My Sampler: Thoughts of a Noob So Far..

[Ethernut]

[link=http://friendsofhabanos.com/board_entry.php?id=50921]I started this parent thread on the subject, click here...[/link]

Disclaimer: I "aint" and a cigar aficionado with a highly developed palate. I'm an idiot that can afford to buy cigars and am trying to find what "I" like. Please take my opinions with a grain of salt :-P

Well crap folks, I couldn't wait. :-D My Dad came up to hang out with me on Derby Day. After brooding over the new stock, we had to try a few. It was off to the deck to fire a 'em up.

We took Mel's advice as he said, and I quote, "Smoke the shitty ones first" It seems he knew what he was talking about.

Dad started out with the Punch Punch and I started with the HDM Epicure #2.

Dad and I switched back and forth a bit to see how both were. Of the two, the HDM was stronger than the Punch. I ceased to enjoy the HDM at the beginning of the 2/3 mark, and politely let it die. The Punch wasn't too bad but still a bit stronger than I like and the draw was really tight (around the end of the cigar I was getting mouth ache from having to draw so hard) Not one that I'd want to purchase more of at this point.

After the HDM died, I bounded in the house, grabbed a Montecristo #4 and fired it up. BINGO! I have to say, that little bastard was the best cigar I've ever had at this point. Perfect draw, very milky/creamy. Perfect burn, nice and straight, the ash fell when asked, nice, The smoke was an experience, it felt cool in my mouth to the point of feeling chilled. That was definitely a first! ..AND it didn't leave me with that, "a cat just crapped in my mouth" aftertaste like the others did. I enjoyed it so much that I really didn't want to give it to my Dad to try. But being a good Son, I took the punch from him and let him finish off the #4. He really enjoyed it and said he'd like to have a few more of them. He really liked the size of the #4 for a short smoke.

The next day, I was looking at the Smithy Cohiba Special with the desire to take advantage and was really curious about the Cohiba flavor. So I did the only thing I could do. I fired up one of my Siglo VI's early. (sorry guys and gals)

This is where I get nervous to speak out loud, but I have to be honest. I really didn't enjoy the Siglo VI experience to the end that I let it die like the HDM Epi #2. It was lighter than the Punch or HDM but a little rough around the edges. Ken Gargett says they are grassy, I can see where one would get that impression. Age may possibly smooth it out, so I'll reserve judgment for the next time I fire one up. It's probably just my noobishness. How does the Cohiba robusto compare?

At this point, I'm really wanting to try the Monte #2 and the PSD4. We'll see I guess. :-)

Thanks everyone for your help and kindness so far. I really like this place..

My Sampler Purchase for Reference (bought 2 of each):

Tried:

COHIBA SIGLO VI

PUNCH PUNCH

MONTECRISTO NO.4

HOYO DE MONTERREY EPICURE NO.2

PARTAGAS SERIES D NO.4

MONTECRISTO NO.2

Untried:

JUAN LOPEZ SELECCION NO.2

BOLIVAR BELICOSOS FINOS

RAMON ALLONES SPECIALLY SELECTED

Partagas Serie De Connoisseur No 3

ROMEO Y JULIETA PETIT JULIETAS

BOLIVAR CORONAS JUNIOR

PARTAGAS SHORTS

[smokum]

Me thinks you may want to stick with Montecristo and Romeo for a while....although you may fall in love with the Partagas SDC 3 too.

[El Presidente]

You know.....when you start taking advice from Mel....

[Ethernut]

» Me thinks you may want to stick with Montecristo and Romeo for a

» while....although you may fall in love with the Partagas SDC 3 too.

I appreciate any piece of advice I can get.

It would be easier if experiences were universal but they aren't. I can see that palate development will take some time.. ;-)

[Colt45]

Nice post! While I'm not advocating the Punch or HdM, if you have more, I suggest

leaving them alone for a few months (the longer the better) and revisit them.

