Lighter NCs for Habanos aficionados

[frenchkiwi]

Following on from El Pres post looking for full bodied NCs without pepper...

Habanomaggeddon is forcing me to re-consider NCs. Yes it's that bad.

I've dipped in twice before in 15 years and generally not been impressed. A ton of fancy packaging to pollute your local landfill and not much to show for it. I tried some of the well known brands and probably only semi-enjoyed some sweet maduro styles from Arturo Fuente and Liga Privada from memory. Most were way too full-bodied for me (e.g. Padron) and had flavour profiles that just weren't enjoyable.

I had some fun experiences along the way like the Ashton VSG "Made for Cigar Aficionado reviewing" that had a lovely sweet vanilla first inch and then literally "turned to ash in my mouth" with sour white pepper for the rest of the cigar. The Nub 4x64 "handstand" on its own ash. A long skinny maduro (might have been Illusione) that was so sweet - the sweetest cigar i've ever had - that it was cloying and with superpowered Nicaraguan dung body (I say that respectfully) that I almost couldn't stand afterwards. Illusione Bombones were my party trick after 3 cigars at poker, your palate has been nuked by whiskies so you're bringing out the Big Peat (Ardbeg etc) and you light up these little 4x44s to detonate what's left (and the nicotine ensures everyone goes all in).

But really there was no doubt, i couldn't find a home in nicaragua/dominican/ecuador/cameroon terroir, my palate is owned by el puro cubano and its distinctive cedary tones.

So anyway hoping you NC veterans have some suggestions for the likes of me? Particularly as it's an ever-changing novelty scene with most of the best tobacco going to the latest new thang. I'm guessing most of us exclusive Habanoficionados can't cope with fuller bodied nicotine bomb NCs but are happy to pursue nice flavours wherever they lie.

[Ford2112]

I never expect NCs to be " cubanesque". I smoke them knowing they will taste like NCs. I do like a cigar here and there on the lighter side of Nicaragua and Dominican although I lean more toward Padron and Arturo Fuente in the more full flavored and beefy varieties. Lately some enjoyable lighter NC smokes include:

 

Rocky Patel 1999 Connecticut

Arturo Fuente 858

Nudie N4

Illusione Epernay

 

[JohnS]

Lighter Non-Cubans? Others will provide specific and better examples but if you start off with something like the Davidoff Signature or Grand Cru Series or Arturo Fuente Hemingway series it will get you started in the right direction.

Oh, by the way, check out the thread below for other current Non-Cuban recommendations...

 

[SlipperyAnanas]

Very well said. I share the very same sentiment. Prices of CCs are indeed increasing and add to that the shortage in stock that is quite evident in brick and mortar stores.

I have tried many times to like a certain NC but was not successful at landing at a particular favorite. Probably the Oliva Melanio V Torpedo was my best attempt but maybe only the last 2/3.

I have tried many reputably good Davidoffs, Arturo Fuente, and My Father. To me, they’re mostly strong and don’t hit the spot or itch the itch. Would love to try any suggestions, I already have a list of NCs to try.

 

Non cubans to try

 

• Cavalier Genève Limited Edition 2018
• TATUAJE MUSUBI (2015)
• CRAFT 2022
• FUENTE FUENTE OPUSX DESTINO AL SIGLO SHARK
• MY FATHER LE BIJOU 1922 100 AÑOS LIMITED EDITION CORONA ESPECIAL
• MI QUERIDA BLACK SAKAKHAN
• ROCKY PATEL MARTINIQUE TAA 50TH ANNIVERSARY
• Arturo Fuente Rare Pink Vintage 1960’s Séries Sophisticated Hooker
• Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Principe
• Cloud Hopper No. 53
• Arturo Fuente Rare Pink Vintage 1960’s Séries Happy Ending
• Rocky Patel Grand Reserve Robusto
• San Cristobal Quintessence Churchill
• Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Torpedo (Natural)
• My Father The Judge Grand Robusto
• Andalusian Bull

 

 

[frenchkiwi]

29 minutes ago, SlipperyAnanas said:

Very well said. I share the very same sentiment. Prices of CCs are indeed increasing and add to that the shortage in stock that is quite evident in brick and mortar stores.

I have tried many times to like a certain NC but was not successful at landing at a particular favorite. Probably the Oliva Melanio V Torpedo was my best attempt but maybe only the last 2/3.

