What Ultra Premium Cigar is worth the price?

[GodOfFire]

I always find this a fascinating topic among cigar smokers. I know there are some that don't think any cigar is work a certain price tag and at auctions I have seen other smokers get in bidding wars over certain rare/premium smokes.

My question is this what rare/premium smoke have you paid $20 or more that you felt was worth it and you would be willing to pay that again for the same cigar. I have a couple for me.

God of Fire (Don Carlos blend) -- all time fav smoke
Padron 1964 (little hammer 45yr I think) -- had it this weekend.

Jackie

[Tripp]

Tatuaje RC184.

I don't smoke Padrons often, I wouldn't even say they're a favorite, but even for the price they are, the 64s and 26s blow me away every time.

[Darrell]

NC? None.

[longknocker]

Padron 1926 Anny Nat!

[silentjon]

Padron 1926 Anny Nat!

:tpd:

[CigarNut]

I like the 1926, 1964, 80th and 45th Anniversary Maduro's. Or Naturals. I like any Padron :)

I also like the Fuente Hemmingway Maduros (Best Seller, Short Story, Work of Art, Signature and Classic) and the Between the lines.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

NC? None.

:tpd:

[Emjaysmash]

In the ultra premium range? I haven't found any cigars that are worth that money.
in the "super premiums" (12-15$) I'd say Padron 1926 Serie Maduro is very good.

[longknocker]

In the ultra premium range? I haven't found any cigars that are worth that money.
in the "super premiums" (12-15$) I'd say Padron 1926 Serie Maduro is very good.

I Haven't Found Any Padron Annys In The $12-15 Range. I usually Pay 15-20.:confused:

[E.J.]

The only cigar that I have ever paid that much(+$20) was a AF OpusX Shark that I think I paid $21(?) for.... Have not smoked it yet, so no idea if it was worth it....

[Volt]

Hmmm 1 stick for $20 bones or more or 2 - 3 sticks I like just as well. I'll take the 2 - 3 sticks every day and get more smoke time. Maybe raised to frugal....

[SilverFox]

:tpd:

:tpd:

Hate to say it as it sounds elitist, but it is truly how I feel

[Noomis]

NC:
- Forbidden X Lancero
- Forbidden X Toro
- Padrón 45th Anniversary Maduro

CC:
- Cohiba Siglo VI Gran Reserva (these are an incredible f****** cigar, and I wouldn't regret paying the price for another single or two).

[shilala]

:tpd:

Hate to say it as it sounds elitist, but it is truly how I feel
That isn't elitist at all, Shawn. You just know what you like.
I'm the complete polar opposite. I have a hard time ponying up cash for cc's at any price. I'm desperately trying to find one that's worth 20 bucks, though. :)
In NC's, the Don Carlos Anniversario is worth the occasional expense. So are a few of the 26 maddies. There are tons of $10.00 Litto sticks I'd pay 20 bucks for if I had to. :)

[themoneycollector]

Padron 1926 Anny Nat!

This is a great stick. For some reason, the 1926 is the only Padron line that I like the naturals almost as much as the maduros. Strange, but all their others it's maduros hands down.

Although for this I would say the Padron 40th Maddie is worth every penny.

[darkninja67]

Padron 1926 and 1964 series. Although most do not near the $20 a stick range

[wayner123]

Habanos Torres 20yr Lancero's. I am a cheap smokes lover, but the Habanos Torres Lancero's are worth every penny.

[kenstogie]

I had a 5 year old Opus X that was actually a gift but was absolutely fantastic and worth $20

[duckmanco]

CC's - None

NC's - None

Ha... but in reality, I don't go north of 8-10 a stick by the box, and normally won't go north of 5.00 a stick by the box unless its something I have to have, but even that has not happened..... yet. A cab of something special Litto does could one day ruin that for me though. My most expensive box purchase to date was (still have most of it) Tatuaje Noellas pre-SCHIP at 156.00 shipped from Holts.

I thought I was ballin' at the time too considering how cheap I am when it comes to most smokes. Cigars to me experience the law of diminishing returns real quick as the price escalates. :2 YMMV

[sjnovakovich]

NC? None.

Hmmmm. A bit snobbish, wouldn't you say?