The Montecristo No.4 (and No.5) are favorites of mine, especially for the coffee with

cream profile. I've found the '06s I've sampled so far to be fairly full bodied as well,

and still needing some time.

I have to agree with you on the Cohiba Siglo VI - I really find them lacking. The last

few CoRos I've had have been oustanding.

Keep trying and keep tasting. I smoked a Punch churchill today that was very good

on all fronts, even though previously I'd not had much luck with this cigar.

(it's a favorite of your pal Mel, by the way)

The best is yet to come!

[Ethernut]

» You know.....when you start taking advice from Mel....

LOL, well he's a character for sure. But on target none the less! :-)

[Ethernut]

» Nice post! While I'm not advocating the Punch or HdM, if you have more, I

» suggest

» leaving them alone for a few months (the longer the better) and revisit

» them.

» The Montecristo No.4 (and No.5) are favorites of mine, especially for the

» coffee with

» cream profile. I've found the '06s I've sampled so far to be fairly full

» bodied as well,

» and still needing some time.

» I have to agree with you on the Cohiba Siglo VI - I really find them

» lacking. The last

» few CoRos I've had have been oustanding.

» Keep trying and keep tasting. I smoked a Punch churchill today that was

» very good

» on all fronts, even though previously I'd not had much luck with this

» cigar.

» (it's a favorite of your pal Mel, by the way)

» The best is yet to come!

Colt, thanks for your thoughtful response.

Actually I had some work to do (I'm a Computer Engineer by trade) so I'm sitting on the front porch with my laptop waiting on some Vmware stuff to do it's thing and nursing a PSD4.

Ya know what? I like it. It has a woody, cedary aroma that is quite pleasant. It's definitely not creamy/coffee type but It doesn't bite that hard. The smoke doesnt burn my eyes. It's burning extremely well, Its holding the ash down to the 1/2 way point. The flavor is still in line. The Smoke in my mouth is slightly sweet with a bit of spice (kick), but it's not whipping my ass. It actually reminds me of my grandfathers pipe tobacco a bit. This one get a thumbs up. For me, if a cigar is still enjoyable down to the half way point and slightly beyond, it's a winner. I may have to retire it a bit earlier than I'd like, I will definitely have a few on hand in the humidor in the future.

Keep em coming

Ether..

[Ken Gargett]

nice to heara the thoughts. i'm sure the siglo vi will come around.

must say that while i understand all the 'must wait' advice, for a sampler, i'd just jump in. you can always refill (must be rob's birthday if i'm saying that). you'll soon sort out the types of things that appeal and then can start filling the humidor and trying more of those sorts of things.

i think rob shgould have the same sort of thing as amazon - if you liked this cigar, you might also like...

[mgillett]

Have to agree with the Monte 4 appraisal. I had one on the weekend that I received in a shipment from Rob during the week and would have to be the best I have ever had.

Also had a Boli PC from the same order which I thought might need a bit more time and Upmann Connie 1 from 2004 which are really starting to get a lot better. However, for me, Monte 4 is the perfect cigar in flavour, consistency and time available to enjoy without having to really hurry the last inch or so.

[Gryphon]

»

» I appreciate any piece of advice I can get.

»

Let them rest for at least 30..... Wait I am sure a whole bunch of guys gave you that advice already!?

[eriksson20]

Hi there Ethernut!

hell of a Sampler package you have there. Lots of great treats. Lots of different flavors to be experienced. i am not an expert either, but man, you got some great going on there

miker

[anacostiakat]

Nice sampler! The nice thing is that after you wade through this sampler and some other stuff maybe you can revisit something you tried early on and didnt like.

It is a long and winding road, my friend. Oh and don't forget! When you reach the fork, take it! ;-)

[GoSteelers]

MONTECRISTO NO.4 & PARTAGAS SERIES D NO.4

Those are both cigars that you will probably want to keep on hand they have never let me down!

