Cubans & Non Cubans

[ChefBoyRG54]

Padron example from not too long ago

CC example

[Fugu]

Not sure I agree with this one. If you're talking regular production in general I would agree but I've seen mainly outstanding construction on what would be considered premium, ie. Behike, EL, ER etc. Most reg. production Cohiba I've seen lately has been top notch as well.

You may confidently add HU Connie A, all of them since launch, as well as Le Hoyo de San Juan, there is more, but these just immediately spring to mind.

Regular production premium NC are consistent in size, shape, and the feet look pristine with razor sharp parallel cuts. With CC consistency is lacking stick to stick and especially box to box. one of my favorites here which I've had many boxes of here. Not limited production and I will bet top dollar that you can blindly purchase a box and you will not be disappointed with a single stick. Where as with CC purchasing blind is a shot in the dark.

But what you got there is a CC, isn't it? - If I read correctly it sais 'Puros Cubanos'....

Seriously, I can't really argue quality-wise (construction) since I simply see too few NCs. But what I see is not a iota better. In particular, what I dislike in a lot of NCs is their often very smooth and shiny-looking "nice dress", but actually turning out being rather cardboardy and dry wrappers: No smoothness no suppleness at all, just not 'Cuban' to me. My last Padron 1964 of that kind was even underfilled...

Just to stir the pot a bit, since your particular cigar seems to be a perfect example:

If NC-producers are so much better and appear so confident and proud of their own superior quality standards, then why do ones like Tatuaje have to ballsily mimic the Cuban Sello de Garantía, use an imitation of the Cubatabaco leaf, name their pirámide "Unicos" and advertise their Nic-cigar as being a "Cuban Puro"....? (in my home market that would even not be allowed as it falls under "wrong advertising".). Do they have to rely on such things to be able to sell their stuff? I just don't get the idea behind naming a Nicaraguan puro a Cuban.

[Fugu]

Padron example from not too long ago

This ^

[TypicalSituation]

Padron example from not too long ago

CC example

I don't smoke NCs anymore, the after taste is too much and lingers too long. But in fairness, Padron makes some ugly sticks across the board, some look especially rough, but in my NC days, I smoked a ton of Padron and never had a plugged one (despite the ever so rough appearance)

[TypicalSituation]

Padron example from not too long ago

CC example

I don't smoke NCs anymore, the after taste is too much and lingers too long. But in fairness, Padron makes some ugly sticks across the board, some look especially rough, but in my NC days, I smoked a ton of Padron and never had a plugged one (despite the ever so rough appearance)

[TypicalSituation]

Padron example from not too long ago

CC example

I don't smoke NCs anymore, the after taste is too much and lingers too long. But in fairness, Padron makes some ugly sticks across the board, some look especially rough, but in my NC days, I smoked a ton of Padron and never had a plugged one (despite the ever so rough appearance)

[ChefBoyRG54]

I don't smoke NCs anymore, the after taste is too much and lingers too long. But in fairness, Padron makes some ugly sticks across the board, some look especially rough, but in my NC days, I smoked a ton of Padron and never had a plugged one (despite the ever so rough appearance)

Like yourself, NC aren't in my rotation, but never had a poor performing padron...ever

[TypicalSituation]

Like yourself, NC aren't in my rotation, but never had a poor performing padron...ever

Yep, some of the lower end side of things look like they were kicked down the hall, but dang did they ever perform

[Gusmab980]

Been a couple years thought Id give an Opus X a try again. Picked one up last time I was in the dominican although they used to be a staple for me back in my earlier days have not had one in a while. Still the same for me, the Cuban profile is just integral to what I enjoy in a cigar regardless of which Cuban, it is a profile for me that is unmistakeable and still non negotiable in my cigar requirements. Now the RyJ mille fleur that followed blew the Opus out of the water...

12 years ago the Very first Cuban cigar I had was a RyJ Coronitas en Cedro and I thought it was way better that the opus X I had earlier

[Ozzy]

I've been smoking NCs more regularly at the moment. More so because I don't have too many CC and want to keep them for special occasions. However, that will soon change

I do enjoy trying both NC's and CC's at the moment as most the sticks are new to me so its a bit of a journey!

[maxcjs0101]

You may confidently add HU Connie A, all of them since launch, as well as Le Hoyo de San Juan, there is more, but these just immediately spring to mind.

But what you got there is a CC, isn't it? - If I read correctly it sais 'Puros Cubanos'....

Seriously, I can't really argue quality-wise (construction) since I simply see too few NCs. But what I see is not a iota better. In particular, what I dislike in a lot of NCs is their often very smooth and shiny-looking "nice dress", but actually turning out being rather cardboardy and dry wrappers: No smoothness no suppleness at all, just not 'Cuban' to me. My last Padron 1964 of that kind was even underfilled...