I have found that the majority of CCs that I have smoked were overrated, but I wouldn't make a blanket statement and say that was true of all CCs.

[Blueface]

I Haven't Found Any Padron Annys In The $12-15 Range. I usually Pay 15-20.:confused:

Greg,
There should be a few for you to choose from around $10, give or take a dollar or so.
You should be able to get either the 64 Principe or 35 '26 for sure in that price range.
The Monarca is usually around $12.
The rest start getting closer to the $12 to $15.

The '26 get closer to and over $20.
The '45 are running $25 to $30 in my area.

Give Bill a call at Island Smoke Shop in Key Largo.
I am sure Bill will hook you up where even after shipping, you will be way ahead on price.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Hmmmm. A bit snobbish, wouldn't you say?

I have found that the majority of CCs that I have smoked were overrated, but I wouldn't make a blanket statement and say that was true of all CCs.


Not snobbish at all. People have different tastes and preferences.

[E.J.]

I Haven't Found Any Padron Annys In The $12-15 Range. I usually Pay 15-20.:confused:

Bought 20/24 box of 1926 #6 maddies from Addiction for $171 shipped/PP fees included.... $8.55 a stick....:)

[icehog3]

Hmmmm. A bit snobbish, wouldn't you say?

I have found that the majority of CCs that I have smoked were overrated, but I wouldn't make a blanket statement and say that was true of all CCs.

Why snobbish? That's his opinion..smoke what you like, like what you smoke.

I have found very few "premium" NCs that ever lived up to their hype, but I won't make a blanket statement either. ;)

[NCRadioMan]

My question is this what rare/premium smoke have you paid $20 or more that you felt was worth it

When it comes to nc's I would also say, none.

[Whipper Snapper]

What's hype?

[Jbailey]

I picked up a few of the Ashton ESG CHurchill's ($25 I think) when they first came out and didn't smoke my first one till at least a year or two later. It did absolutely nothing for me at all, I still have a few left. I also still have some seven year old Opus I paid $24 a few years ago, maybe I'll have to pull one out for the hell of it.

So far I haven't found an NC that I would pay over $20 for.

[Blueface]

NC's over $20...........I wouldn't say none.
I would say "few".
Those few would be any Padron Anni ('26 #1, 40th, 45th, or 80th).
I try to treat myself to one of any of those choices per quarter. A must on Father's Day. I think I am worth it.

[sofaman]

In my opinion there are only 2 The origanal LGD Small Batch #1 and the Padron 1926 80th Maduro :dr

[CigarNut]

...I have found very few "premium" NCs that ever lived up to their hype, but I won't make a blanket statement either. ;)That's good Tom because Peter will tell you what to like :)

[Bubba - NJ]

To me the one that was really worth the price was the Casa Fuente Churchill . But thats just me . :ss

[cigarmonkel]

Can't say i personally have smoked anything that i have paid over 20 dollars for. Closest i've come has been PAN64's, Ashton VSG's, Tat boris, drac and other hard to find cigars but retail for tops 18ish.

So for the 20+ dollar range i've got nothing for ya but when it comes to your "not an everyday smoke" my top faves are as follows:

PAN 64
Tat Boris/Frank
Any Illusione
Cruzado (a new found favorite)
have yet to try a 26, 80th, esg ect ect.. i just can't bring myself to drop 25 bucks for one cigar. Maybe someday though when i have my walk in humidor in my bedroom with 46inch 1080i tv in it *starts day dreaming*

[longknocker]

Greg,
There should be a few for you to choose from around $10, give or take a dollar or so.
You should be able to get either the 64 Principe or 35 '26 for sure in that price range.
The Monarca is usually around $12.
The rest start getting closer to the $12 to $15.

The '26 get closer to and over $20.
The '45 are running $25 to $30 in my area.

Give Bill a call at Island Smoke Shop in Key Largo.
I am sure Bill will hook you up where even after shipping, you will be way ahead on price.
Thanks, Carlos!:tu As Usual, I "Overpay" Most Of The Time!:rolleyes:

[tomc3084]

Opus X, Padron Annis, monte A.........

[kelmac07]

God of Fire...I'll let you know about the Padron 45th Maduro.