I have tried many reputably good Davidoffs, Arturo Fuente, and My Father. To me, they’re mostly strong and don’t hit the spot or itch the itch. Would love to try any suggestions, I already have a list of NCs to try.

 

Awesome just out of curiosity, what did you base those choices in your list on?

[shokao]

I was feeling quite like you and started to look for more options. My actual NC “good tier” list is:

- Davidoff Gran Cru
- Davidoff Millenium Series
- Davidoff Nicaragua (Toro and Diadema, mostly)
- Padrón 1926 Natural and Maduro
- Padrón 1964 Natural and Maduro
- Arturo Fuente Short Story
- Arturo Fuente Añejado Reserva #60
- Arturo Fuente Magnum Rosado 52/54
- Nudies N1 Rosado

Already in my stock but haven’t tried them yet:

- Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Robusto
- Liga Privada H99
- Liga Privada T52
- Liga Privada No. 9
- Sobremesa Brulee Blue (Lonsdale)
- Caldwell Ltd. Ed. Last Tsar Toro
- Caldwell Long Live King Mad Mofo
- Caldwell Midnight Express Toro
- Caldwell King is Dead Last Payday
- Caldwell Long Live King Pet Double Wide
- Caldwell Blind Mans Bluff Maduro Toro
- Caldwell Eastern Std Cakewalk
- Caldwell Eastern Std Sungrown Toro Extra

[TroutBum]

I would add anything in a natural wrapper from Aganorsa as well, have been pleasantly surprised across the blends and vitolas with what I have tried 

[SmokyFontaine]

Seeing the top 2 recommendations I was going to offer up already posted, but any of the Oliva Melanio vitolas are outstanding and a lighter smoke. The Fuente 858's are the other I was going to suggest. 

To me the real distinction between these and maybe "lightish" options (for example the X000 series Padron) is that even an aged X000 series will have a bit, albeit less, of white pepper. Specifically white. Black pepper seems to be gone with age in my opinion. 

[Popof4]

Like John S says, N1 Nudie Lanceros.  They are my favorite NC right now, I've been thru 15+ sticks and still have a craving to savor more.  Not taking the place of my choice CCs but satisfying my desires quite well.  Not a boat load of cedar like you requested, but something well worth a look for the between times.

[smitte3]

I keep gravitating towards these:

Perdomo Habano BBA (bourbon barrel aged) CT

Perdomo Lot 23 CT

Southern Draw Rose of Sharon

Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro

Sobremesa Brulee

[KCCubano]

3 minutes ago, smitte3 said:

I keep gravitating towards these:

Perdomo Habano BBA (bourbon barrel aged) CT

Perdomo Lot 23 CT

Southern Draw Rose of Sharon

Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro

Sobremesa Brulee

I have CC smoking friends that have gravitated just to any Southern Draw. Rose of Sharon they say medium light

[Glass Half Full]

A "shout out" for a "cheap and cheerful" Davidoff -- imagine such a thing  

The ever-so petite Davidoff Primeros Maduro Classicos from the DR -- 4" x 34 rg -- handmade and in tins of six-counts for less than USD 40.  

I had a sub-par CC this evening, so didn't even end up finishing it.  (Perhaps due to the wonders of last evening's cigars.)  

...But the evening was nicely ended with one of those little Primeros.  Of course, it's not a Cohiba Panatela by any means; ...it's just a very well constructed, tasty mild-to mid little thing.  Of course, you have to like the little ones to appreciate this.

Below is a pic of the tin, in case it's helpful (after I removed the unsightly sticker).  

Very much hoping that FOH adds Davidoff (and AF)  to their future lines!  

All the best, -GHF

ps:  This may not fit some people's definition of "light" as it picks up some nice (to me) strength in the back half ...as little skinnies often do. 

[SCgarman]

I just bought a box of Illusione Epernay 6x46 on a whim. Read about these for awhile. Affordable at $205/box of 25. They smell great, like unsweetened baking cocoa. Going to fire one up tomorrow evening. I'll report back with results, as I have no idea what to expect.

[jakebarnes]

La Palina family series fits the bill

Last Tsar by Caldwell

Davidoff Millenium Robusto

Padron 64 Maduro

Atabey lancero

Short list from me, but those are ones I found I enjoy.

