Hello and an Inquiry or Two

[SnakeHips]

Hello there,

This is my first post, so I'll take the liberty of introducing myself first [EDIT: Annnnd now I feel dumb; I didn't notice the newbie introduction forum. Sorry!]. I am an amateur enthusiast from Denver, Colorado who's been smoking Habanos for a year now and loving every second of it. I've been lurking these fora for months, but never registered to post because I didn't have anything to buy; seemed like it'd be silly or rude or something to use the community and not the shop. But anyway, I've always enjoyed the goings on here and the wealth of information to be had, and now I feel I would like to tap into the collective expertise here. So, I look forward to contributing to what I can and gaining knowledge from the membership!

My Inquiry:

Currently I am looking for a cigar to fill a niche that my current collection isn't filling: a big strong smoke. I have plenty of "smaller" mild-medium cigars, and I love the mild and medium cigars, but sometimes the fancy strikes me for something strong, so I go into my humidors looking for something lengthy and rich only to find that I would rather not plow through my cabinet of Bolivar Coronas Gigantes too quickly and my Bolivar Belicosos Fino and Montecristo No. 2s aren't pleasuring me at all, and "settle for" a Punch Corona or whatever oddball single I've ended up with through trading on other cigar boards. So, I would like some suggestions on "larger" cigars that are a bit bolder (and probably more importantly) rich in flavor that are smoking well fresh.

These are some things I've been looking at:

Ramon Allones Gigantes - I'm looking at these more than anything, so I'd like information on this one most of all. I've heard everything from very mild to very strong, and rich in flavor to needs a lot of time. The profile descriptions tickle my fancy, but I can't seem to find any consensus about them. Perhaps I should just go for it and ask Rob to pick me a winner?

Partagas Lusitanias - My only experience wasn't very representative; a 2000 devoid of taste, strength and body, but 2000 wasn't the year to judge anything by. I believe I've heard the '08 and '09 vintages are doing very, very well in the taste department though.

Partagas Presidentes - Not as big, but I'm not necessarily looking for a log. I'm mainly curious because I've heard of the strength and taste. Any good?

Partagas Serie du Connoisseur No. 1 - By reading these boards I figure each and every one of you will beg me to buy these over anything else I'm mentioning, but they seem pricey to me; about as expensive as most of the double coronas available. May have to suck it up though if they really are that much worth it. But please consider my other curiosities as well.

Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No. 3 - This one seems odd, and it is, but I hear that they're spicy and strong, and I like the corona gorda format. But I get "RyJ needs age badly" - is this true of these? Perhaps I should just look more at the Cazadores?

Vegas Robaina Unicos - I smoked my only one Turkey Day, and it was strong and big enough for sure, but seemed a bit young with a harsh note creeping in. Worth taking the plunge anyway?

H. Upmann No. 2 - Like the Unico, strong and tasty, but a bit harsh, perhaps due to the youth. Any love?

That's it for now. Thanks for letting me pester you with this huge post, and I look forward to your help

[Ken Gargett]

welcome and enjoy.

the current partagas lusi's are fabulous. definitely worth a go.

[CigarmanTim]

Glad to have you. I will parrot Ken. The Party Lusi is my favorite 08 hands down

[Stalebread]

Welcome!

Just to clarify a point for myself --

are you more interested in big? Or strong?

The two are not necessarily the same anymore than small and mild automatically go together.

Or, it could be that you're looking for a cigar that is both large and strong.

I just wasn't sure about that.

Anyway, I've smoked only one or two Lusitanias singles that I'm assuming were from '08. They were top-notch.

For the Partagas Serie du Connoisseur series, I went with the #2. I don't really think of it as a large cigar. Smoked only one from a May '07 box and it was stellar. My understanding is that it's hard to go wrong with anything from this series.

Also, it seems like from the cigars you mention, there are many different flavor profiles represented so it sorta depends on, aside from size and strength, which flavor might appeal to you more.

FOA is an outstanding board. Enjoy.

[Tampa1257]

Welcome to FOH, I moved your thread to the correct forum for you.

Now let me answer your questions from my opinion. Most Non-Cuban cigar smokers are use to wanting "Big" cigars for having as you said "a big strong smoke". With Habanos, typically the bigger the cigar, the more mild it is with subtle flavors. Larger Habanos such as the Lusi and the RAG would place the cigar smoker in the hospital if they were turly "Strong"! Now please bear with me here I'll give you my perspective on your selection, but I also have a suggestion for you to consider that should be the perfect solution for your desires.

RAG: Of all the Double Coronas's the flavors when "On" with a RAG make this a wonderful Medium Bodied cigar with Full Flavor. (There is a difference in "Body" and "Flavor"). Ramon Allones is typical stewed fruit, rich leather, earth, nuts. Just my humble opinion, but needs at least 3 years before the flavors begin with them starting to peak around 5 years.