[Darrell]

Hmmmm. A bit snobbish, wouldn't you say?

I have found that the majority of CCs that I have smoked were overrated, but I wouldn't make a blanket statement and say that was true of all CCs.

Nope, I just feel their are NO "premium" NC's worth MY money. :D

[maverickdrinker]

cohiba esplendido, cohiba siglo VI, montecristo sublime, ramon allones phoencia

[RightAJ]

The only one for me really was the Padron 80th. Worth every damn penny

Haven't smoked too many other $20+ sticks though...

aj

[Ranger_B]

I would have to agree with many who have already said the Padron 80th and the 45 "hammer". My treat cigar is the ESG churchill I love those.

[massphatness]

If you win my contest, you'll get to smoke a whole bunch of $20+ sticks and see what all the hype is about. But you can't win if you don't enter. :D

v
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[klipsch]

Just because I opened this thread, doesn't mean I need to post an answer...lol

[weak_link]

I really like the Davidoff Aniversario #3. That one in particular really does it for me, it's like an Avo XO with all the best flavors front and center.

[stearns]

Just because I opened this thread, doesn't mean I need to post an answer...lol

ANSWER!!!!!!

there are very few ncs that i would pay that much for, in fact there are just a few cigars ive paid more than 20 for, but there is a certain gran reserva ive had my eye on, and with cheap prices in spain... :rolleyes:

stearns

[Addiction]

Once upon a time there were dozens of NCs I would have put on this list, but now there is not a single NC I would pay more than $12 for personally. Not one.

There are several premium CCs I've smoked that I would have, once upon a time bought box upon box of. But luckily I am settling into a place where I am pretty happy with my everyday kinds of smokes.

[pitbulljimmy]

I haven't found a non-cuban cigar yet that I think is worth that price. I don't think that's snobbish at all... just the facts.

[papajohn67]

Davidoff 100th Anniversary Diademas Finas.

[stearns]

Davidoff 100th Anniversary Diademas Finas.

mmmmm ive heard such great things about this, i could be tempted to buy one if the opportunity were there at a time that i had cash in my pocket, which is quite rare on its own

stearns

[ScottishSmoker]

If I had to list my favorite one...tough....so...

1) Davidoff Royal Salomones
2) Tatuaje RC233
3) Padron Millenium....
I can think of many...

[Bubba - NJ]

Davidoff 100th Anniversary Diademas Finas.

They were very good . One of the best NC's I've ever had , just couldn't afford to buy any boxes at the time . :dr

[tomc3084]

opus a- close two three hours of bliss, and a 10 yr old opus perfex2

[MiamiE]

Once I discovered CC's and the value they present, i find it hard paying for a box of NC's.

[Addiction]

Davidoff 100th Anniversary Diademas Finas.
I used to love these cigars so much, but the last time I had one it left me quite cold.

[jdakine]

Once I discovered CC's and the value they present, i find it hard paying for a box of NC's.

There are a hand full of NC's I have and will pay to have in my humi, but as time goes by and our great US tax on cigars keep growing. The value in CC's gets better all the time.

However when compairing cigars, I try to compair NC's to NC's and CC's to CC's. IMHO

[jechelman]

Davidoff 100th Anniversary Diademas Finas.

:tpd:

One of my all time favorites.

[BillyCigars]

Davidoff 100th Anniversary Diademas Finas.

:tpd: Numero uno, baby. Worth every red cent.

[Blueface]

I respect all opinions but can't help but crack up when I see the wide variety of responses subjects like this can get.

If you think over $20 for a NC, which I treat myself to at least 4-6 a year, check out some of the crap people are willing to pay big bucks for. I love my '26 #1, the 40th, the 80th and the 45th, all from Padron and all well over $20.
Clicky (http://planetgonecrazy.blogspot.com/2006/11/most-expensive-things-in-world.html)

Different strokes, for different folks.

[KidRock]

[QUOTE=RightAJ;811295]The only one for me really was the Padron 80th. Worth every damn penny

Agreed 100 percent. It is an AWESOME cigar.

[JJG]

I'm coming to this thread a little late, but the wide variety of responses here confirm for me that a cigar's worth is entirely a matter of personal opinion.

