Looking for that special occasion cigar

[Trapper99]

For the last 16-18 months, I have been self building my house and it is nearing completion. I'd say sometime mid to late summer we'll be moving in, and I want to get that "special occasion" box. Obviously with the time frame, I want to get it soon so it can rest some, but also want something that may be ok smoking young. Obviously if I ever saw a Behike box for sale, I'll punch in the CC numbers and cry about it later. Or if I can fire off an email that says "one box of Sir Winston's" please fast enough I would go that route, but I'm thinking more along the line of cigars more readily available. I like that more mild-medium range, but not against a fuller cigar that calms down overtime.

So far I'm considering:
Trinidad La Trova (regret missing them on 24:24 a week or 2 ago)
Cohiba Talisman 2017
Cohiba Esplendidos, Punch DC, or HdM DC(available but maybe not "special" enough)
Hoyo de Monterrey Escogidos

What suggestion do you all have, or what else should I be looking at?

[BrightonCorgi]

Cannot go wrong with Montecristo A's.  For a long time, that was the special occasion cigar.  Sir Winston's are another for sure winner.

[KCCubano]

Always something nice on BR!  Many would qualify as a special occasion smoke. Plus u could always put back up as a partial box down the road if you want. 

[Corylax18]

18 minutes ago, Trapper99 said:

For the last 16-18 months, I have been self building my house and it is nearing completion. I'd say sometime mid to late summer we'll be moving in, and I want to get that "special occasion" box. Obviously with the time frame, I want to get it soon so it can rest some, but also want something that may be ok smoking young. Obviously if I ever saw a Behike box for sale, I'll punch in the CC numbers and cry about it later. Or if I can fire off an email that says "one box of Sir Winston's" please fast enough I would go that route, but I'm thinking more along the line of cigars more readily available. I like that more mild-medium range, but not against a fuller cigar that calms down overtime.

So far I'm considering:
Trinidad La Trova (regret missing them on 24:24 a week or 2 ago)
Cohiba Talisman 2017
Cohiba Esplendidos, Punch DC, or HdM DC(available but maybe not "special" enough)
Hoyo de Monterrey Escogidos

What suggestion do you all have, or what else should I be looking at?

You probably should have posted this 12-16 months ago, but here we are. Haha Congratulations on the house, building your own is an awesome accomplishment. 

Did you suggest the above cigars because You have smoked and enjoyed them, or because others have? If you don't know for sure that you like them, I would avoid setting yourself up for disappointment. It would really suck to spend $20 or $40 on a fancy cigar that you've never tried, with all the extra expectations, only to be disappointed on the big day. 

I would recommend looking for an aged box(or even some singles) of a cigar that you already know you love. 

[gojira]

My opinion is to go with your gut and smoke the one that calls out to you when you're standing in front of your stash. We have all smoked special cigars on special occasions but I believe that even a regular cigar with a few years on it can bring you enjoyment on a special day. I have smoked quite a few special cigars on special occasions but came to the conclusion that it's best to smoke what I'm in the mood to smoke. Now I grab a special cigar on a regular day and vice versa and find it much more rewarding. 

[Trapper99]

6 minutes ago, Corylax18 said:

You probably should have posted this 12-16 months ago, but here we are. Haha Congratulations on the house, building your own is an awesome accomplishment. 

Did you suggest the above cigars because You have smoked and enjoyed them, or because others have? If you don't know for sure that you like them, I would avoid setting yourself up for disappointment. It would really suck to spend $20 or $40 on a fancy cigar that you've never tried, with all the extra expectations, only to be disappointed on the big day. 

I would recommend looking for an aged box(or even some singles) of a cigar that you already know you love. 

Yup! A year ago would have been more ideal, but at that time I wasn’t into Cubans so I’m new on this journey.

I have not tried any on that list. I generated it between a list of what is available and has reviews that seem relatively solid, cause yes I don’t want to be disappointed. It’s sounds like BR may be the best bet. 

[NSXCIGAR]

Having smoked all of these, I would honestly recommend the SW or Esplendidos if you're a Cohiba fan. Also, @BrightonCorgi's suggestion of the Monte A is a good one. Those can give you a unique and highly enjoyable experience as long as you have the 3+ hours!

I've found spending big bucks on a cigar often results in disappointment. The high expectations can kill the experience. You over-analyze the cigar. If you end up not liking it for whatever reason, you feel stupid.

You absolutely can't go wrong with the SW or Esplendidos. Always very good, reliable and reasonably priced. They often outperform the super-premiums. 

I would definitely not recommend the Hoyo DC, Escogidos or young Punch DC as a "special occasion" cigar. They're just not on the level of the others.