Just to stir the pot a bit, since your particular cigar seems to be a perfect example:

If NC-producers are so much better and appear so confident and proud of their own superior quality standards, then why do ones like Tatuaje have to ballsily mimic the Cuban Sello de Garantía, use an imitation of the Cubatabaco leaf, name their pirámide "Unicos" and advertise their Nic-cigar as being a "Cuban Puro"....? (in my home market that would even not be allowed as it falls under "wrong advertising".). Do they have to rely on such things to be able to sell their stuff? I just don't get the idea behind naming a Nicaraguan puro a Cuban.

Spot on. Though i have never had a Tatuaje before, i noticed that their cigars sound and packaged a lot like Cuban cigars.

I know of people who swear by that brand but i wonder why do they want to make their cigars look so much like a CC?

[Blazer]

Spot on. Though i have never had a Tatuaje before, i noticed that their cigars sound and packaged a lot like Cuban cigars.

I know of people who swear by that brand but i wonder why do they want to make their cigars look so much like a CC?

As I recall, Peter Johnson, the owner of Tatuaje, is a Cubafile and loves everything associated with the country. When It came time to build his brand he wanted to mimic the rich history of Cuban cigars. For example, unlike many NC manufacturers he designed a very simple band that harkens back to many of the old Cuban brands. Additionally, Pete has embraced the lancero as one of his standard brand sizes rather than what most NCs do and offer only huge RGs.

[wabashcr]

As I recall, Peter Johnson, the owner of Tatuaje, is a Cubafile and loves everything associated with the country. When It came time to build his brand he wanted to mimic the rich history of Cuban cigars. For example, unlike many NC manufacturers he designed a very simple band that harkens back to many of the old Cuban brands. Additionally, Pete has embraced the lancero as one of his standard brand sizes rather than what most NCs do and offer only huge RGs.

I would also add that, as far as I'm aware, you won't hear any of the usual Cuba bashing from Pete that many other NC industry types like to do. There are a handful of NC makers that love Cuba and CCs, and only do their best to try to live up to that standard.

[ChefBoyRG54]

As I recall, Peter Johnson, the owner of Tatuaje, is a Cubafile and loves everything associated with the country. When It came time to build his brand he wanted to mimic the rich history of Cuban cigars. For example, unlike many NC manufacturers he designed a very simple band that harkens back to many of the old Cuban brands. Additionally, Pete has embraced the lancero as one of his standard brand sizes rather than what most NCs do and offer only huge RGs.

I would also add that, as far as I'm aware, you won't hear any of the usual Cuba bashing from Pete that many other NC industry types like to do. There are a handful of NC makers that love Cuba and CCs, and only do their best to try to live up to that standard.

We talking about the same guy here?

[Fugu]

Spot on. Though i have never had a Tatuaje before, i noticed that their cigars sound and packaged a lot like Cuban cigars.

I know of people who swear by that brand but i wonder why do they want to make their cigars look so much like a CC?

yup - add that Cojonu-EL thingy!

[sjmistry]

A good cigar is a good cigar! Does not matter where it's from. There some exquisite tobacco grown all over this planet. Variety is the spice of life my friends.

I completely agree with this, but to each his own. Love La Aurora and Fuente from DR nor can I pass up a on a Padron or almost anything Pepin produced from NC. If I am looking to relax for a couple of hours and have no distractions I will reach for a CC.

I think the one advantage CC have is the fact that they are a true puro, whereas cigars from other countries are most likely blended with multinational components (I may be mistaken so please correct me if I am wrong).

-Shake

[luv2fly]

Pete is passionate about his cigars. If I smoke a NC it will be an Opus, Padron, or Tat.

[mygar]

Most of us have dog rockets in our humi that we have a hard time throwing away. Well no more for me... tossed them. Interestingly enough they were noella reserva ... tasted like an ash tray on the retrohale. A one dimensional ash tray at that...

[Olga]

We talking about the same guy here?

The wrapper and ash on that Cohiba look odd.

[Orion21]

Pete Johnson will be at a cigar dinner at my B&M tonight

Maybe I'll slip him a Don Jose and see how he reacts!!

[Merovius]

Can't say I've ever had a Cohiba that tasted like soap. Surprised he posted that, Pete has a very good palate. He must have known something was amiss.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Blazer]

We talking about the same guy here?

Maybe Pepin gave him a Cohba that he picked up on a recent visit to Tiajuana. Let's not pretend that every CC ever made has never had construction issues or off flavors. I like CCs & NCs, but I've had terrible examples of both.

[Orion21]

Agree with the above and let's not forget Pete rolls some very dark and strong cigars. He produces a very fine and high quality product, but they are NCs on roids. Never has my mouth tasted more like dirty ashes as when I smoke his cigars. However that Cohiba is far too dark and the ash is bright white like a Nic.

[creamypies]

I enjoy the best in cigars and undoubtedly regard Pete's high end cigars as some of the best. I don't stand alone in this regard although tastes are subjective. One thing however that is not subjective is that Pete is a stand up guy who I've dealt with on multiple occasions.

[Joshtupps]

I travel to the US at least once a month, and I always stock up on NC's. I have a separate humidor solely for them! There are truly some great smokes available, and they are SO CHEAP!