If trends count for anything, I've noticed that the majority of NC ultra premiums enthusiasts buy/sell/trade among each other seem to be Fuentes or Tatuajes. I love all the higher end Fuentes and I'm willing to pay the $$ that these go for. On the other hand, I am often disappointed by the price and flavor of most Tats.

The thing is, you will find an equal number of people who agree and disagree with me, so I would encourage everyone to smoke a variety of premium cigars and decide what you personally feel is worth the price.

as a side note, I have to agree with everybody who says that there aren't any premium NCs worth the price when compared to their Cuban counterparts, but is that really a fair comparison?

cheers! :ss

[tupacboy]

NO nc is worth the premium... why bother when you can get like a monte sumblime, ryj duke, etc for the same price.. and from my understanding, nc dont' age well either

[NCRadioMan]

and from my understanding, nc dont' age well either
Not true. There are many nc's that age wonderfully. Pepin's and Padrons are just a couple that I have had with more than 4/5 years on them.

[wayner123]

People say comparing NC's to CC's is like apples to oranges. So why discuss them in comparative pricing as well? Just a thought. :)

[Blueface]

NO nc is worth the premium... why bother when you can get like a monte sumblime, ryj duke, etc for the same price.. and from my understanding, nc dont' age well either

95% of what I have is CC.
However, I would never make this blanket statement that others have made also, about "no" NC being worth the premium without first prefacing it with "TO ME".;)
For anyone that does not mind dropping $25-$30 and can afford it, I assure you they will smoke all the 40th, 80th and 45th they can scoop up and for me, I have not found many Cubans that to my taste rival those cigars for flavor and consistency (the latter being a word Cubans can't profess).

As to aging is a matter of personal preference also. Padrons age very well.
Many know that to my 74 yr old dad, who is Cuban no less, who has smoked them since he was 14, aging is nothing more than smoking a dried, old, no longer what it was intended to be cigar. Doesn't make him right or wrong. Just his style.

[Addiction]

95% of what I have is CC.
However, I would never make this blanket statement that others have made also, about "no" NC being worth the premium without first prefacing it with "TO ME".;)
For anyone that does not mind dropping $25-$30 and can afford it, I assure you they will smoke all the 40th, 80th and 45th they can scoop up and for me, I have not found many Cubans that to my taste rival those cigars for flavor and consistency (the latter being a word Cubans can't profess).

As to aging is a matter of personal preference also. Padrons age very well.
Many know that to my 74 yr old dad, who is Cuban no less, who has smoked them since he was 14, aging is nothing more than smoking a dried, old, no longer what it was intended to be cigar. Doesn't make him right or wrong. Just his style.

Carlos,

I'd counterpoint that while all CCs are not consistent there are some that seem to be to me. Cohibas are pretty consistent, and from the ones I've had so are regionals and LEs.

Also I used to love the 80th, however I don't care much for them now. I'd take a Sig II over an 80th everytime.

[shilala]

Carlos,

I'd counterpoint that while all CCs are not consistent there are some that seem to be to me. Cohibas are pretty consistent, and from the ones I've had so are regionals and LEs.

Also I used to love the 80th, however I don't care much for them now. I'd take a Sig II over an 80th everytime.
Bryan, I've watched the "trend" for a long time now. Regular smokers always tend to end up at old cc's. Don't know why.
Recently, I've watched myself start to levitate towards cc's. I still love my mind numbing nc's, though. It's just my style, and what I like. I think it has to do with chewing snuff for 35 years. It's hard for me to get any nicotine unless the cigar is incredibly strong.
I smoked an 80th last night, and it handed me my ass. It was about four years old, I believe. Cello was nice and yellow. It was amazingly perfect and probably the strongest cigar I ever smoked.
In my search, I haven't been able to find a mind-numbing cc. Then when something is suggested, I have to smoke at least three sticks to get one that's representative. Cripes, I'd have to smoke a whole box of cc's to be sure that I know what the cigar is supposed to be "like".
On a positive note, I can see myself enjoying the more delicate cc's, because I snork every huff. If I were a mouth smoker, I'd definately levitate to nc's because I can taste things in my mouth. cc's, I can't. Just dirty smoke.
I'm definately going to spark a SigII as soon as I can.
Not to compare with the 80th, but to see where you're coming from, in hopes I'll enjoy the SigII as well.
Thanks, brother!!! :)

[alwayslit]

Some of the ultra premium nc are worth the price...Padron 1926's, opus x, esg's. Do I smoke them everyday, no....I want to retire with some money in the bank. NC's overall age very well........ imho.

