Smoking Asian RE? Lets get some updates.

[Orion21]

Hello everyone. We all know Asian RE cigars have historically been fantastic. Since Rob reps the Asian region for us I wanted to get everyone's thought about their Asian RE cigars and how they are smoking.

Cigars from the program I have smoked:

Ramon Allones Celestiales Finos

An arse kicker when first released, this cigar has mellowed and is a treat to smoke. I get lots of graham cracker and dark fruit. Also, my avatar for the forum is a box of these cigars . . . so you can assume I'm a fan. I was shocked and dismayed to have seen these show up on the 24:24 over the last few months and not had a shot at stocking up. Rob, if you're reading this I NEED MORE!

Bolivar Short Bolivar

Lets get the obvious out of the way, it's too darn short. However, that doesn't mean this cigar hasn't performed like a star since purchase. I have been asked repeatedly to sell mine and I won't part with them. They are meaty Bolivar goodness is a short/fat package. The wrappers are molted, the blend is spot on and I will be sad when I smoke my last. My only issue on occasion has been a tight roll.

Punch Super Robusto

I haven't smoked one of these in several years, mostly because a great BOTL shared one with me at the time and then I was never able to find a box. I still remember the nutty/salty profile and the creamy smoothness. I curse the gent who gifted me this amazing cigar with no recourse to buy a box! I also thank him for the opportunity to have experienced this cigars' greatness. If you own some you are some lucky folks.

Por Larranaga Robustos

I've never smoked a cigar that was so blatantly sweet. It was like smoking a caramel pop flavored cigar. It was amazing, it was memorable . . . and it was also long sold out by the time I got a chance to smoke one

El Rey Del Mundo Aniversario

I bought a box of these last year on a whim. Yes, they're a bit pricey. Yes, there are only 20 in a box. And yes, they are a bit of a jaw breaker. They have not received the fanfare of the RAFC or others, but I will tell you these are ridiculously good cigars. I am not an ERDM guy. I have never bought a box, so I don't know the marca's profile like I do Monte, Upmann, Cohiba or Partagas. The closet comparison I can make to this cigar is if you blended a great Siglo VI and a Partagas 898. It doesn't make sense, but it's just good. I bought a second box after smoking my first two.

That is my experience with the Asian program. I do have a box of Encantos coming in the next week or two, so I will be able to add to my list. But everyone feel free to add to my thoughts and include cigars I have not listed. I am a huge fan of the Asian RE program and look forward to continually adding to my stock over the coming years.

[Lotusguy]

I have to disagree with your first sentence - the RA Estupendos suffered from horrible construction, the QdO Superiores was mostly underfilled wind tunnels, and the Encantos were mediocre at best (for me). The LFDC Grandiosos don't even come close to the LFDC Gran Cano.

So no, we don't "all know hat Asian RE cigars have historically been fantastic". Some of them, yes. But there is also a very fair share of duds. If they were so great, why don't they all sell out within a year when Asia is arguably the region with the easiest and widest availability?

[Orion21]

I have to disagree with your first sentence - the RA Estupendos suffered from horrible construction, the QdO Superiores was mostly underfilled wind tunnels, and the Encantos were mediocre at best (for me). The LFDC Grandiosos don't even come close to the LFDC Gran Cano.

So no, we don't "all know hat Asian RE cigars have historically been fantastic". Some of them, yes. But there is also a very fair share of duds. If they were so great, why don't they all sell out within a year when Asia is arguably the region with the easiest and widest availability?

This is all personal opinion. To answer the last sentence:

I think the Asian market is not as seasoned with cigars as Europe. That said I think the main issue is new shoppers look for the big flashy brands. Since the Asian RE (RE in general) are not Cohiba, Monetcristo or Partagas they get passed over. ERDM, JL, Bolivar, PL etc. are not going to attract new money non-collectors.

[Dimmers]

Great idea for a thread. I havent loaded up on the more recent APAC regionals, so heres how my APAC stock has been smoking recently (ie last 6 months)

PL Robustos, SLR Pacificos, JL No4 - continue to be magnificent. Smoking now

Boli Short Boli - very good. still packs a punch for me. Will let sleep for a while longer.

PL Encantos - cant comment too recently, i am trying to stay away for another few yrs.

RA CFinos - cant comment still sleeping

[Fumadoro]

I had a Estupendos somewhat recently, and thankfully I can say that the construction was spot on. The flavors of stewed fruit and biscuits really was wonderful for me.

