JR "Cuban" Alternative Cohiba Robusto

fsjonsey · 01-07-2009, 07:12 PM

Size:4.5x50 Robusto
Origin:Nicaragua
Presentation: Cellophane wrapped bundle of 20.
Price: $22.95 per bundle of 20.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sun Grown
Filler: Nicaraguan Ligero blend.
Beverage: Diet Pepsi

I picked up two bundles of these little robustos last June or July, in my quest for a cheap everyday smoke. I smoked a few right off the truck, and they weren't bad, but still rather green and somewhat harsh. I threw them in the bottom of my humidor and forgot about them almost entirely. Boy, what a difference a seven month rest at 65% RH can make. These cheap little sticks have been transformed into smooth little Nicaraguan powerhouses. At first light, I was met with lots of spice and strong Nicaraguan tobacco flavor. About 1/2 of an inch in, the spice mellowed out considerably, leaving, smooth, but powerful tobacco flavor, and ample amounts of smoke. Construction was excellent for a cigar in this price range. The draw was effortless, without being overly loose. Burn stayed straight and true throughout, without any touchups. The ash held tight for almost three and a half inches, and only dropped when I placed the cigar in my ashtray to take a sip of my Pepsi. The rest of the ash held all the way to the nub. I continued to smoke it until my fingers and lips were singed. It sure as hell doesn't taste like a Cuban, but was an excellent little smoke nonetheless. In fact, I rate this one up there with my other favorite cheap smoke, the Famous Nic 3000. If you like Nicaraguan tobacco, I highly recommend it.

MikeyC · 01-07-2009, 07:21 PM

I'm always curious when I see these "alternative" cigars. I always wonder if they even remotely approximate the original.

Thanks for the review!

MarkinAZ · 01-07-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fsjonsey

I threw them in the bottom of my humidor and forgot about them almost entirely. Boy, what a difference a seven month rest at 65% RH can make. These cheap little sticks have been transformed into smooth little Nicaraguan powerhouses.

Thank you for stepping up to the plate with a great review. Its amazing what a little rest can do for certain blends of cigars isn't it? And it looks like you've found a nice everyday smoke once they have bedded down for awhile too. Probably time to secure some extra bundles huh?

Skywalker · 01-07-2009, 11:02 PM

I have been wondering about these!!!

Thanks for doing a review!!!

Starscream · 01-09-2009, 09:32 PM

I love these sticks. Probably the same blend as the Alt Cohiba Sig IV, which I buy from time to time. And you can't beat them for the price.

01-07-2009, 07:12 PM	#1
fsjonsey Still Watching My Back Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 57 Trading: (0)	JR "Cuban" Alternative Cohiba Robusto Size:4.5x50 Robusto Origin:Nicaragua Presentation: Cellophane wrapped bundle of 20. Price: $22.95 per bundle of 20. Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sun Grown Filler: Nicaraguan Ligero blend. Beverage: Diet Pepsi I picked up two bundles of these little robustos last June or July, in my quest for a cheap everyday smoke. I smoked a few right off the truck, and they weren't bad, but still rather green and somewhat harsh. I threw them in the bottom of my humidor and forgot about them almost entirely. Boy, what a difference a seven month rest at 65% RH can make. These cheap little sticks have been transformed into smooth little Nicaraguan powerhouses. At first light, I was met with lots of spice and strong Nicaraguan tobacco flavor. About 1/2 of an inch in, the spice mellowed out considerably, leaving, smooth, but powerful tobacco flavor, and ample amounts of smoke. Construction was excellent for a cigar in this price range. The draw was effortless, without being overly loose. Burn stayed straight and true throughout, without any touchups. The ash held tight for almost three and a half inches, and only dropped when I placed the cigar in my ashtray to take a sip of my Pepsi. The rest of the ash held all the way to the nub. I continued to smoke it until my fingers and lips were singed. It sure as hell doesn't taste like a Cuban, but was an excellent little smoke nonetheless. In fact, I rate this one up there with my other favorite cheap smoke, the Famous Nic 3000. If you like Nicaraguan tobacco, I highly recommend it.

01-07-2009, 07:21 PM	#2
MikeyC member of the CA MINYAN Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Somewhere out there Posts: 1,782 Trading: (11)	Re: JR "Cuban" Alternative Cohiba Robusto I'm always curious when I see these "alternative" cigars. I always wonder if they even remotely approximate the original. Thanks for the review! __________________ I think Pandora's box was actually a humidor!

01-07-2009, 11:02 PM	#4
Skywalker BABOTL Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dice Location: Galaxy Far Far Away Posts: 10,168 Trading: (18)	Re: JR "Cuban" Alternative Cohiba Robusto I have been wondering about these!!! Thanks for doing a review!!! __________________ Smoke what you like!!!

01-09-2009, 09:32 PM	#5
Starscream Knowhutimean, Vern? Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Andy Location: In a little town somewhere in the USA Posts: 10,237 Trading: (4)	Re: JR "Cuban" Alternative Cohiba Robusto I love these sticks. Probably the same blend as the Alt Cohiba Sig IV, which I buy from time to time. And you can't beat them for the price. __________________ Insert quote here.