[shilala]

I should say that the Padron 80th, for the right time and place, is definately a special treat at the price point. To me, definately worth the coin, once in awhile.
It delivers a special experience for the money. A "blow your doors off" goodness that can be experienced by mouth smokers and snorkers alike.
I wouldn't want to smoke them every day, nor could I ever dream of affording it, but for a very special occasion, it fits the "what I like" bill to a tee.
I look forward to my next 80th, for sure. :tu

[rizzle]

I respect all opinions but can't help but crack up when I see the wide variety of responses subjects like this can get.
If you think over $20 for a NC, which I treat myself to at least 4-6 a year, check out some of the crap people are willing to pay big bucks for. I love my '26 #1, the 40th, the 80th and the 45th, all from Padron and all well over $20.
Clicky (http://planetgonecrazy.blogspot.com/2006/11/most-expensive-things-in-world.html)

Different strokes, for different folks.

Yep, I always know exactly whee these threads are headed, and typically who is going to say what...And then I remind myself of your last line.
;)

[rizzle]

NO nc is worth the premium... why bother when you can get like a monte sumblime, ryj duke, etc for the same price.. and from my understanding, nc dont' age well either

Not to pick or anything, but your understanding? I'm to assume that would mean you are taking other's words at face value and haven't actually aged anything yourself. I would submit that you might want to experience it personally before you make a declaration one way or the other.

And this is something that has always made me scratch my head anyway. Why would only tobacco from one region age "well" but it won't age "well" if it comes from anywhere else? It just makes no sense to me and my experience, though somewhat limited, has shown to be different. I have a suspicion that those who primarily age and smoke cigars from a certain region probably don't make a habit out of aging and smoking cigars from other regions very often. But that's just me and my :2

Like Carlos says...different strokes.

[GodOfFire]

This has been one lively discussion started. Reminds me of a few smokes to go back and try and adds a few to my list.

All the CC versus NC talk is interesting. I have smoked a handful of cubans and have enjoyed most all of them. However, I would never be strictly a CC smoker.

Different palates and different opinions are what makes this hobby so fun. Thanks for all the feedback so far!

Jackie

[tedrodgerscpa]

I'd have to say the Padron Hammer was one of the most refined NCs I've ever smoked. I think they retail for over $20, but I'd smoke one a year at $20

I'd also pay $20 for a Tatuaje La Maravilla.

Otherwise, I'm pretty much with everyone else... Too much nice stuff in the $4 ~ $8 range that will tickle my palate for a long time!

[Starscream]

I Haven't Found Any Padron Annys In The $12-15 Range. I usually Pay 15-20.:confused:
64 Principes are about $8.75 here.

[issues]

64 Principes are about $8.75 here.

Nice! I can get them for a few cents less for singles with my buyer's club discount at Tampa Humidor (they go for $9 on their site).

[tupacboy]

Not to pick or anything, but your understanding? I'm to assume that would mean you are taking other's words at face value and haven't actually aged anything yourself. I would submit that you might want to experience it personally before you make a declaration one way or the other.

And this is something that has always made me scratch my head anyway. Why would only tobacco from one region age "well" but it won't age "well" if it comes from anywhere else? It just makes no sense to me and my experience, though somewhat limited, has shown to be different. I have a suspicion that those who primarily age and smoke cigars from a certain region probably don't make a habit out of aging and smoking cigars from other regions very often. But that's just me and my :2

Like Carlos says...different strokes.


From what I read... NC are made with the US market in mind... to be smoked right away... therefore age does not enhance the cigar as much as a CC...

In regards to your comment about the aging of region... wine's also age differently from different regions :)

[TheRiddick]

From what I read... NC are made with the US market in mind... to be smoked right away... therefore age does not enhance the cigar as much as a CC...