[Jeremy Festa]

My comments will range depending on whether I have had one, two, a few or a box.

So...

Bolivar Short Bolivar:- Had a few. They are a cute vitola. I am not a massive Bolivar fan though, so can't really comment.

Dip Bushido:- Got a box. It is the cigar of 2015 for me. Pretty radical at the moment. Wonder what a few years will do to it. Best to smoke these alone. As the journey is very distinct in terms of the flavour transition of the cigar.

ERDM Aniversario:- Have had 2. Wind tunnels, and mild. But I recall the flavour being very unique.

JL No. 4:- Had a few. I like them. Nothing too memorable though. Have one left.

LFdC Grandiosos:- Beautiful cigar. Just a stupid vitola. But I love this cigar. Got 2 boxes.

PL Beli Extra: - Had one. Nothing memorable.

PL Encantos:- Got a box. Love lonsdales. These were amazing. Then they went a little sour. Coming back around now. Will leave them for a bit. Have about 5 or 6 left.

PL Robusto:- One of my all time favourite cigars. Crazy good. Got one left. Makes me upset. Don't want to talk about it.

Punch Sabrosos:- I have had 3 or 4. Amazing cigar. Very unique. Would buy a box if I could.

QDO Superiores:- Got a box. I seriously liked these. Have one left. Also upsetting.

RACF:- Got a box. 2nd best cigar in the history of the world, ever.

RA Estupendos:- Had 1. Cant comment/remember.

SLR Pacificos:- Had a few. I really like SLR profile. And these were great. Should maybe get a box.

[ChanceSchmerr]

This is all personal opinion.

Well, to be fair, mate - So is a statement like "We all know Asian RE cigars have historically been fantastic. " By and large, from general comments gleaned from FOH threads over the years, they havn't - there have been ups and downs like all RE's.

My $0.02 on the Asia RE's? I think I've now tried them all so at least I can comment fairly....

RA Estupendos - When they aren't plugged, a very fine RA churchill, not much more refined than an aged Gigantes, but close. Too bad construction so often let them down.

Punch Super Robustos - A delicious, well blended Punch cigar. They have that extra element on the palate, that "extra gear" that sets it apart from the regular Punch blend, a fine cigar worth tracking down.

Por Larranaga Robustos - So many folks liked this. I found it similar to a great NC - one dimensional, but a delicious dimension it was, all sweetness, kind of like a dirty, earthy honey. I liked it but not enough to pay the premium on a box. Others may argue otherwise.

Bolivar Short Bolivar - A size I hate and a taste I love. They nailed the blend and they keep getting better. I never got a box but a smattering of singles will stand me in good stead.

Por Larranaga Belicoso Extras - I loved these, similar in profile to the Robustos but it too had an added element that set it apart, a richness to go with the sweetness. Definitely worth picking up a box.

Ramon Allones Celestiales Finos - Blockbusters, and I will never live down sending back a box because of some damaged wrappers. Should have kept and smoked them. My epic cigar fail. This is a classic cigar.

SLR Pacificos - Above all, my favorite Asia Pacific RE. Takes a spot-on SLR blend and amps up everything in it. A Cigargasm.

Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 4 - I keep going back and forth on these, some have been excellent JL examples, others have been muddled messes. Jury's still out in my books. Let's see at 8 years and try it again.

Punch Sabrosos - I liked the initial smoke of these, classic Punch Sourness, but needs much more time. Great potential, I will wait to crack my box.

Por Larranaga Encantos - These missed the mark in my book. I wonder if I was wrong to trade away my box, but ultimately I thought it should have tasted better than it did. I may yet regret it, but for now - a muted PL blend to my palate. Others may disagree.

Quai D'Orsay Superiores - Boooooooooooooring. I keep trying them and keep disliking them. Disorientated blend and lousy consistency. Best to have left QdO RE's to the French, at least they nail their QdO RE's when they have them with brilliant releases!

ERDM Anniversarios - Have only smoked one but enjoyed it very much. A deeper flavour than ERDM usually provides. I may not wait long to smoke these. Quite a balanced palate.

LFDC Grandiosos - Kind of muted for the ones I have tried - looked for lashes of cream and didn't find them. Some hints of potential development but I do think these missed the plot a bit. Nothing will ever surpass that Short Robusto UK RE for sheer flavour, I think.

