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Newbie Habanos must try

driver

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New to the CC world all I have smoked is a handful of Monte #2 which were fantastic. now that I'm trying to build up my CC collection help me out with some must try sticks.

Tend to go medium to full

$5-$12
Budget per stick if possible.
 
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icehog3

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Bolivar Petite Coronas
Bolivar Belicosos Finos
El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme
H. Upmann Mag 46
H. Upmann Half Coronas
Montecristo #5
Partagas Presidentes
Partagas 898
PSD4
Partagas Shorts
Por Larranaga Petite Coronas
Por Larranaga Montecarlos
Por Larranaga Panatelas
Punch Punch
Quia D'Orsay Corona
RASS
RASCC
Romeo y Julieta Cazadores
San Cristobol El Principes
San Luis Rey Regios
Trinidad Reyes
Vegas Robaina Famosos

That should get you started.
 

driver

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The Bolivar Finos sounds like it might be next on my list. What the strength and flavor profile??
Thanks

Bolivar Petite Coronas
Bolivar Belicosos Finos
El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme
H. Upmann Mag 46
H. Upmann Half Coronas
Montecristo #5
Partagas Presidentes
Partagas 898
PSD4
Partagas Shorts
Por Larranaga Petite Coronas
Por Larranaga Montecarlos
Por Larranaga Panatelas
Punch Punch
Quia D'Orsay Corona
RASS
RASCC
Romeo y Julieta Cazadores
San Cristobol El Principes
San Luis Rey Regios
Trinidad Reyes
Vegas Robaina Famosos

That should get you started.
 

driver

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When receiving my monte #2 and future Gars on this list how long are you resting before sampling one from the box?
I plan on trying at least one before a long term age on the rest.
 
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If they are good after they acclimate I go for it. I'm a relative noob as well though. Try one at a month, 6 months and a year, when they are good smoke em
 
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The Upman 2 profile is close to the Monte 2 ( at least for my palate). And I find they are more consistant. When the Monte 2's are on they are great, but they vary in consistency. The RASS are very consistant and they smoke good right away, plus the price point is good. About 7 bucks a stick. Just my 2 cents.
 

icehog3

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Bolivar Petite Coronas
Bolivar Belicosos Finos
El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme
H. Upmann Half Coronas
Partagas Presidentes
Partagas Shorts
Por Larranaga Montecarlos
Quia D'Orsay Corona
RASCC
San Luis Rey Regios
Trinidad Reyes
These ones have smoked well recently for me "right off the truck", so maybe some of them could be first choices/
 

driver

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Have to put it on my list once my maiden order is successful I want to grab a couple boxes for sampling.

Do monte #2 start becoming more consistent with age?
The Upman 2 profile is close to the Monte 2 ( at least for my palate). And I find they are more consistant. When the Monte 2's are on they are great, but they vary in consistency. The RASS are very consistant and they smoke good right away, plus the price point is good. About 7 bucks a stick. Just my 2 cents.
 

javajunkie

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Do monte #2 start becoming more consistent with age?
no, consistency is not a factor of age. monte is high profile, and habanos SA cranks them out to meet demand. consistency means, in this case, how successful they are at tasting and burning like montes across differing years (or seasons) of production. you get a plugged box, time will NOT unplug them.

which is why you switch to more consistent marcas, like h.uppman. o)
 

StogieNinja

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Not knowing what kind of cigars you like, this is a shot in the dark. However, what you're probably looking for is cigars that are relatively consistant, and offer great flavor without needing age.

Fortunately for you, recent production has been stellar, and very approachable. I'm recommending robustos so you can get a taste for the marca.

A few picks:
1. Juan Lopez #2. Creamy, baking spices, light sweetness. Because of Monte 2's inconsistencies, this has taken over as my favorite regular production CC. The #1 is also a great place to start if you don't want to look at a robo.
2. H Upmann Connisour #1. I'm probably misspelling that, but this is a great cigar with a rich tobacco core. Cocoa, nutmeg, wood. A little less sweet and a little stronger than the JL2. Leans a little more woody and a little less creamy, in my experience. The Half Corona is a short but even more flavorful Upmann, and the #2 is incredible as well. Slightly different profiles than the Connie 1, but great smokes in their own right.
3. Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure #2. A little less wood than the HUpp2, and a little less sweetness, a little more pepper than the JL2. Probably the best recommendation for the marca right now.
4. Ramon Allones Specially Selected. Nutty, caramel, some honey sweetness, and a bit of the herbal flavors found in the Monte. The RASCC is a little smoke, but has all the RASS benefits in a tiny package if you're looking for something smaller to smoke.
5. Boli Royal Corona. A little tough to find right now, but worth tracking down, especially if you can find the tubos. Creamy, rich, a bit of salt on the palate, earthy and peppery. The BBF is better IMHO, but benefits more from a little rest. The Boli PC is stellar right now as well if you want something in the smaller rg. If you can find an aged Corona Gigantes, buy every one you can. It's a big stick, but worth it if it's aged.
6. PSD4 - Lots of mixed reviews on fresh stock right now, so I'd hold off. Look at the 898, which is amazing. Earthy and spicy.
 
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StogieNinja

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When receiving my monte #2 and future Gars on this list how long are you resting before sampling one from the box?
I plan on trying at least one before a long term age on the rest.
Try one when you get 'em, then sample based on how they taste. If they're bitter or acrid or muted, give them a few months and try another one. If they're spot on, just smoke 'em until that changes and then put 'em down.
 

driver

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I may be in the minority but I don't spend time picking out all the different flavors, I really just love cigars that burn well smoke strong and smooth with plenty of creamy smoke? I leave it up to the Pros to pick out individual flovar profiles.
 
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driver

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You guys have been great thank you for all the suggestions I cant wait to start checking these off the list :)
 
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