In regards to your comment about the aging of region... wine's also age differently from different regions :)

Interesting statements. On number 1 above, what has been YOUR experience? I've aged both extensively, for 10-15 years, and can tell you BOTH do just fine. Anyone claiming otherwise has NO IDEA nor experience.

On wine, don't even go there, you obviously repeat same old, same old. Just a hint, whites wines age way better than red (yeah, those pesky red Bords and Burgs don't really do that well), something "experts" don't really discuss and many don't even understand.

[Jimbo14]

I have only had one Opus X - it was a robusto and cost me well over $20 (due to australian tobacco tax). However it was one of the best cigars I have ever had.

As for the NC vs CC war. There is one thing the NC cigar companys do so much better - Maduros.... Hell yeah!

[icehog3]

I have only had one Opus X - it was a robusto and cost me well over $20 (due to australian tobacco tax). However it was one of the best cigars I have ever had.

As for the NC vs CC war. There is one thing the NC cigar companys do so much better - Maduros.... Hell yeah!

They definitely have the market cornered, as only Cohiba makes a maduro cigar in Cuba.

[shilala]

They definitely have the market cornered, as only Cohiba makes a maduro cigar in Cuba.
They're freakin awesome, too. If you can smoke them. :D

[St. Lou Stu]

I don't think I have found a "Premium" that I like.
In fact, most of the time, the word premium is associated with paying for something that you will most likely never see a tangible item.... e.g. insurance premiums.
I think that Premium NCs are just that.... something you pay for and never take delivery of... except for the name.
As I look through all of my boxes I see that the average stick price is $7. And they are all something that I enjoy and would smoke every day. My favorite NC is a $6 stick. My favorite stick, which happens to be a CC, is $5.

[RightAJ]

They're freakin awesome, too. If you can smoke them. :D

The Cohiba Maddies? Wasn't all that impressed honestly... It was definitely good, but I'd take plenty of NC maduros before it. Only had one though (the PC, can't remember the name)

aj

[tedrodgerscpa]

The Cohiba Maddies? Wasn't all that impressed honestly... It was definitely good, but I'd take plenty of NC maduros before it. Only had one though (the PC, can't remember the name)

aj

:tpd:

Add me on to the list of guys who would pass on a Cohiba Maduro 10 times out of 10.

But then again, I don't like VRs, either.

[Addiction]

......and from my understanding, nc dont' age well either
For my money, in my limited experience, I foudn this statement to be true.

I used to love 1964 Imperial Maduros. But after having some that I aged only a year they seemed diminished to me. I came to greatly prefer ones that didnt have age on them. The same was true of my Diamond Crown Maximus, VSGs and San Cristobels. the only cigar I liked with age was the Avo 05 LE.

Keep in mind a lot of NCs have some age on them by the time the get to your store fronts.

[TheRiddick]

For my money, in my limited experience, I foudn this statement to be true.

I used to love 1964 Imperial Maduros. But after having some that I aged only a year they seemed diminished to me. I came to greatly prefer ones that didnt have age on them. The same was true of my Diamond Crown Maximus, VSGs and San Cristobels. the only cigar I liked with age was the Avo 05 LE.

Keep in mind a lot of NCs have some age on them by the time the get to your store fronts.

We're on a thread hijack at this point...

But. Not sure about that "diminished" POV. Same as with wine, for example, wines do not "diminish" with age since alcohol levels stay pretty much the same, it is the perceived aromatics and flavor that go through a transformation, same as with tobacco. Those who prefer wines on the young side, i.e. full of young tannins and tactile impressions they leave on the palate, most likely also prefer cigars on the young side as well for same reasons. Conversely, those who prefer more subtlety in wine, i.e. what aging does to good wines when tannins drop out (physically) and secondary characteristics develop, most likely prefer cigars with some age on them. Personally, I am in the second camp and will gladly take a nicely aged cigar with developed complexity over a young, tannic "in your face" cigar. Palate preference at play.

Any quality cigar will age fine. From my own experience and palate preference.
.
.
.
.
A question to those who insist that only CCs age well: What chemical element in tobacco leaf is responsible for the supposed "proper" aging and why do you believe it only exists on the island of Cuba?

[Bax]

Any quality cigar will age fine. From my own experience and palate preference.
.
.
.
.
A question to those who insist that only CCs age well: What chemical element in tobacco leaf is responsible for the supposed "proper" aging and why do you believe it only exists on the island of Cuba?

