When I got out of the game about 6 or 7 years ago, the very desirable sticks were various Tats (the mass released red labels and blacks, and the smaller releases that could still be tracked down with some work like east coast/west coats, seasonal releases like the monsters, etc.), Liga Privada (9s, rats, pigs, T52s). Illusiones were also popular (although I've read they quality control has gone down some). AF Sharks were also highly prized. To bring you back to that timeframe, there was a lot of talk about tracking down Pepin rolled Padilla 1932s, everyone was speculating on what the "donkey droppings" actually were, etc.

Its tough to get the information from local shpo owners simply because they don't have the same point of reference as the boards, spend a lot of their time educating people newer to the hobby, and understandably want to sell what they have etc. (and this is after I tell them "I pay good money for cigars," like Briannasucks).

So, what are the comparable brands/sticks today? I've been reading the Cigar Discussion threads, and haven't made much progress coming back up the learning curve, so what should I be looking for? (And for God sake, this isn't a thread looking for packages, as I've moved since I was last a regular on the trade boards, and the new address is classified).

Thanks in advance for any info!

I keep hearing about this nosedive of Illusione quality, but I've not seen or experienced it. Granted, I've only bought and smoked staple lines, so could be old stock or something, but I'd definitely take news of their regression with a grain of salt. Could also be a case of "new hotness is not so good" but that is one reason I tend to stick to staples for example in CC (the CC ER releases are almost universally not worth the extra coin).

As for new stuff, my stock is mostly CC, and I've been trying to sample more NC stuff, especially newer things, as of late. The Aladdino Corojo Reserve is definitely worth your time, I bought a box after receiving one in a bomb and have enjoyed them quite a bit. The new EPC Pledge has been another that I think is deservedly hyped from my limited sampling, hard to say though if that line will keep it's consistency after winning the CA thing.

Illusione issues for me were as follows:

HL'S - got to where i couldn't find one with a good draw to save my life...

Epernay - they haven't been burning straight for several years now...

4/2g's - beetle holes...

Everyone's experience will vary... I really liked illusione and gave them as many chances as I could....

So Jimbud needs Donkey Droppings?

Thanks gents. I've added a couple of clickbang's suggestions to my list. I have been lucky with the couple Epernay's I've had recently. And no, Z, don't need DDs. BTW, was it ever confirmed they were Viajes?

Most AJ Fernandez blends are good. I haven't a bad Aladino either. Roma Craft, Foundation, Nomad, Ezra Zion, BLTC, Black Works Studios, Viaje, Tatuaje, Joya de Nicaragua, Placencia are pretty consistent as well for quality off the top of my head.

Most bets were on Viaje they were reportedly rolled at the Raicenes factory…..

Best bet would be to smoke one OR DD with an OR MOAB. If only I had your addy.

Smoked 5 of the Aladino lines I got at an event they had. Very underwhelming and over priced.

Good old OSCAR has been making a few I really enjoyed.

The Joya de Nicaragua 1970 Antano Gran Reserva, Quatro Cinco and the Cinco Decada are somewhat newish, but box worthy...

Another example of differences in palates.

I’ve smoked cigars from the regular JRE Aladino, Maduro, Corojo Reserva, Habano Vintage and Connecticut lines and for the most part, enjoyed them. Waiting for a 5er of the Cameroon to arrive too.

As far as pricing goes, I feel they’re priced about right so we’re probably shopping at different places.

Man those were good!

hey Carl!

hope all is well...

I've had good luck with the Caldwells and have yet to find a Steve Saka blend at DTT that I didn't like. Caldwell construction isn't the best on the Last Tsar with flaky ash, but boy are they delicious.

What about some good Connecticut cigars. Only enjoy a few on the upper end. Need some input...

Ashton vintage cabinet selection or my father Connecticut are pretty good... Southern draw rose of Sharon lancero isn't too bad either... still a Connecticut though...

Been enjoying the Zeno Platiums, but looking for others. Ashton Cabs I have a few, but need time to sit.

Rose of Sharon, La Gran Llave Connecticut, San Cristobal Elegencia, My Father Connecticut, Camacho Connecticut, Perdomo Habano Barrel aged, Espinosa Crema, Rocky Patel Vintage 1999, Undercrown Shade, CLE Chele, Man O' War Valkyrie, and Aganorsa Leaf Connecticut are all very good Connecticut options.

Espinosa Creme is my favorite connie, followed by the CAO Gold.

The JDN was part of my regular lineup when I was smoking 2-3 a day. I found that an 12-18 month nap really evened them out.