 

[99call]

1 hour ago, gojira said:

My opinion is to go with your gut and smoke the one that calls out to you when you're standing in front of your stash. We have all smoked special cigars on special occasions but I believe that even a regular cigar with a few years on it can bring you enjoyment on a special day. I have smoked quite a few special cigars on special occasions but came to the conclusion that it's best to smoke what I'm in the mood to smoke. Now I grab a special cigar on a regular day and vice versa and find it much more rewarding. 

Great bit of advice.  Always go with what you want to smoke above all else, even if it's a simple Quintero.   Nothing worse than burning through an expensive cigar, when all you want is an RGPC.   It doesn't matter about relative qualities,  you will spend that whole experience with a lurking voice in the back of you mind saying.  "I wish this was an RGPC"

[rcarlson]

Fundi

[Tstew75]

Cohiba Piramides or Esplendidos. Both extraordinary.

[Trapper99]

Thanks for all the solid advice! Esmeraldas were also on my short list but I didn’t mention them. I guess I’ll just keep an eye out for them, Espys, SW, and score what I can as they were on my short list to acquire if possible. Fundi and Cohiba piramides weren’t on my list, but interesting suggestions to consider. Also keep an eye on BR for a vintage box that may strike my fancy, but if not no big deal. Have my eye on a couple.

[NSXCIGAR]

2 hours ago, Lrabold89 said:

Esmeralda

Eh, I think the SW and Esplendidos are a definite cut above. Esmeraldas seem to have a bit of inconsistency as well. The ones I've had (about 10) were pretty good. Most 93, with a 92 and a 94 in here. That's barely cracking my "would I buy again" threshold which is a 91-92. The last SW I had was a 95, and the Esplendido a 96. And the SW is about the same price as the Esmeralda.

Fundys, I'd also not consider a "special occasion" cigar. They just don't have that extra something the SW and Esplendidos have. I would put recent Lanceros in that category as well. I just don't think Lanceros have really been a cut above in the last 5 years. 

Piramides Extra and Siglo VI might also be candidates as well but I don't have much experience with either, so I'll just stick with the SW and Esp. 

[Bijan]

41 minutes ago, NSXCIGAR said:

Fundys, I'd also not consider a "special occasion" cigar. They just don't have that extra something the SW and Esplendidos have. I would put recent Lanceros in that category as well. I just don't think Lanceros have really been a cut above in the last 5 years. 

My top 3 cigars of the past year have been 38 RG ones: one CCE, one Partagas SDC no. 1 and one Monte Especial. But those were really good examples and I've had more unexciting such cigars. You're much safer with the SW and Esplendidos that you recommend, even though I think the best Fundadores or Lanceros can rival them, the typical ones can't.

[NSXCIGAR]

41 minutes ago, Bijan said:

My top 3 cigars of the past year have been 38 RG ones: one CCE, one Partagas SDC no. 1 and one Monte Especial. But those were really good examples and I've had more unexciting such cigars. You're much safer with the SW and Esplendidos that you recommend, even though I think the best Fundadores or Lanceros can rival them, the typical ones can't.

My opinions are only for current/recent production. Some of the best cigars I've ever had were also 38 RG. I would take a 2009 Lanceros over a 2020 SW. I would not take a 2020 Lanceros over a SW. 

 

[Bijan]

6 minutes ago, NSXCIGAR said:

My opinions are only for current/recent production. Some of the best cigars I've ever had were also 38 RG. I would take a 2009 Lanceros over a 2020 SW. I would not take a 2020 Lanceros over a SW. 

 

Yes good point! The CCE and obviously the Partagas SdC No. 1 were aged. The Monte Especial was recent production. But yes recent CCE and Lanceros haven't been mindblowing. And I also had a Fundadores that was probably the best Trinidad I've had but again probably aged.

[NSXCIGAR]

Just now, Bijan said:

Yes good point! The CCE and obviously the Partagas SdC No. 1 were aged. The Monte Especial was recent production. But yes recent CCE and Lanceros haven't been mindblowing. And I also had a Fundadores that was probably the best Trinidad I've had but again probably aged.

I should have clarified: I'd take a fresh 09 Lanceros (or CCE) over those today. Lanceros can and have been tremendous, but not recently. 

[Bijan]

1 minute ago, NSXCIGAR said:

I should have clarified: I'd take a fresh 09 Lanceros (or CCE) over those today. Lanceros can and have been tremendous, but not recently. 

I meant the same. But wasn't smoking them in 09 to vouch for their quality at the time

 

[NSXCIGAR]

1 hour ago, Bijan said:

I meant the same. But wasn't smoking them in 09 to vouch for their quality at the time

I was. If you got one less than 95 points, you got a dud. CCE, Exquisitos--absolutely rocking around 08-09. Monte Especiales 1/2 were also delivering. Great time for 38 RGs. I recall SW and Esplendidos being just good then, not great. 