Diplomaticos Bushidos - A Rock Star debut for these. First one had ridiculous complexity and flavour. Second one was a little less so, but more balanced and probably just as enjoyable. If you can afford it, you'll like these.

[Drguano]

Funny, I posted this about the Punch Sabrosos this afternoon: http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=125853

I love the Encantos.

I wish I could say I had better luck with the Estupendo.

Bought an RA Celestino Finos in Vancouver when they first came out. It was plugged and never went back. Wish I had.

Like the JL #4 and SLR Pacificos.

Boli Shorts were nice but...

Bushido…fantastic!

[Mr.T]

My two cents:

I love my box of Punch Super Robustos. I don't smoke lots of Punch so I am not as familiar with the profile. I agree with people's comments on the RA Estupendos. I have a box and the ones that I have had that were not plugged have been very smooth, refined with the typical RA flavors. While I enjoy the Grandiosos now, I think they still need some more time.

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[foursite12]

So here's a couple of questions. I've not bought any REs. Two that are available that intrigue me are PL Encantos and the Punch Sabrosos.

My concern with the Encantos is that they are just a slightly longer PLPC (which I adore) at 2 or 3 times the cost. Thoughts from that perspective?

And with the Sabrosos the reviews are mixed, including from the Ken & Rob vid. Worth the coin?

Thanks in advance for the benefit of your experiences.

[finecigar]

In my experience the stars are PL Robusto, Encantos, ERdM Anniversarios, JL SNo 4, and now after a few samplings the Bushidos. Asia Pacifico does a wonderful job, I am always looking forward to their releases! Great reading through all your guys opinions, thanks

[Lotusguy]

This is all personal opinion. To answer the last sentence:

I think the Asian market is not as seasoned with cigars as Europe. That said I think the main issue is new shoppers look for the big flashy brands. Since the Asian RE (RE in general) are not Cohiba, Monetcristo or Partagas they get passed over. ERDM, JL, Bolivar, PL etc. are not going to attract new money non-collectors.

Your opening statement was a pretty bold generalization based on personal opinion as well - that's why I commented.

I find it curious that you barely see people posting stacks of APAC RE purchases when you see them for other regions all the time. Is it because they can't be flipped (not to start another flipping thread) since they are always widely available - Bushidos excepted? Or are people just picking up a box or two and smoking them but not "going deep"?

[westg]

Smoking through a box of short bolivar , I actually like the size. Never experienced anything like them and have to say very enjoyable. I did manage to pick up a very good box though. Have laid eyes on some horrible examples

[JohnS]

Of the 14 Asia Pacifico Regional Editions since 2006 (the upcoming La Gloria Cubana Revolution will make it 15) I have sampled four and these have been excellent to quite good. The Diplomatico Bushido and Ramon Allones Celestiales Finos were both brilliant, while the La Flor de Cano Grandiosos and Por Larranaga Robustos de Larranaga were quite good.

[Orion21]

Your opening statement was a pretty bold generalization based on personal opinion as well - that's why I commented.

I find it curious that you barely see people posting stacks of APAC RE purchases when you see them for other regions all the time. Is it because they can't be flipped (not to start another flipping thread) since they are always widely available - Bushidos excepted? Or are people just picking up a box or two and smoking them but not "going deep"?

That's a good question Claus. I would probably have to look at the total boxes produced to give a better answer, but doing a quick search on Trevor's site it seems Asia commissions many more boxes on average that say Germany does. Of the German release most have 2,000-2,500 boxes released. Compared to Asia where they commissioned 7,400 boxes of Bolivar Shorts, 4,000 ERDM Aniversario and even some years have TWO RE releases at a time. I think they just flood the market and the exclusivity that some other countries create for their productions are lost because Asia is a huge region vs one specific country. Also, some of the countries that produce RE's can't sell online or the LCDH's won't, so demand is very high on the ground.

[Bartolomeo]

I went midget deep on Pacificos

Like the ERDM, JL and PL Beli as well

[Hoepssa]

PL doing well on every Asian RE, just love them
JL4 is amazing, my daily smoke, smoked 4 boxes last year and 6 boxes in my closet.
RA Estupendo is good except "plugging", still more to achieve, and so does Celestino Finos

↑↑↑↑↑↑ all of them are stellar compares to their regular vitola (though not much size for these brands' regular selling)

http://imgur.com/I1YwtfZ