Lusi: If you have read any of my posts before, you know that I love the Partagas Marca. The Lusi has gone through many changes over the past 10 years or so with the 2000 period being a time period that I question if the used any Ligero in the Lusi. That is not very representative of what a Lusi really tastes like. I have sampled several 07 & 08 models and in my opinion the Lusi is back flavor wise, but still coming in the medium to slightly over medium bodied. Just doesn't have that "big strong smoke" appeal to it.

Presidente: Unless you have a definded palate, I would not buy this cigar. It has been all over the range taste and flavor wise. Unpredictable best describes this cigar in my opinion.

SdC No.1: If you have read Piggy's posts here, I gave my flavor description about this cigar. The SdC No.1 is my personal favorite, yet it is named as a "Connaisseur" for a reason. A thin ring gauged Habanos "Must" be smoked differently from a large ring gauged cigar. If you have never smoked a thin ring gauged cigar, pass on these until you have a little more time and experience with Habanos. But keep in mind this cigar for your future.

RyJ: For the most part, if you want that "Big Strong Smoke", forget this marca with the exception of the Cazadore. The younger and fresher a Cazadore you can find will get you what you want.

Unicos: is a Medium Bodied cigar with full flavor. Creamy, chocolate mocha essence with nuts.

H.Upmann No.2: Typically just a tad smoother in body than a Monte 2, This is still considered a Medium bodied Habanos with medium to medium full flavor,

Now as I said above, here is a suggestion for you to meet the "big strong smoke", Young or old, the Partagas 898V provides Full body and Full flavor in a large format. Sweet peppery (both white, red peppers), rich earth, leather, nuts, citrus at times as well as "Old World" essences at times. Simply stated, a wonderful Habanos that provides the flavor, boldness and full body that you stated you wanted.

Just my opinion.

Tampa

[Trevor2118]

Welcome to FOH.....

[paesano]

Welcome from Tennessee

[samb]

Welcome to the forum, SnakeHips, I think youll enjoy your time here.

[SnakeHips]

Welcome!

Just to clarify a point for myself --

are you more interested in big? Or strong?

The two are not necessarily the same anymore than small and mild automatically go together.

Or, it could be that you're looking for a cigar that is both large and strong.

I just wasn't sure about that.

Anyway, I've smoked only one or two Lusitanias singles that I'm assuming were from '08. They were top-notch.

For the Partagas Serie du Connoisseur series, I went with the #2. I don't really think of it as a large cigar. Smoked only one from a May '07 box and it was stellar. My understanding is that it's hard to go wrong with anything from this series.

Also, it seems like from the cigars you mention, there are many different flavor profiles represented so it sorta depends on, aside from size and strength, which flavor might appeal to you more.

FOA is an outstanding board. Enjoy.

I'm interested in big *and* strong, as far as that goes with Habanos. I know that the smaller cigars are usually always stronger than the larger ones, but sometimes I get a hankering for a longer smoke with some power. Most of my collection is coronas and lonsdales in the mild-medium range. Partagas Partagas de Partagas No. 1, Fonseca No. 1, Fonseca Cosaco, Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Roi, Punch Coronas, H. Upmann Coronas Major, Rafael Gonzalez Lonsdales...the only stronger cigars I have are likewise modest in size, and the larger cigars I have are all mild - Punch Double Coronas, H. Upmann Monarcas...I have one box of "big strong smokes" - Bolivar Coronas Gigantes - but I want some more variety, and I don't want to use them all up. If there is a strong medium-sized cigar, I'll go for it (Romeo y Julieta Cazadores, Partagas 8-9-8 Varnished). If there's a large cigar that's not the strongest but still very good and a bit powerful, I'll go for that. I know that "big and strong" don't show up very often together with Habanos.

Welcome to FOH, I moved your thread to the correct forum for you.

Now let me answer your questions from my opinion. Most Non-Cuban cigar smokers are use to wanting "Big" cigars for having as you said "a big strong smoke". With Habanos, typically the bigger the cigar, the more mild it is with subtle flavors. Larger Habanos such as the Lusi and the RAG would place the cigar smoker in the hospital if they were turly "Strong"! Now please bear with me here I'll give you my perspective on your selection, but I also have a suggestion for you to consider that should be the perfect solution for your desires.

RAG: Of all the Double Coronas's the flavors when "On" with a RAG make this a wonderful Medium Bodied cigar with Full Flavor. (There is a difference in "Body" and "Flavor"). Ramon Allones is typical stewed fruit, rich leather, earth, nuts. Just my humble opinion, but needs at least 3 years before the flavors begin with them starting to peak around 5 years.

Lusi: If you have read any of my posts before, you know that I love the Partagas Marca. The Lusi has gone through many changes over the past 10 years or so with the 2000 period being a time period that I question if the used any Ligero in the Lusi. That is not very representative of what a Lusi really tastes like. I have sampled several 07 & 08 models and in my opinion the Lusi is back flavor wise, but still coming in the medium to slightly over medium bodied. Just doesn't have that "big strong smoke" appeal to it.

