I'd give the classics and golds another try if I were you. I find the classics a bit inconsistent, but when they are on, they make for a very nice smoke at a great price. I especially enjoy the churchills on the golf course. I have actually smoked a lot of golds and never had one plugged up. You probably just got a bad stick. They are pretty nice flavorful mild sticks. They are good for that occasional morning smoke. As for the relics, I've got a 5 pack resting, so I am happy to hear you liked them so much. One will meet a firey death soon for me.