[SlipperyAnanas]

6 hours ago, frenchkiwi said:

Awesome just out of curiosity, what did you base those choices in your list on?

Various reviews and top lists.

[PrairieSmoke]

You have received a lot of advice on good NCs I wouldn’t say all the recommendations here are on the lighter side though. 
 

You can find NCs that fit the bill from many producers these days:

Davidoff - Warped - Illusione - Aladino - Foundation - Tatuaje - Cavalier - Smoking Jacket - Byron - Atabey - DTT - Lampert - Aganorsa Leaf

The list could go on l. It’s a wide world. I’d suggest exploring some of these portfolios. 

[Namisgr11]

To my taste, lighter non-Cubans can often be found with either African Cameroon or Connecticut Broadleaf wrappers.  Examples are the Fuente Don Carlos line, the Oliva Connecticut line, and the Ashton Cabinet line.

[Cigar Surgeon]

3 minutes ago, Namisgr11 said:

To my taste, lighter non-Cubans can often be found with either African Cameroon or Connecticut Broadleaf wrappers.  Examples are the Fuente Don Carlos line, the Oliva Connecticut line, and the Ashton Cabinet line.

I'd say Connecticut Shade rather than Connecticut Broadleaf. On average Broadleaf blends are going to be medium or medium-plus.

[bassistheplace]

another vote for AF Don Carlos

[Capn_Jackson]

I have a few NC lines in my humidor alongside my CC collection, and here are some that I enjoy throwing in the mix.

Padron 1926 and 1964 series (I like the natural wrapper for both). I do not smoke a CC for at least a few days after having one of these, though. It coats the palate, and personally I find it hard to get back to “subtle” after one of these. My favorite sizes are the 1926 #6 and the 1964 Hermoso. EDIT: I should mention, I usually don’t touch a Padron until it’s been in my humidor at least 9 months, up to 2 years. They need a little rest to get where I want ‘em.

Tatuaje Havana VI. Sometimes called the “Red Band.” Favorite size is the “Hermoso.” I haven’t found a lot of other guys that like ‘em, but I find these to be a nice change of pace. Not very full, to me, but good mild cedar and sweet black tea notes. Fairly cheap, also. Note: there is a sub-line called the Havana VI “Verocu,” and they’re far more peppery than the original Havana VI. I have some Verocu but I prefer the original Havana VI’s.

Fuente Don Carlos. This line has some very good smokes. I’ve never found them to be too forward. I like the #3 best out of the regular production, but I’ve got a box of Don Carlos Personal Reserve “The Man’s 80th.” Mine is a box of 20, sold first before they changed them to boxes of 10. They are well-aged and fantastic, but harder to find I would imagine.

EP Carillo, Allegiance. This came out last year, and I’ve had only one, but I enjoyed it enough to split a box with a friend. It was the “Sidekick,” in a box-pressed robusto size. Not too heavy, and some very good flavor. I don’t really go for most of the other Carillo I’ve had, including the Encore, La Historia, and the other Pledge stuff. Liked this Allegiance, though, quite a bit. I’ll have to try more to see if it’s a keeper.

[Cigar Surgeon]

24 minutes ago, Capn_Jackson said:

Padron 1926 and 1964 series (I like the natural wrapper for both). I do not smoke a CC for at least a few days after having one of these, though. It coats the palate, and personally I find it hard to get back to “subtle” after one of these. My favorite sizes are the 1926 #6 and the 1964 Hermoso.

[Capn_Jackson]

8 minutes ago, Cigar Surgeon said:

@Cigar Surgeon I’ve been called a Smart Mouth many times in my life. 😄 Does that product sort of “re-sensitize” the palate, so to speak?

[Cigar Surgeon]

43 minutes ago, Capn_Jackson said:

@Cigar Surgeon I’ve been called a Smart Mouth many times in my life. 😄 Does that product sort of “re-sensitize” the palate, so to speak?

Some people don't care for it but yes, for me it 100% re-energizes my palate after a day of light to hard smoking. I actually carry it down if I'm flying to Nicaragua, DR or when I went to Cuba because I knew I'd be smoking up to a dozen or so cigars a day.  Once before bed, once in the am when I wake up and my palate is back 90%.

