churchill makes me even more curious. Just what I need- - another whistlebritches induced upper-shelf addiction...#-o ....

hoyodude wrote:

Chris

It's been my pleasure.....I'll let you know when the booty arrives.

I just looked....I have your snailer.Nothings changed???

For some reason your e-mail did not import to the new PC.Shoot me a line at rgbruce at windstream dot net

Ron

Whistlebritches wrote:

I gotta add my fave that hasn't been mentioned yet...

Flor De Ybor City - NO.80...Sungrown

DrMaddVibe wrote: