Need advice for new CC's to try

[LeafLover]

Hello all. Got my CC cherry popped a couple months ago. So far I have tired Monte 2, Party P, and BFF. My flavor profile gravitates more towards the sweet tobacco, cocoa, caramel, sweet finish (non-infused) cigars like the God of Fire, Opus X,, Tatuaje RJ 21 types of cigars. Can anyone point me in the direction of CC's to try with that profile. Thanks in advance.......Leaf Lover

[ksblazer]

If you like a caramel like flavors I would recomend you give the Por Larranaga Petit Coronas a try.

[Jesuscookies]

second the Por Larranga PC's. May want to give the Punch Petite Punch a go if you can find them. They are pretty damn close to smoking honeycomb. Although I am not a big fan, you will probably enjoy the Montecristo line. It is known for being chocolatey.

[Colt45]

I've said this in the past, and I hope it doesn't sound contemptuous, but if you enjoy the cigars mentioned, why not just smoke those? Why go through

the trouble of acquiring Havanas with the thought of trying to mimic cigars you already enjoy? If you're going to get get into Havanas, why not enjoy

them for what they bring to the table.

Having said that, Upmann Sir Winston, Upmann Magnum 46 for starters.

[bunburyist]

Upmann Mag 48 and RASS might be up your street as well.

Upmann is definitely a newbie-friendly range, but that doesn't mean it's lightweight. I've found the Mags 46 and 50 are great ways to introduce people to habanos.

[mkz]

Sweet tobacco and caramel? Punch Petit Coronas (del Punch)!!!

[Tampa1257]

Diplomaticos No. 4

Diplomaticos No. 5

Montecristo No. 5

Por Larrañaga Petit Corona

Por Larrañaga Montecarlo

Partagas Serie du Connaisseur No. 3

[MrGlass]

I've said this in the past, and I hope it doesn't sound contemptuous, but if you enjoy the cigars mentioned, why not just smoke those?

I agree with this to a certain extent, but still think that trying different cigars, even ones with similar flavours, is worthwhile. You may end up discovering a different cigar with that profile that you like even more . And you can always fall back on the original ones when you're just after something faithful.

Nick.

[Lanthor]

Eventually you could have every cigar in current production listed here. I like this approach, try the mainstays, then move on from there. Dip #2, CORO, any Siglo, HU 46, RASS, Party PSD#4, 898, ERDM CS, HdM Epi 1 or 2, Boli RC or PC, PLPC, Punch Punch, R&J Churchill or one of the Exhibicions, Trini Fundi, any LGC, any VR, etc, etc.

Lots to explore...

[samb]

Just ask the Czar folks whats smoking good right now and buy a box

[demiurgic]

above recommendations are stellar.

personally, i phoned Rob up alsmot 2 years ago, tried to decipher what he was saying in that peculiar English I now dig (after I figured out how much humor is part of the ozzie lingo from the review vids) and took his recommendation for trying two of each from 15-20 different marques/vitolas.

I did and this formed the later box purchases from Czar.

my recommended way to go with one exception.

Get three or four of each.

N JOY!

[Colt45]

I agree with this to a certain extent, but still think that trying different cigars, even ones with similar flavours, is worthwhile. You may end up discovering a different cigar with that profile that you like even more .

For sure, and that's part of my point as well - leave any preconceived notions at the door, do some exploring open to a new experience - "these are some great

cigars in their own right".

If I said I loved a particular California cabernet, and asked if you could recommend something similar from France, what might you say?

Perhaps I'd be told no, but that you could recommend some great French wines.

Again, I don't think it's a "bad" question, or anything like that.

[smk819]

The current production of HDM Epi #2 is a very sweet smoke. If you can still get Punch Coronas the is another sweet cigar. Put yourself in Lisa's hands and you won't go wrong.

[PigFish]

Forget LE's, RE's and fat overproduced cigars. (sorry Rob)

Look over the cancellation list posted on another thread and buy the best cigars off the list (most of them) before you whine and say, "if someone told me how good these were I would have tried them before I bought 5 boxes of RASS and they all disappeared!"

Why don't you call Rob and ask him to send you some singles of the best cigars he has!!! I'll bet it won't be Monte #2's!!!

Note: Mad, patronizing tone not aimed at you... I am just pissed off!!! - Piggy

[mm12]

In addition to what's already been mentioned, I think you might enjoy recent production H. Upmann Connoisseur no. 1s, Ramon Allones Gigantes, Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas, and San Cristobal de la Habana La Fuerza.

The Upmann has a sweet bready flavor profile with some chocolate notes, the RAG is just straight up rich stewed fruit, the HdM is creamy/woody with vanilla and coffee, and the San Cristobal has a really nice molasses flavor.

[LeafLover]

I've said this in the past, and I hope it doesn't sound contemptuous, but if you enjoy the cigars mentioned, why not just smoke those? Why go through

the trouble of acquiring Havanas with the thought of trying to mimic cigars you already enjoy? If you're going to get get into Havanas, why not enjoy

them for what they bring to the table.

Having said that, Upmann Sir Winston, Upmann Magnum 46 for starters.

Absolutely agree with you 100% in buying the stogies you love.

As far as CC's go, it is a new realm of cigars for me, and I am interested to know what is out there bringing with me my current experiences with cigars. Way back when, as a new cigar smoker in the NC world, this very same interest was quite costly as I ventured through cigar after cigar on a trial and error basis. Now, that I know the flavor profile I like in cigars, I was hoping to bypass the trial and error process in the CC world. So purely from an economical point of view, I wouldn't want to spend money on cigars with a flavor profile that I know beforehand that I do not like and conversely am happy to spend on cigars that I know I would have a good chance of liking.

Thank you for your reply and will be looking forward to trying some Upmanns as you and others suggested in this thread.

[LeafLover]

In addition to what's already been mentioned, I think you might enjoy recent production H. Upmann Connoisseur no. 1s, Ramon Allones Gigantes, Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas, and San Cristobal de la Habana La Fuerza.

The Upmann has a sweet bready flavor profile with some chocolate notes, the RAG is just straight up rich stewed fruit, the HdM is creamy/woody with vanilla and coffee, and the San Cristobal has a really nice molasses flavor.

I'm taking serious notes of this reply. Much gras!

[LeafLover]

For sure, and that's part of my point as well - leave any preconceived notions at the door, do some exploring open to a new experience - "these are some great

cigars in their own right".

If I said I loved a particular California cabernet, and asked if you could recommend something similar from France, what might you say?

Perhaps I'd be told no, but that you could recommend some great French wines.

Again, I don't think it's a "bad" question, or anything like that.

I'm not afraid to venture, but would like my beginning foray into the CC world to be pleasant leaving me eager to try the next CC. I wish I had a mentor when I first started smoking NC's as I would have saved copious amounts of money on buying cigars that are one-hitter-quitters. That's what I like about this site which I am new to- so many mentors who are willing to share.

[LeafLover]

Eventually you could have every cigar in current production listed here. I like this approach, try the mainstays, then move on from there. Dip #2, CORO, any Siglo, HU 46, RASS, Party PSD#4, 898, ERDM CS, HdM Epi 1 or 2, Boli RC or PC, PLPC, Punch Punch, R&J Churchill or one of the Exhibicions, Trini Fundi, any LGC, any VR, etc, etc.

Lots to explore...

RASS and Boli RC was next on my list. Was afraid to pull the trigger because I know that they are highly rated on CA magazine. I usually listen more to word of mouth over publications like CA as you never know what hidden agenda fuels their ratings.

[gfoster]

RASS and Boli RC was next on my list. Was afraid to pull the trigger because I know that they are highly rated on CA magazine. I usually listen more to word of mouth over publications like CA as you never know what hidden agenda fuels their ratings.

I don't have a lot of CC experience, but you definitely should not be afraid of trying the RASS just because of CA. The RASS is consistently admired and recommended by most people I've talked to and it's personally one of my favorites.

-- Gary F.

[shrink]

If you're smart, you'll first try some Guantanameras. You can't lose. If you like 'em, you'll save a lot of money in the long run. If you don't like 'em, give up on Habanos. You'll save even more.

[Colt45]

As far as CC's go, it is a new realm of cigars for me, and I am interested to know what is out there bringing with me my current experiences with cigars. Way back when, as a new cigar smoker in the NC world, this very same interest was quite costly as I ventured through cigar after cigar on a trial and error basis.

As it is a new horizon, I think that some experimentation is inevitable - look at the variety of suggestions already . But it doesn't have to be daunting

if you are able to have patience. My simple suggestions would be to keep an open mind with regards to sizes you might not normally gravitate toward -

especially where it concerns ring gauges on the thinner side, and to shoot for quality over quantity.

The waters are deep and the current swift, treading slowly and with a little planning can help keep us from falling in. (I'm practicing my clichés)

Or you can just try some Guantanameras

[ChanceSchmerr]

Don't............buy............Guantanameras.......

[LeafLover]

As it is a new horizon, I think that some experimentation is inevitable - look at the variety of suggestions already . But it doesn't have to be daunting

if you are able to have patience. My simple suggestions would be to keep an open mind with regards to sizes you might not normally gravitate toward -

especially where it concerns ring gauges on the thinner side, and to shoot for quality over quantity.

The waters are deep and the current swift, treading slowly and with a little planning can help keep us from falling in. (I'm practicing my clichés)

Or you can just try some Guantanameras

I actually prefer the smaller ring gauges between 42-50rg. Robusto size is probably the biggest I enjoy. Tend to be cumbersome above that like chewing too big of a bite of steak. i.e. one of my fave NC's is the Padron 64 o 26 in the monarca format.

So, what do you suggest in that rg with my flavor profile? I am already taking into account the Por Larranaga Corona for one.....

[Wil]

Most would consider 50rg to be thick.

If you like Robustos, the CoRo and PSD4 are a great start.

I don't have much experience with anything smaller gauge than Petit Coronas, but have picked up some Partagas Serie du Connaisseur no 2s to try. They look fantastic.