What do I fill my new huge Aristocrat humidor with? Advice please....

[The Poet]

Three things about Thompsons that have turned many off. One, though they have improved in this of late, they did have higher prices on many sought-after brands. Two, their offerings are heavily salted with their own labels, not only clearly marked "Thompson" but also hiding behind other bands. Lastly, in my experience, their delivery by post is often several times longer than what others provide. There may be other issues someone else can state.

Note, I did not tell you NOT to buy from them. Your experience may differ. I merely said that folks here would steer you away. As you see, I was right . . . for a change.

As for less-expensive options, I can suggest a few I like. JR Cigar has an Ultimate line of quality cigars in many vitolas (sizes) and wrappers, which are more affordable than others, and which are very good cigars. Important: I said Ultimate, not their JR Alternate brand, which is a cheap bundle cigar. Those are not terrible, but they are far from notable. Some others with similar quality and price are El Rey del Mundo (ERDM in Asylum-speak) and Hoyo de Monterrey (HdM). If you like the Padron flavor, and why shouldn't you, yet balk at the cost, you might find that Sancho Panza has a few that approach that, at least for the regular numbered Padrons (3000, 4000, etc.) as opposed to their Anniversary marcas.

Many vendors offer 5-packs and samplers, and that's a good way for you to explore without making a commitment on full boxes.

Enjoy the ride.

[NETbilling.com]

Originally Posted by The Poet

Three things about Thompsons that have turned many off. One, though they have improved in this of late, they did have higher prices on many sought-after brands. Two, their offerings are heavily salted with their own labels, not only clearly marked "Thompson" but also hiding behind other bands. Lastly, in my experience, their delivery by post is often several times longer than what others provide. There may be other issues someone else can state.

Note, I did not tell you NOT to buy from them. Your experience may differ. I merely said that folks here would steer you away. As you see, I was right . . . for a change.

As for less-expensive options, I can suggest a few I like. JR Cigar has an Ultimate line of quality cigars in many vitolas (sizes) and wrappers, which are more affordable than others, and which are very good cigars. Important: I said Ultimate, not their JR Alternate brand, which is a cheap bundle cigar. Those are not terrible, but they are far from notable. Some others with similar quality and price are El Rey del Mundo (ERDM in Asylum-speak) and Hoyo de Monterrey (HdM). If you like the Padron flavor, and why shouldn't you, yet balk at the cost, you might find that Sancho Panza has a few that approach that, at least for the regular numbered Padrons (3000, 4000, etc.) as opposed to their Anniversary marcas.

Many vendors offer 5-packs and samplers, and that's a good way for you to explore without making a commitment on full boxes.

Enjoy the ride.

I'm digging all this great advice and learning alot. Thanks so much to everyone who has posted so far.

Mitch