That might be the factor here in aging. The Quality of the leaf of Cuban stock vs. NC stock. I also think that aging NC's do not help as much as CC's, but my experience is also very limited.

He's my :2, When I first joined Club Stogie back in the day I think Pnoon said it quite simply... aging a crap stick will only give you an old crap stick. When I smoke an NC now it's usually for a load of spice and full bodied punch. That in my opinion is what is lost when aging alot of NC's. Not that it's a bad smoke, but just not what I'm looking for.

The Riddick may very well prefer what an aged NC turns into, thus TO HIM they age well. A few NC's I prefer with a couple years but for the most part TO ME, I prefer them fresh,


In the end, if you like it... it's a good smoke! And yes, this even includes gurkhas:D

[tupacboy]

.
A question to those who insist that only CCs age well: What chemical element in tobacco leaf is responsible for the supposed "proper" aging and why do you believe it only exists on the island of Cuba?



... its not an exact chemical element.... if that's the case then which grapes have different "chemical elements" in every region that "you believe it only exists on the" whatever region to produce the end product of wine? (wine is used as an example only)

If we go off your basis that they are all the same tobacco with the same "chemical element"... how come they all taste different? then wouldn't all maduro leafs tastes the same?

[tupacboy]

Interesting statements. On number 1 above, what has been YOUR experience? I've aged both extensively, for 10-15 years, and can tell you BOTH do just fine. Anyone claiming otherwise has NO IDEA nor experience.
.

Because your experience is the only one that counts right? we should all stop writing about our experience and just wait for you from now on... because "Anyone claiming otherwise has NO IDEA nor experience."

[The Poet]

Because your experience is the only one that counts right? we should all stop writing about our experience and just wait for you from now on... because "Anyone claiming otherwise has NO IDEA nor experience."

Hang around here long enough, my brother, and you will learn the truth of that statement . . . for many of the inmates here. :r

But that's just my experience.

[TheRiddick]

The Quality of the leaf of Cuban stock vs. NC stock.

I am not sure you understood my post.

The QUALITY of the leaf is about the same if not better on the NC side, construction is easily better. The TASTE is what's really at play and as you (and I as well) stated, depends on what you like. Taste is main reason I dislike CCs, in general, and I know I am not alone, very few CCs are worth MY money.

As for the topic on hand, I am not sure any cigar is worth $15 (or above) when so many great cigars are available @ $3-10 per stick.

[TheRiddick]

Because your experience is the only one that counts right? we should all stop writing about our experience and just wait for you from now on... because "Anyone claiming otherwise has NO IDEA nor experience."

The problem is that YOU are repeating what someone else said, I posted on my own ACTUAL experience. Seems you equate the two and so far have not posted about YOUR own experience with aged NCs.

Its the small details...

Carry on, you win, from now on any "I heard it from my neighbor's cousin's girlfriend's sister's classmate's brother" opinion takes the front seat over actual experience. :banger

[hank_612]

1.Padron 1926
2.LG
3.Diamond crown Maximus(call me crazy)
4. Tat Black tubos
5.Padron 44th Nat (be than the 45th IMHO)


Oh and NC Cohibas or Ghurkas.......... Kidding Kidding :r

[Adriftpanda]

The problem is that YOU are repeating what someone else said, I posted on my own ACTUAL experience. Seems you equate the two and so far have not posted about YOUR own experience with aged NCs.

Its the small details...

Carry on, you win, from now on any "I heard it from my neighbor's cousin's girlfriend's sister's classmate's brother" opinion takes the front seat over actual experience. :banger

greg, you need a smoke don't you. :r Come down to Tower before it closes and pick out a smoke, on me. Lol

[akumushi]