[Capn_Jackson]

14 minutes ago, Cigar Surgeon said:

Some people don't care for it but yes, for me it 100% re-energizes my palate after a day of light to hard smoking. I actually carry it down if I'm flying to Nicaragua, DR or when I went to Cuba because I knew I'd be smoking up to a dozen or so cigars a day.  Once before bed, once in the am when I wake up and my palate is back 90%.

I’ll give it a shot!

[Lamboinee]

I second a lot of the recommendations that have already been made, but I will add that I would not call some of the recs "lighter".  For example, I think the Padrons and Andalusian Bull are def. a med+/full smokes (but please try them, they are great).  

19 hours ago, frenchkiwi said:

most of the best tobacco going to the latest new thang.

There is some truth to that.  I have found that sometimes the "best" versions of certain lines come when they are first released.  I suppose this is because they want to get everyone hooked before they run out of well aged tobacco.  But, you often only learn which lines fall-off with time experience with a line.  Just like NC's. 

 

19 hours ago, Ford2112 said:

I never expect NCs to be " cubanesque". I smoke them knowing they will taste like NCs.

I advise you to take the approach of Ford.  When you embark on the NC journey you have to embrace it for what it is.

Some specific recs of "lighter" NC's include, without limitation:

Sobremesa Brulee

Joya de Nic Numero Uno  - this is probably my personal favorite at the moment

La Galera Habano or the anniversay line they just released (my newest go-to) and...they make a half corona tin of 5!!!!

Illusione Epernay - I have years of experience with this smoke and can testify to the fact this one has suffered from up's and downs.  The lesser ones are way too airy and lack the complexity of the good.

Warped La Colmena (not the black honeys, which are full) - these are similar to the epernays with some of them GREAT and some of them mediocre

Warped Gaurdian of the Farm (Apollo vitola) - Another one that has had some mediocre versions as the years have passed.  But, this cigar has been absolutely amazing in many samples.  Stick to the apollo vitola imo.

Fuente Chateaux - the natural wrappers

Montessino Natural - this is an under appreciated budget stick rolled by Fuente.

Aladino (the corojo ones preferably, not the classics) - I have noticed that some of the more recent coronas have lacked a bit of the complexity and creaminess of previous years.  But this is a great stick.

Aladnio Cameroon - honduran cammi tobacco, try it.

La Palina Goldies - stick to the Laguito 1's and Laguito 2's (if it says "laguito" anywhere on the box, then try it)

Archetype Dreamstate - from Ventura cigars.  I don't see this one much anymore, but it is great.  I was sad that ventura burned downed and has to rebuild.

Maya de Selva - Another Hondo manufacturer that typically makes hondo puros.  I haven't smoked many of them recently because I don't see them in stores that much anymore, but they were an interesting change of pace on the lighter side of things. Honduran terroir is a must try imo.

Rocky Patel Numero 6 - I stopped smoking Rocky's a long time ago because I met him as a teenager and I didn't really enjoy the interaction (I was probably a punk. who knows).  But, the Numero 6 was so good I made an exception.

Drew Estate 20 Acre Farms - Yes, this cigar only comes in larger ring gauges.  Yes, I hate that DE got bought by a tobacco uber conglomerate. Yes, I am not a fan of some of the marketing approaches.  But, this cigar is fan-friggin-tastic. I could see subsequent releases of this same cigar losing quality as years pass, but right now it's a new release and I need to buy some more.

Project 40 - technically this is medium stick but try it. It's 7 bucks. I gave one to a FOH friend and CC veteran who was having trouble finding NC's.  He liked it. It only comes in 52+ though.

A word on davidoff - Cran Cru No. 2's were my first go-to premium favorites. But I often many davi's to suffer from: 1) too pappery, 2) too green/grassy, 3) that odd Olor flavor.  By all means, try them.  Davi Winston Churchill Belicoso's are amongst my favorite smokes and they are a nice small size but they are medium. The Davi Master Selection from 2014 was phenomenal. But don't confuse it with the Master Chef collection, the Master Collection, or any other year than 2014. Also, Eladio Diaz has now branched off and I am hoping he will be making some cigars that are on the lighter side of things.  Also, they just re-released the signature.  it's long and skinny and will be worth a try.  They stopped making that vitola a few years back because of the great-girth crisis of the American cigar trend.

Holler if you need more recommendations.  I get so much help with CC's from FOH and it's nice to be able to share my NC experience in return!