Thanks for your reviews.

[Ethernut]

» nice to heara the thoughts. i'm sure the siglo vi will come around.

» must say that while i understand all the 'must wait' advice, for a

» sampler, i'd just jump in. you can always refill (must be rob's birthday

» if i'm saying that). you'll soon sort out the types of things that appeal

» and then can start filling the humidor and trying more of those sorts of

» things.

» i think rob shgould have the same sort of thing as amazon - if you liked

» this cigar, you might also like...

Thanks Ken. I'm making the assumption that the Sig VI is a great cigar based on the reports. I'll probably order another sampler along with a couple of boxes of cigars I know I like and include more of the legends. I'm wanting to pick up a few SLR DC's as well.

I figured I could go ahead and taste them, and attempt to be objective. I appreciate your affirmation on this as I apparently have a complete lack of self control.

Ordering my first sampler was like ordering an expensive toy that everyone was telling me I couldn't play with for 30 days. ;-)

[Ethernut]

» »

» » I appreciate any piece of advice I can get.

» »

»

»

» Let them rest for at least 30..... Wait I am sure a whole bunch of guys

» gave you that advice already!?

Yeah, I got that already :-D :-D

[Ethernut]

Anacosticat and eriksson20, I couldn't have picked the sampler on my own. I had a buunch of help from here. Glad you like though! Now, if we all lived closer, we could share and trade, that'd be fun.

Go Steelers, I'll definitely order more, thanks mate!

Ether

[Ethernut]

I've been setting up my next order and I wanted to post what I had so far. Please feel free to suggest that I add or take away anything I have here.

SLR A

SLR DC

Upmann Conn #1

Box Monte #4

Monte #2

Diplomaticos #4

RDM Lunch Club

RDM Choix Supreme

Thanks a bunch! Ether,,

[Tampa1257]

Nice description of your experience. I of course would have to comment on a couple of very basic issues before making further recommendations.

You have already mentioned that waiting an absolute minimum of 30-45 days after arrival to smoke the cigars. (This allows the cigars to properly adjust from the travel and become stable in your humidor.) I also know that this is an issue of inventory. When you do not have enough inventory to enjoy smoking while your new arrivals rest for the 30-45 days, the desire to smoke a cigar is very powerful. Thus the solution is to buy more cigars! Rob and Lisa can help in that endeavor.

The second issue is of course to make sure that your humidor is storing your cigars around the 63-65% humidity range. Storing Cuban cigar at higher humidity mutes the flavors and can contribute to tighter draws, thus reducing the over all pleasure of the experience. I comment about this because as I was reading your post, the symptoms you spoke about are normally a direct result of too high a RH in the humidor.

Now all that said and done, I believe that you enjoyed the creamy experience of the Montecristo, so try a Vegas Robaina Famosos and a Unicos. These are IMHO sort of Montecristo's on steroids. Coffee, cream, mocha, chocolate, nuttiness, earth and leather. Next I would say try the Diplomaticos No.4 and No.2. If you like a short 30-40 minute cigar, also try the No.5. Similar to a Montecristo in many ways, yet perhaps a more citrus essence with its own unique flavor. I would also recommend that you try the H. Upmann No.2 and the Petit Corona. Smooth creamy flavors.

Tampa

[El Rushbo]

Certainly second the recommendation of the VR Famosos. I picked up some, per Lisa's recommendation last year and found them to be just as Tampa has described. Also, the quality of workmanship on the VR's is evident in every respect. Also, worthy of noting; considering their price point, they are a steal! ;-)

[Mel]

Hey Ehter glad to see a man with the balls to go for it when it's his money and time, cudos mate. The cigars very well may improve with a few weeks but they will still be cigars. I can't wait for you to smoke the Bolivar Beliciso Fino, it's going to kick you f-----g ass.:-D It is very full of flavor and not a ladies stick but you got the jewels for it. The Sig VI's of late are not quite up to par in my book either, let the cursing begin.:-P Mark my word mate you will like the Partagas Short even though it is on the aggresive side. Keep us posted.