I think the difference in aging CC vs NC is that the majority of NCs come aged, so there is no need to age them any further except for your own personal preference. If an NC is made with quality tobacco, it will age well. I find DPG, Padron, and Fuente cigars do well with age. On the CC side, until Cuba recently had to dip into its reserves because of a bad crop (hurricanes) almost all CCs except the LEs came out very fresh, went into sick period and then were finally ready to smoke 2-3 years down the line. The tobacco in a five year old CC is at the stage of aging that most NC tobacco is when the cigars are rolled and boxed, so while NCs don't need to be aged, a lot of CCs do need to be aged to taste how they ought to taste. While I do like a fresh CC once in a while, I'm loving my 06 and earlier a lot more now than the 07 and younger. There is a very noticible difference in the balance and complexity. One thing I have found, is that a CC that does nothing for me fresh can be vindicated with age, while an NC that sucks now will suck forever. I have tried to sit on NCs for a while and found that no amount of humi time will make an NC dog rocket taste good, whereas some CC sticks that didn't do anything for me fresh really "popped" after a little humi time. I have yet to experience any good cigar going past its prime, but then again I don't think I've really been smoking long enough for that to happen. Anyway, that's my:2

[akumushi]

Also, I think the whole question of what's worth the price is so subjective as to be worthless to even ask. What's "worth it" to my uncle that's a multimillionaire ex-investment banker is going to be completely different than what's worth it to my broke ass. If I had his money, a Cohiba Gran Reserva would be worth it, 'cause my wallet woudn't feel a thing, whereas on my budget there's no way any cigar that costs almost as much as a whole box of PSD4 could ever be worth the coin.

[wolfandwhisky]

The Cohiba Maddies? Wasn't all that impressed honestly... It was definitely good, but I'd take plenty of NC maduros before it. Only had one though (the PC, can't remember the name)

aj

Really? I had one that was gifted to me, I think with a tad bit of age (although they already come with a little age, I believe), and it was the same size you mentioned - the Secretos.

I immediately deemed it box worthy, and I thought it was very smooth with a great flavor profile. I'll do a review at some point, but it was just a fun smoke.

[RightAJ]

Really? I had one that was gifted to me, I think with a tad bit of age (although they already come with a little age, I believe), and it was the same size you mentioned - the Secretos.

I immediately deemed it box worthy, and I thought it was very smooth with a great flavor profile. I'll do a review at some point, but it was just a fun smoke.

Maybe I got a dud? I'll have to look for another

aj

[akumushi]

Really? I had one that was gifted to me, I think with a tad bit of age (although they already come with a little age, I believe), and it was the same size you mentioned - the Secretos.

I immediately deemed it box worthy, and I thought it was very smooth with a great flavor profile. I'll do a review at some point, but it was just a fun smoke.

This was my experience with the one I had as well. Nice little smoke, and actually probably more to my personal preferences than the regular Cohiba line. I think the problem is that people who love Cohiba don't like the Maduro 5 line because it doesn't taste like a Cohiba to them and so they say the whole line sucks. It doesn't suck, it just doesn't taste like a Cohiba. For those that aren't huge fans of Cohiba, that's maybe a good thing!

[wolfandwhisky]

Maybe I got a dud? I'll have to look for another

aj

If I come across another one (ie PIF, trade, etc.), I'll keep you in mind. I have a box of the Genios but those are being set aside for a specific purpose so I can't dig into them, otherwise I'd offer one.

[captain53]

Hmmm 1 stick for $20 bones or more or 2 - 3 sticks I like just as well. I'll take the 2 - 3 sticks every day and get more smoke time. Maybe raised to frugal....

:tpd: Too many very good cigars on the daily deals for $4-7 for me to go the big $ ones that I have found not that much better.

[The Poet]

Yeah, Dave, that's me too, as much for frugality as for my tight budget. I have some Cohiba Esplendidos, and they are marvelous cigars, but they were gifted me. I would NEVER spend $30+ for a cigar. As for NCs, I love VSGs, but find it impossible to justify $10-$15 for them either. As much as I'd enjoy one, I'd enjoy 3 or 4 good ones for the same cost more - or at the very least, longer and more often.

[pennjones]

I feel that the Opus X/Diamond Crown Maximus Toast Across America sets are worth the ultra high price. Not just because you get a rare set of cigars, but also because the money is used for a well deserved charity. To me that's worth it.

[RightAJ]

If I come across another one (ie PIF, trade, etc.), I'll keep you in mind. I have a box of the Genios but those are being set aside for a specific purpose so I can't dig into them, otherwise I'd offer one.

Same here!

aj