Utter neglect

[Kangaroo495]

I'm discovering great cigars on a weekly basis from lesser known marcas e.g. ERDM, SP, Dip etc. However when it comes to picking up a RyJ, my motivation completely disappears.

EVERY single time I've picked one up, I've not only been underwhelmed, but completely disappointed.

What flavour profile should I be looking for?

What vitola?

Would appreciate some feedback, as I hate neglecting brands, especially ones which are as famous as this one.

Cheers.

[semery74]

I find that the best regular production RyJ right now is the Short Churchill. I have several boxes from the past two years and all examples have been exemplary. This is the newest of the marca outside the LEs. Since it is the newest and it is the best (IMHO) that makes me wonder if HSA makes a capital investment in a new cigar's manufacturing or fermenting infrastructure. Comparison being new oak barrels for vineyards to store their wine. I wonder if HSA uses new Cedar barrels to store tobacco during the aging process. Perhaps this is why some new lines in a marca are just fantastic at launch and then fizzle to mediocrity or better in the following years. They get that extra tannin infusion from the new wood.

I was previewing some old threads last night came across a post from Rob where he mentioned a gentleman in Australia that heavily invests in the Romeo Churchill. Having a wine storage facility a mile long and keeps a rolling stock of about 500 boxes on hand at all times. But the kicker is that he only smokes the churchill at 10 years or more. Then I remember a story Allaya told us about his Father and wondered if the two gentleman were the same???

The only other RyJ that really hits me consistently is the Exhibition No.4. Although I'm not a fan of this vitola, because I find the hermoso no. 4 usually rolled too loose for my liking. The flavor of wood and subtle cherry when I'm in a relaxed mood is just outstanding. I say that because this cigar will forever remind me of Jamaica where I gorged myself on these for a week.

[Rogers72]

I haven't tried much from RyJ but what I have had has been just "ok". There is something about the Marque that just doesn't appeal to me and I couldn't even tell you what it is. It is sad but it is almost as if I have some preconception that steers me away to the point that I don't even think them at all. It seems to be the only marque that I feel this way about...and it might just be that I simply don't like the name as shallow as that may sound.

[bassman]

Not a big RyJ fan either, but always have a couple boxes of Cazadores on hand. The 09s are rediculously strong. Of course that cigar is not a typical RyJ. The only other RyJ I've liked enough to buy the past couple years is the EX#3- a very nice Corona Gorda.

[BobLobLaw]

The few RyJ I have had did not impress me with the exception of the Hermosos #2 2004 LE. That was a fantastic cigar and I scrounged up a box. Otherwise I hear good things about the Short Churchill and a 10 count is prob in the next few purchases.

[Colt45]

I've enjoyed the short churchill as well, and do like the churchill, but have found they need time to balance out. I've had great and not

so great exhibicion 3s. One of if not the finest cigars I've ever smoked was an exhibicion 4 from 1999.

[MontrealRon]

I concur on the LE 2004, one of my favorite cigars ever, but now hard to find.

The Churchills are indeed a classic when well aged, especially the tubos.

I am also partial to some of the "second-tier" smokes,

particularly the Mille Fleurs and the Coronitas en Cedro.

These also need a few years to show their stuff; the '04s and '05s are just coming around.

The Short Churchills are very much in the "new style", fresh, fruity and already smooth when young,

quite different from the old, rather severe R&J profile.

[thechenman]

I've always been a fan of RyJ...not all of their vitolas, as there are virtually too many to count, but for light cigars I do like the Cedros, the Short Churchill is a great one. I liked them so much it was one of my first Cuban cigar box purchases. I also like the Churchill. It isn't a Sir Winnie, but I enjoy it all the same. I have a few Cazadores, but they are a bit too strong for me. For a quick smoke in the winter I also smoke the RyJ Mille Fleurs which arent' bad IMO, at least not for the price. I have yet to experiment with the Exhibicion 3 and 4, but they are on my list.

[stargazer14]

I love a lot of cigars, but I have to say I have had three Short Churchills now and could not finish any of them with comfort.

Are they that different from other cigars that I would find no enjoyment out of it? I cant think of another line that I have been

put off to try more of. The few other RyJ I have tried also did not make me run for another.

But i keep hearing good things about them so I have to chalk it up as something in the taste profile just does not agree with my

history of taste pleasures. This is quite rare for me, as I can find enjoyment out of most other brands.

I do have a Churchill from 06 that I am letting sit for a try some day.

[bunburyist]

short churchills and churchills do it for me - good solid smokes. Good, not great mind.

[Van55]

I have the following RyJs in my humidor:

Cazadores

Cedros Deluxe #2

Cedros Deluxe #3 (an underrated petit corona IMO)

Churchills (always satisfying to me)

Exhibicion No. 4

Mille Fleurs

Short Churchills

Frankly, I am surprised that I have this variety, as RyJ is not generally a brand that I think is spectacular.

[anacostiakat]

I have the following RyJs in my humidor:

Cazadores

Cedros Deluxe #2

Cedros Deluxe #3 (an underrated petit corona IMO)

Churchills (always satisfying to me)

Exhibicion No. 4

Mille Fleurs

Short Churchills

Frankly, I am surprised that I have this variety, as RyJ is not generally a brand that I think is spectacular.

Interesting Van. I find that the Cazadore is the one I like the best. Also the Exhibicion #4. The Churchills seem to be off their game for me lately so I dont bother.

[Van55]

The Churchills seem to be off their game for me lately so I dont bother.

The Churchills that I have been smoking date back to 1998. I haven't smoked any newer ones lately, though I have a handful in tubos resting in the office box.

[chrisguinther]

In my humidor:

Celestiales Finos (really like the size, the cigar is quite herbal)

Churchills (from 2000, not much flavor, but more recent ones have been good)

Escudos (a few singles, a little too much like charcoal for me)

Ex. #4 (dress box from 05; floral and fruity)

Prince of Wales (lots of fruit flavor, good when draw)

Thinking of a cabinet of Ex. 4's from 03. Couple of other things on the radar right now though like hoyo des dieux.

I am curious to hear about the Duke.

[SamuraiJack]

Not that I will ever come close to smoking ALL the RyJ vitolas (one of that brands problems imo), the Short Churchill has been consistently good for me. Not always great, but I always get that floral and subtle earthy RyJ vibe.

[mash]

In addition to the ones mentioned, I like the Belicosos as well. Ex. #3 is my favourite.

[aavkk]

Kangaroo, Im with you unfortunately on my feelings for R&J. I do however really enjoy the Cazadores as well as the 04' Hermoso #2 EL's. The rest I have found to be very... meh.

[DAFU]

The Short Churchills are a solid cigar, but most of my RyJs are the cheaper Mille Fleurs and Regalias de Londres. They both are tasty OTT and develop a nice RyJ profile after a few years, with the Londres taking a more light, honeyed floral note and the MFs a little more woodsy and complex.

[MIKA27]

I've always liked the Short Churchills however find that the DUKES are closer to my likes than the SC's.

Have you tried the Dukes Roger?

[mazolaman]

Personally,I'm another fan of the Short Churchill,

The mille fleurs are pretty good,

also had some #2 for a couple of years,which ended up being a good smoke.

[thechenman]

In the RyJ line I do enjoy the Mille Fleurs and well as the Short Churchills. Thought the Cedros de Luxe would be my favs of the marca and I do prefer the standard Churchill over the Short Churchill. The Mille Fleurs I often smoke when I am doing yard work, cleaning out the garage or decorating the house for Halloween and Christmas.

[typeapositive]

The Dukes are in the top three for me this year