[anacostiakat]

Good advice here. I agree with the man in Tampa. You might want to expand your sampler to a couple of each selection so you can try one right away and then some later to see the difference.

I might add the Upmann #2 to put up against the Monte #2. The Cohiba Robusto for a non-SIG and a robusto too to start.

[Ethernut]

» Nice description of your experience. I of course would have to comment on a

» couple of very basic issues before making further recommendations.

»

» You have already mentioned that waiting an absolute minimum of 30-45 days

» after arrival to smoke the cigars. (This allows the cigars to properly

» adjust from the travel and become stable in your humidor.) I also know

» that this is an issue of inventory. When you do not have enough inventory

» to enjoy smoking while your new arrivals rest for the 30-45 days, the

» desire to smoke a cigar is very powerful. Thus the solution is to buy more

» cigars! Rob and Lisa can help in that endeavor.

»

» The second issue is of course to make sure that your humidor is storing

» your cigars around the 63-65% humidity range. Storing Cuban cigar at

» higher humidity mutes the flavors and can contribute to tighter draws,

» thus reducing the over all pleasure of the experience. I comment about

» this because as I was reading your post, the symptoms you spoke about are

» normally a direct result of too high a RH in the humidor.

»

» Now all that said and done, I believe that you enjoyed the creamy

» experience of the Montecristo, so try a Vegas Robaina Famosos and a

» Unicos. These are IMHO sort of Montecristo's on steroids. Coffee, cream,

» mocha, chocolate, nuttiness, earth and leather. Next I would say try the

» Diplomaticos No.4 and No.2. If you like a short 30-40 minute cigar, also

» try the No.5. Similar to a Montecristo in many ways, yet perhaps a more

» citrus essence with its own unique flavor. I would also recommend that you

» try the H. Upmann No.2 and the Petit Corona. Smooth creamy flavors.

»

» Tampa

Tampa thanks a bunch. I''ve added the Vegas Famosos, Unicos, Dip 2, and Upmann #2

You are absolutely right. It is an issue of supply (and lack of discipline).

I fixed the humidity issue. I ordered a pound of 65% beads from Mr Cigarmony, they are in the humi now.

You da man Tamp! Merci Buckets!

Ether

[Ethernut]

» Certainly second the recommendation of the VR Famosos. I picked up some,

» per Lisa's recommendation last year and found them to be just as Tampa has

» described. Also, the quality of workmanship on the VR's is evident in

» every respect. Also, worthy of noting; considering their price point,

» they are a steal!

My Dad had a story he used to tell about taking and heeding advice. I'm cognizant if that story right now. Fomosos added! Thanks

[Ethernut]

» Good advice here. I agree with the man in Tampa. You might want to expand

» your sampler to a couple of each selection so you can try one right away

» and then some later to see the difference.

»

» I might add the Upmann #2 to put up against the Monte #2. The Cohiba

» Robusto for a non-SIG and a robusto too to start.

I'm doing that very thing.

Here's my list as it stands. I have shopping carted at least 3 of each.

SLR A

SLR DC

Upmann Conn #1

UPMANN NO.2

Monte #4

Monte #2

Diplomaticos #4

DIPLOMATICOS NO.2

RDM Lunch Club

RDM Choix Supreme

VEGAS ROBAINA FAMOSOS

VEGAS ROBAINA UNICOS

COHIBA ROBUSTOS

Suggestions? Is there anything here that you do not recommend I get?

[Colt45]

» Suggestions? Is there anything here that you do not recommend I get?

Though churchills may not be high on your list right now, I can't help but suggest

a few:

Bolivar Coronas Gigantes (my favorite churchill, possibly my favorite cigar period)

SLR Churchill

LGC Tainos