Presidente: Unless you have a definded palate, I would not buy this cigar. It has been all over the range taste and flavor wise. Unpredictable best describes this cigar in my opinion.

SdC No.1: If you have read Piggy's posts here, I gave my flavor description about this cigar. The SdC No.1 is my personal favorite, yet it is named as a "Connaisseur" for a reason. A thin ring gauged Habanos "Must" be smoked differently from a large ring gauged cigar. If you have never smoked a thin ring gauged cigar, pass on these until you have a little more time and experience with Habanos. But keep in mind this cigar for your future.

RyJ: For the most part, if you want that "Big Strong Smoke", forget this marca with the exception of the Cazadore. The younger and fresher a Cazadore you can find will get you what you want.

Unicos: is a Medium Bodied cigar with full flavor. Creamy, chocolate mocha essence with nuts.

H.Upmann No.2: Typically just a tad smoother in body than a Monte 2, This is still considered a Medium bodied Habanos with medium to medium full flavor,

Now as I said above, here is a suggestion for you to meet the "big strong smoke", Young or old, the Partagas 898V provides Full body and Full flavor in a large format. Sweet peppery (both white, red peppers), rich earth, leather, nuts, citrus at times as well as "Old World" essences at times. Simply stated, a wonderful Habanos that provides the flavor, boldness and full body that you stated you wanted.

Just my opinion.

Tampa

Thanks for moving it, and I apologize for putting it in the wrong place in the first place.

By "strong" I mean in the realm of Habanos; I've never encountered an Habano as strong as a strong non-Cuban, nor do I desire one. I'm not looking for a "big strong smoke" in the context of any non-Cuban background - again I'm referring to strength on a Cuban scale. For example, you say the H. Upmann No. 2 and Vegas Robaina Unico are medium-bodied; in my smoking experience I find them strong, at least for Cubans. I do realize that most of the strongest smokes are smaller cigars, but I don't mean "big strong smoke" as in something that will blow the top of my skull off; most strong non-Cubans are far, far too strong for me. I guess I'm more looking for stronger in flavor than in body - it doesn't have to be "big" in the sense of a churchill or double corona either, just a cigar that will give me a lengthy smoking time and strong flavors (a heftier body wouldn't hurt either). The fact that Lusitanias and Gigantes would be classified as medium or medium-full is fine with me. They'd still be considered strong for big Habanos, because as you said, the larger cigars are generally milder. Though I've had a number of quite powerful Punch Double Coronas. But if you don't think the Ramon Allones is worth smoking fresh, I guess I'll look over it for now.

As for the Partagas SdC, I love the smaller ring gauges - one of my favorite boxes in my collection is the La Gloria Cubana Medaille D'Or No. 1. Which is why I would consider it "big" because you need to smoke it much slower, giving it an extended smoke time similar to cigars larger in girth. If these are truly worth the price tag I'll give them a lot of consideration.

As for the Romeo y Julieta, I only brought it up because I've read tons of reviews of the Exhibicion No. 3 calling it a pretty strong smoke, and coronas gordas give me a pretty good smoking time. Perhaps I should just buy more Punch Royal Selection No. 11, one of my favorites. But I suppose I'll just look into the Cazadore instead. They are quite tasty, though I don't know how fresh or young the ones I smoked were.

And thank you for the suggestion of the 8-9-8V; don't know why I looked over it. I've smoked a lot of Habanos, but this ones seems to have escaped me somehow. If it is indeed strong even for Habanos, then I think this might just be my ticket.

[ColKurtz]

Howdy SnakeHips. Good to see you over here!

Have you tried a Boli DC?

[riderpride]

Welcome to FOH!

I'll second Tampa's recommendation of the Partagas 898; it's an excellent compromise for size vs. fullness of both flavour and body.

[SnakeHips]

Howdy SnakeHips. Good to see you over here!

Have you tried a Boli DC?

Thanks

I haven't unfortunately. Never seen any for sale, but I wasn't looking either, because they're a bit out of my price range. Even a box of Lusitanias would have me saving my pennies.

@riderpride

Thanks for the second suggestion. I think my decision is nearly made

[thechenman]

I also agree with Tampa on the 898V...It's in my top 3. I think you can't go wrong with the Partagas marca in terms of what you are looking for. Ken's recommendation of the Lusi is spot on as well. I think either of these two vitolas would serve you well.

[bunburyist]

yup - don't ever remember reading about someone not enjoying an 898v

welcome aboard

[SnakeHips]

Thank'y gentlemen, I suppose that seals the deal.

BTW, bunburyist, I love your screen name

[OZCUBAN]

Welcome to F.O.H and enjoy

[roughrider]

Welcome. The 898 has been on my list to try.