[JohnS]

2 hours ago, NSXCIGAR said:

Eh, I think the SW and Esplendidos are a definite cut above. Esmeraldas seem to have a bit of inconsistency as well. The ones I've had (about 10) were pretty good. Most 93, with a 92 and a 94 in here. That's barely cracking my "would I buy again" threshold which is a 91-92. The last SW I had was a 95, and the Esplendido a 96. And the SW is about the same price as the Esmeralda.

Fundys, I'd also not consider a "special occasion" cigar. They just don't have that extra something the SW and Esplendidos have. I would put recent Lanceros in that category as well. I just don't think Lanceros have really been a cut above in the last 5 years. 

Piramides Extra and Siglo VI might also be candidates as well but I don't have much experience with either, so I'll just stick with the SW and Esp. 

The 2019/20 Esmeraldas, Media Lunas and Topes are quality savoury, rich cigars. However, if I were to choose a special occasion cigar I would concur with @NSXCIGAR in choosing an Cohiba Esplendidos or H.Upmann Sir Winston. The recent ones I've had have been a 'class above' your standard regular production Habanos cigars.

In general, a Cohiba Piramides Extra needs time to savour and the Cohiba Lanceros is a great cigar but yes, I would concur that recent varieties need time down too.

[Chibearsv]

6 hours ago, NSXCIGAR said:

Eh, I think the SW and Esplendidos are a definite cut above. Esmeraldas seem to have a bit of inconsistency as well. The ones I've had (about 10) were pretty good. Most 93, with a 92 and a 94 in here. That's barely cracking my "would I buy again" threshold which is a 91-92. The last SW I had was a 95, and the Esplendido a 96. And the SW is about the same price as the Esmeralda.

Fundys, I'd also not consider a "special occasion" cigar. They just don't have that extra something the SW and Esplendidos have. I would put recent Lanceros in that category as well. I just don't think Lanceros have really been a cut above in the last 5 years. 

Piramides Extra and Siglo VI might also be candidates as well but I don't have much experience with either, so I'll just stick with the SW and Esp. 

I agree with all above and I'll add that the PE definitely needs some time under its belt before they shine, but then they definitely deserve mention as a special occasion cigar.  Also, Siglo VI is a really nice cigar but it aint no Esplendidos which are smoking great even as young cigars and just get better and better with age.

[Edicion]

18 hours ago, Trapper99 said:

So far I'm considering:

Trinidad La Trova (regret missing them on 24:24 a week or 2 ago)
Cohiba Talisman 2017
Cohiba Esplendidos, Punch DC, or HdM DC(available but maybe not "special" enough)
Hoyo de Monterrey Escogidos

I think this is a nice lineup to consider and the main one, the Talisman I would go for out of those. 

Not only because it was my favorite cigar in 2020 (2017 edition aged 3+ years) but also because it feels special. It's not an everyday cigar. I will probably be ridiculed and kicked out of the forum for saying this, but I think Talis are more special than Behikes. To me, Behikes are just a perfect, flawless cigar but nothing that stands out, it's just too perfect. Talis have some imperfections, which makes them, well, perfect. 

Except for Talis, I've extended my criteria to special cigars to include odd shaped, hard to come by, or big sized or RE/LE when I'm looking for that one that stands out, and it may sound strange, it might not even be a favorite of mine, but what I want it to be is... Well, memorable. Some I would put in this category are:

Bolivar Soberano or Libertador  

Partagas Culebra 

Juan Lopez Superba 2016

Montecristo 80 or Leyenda

Diplomaticos Ammunition

Punch Sir David 

To give a sense of a range. Again, might not be everyone's flavor profile, but they'd all be special in their own way. 

My absolute favorite special cigar I won't mention because normally prices go up when a cigar gets attention

[Jimmy_jack]

Sir Winston to be sure. Hard to find lately. Perhaps a good member here will dm you.

[Trapper99]

It’s seems like the general concensus is the Esplendidos checks most of the boxes. A now and later stick, has that special feel, and is available (the last part perhaps being the most important right now). Still haven’t ruled out the Tali @Edicion, especially since Pres said he likes the 19s over the 17s! Of course I’ll jump on SW if I have the opportunity, but I don’t think that will be plan A. Esplendidos seem to pop up quite often on 24:24 (do the math😂)

I did receive a blind buy box of 08 Monte 3s a couple weeks ago I haven’t tried yet, but those sticks don’t scream “special”, even though I expect them to be very good as long as they aren’t past their prime. I’ll also keep an eye out on BR for maybe an aged box/partial box of something that may strike my interest, perhaps a discontinued Punch, but again I don’t think that will be plan A. 

[BrightonCorgi]

31 minutes ago, Trapper99 said:

I did receive a blind buy box of 08 Monte 3s a couple weeks ago I haven’t tried yet, but those sticks don’t scream “special”, even though I expect them to be very good as long as they aren’t past their prime.

When would a Montecristo No. 3 be past its prime?

[garnett]

Get yourself a good box of MC#2 from 06 to 09 timeless.